Blog Posts: September 2011

It is quite often the case that the most valuable assets of a business are its intellectual property such as trademarks and copyright, but do not overlook the important value of trade secrets. Trademarks and copyright are out in the open, and any infringements can be protected by appropriate court action. But what about the trade secrets? These could be manufacturing processes, perhaps recipes in the food and drinks industry, and the very important research and development of products which ha.... (read more...)

Working with a lot of IT companies and web developers I’ve realised over recent years how many leave themselves open to potential legal difficulties. It goes without saying that most modern businesses rely heavily on their IT systems to run their business and on their websites for showcasing their products and services, if not also directly for sales. So, if your business provides IT or website development services, you are responsible for a critical component in your clients’ busi.... (read more...)

Being a business solicitor based in Northampton I was pleased to hear the news last month that Northampton had been successful with its bid to develop an Enterprise Zone and interested to find out exactly what the benefits for local businesses would be. The Enterprise Zone is a government initiative with the aim to stimulate growth in the economy. This is particularly important given the recent negative indicators. It has to be hoped that the attraction of being located in the Northampton.... (read more...)

Major reforms of the Licensing Act-the so-called “redressing the balance” I blogged back on July 29 on the proposed changes which everyone who has or who will be applying fro a Premises Licence in the future should take careful note of. The passage of the Bill through the House of Commons and House of Lords saw no changes to the proposals as I outlined them, and the Bill became an Act of Parliament on 15 September 2011. However, we do not know when the Act will come into force..... (read more...)

There are certain things all businesses can do to right now to reduce the possibility of litigation arising (even years before you have a dispute). And they just happen to be the same things that will reduce your legal costs if litigation does occur, and also make it more likely that you will win. Getting the contract right A contract can be in writing but it doesn’t have to be. It can be oral (e.g. “I’ll pay you if you do this for me”), written in a formal contract, or s.... (read more...)

Any business owner who’s been approached by a potential investor or partner is always initially pretty flattered. It’s great to have someone else show an interest and see the potential of your business. But if you’re talking to a potential investor, partner, licensee, buyer or supplier you’ll want to make sure your interests are adequately protected. Providing free access to business and financial information is certainly NOT recommended unless you have a proper agreeme.... (read more...)