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Washington Business Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability and Business Law for Washington on
Q: I got a personal hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Is it legal to rent it out from my apartment with no medical qualifications?

I have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. I required a prescription to get it (in addition to about $10k) but it was easy to get. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not claim any official benefits and is done at anti-aging clinics, among other places. Can I run a business where people rent my chamber by the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 26, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. The responses on this Q & A board are limited to brief general formats. This could be something for which you'd want to consider a more thorough consult with an attorney to address various issues, such... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Consumer Law, Copyright and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal to build software that crawls the public Reddit posts of someone and derives statistics/patterns from it?

Basic idea: while browsing online, people come across others that appeal to them in some way (insightful post, match in interests, etc). Normally, a long process of scanning through their content is then needed, to see if they match enough to be worth further effort.

My idea is to create... View More

Robert Kost
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Robert Kost
answered on Nov 1, 2021

On the face of it, there is nothing in your proposal that would infringe copyright rights or constitute an invasion of privacy. None of the refinements offered in items 1 to 3 really affect the answer substantially. You will want to look carefully at Reddit's terms of service (including... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Copyright for Washington on
Q: If I purchase nfl stickers and used them to decorate masks to sell would that be copyright infringement?

I am thinking of decorating masks with nfl stickers and then selling them on a craft website.

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Sep 20, 2021

Very likely. Consult with an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: So with these patents, it would be illegal to sell a glow-in-the-dark leash?
Robert P. Cogan
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answered on Dec 20, 2020

Determining whether a product infringes a patent is not a do-it-yourself project. It is governed by federal law and not the law of any particular state. Many times the analysis is complicated. If you have any investment at stake, it should be cost-justified to consult a patent attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Business Law for Washington on
Q: How can I ask the court to stop a real estate deal that my business partner is doing from happening?

My business partner and I were to buy a real estate property in seattle. we have a detailed contract between us. However, he has formed a team with 3 other people and is now buying that property. I would like to send a letter to the bank, my partner and the seller that my partner is violating the... View More

Ana Maria Del Valle-Aguilera
Ana Maria Del Valle-Aguilera
answered on Jun 17, 2020

You need to speak with a local attorney that can analyze your situation and provide you with legal advice. When you meet with an attorney, you would need to have with you all documents executed between you and your partner. Did you form a partnership? a limited liability company? a joint venture?... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Bankruptcy, Business Law and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: What kind of an attorney do I need if there are issues with divorce, fraudulent bankruptcy, property, and business.

He also made me very sick. I have been blocked from seeing any documents. I am in need of a attorney ASAP

Robert C. Hahn III
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Robert C. Hahn III
answered on Jun 4, 2020

The short answer is, you need an attorney that understands both family law and bankruptcy law or two lawyers that know each individual area of law to work together.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Business Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: call a company and they are in a 2 party state and you tell them you do not want the call to be recorded, and they deny

if you call a company and they are in a 2 party state and you tell them you do not want the call to be recorded, and they say then we cannot continue with the call . is this legal? and what are we supposed to do next? we have a account business with them. if something comes up and its urgent or... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Apr 10, 2020

Rather than just give you a short curt answer with no explanation, let's try to reason this situation out, OK?

In case you have not noticed, nearly every business on planet earth is recording every conversation had with every customer, about everything talked about, every day, all...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability and Business Law for Washington on
Q: I had a brake job done at Les Schwab. One of the Calibers bolts fell out because no lock tight and stripped bolt used.

My children were in the car with me, we were lucky the tire did not seize up on the highway or while driving and the caliber locked the tire up at a stop light.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 20, 2020

A Washington attorney could best advise here, if there were any state consumer laws that might be applicable. But your post remains open for three weeks. There wasn't a question here, but if you are wondering if this gives rise to a legal claim, there doesn't seem to be a significant one.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Workers' Compensation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Can I sue for getting paid under the table?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 5, 2019

It would depend on what the basis of the lawsuit was, but an attorney in each of the categories you list could probably advise you on the downside of working off the books. Maybe one of the most pressing issues is workers' comp coverage for an on-the-job injury. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Consumer Law for Washington on
Q: Hi- I purchased a used car out of state. I signed a contract and paid in full, but have not taken delivery of the car.

I became aware of the fact that I cannot register this car in my state due to emission laws. I have repeatedly asked the dealer if it would pass in my state and received vague answers. I want to unwind the deal. Again, the dealer still has the car:(

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Jul 15, 2019

You are wasting your breath asking the dealer if the used car complies with Washington laws because the dealer is in a different state. Try asking the authorities in Washington.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Washington on
Q: I live in Washington state and want a second opinion about my companies drug policy.

It states "if the affected employee provides appropriate documentation and the MRO determines that legitimate medical reason for the presence of the controlled substance exists, the controlled substance test result shall be reported as negative to the company." To me the sounds like if I... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 3, 2019

This is something an employment attorney, and not a general business law attorney, is likely to know about. The question is posted under Business Law. You could repost the same question in the Employment Law section.

Tim Akpinar

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Hello, I was wondering if I can opt-out of an arbitration clause in a contract if there is no option to opt-out.
Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on May 29, 2019

No. If you are offered a contract that includes a term requiring arbitration in case of any disputes you can either agree to arbitrate disputes--and sign it--or disagree and not sign it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Lawyer/Business owner lied to us when we sold a business, and is trying to con us. What should we do?

Spouse and I sold a business to a lawyer and his friend. They retained us as independent contractors, and told us we could re-integrate as owners, and, have profit sharing. Three years later, neither is true after we have brought it to his attention multiple times. Now he tell us to wait longer for... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on May 20, 2019

I am guessing that you and your spouse did not have a lawyer to advise you when selling your small business to a lawyer and his friend; am I right? If so, then take the money you saved by not hiring a lawyer when you should have, add several more thousands of dollars to it and then go hire a lawyer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Sexual Harassment for Washington on
Q: Could a business be sued for reckless endangerment or negligence for not banning a known sexual predator who reoffends?

The businesses are a social dancing venues, and the person in question has been accused of sexually assaulting at least four people, and has a history of consent violations and inappropriate behavior going back many years. The businesses continue to hire this person, knowing his history, and he... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 26, 2018

That business might be sued for negligence by victims of the employee. If the employee has committed any crimes, such as assault, the victim can call the police to report this. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Is it illegal for a boss to have his family/friends on company payroll even if they don't work for the company?

Mr. Y, is a religious man and head of a seafood company branch owned by the church he attends. 5 years ago, he hired his friend, Reverend K, who "quit" the company after 6 months. Recently, upper management received an e-mail they were not suppose to get. It was HR asking Mr. Y who half... View More

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on Sep 12, 2018

It could be argued that he was sealing money and committing fraud, especially if he turned in timesheets/employment applications/etc that contained false information.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Washington on
Q: I moved to Washington state &have rentals in Indiana state under an llc. Do i need to get a WA rental business license?

Looking for a local bank to open a checking account but they all require a WA business license. I currently have an big bank checking that didn't require it but it is difficult to utilize.

Benton R Patterson III
Benton R Patterson III
answered on May 9, 2018

Each state requires business entities that conduct business above a minimum level to register to conduct business in the state. A Washington licensed business attorney can advise on what the specific requirements are in Washington. Based solely on the fact that no bank will permit you to open an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Our lawyer formed three separate LLCs for our three rental buildings, but never put the LLCs on the titles. Concerning?

For our three separate rental buildings, we paid a lawyer to form three separate LLCs. However, those LLCs were never put on the property titles. He never advised us to do so, nor did he advise us to update contracts with our tenants with the new LLC information, so our tenants still write us... View More

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on Mar 6, 2018

From the information provided, it does not seem like the LLCs are doing anything. Ideally, you would want the LLC to own the rental property, to be the landlord in the lease, and to be depositing the rent into the LLC account.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: When do I need a business license in another state?

My business would involve hosting summer programs for teenagers in different states, at locations temporarily rented for that purpose (e.g. facilities at a college campus). Do I need to be licensed in a state I plan to hold a program in?

Benton R Patterson III
Benton R Patterson III
answered on Jan 29, 2018

Probably so, but an attorney would need to review the business laws of that particular state to know for sure.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Can I the plaintiff request a settlement more than policy limit of the defendants insurance coverage for a car accident

I was rear ended by no fault of my own and my lawyer refuses to request what I am asking, but I am ignorant about my rights

David Alan Wolf
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answered on Jan 24, 2018

From a practical standpoint, demands are usually directed up to the policy limits. At times, a demand can be made for more but it may be impractical to do so. Sit down with your attorney and another attorney in your area to discuss the best and most sensible way to pursue your case.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for Washington on
Q: A foreign company wants to purchase part of my LLC. Do I have to reform as a C-Corp?

As an LLC, we file as an S-Corp for federal taxes. We have an existing contract with the foreign company for services, resulting in expected revenue for 3 years. Can they purchase part of the LLC even though we file as an S-Corp? Or should we reform as a C-Corp. What then becomes of the existing... View More

Jonathan R. Roth
Jonathan R. Roth
answered on Sep 15, 2017

You would have to elect to be taxed as a partnership or as a C-Corp. A foreign entity cannot own part of an S-Corporation. However depending upon the purpose of the investment and the nature of how you want to operate there may be an alternative set of structures to accomplish your goal.

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