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I am planning to open a unisex salon in Accra, Ghana, and would like to use the name "Bloom Beauty Bar." While it's not trademarked in Ghana, I intend to use it internationally. I'm concerned about potential legal issues with employing this name in marketing and branding. Can I... View More 
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answered on Mar 28, 2025
Someone would need to search for the proposed name internationally in order to guess at an answer to this question. If it turns out that no one else already is using the name, then you could file a trademark application in Ghana and follow up with "Madrid" applications in other countries... View More
I am a developer planning to launch a taxi-hailing platform in New York, partnering with driver cooperatives. What should I consider legally regarding capital income exchange and structuring the cash split with the cooperatives?
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
This is a great question with a lot of moving parts. Structuring a platform like this—especially in New York—raises regulatory, tax, and contractual considerations. You’ll want to think through how revenue flows between you and the cooperatives, how profits and risks are shared, and whether... View More
I am interested in finding out whether products associated with Patent 11,192,678 for ZIPLOCK FASTENER CLOSURE FOR GABLE TOP CARTONS are currently being manufactured and sold commercially. Specifically, I'm looking for stores and locations where these products might be available. Can you... View More
answered on Mar 10, 2025
Your best bet is to contact the current owner to see if it is commercializing the patent and where.
The current owner of this patent is AB Merculor, located at Hillersvagen 3, Hagersten 129 35 in Sweden.
If you have trouble contacting them, their U.S. law firm is Birch Stewart... View More
I was kicked out by my business partner, and we do not have a formal partnership agreement. However, I do have my business bank agreement as proof of my involvement. What legal options do I have to address this situation and potentially reclaim my position or investment in the business?
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answered on Mar 6, 2025
You may have legal options, but without a formal partnership agreement, your case isn’t clear-cut. Your business bank agreement can serve as evidence of involvement, but more proof—such as financial contributions, communications, or profit-sharing—would strengthen your position.
If... View More
I worked at Company A, which was acquired by Company B. Post-acquisition, Company B terminated my employment. My separation agreement with Company B states I cannot make damaging or false remarks about the company or related parties, though I can respond to legal inquiries. Company A's former... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2025
I would certainly speak with an employment lawyer, if you cannot avoid rendering the statement. If in fact, you are under a contractual obligation to not divorce, confidential information and you end up doing so then you might be in violation of such obligations and subject to whatever penalties... View More
I own a business and need to report my income on a 1099-K. My total income includes $7,000 from the 1099-K and an additional $3,000 in cash earnings not on the 1099-K. If I report both amounts together on my tax return, will my return get flagged due to the discrepancy between my total income and... View More
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answered on Mar 4, 2025
This should not be considered legal advice and you should definitely consult an attorney who understands these issues but your tax return is unlikely to be flagged just because your total income exceeds the 1099-K amount. The IRS expects all income to be reported, including cash earnings. The lack... View More
I thought I could just decide my rates but a billing specialist told me there are proper ways to figure out a sliding scale system so I was looking for some guidance on that.
answered on Feb 19, 2025
I'm sorry your question remains open for a month. One option at this point could be to reach out to health care attorneys who work more closely with billing issues - it might be a more narrow area of practice. It would probably be advisable to review any constraints imposed by applicable fee... View More
Hello,
I have a question concerning if a 'facility fee' of $1,500(!) from a fertility clinic is deceptive and predatory. Do I have a right to request a detailed, itemized breakdown of an obscure, arbitrary fee from a fertility clinic that my wife and I are attending. Also, the... View More
answered on Feb 7, 2025
I'm sorry for your unpleasant surprise with the fee not being covered. The most practical starting point would be to request a breakdown of the fee, as my colleague points out. If you did consult with an attorney to review things with attorneys and health care matters, that would be among the... View More
We live in a co-op building. My husband is the shareholder.
He was unable to attend a meeting and asked to have me be his proxy for voting.
The co-op president says proxy voting is not allowed in our building.
It was our understanding that BSC § 609 requires proxy voting to... View More
answered on Dec 30, 2024
I'm so sorry your co-op's is giving you a hard time. Yes, you are correct in that the BCL governs corporations in New York, which most notably includes co-ops. Section 609 indeed allows for proxy voting.
I suggest your husband send a formal letter to your co-op' President... View More
I paid a publishing company in Oct 2023 and still haven't received my books. After tons of follow up emails every few months without many responses, it's now been 18 months since first communication and I am concerned I will not receive what I paid for. He must have responded a total of 4... View More
answered on Dec 30, 2024
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this frustrating situation - very unprofessional indeed! I suggest creating a paper trail by compiling a file containing all relevant documentation such as invoices, the contract (if any) and any correspondence including emails with attachments, letters and... View More
I have a small business where I sell handmade bracelets. It has come to my attention that
SHEIN used to of my photos.
answered on Dec 19, 2024
I assume that your images are on Shein's website.
So long as you own your images (it wasn't a Shein photograph), they are using and they are using your image without your permission, especially in the case that they are using it for profitable purposes, there are two "causes... View More
answered on Dec 8, 2024
Generally, a business can help protect its name through registration of the business name with the US Patent and Trademark Office or within the state where the business is located. Registration provides evidence of ownership of the trademark for use in commerce. If there has been no registration of... View More
A person made a non-recorded inflammatory comment to my now deceased mother, along the lines of telling her to shut up without saying those exact words. My mother was dying at the time. When she refused communicating with her, this same person sent a handwritten note scolding and berating my... View More
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answered on Nov 29, 2024
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you've been facing, especially during such a challenging time after your mother's passing. I hope the following information provides some clarity and guidance.
Please note that this is general information based on the details... View More
answered on Oct 14, 2024
You didn’t ask a question but assuming you are asking if you can back out of the contract, the answer is that it depends.
Assuming you have an attorney to represent you in the transaction, that’s where your question should be directed. If you do not have one, I would assume the buyer... View More
answered on Oct 15, 2024
I'm sorry for your illness. My colleagues raise valid points. In addition to the terms of the contract, these settings could also depend on the personalities of the parties involved - how sympathetic the other side could be to your plight, the other side's position in terms of being... View More
answered on Sep 16, 2024
A privacy law attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It would be advisable not to give away any client information unless an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable in this area tells you that it would be okay to do so after reviewing your work setting and the... View More
I leased the SUV using my company Violet River Inc. in December 2021. My business stopped operation when the other owner exited in December 2021. There was no employee, except me seasonal in quarter four. Between the lease time (1/2022 - 1/2023), the leased vehicle was used primarily for personal,... View More
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answered on Jun 3, 2024
To determine where to file your case, you need to consider the nature of your lease and the primary use of the vehicle. Since the SUV was leased under your company name, Violet River Inc., but used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, it may qualify as a consumer lease under 15... View More
I formed a PLLC for my physical therapy practice in NY. In the NY state PT practice act it states that licensed PTs cannot engage in unlicensed activities as that might give PTs an advantage over other professionals. Other PTs also provide wellness coaching services to clients outside of where they... View More
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answered on May 22, 2024
Without having inquired all facts and done proper research in your case, and not making this any form of legal advise, I believe at first glance that if you make it a separate entity and do not commingle with your other entity, there is no prohibition for a licensed professional against engaging in... View More
Contract says "no refunds" but they didn't provide all of the services.
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answered on Mar 26, 2024
If you're facing issues with a merchant who hasn't provided all the services outlined in your contract, even though it states "no refunds," you can still dispute the charge with your credit card company. Begin by gathering all relevant documentation, including the contract, any... View More
it too difficult for them so after 5 months they backed out-now I received a petition for non-payment to recover possession of real property.
answered on Mar 25, 2024
If you owe the rent you need to pay or be evicted. While your lease will govern, most commercial leases have a provision that counterclaims must be brought in a separate case, like your claim the landlord killed your deal.
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