Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
228 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 52 ratingsThe Legal Road Map™ podcast teaches creative entrepreneurs how to protect your rights and stay out of legal hot water, so you can confidently build your dream business. Host Autumn Witt Boyd, a lawyer for creative and online businesses, gives you the answers to your copyright, trademark, and business legal questions. Like having an attorney in your back pocket.
What contracts should you have? What the heck is a website privacy policy or terms and conditions? What should you protect with a copyright or trademark? Do you need an LLC or should you stay a sole proprietor? What should you do if a copycat steals your photos or content? What’s the right way to respond to a cease and desist letter? When is using someone else’s stuff fair use under the law? How should you hire employees or independent contractors?
Whether you’re just starting out and haven’t done any legal work on your business, or are going through a transition or growth spurt and want to make sure you’re covered, the Legal Roadmap™ podcast is a great tool to make sure you haven’t missed any key legal protections for your business. Subscribe today and get your business legally legit. Transcripts, show notes, and more info at www.awbfirm.com/podcast.
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Episodes
Boss Mom Dana Malstaff on brand protection as business strategy (Legal Road Map® Podcast S2E24)
December 05, 2017 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBOriginal Boss Mom®, Dana Malstaff, shares how protecting her brand was not only an early, key business strategy but also now provides her with peace of mind to reach her big goals. Listen and learn: How a registered trademark protects the meaning behind your business, not just its name How DIY’ing legal isn’t always a good idea The pros and cons of DIY'ing legal for your business, and when it's time to level up and hire a lawyer Why having the right professionals on your team can ma...
The cons to registering a TM (but do it anyway) LRM (S2E23)
November 28, 2017 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBRegistering a trademark seems like a legal no-brainer, but there are some potentially negative consequences that are important to consider before you take the plunge. Join me in this week’s episode where I discuss the downsides to registering a trademark, and why I think you should do it anyway. Listen and learn: Why raising your business’s profile through trademark registration isn’t always a good thing How a registered trademark helps prevent consumer confusion Why some trademarks c...
The downsides to registering a TM...and why I think you should do it anyway (Legal Road Map® Podcast S2E23)
November 28, 2017 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBRegistering a trademark seems like a business no-brainer, but there are some potentially negative consequences that are important to consider before you take the plunge. Join me in this week’s episode where I discuss the downsides to registering a trademark, and why I think you should do it anyway. Listen and learn: Why raising your business’s profile through trademark registration isn’t always a good thing How a registered trademark helps prevent consumer confusion Why some trademark...
Abundant Mama Shawn Fink talks fear and creativity (LRM S2E22)
November 21, 2017 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBShawn Fink, accidental entrepreneur and founder of Abundant Mama, talks through the desire to create and the fear of trying something new in this week’s episode. Listen and learn: The importance of finding your own story Why knowing your ideal customer is so crucial How “owning your name” through a trademark can totally change your business Why working with a lawyer who understands your business can actually prevent you from unnecessary legal spending KEY TAKEAWAY: Taking the leap ...
Abundant Mama Shawn Fink talks fear and creativity (Legal Road Map® Podcast S2E22)
November 21, 2017 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBShawn Fink, accidental entrepreneur and founder of Abundant Mama, talks through the desire to create and the fear of trying something new in this week’s episode. Listen and learn: The importance of finding your own story Why knowing your ideal customer is so crucial How “owning your name” through a trademark can totally change your business Why working with a lawyer who understands your business can actually prevent you from unnecessary legal spending KEY TAKEAWAY: Taking the leap ...
The pitfalls of filing a trademark yourself and how a lawyer can help (Legal Road Map® Podcast S2E21)
November 14, 2017 05:00 - 31 minutes - 22.2 MBYou can file a trademark yourself, but should you? Online platforms like LegalZoom may lead you to believe filing a trademark application is as easy as filling out a form, but in reality it’s a complicated process can require a lot of guidance. Listen and learn: The important first step you can take to prevent having your application denied Why working with a trusted lawyer can help you avoid finding out the hard way that your business name is not registerable How a lawyer can help yo...
The pitfalls of filing a trademark yourself (LRM S2E21)
November 14, 2017 05:00 - 31 minutes - 22.2 MBYou can file a trademark yourself, but should you? Online platforms like LegalZoom may lead you to believe filing a trademark application is as easy as filling out a form, but in reality it’s a complicated process can require a lot of guidance. Listen and learn: The important first step you can take to prevent having your application denied Why working with a trusted lawyer can help you avoid finding out the hard way that your business name is not registerable How a lawyer can help yo...
Stacy Tuschl on building empires with legal help (Legal Road Map® Podcast S2E20)
November 07, 2017 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBStacy Tuschl of She’s Building Her Empire talks about the benefits of working with a lawyer vs. an online platform when it comes to copyrights and trademarks. Listen and learn: Why putting things out there before they’re (or you’re) ready can be the best way to go Why not working with a lawyer on your trademark can leave your brand open to copycats The importance of knowing the difference between an independent contractor and an employee, as they relate to your business How the righ...
Stacy Tuschl on building empires with legal help (LRM S2E20)
November 07, 2017 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBShe’s Building Her Empire’s founder talks lawyer vs. online platform when it comes to copyrights and trademarks. Listen and learn: Why putting things out there before they’re (or you’re) ready can be the best way to go Why not working with a lawyer on your trademark can leave your brand open to copycats The importance of knowing the difference between an independent contractor and an employee, as they relate to your business How the right pricing attracts the kind of clients you wan...
Does your business need intellectual property protection? (LRM S2E19)
October 31, 2017 04:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBAre intellectual property rights important to your business? This week I talk about why your business may or may not need to protect its copyrights and trademarks. Listen and learn: Which types of business are more likely to need intellectual property protection The difference between copyrights and trademarks Who needs to register a trademark or copyright The issues your business may face if your brand is built on your own name The benefits of registering with the U.S. Copyrigh...
Katie Hunt on working with independent contractors (LRM S2E18)
October 24, 2017 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBTradeshow Bootcamp’s founder talks leveling up with legal help and how she transitioned from side hustle to flourishing business. Listen and learn: How keeping your day job can actually help you grow your business Why hiring a team can save you money in the long run Why registering a trademark may not be the best first step for your business Why copycats don’t mean the end of your program or business Why contracts are essential when working with independent contractors KEY TAKEAW...
The first legal project you should tackle with a lawyer (LRM S2E17)
October 17, 2017 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBIf you’ve never worked with a lawyer, where do you even begin? I usually suggest a custom contract to protect your main revenue stream: client services, group programs, digital products or online courses, event attendee, or wholesale terms. Listen and learn: When it’s time to uplevel the contracts you cobbled together yourself or created from a template Why contracts are so important to your business What could happen if your business isn’t using a solid contract for the main revenue ...
Kendrick Shope on the right legal protections (LRM S2E16)
October 10, 2017 04:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThe Sales School and Authentic Selling founder shares about hiring a lawyer to create a custom contract for her online sales coaching business, and how her lawyer was able to talk her off a cliff during a difficult customer situation. Case Study Highlights: how the universe responds when you take your business seriously and set things up the right way how she knew it was time to work with a lawyer on a contract, but really appreciated having a lawyer on her side later during a difficu...
Save on legal, and earn more money? Here’s how (LRM S2E15)
October 03, 2017 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBHow can you save money with legal protections for your business? Listen and learn: Why outsourcing legal is critical when you are in the Integration Phase of building your business How outsourcing your legal needs will save you time that you can spend on more profitable activities How a legal expert will save you money by prioritizing the correct legal protections for your business How working with the right lawyer for your industry and legal issue, not a generalist, will save you m...
REINA POMEROY on building her coaching business with a legal confidante (LRM S2E14)
September 26, 2017 04:30 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBWorking with a lawyer has helped Life + Biz Success Coach® Reina Pomeroy feel secure, and make sure she’s focusing on the right legal priorities, as she’s building a fast-growing and successful business. Case Study Highlights: How Reina transitioned from a prior business in the wedding industry and decided to become a life and business coach How Reina + Co’s offerings and services have changed since she’s been in business, and how she made those decisions When Reina knew it was time...
Your business’s legal need as it grows (LRM S2E13)
September 26, 2017 04:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBWe’re back with Season 2! This season will teach you legal steps you need to take to be sure you reach your goals as you grow a profitable, sustainable business. We’re featuring case studies with high-achieving and ambitious entrepreneurs, talking about how they’ve built their businesses, and the legal lessons they’ve learned along the way: Reina Pomeroy - Episode 14, live now Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson of Being Boss Shawn Fink of Abundant Mama Dana Malstaff of Boss Mom...
Hiring contractors and employees the right way, with Ashley Cox of sproutHR (LRM S1E12)
January 23, 2017 10:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBBusiness is booming and you’re ready to hire help -- make sure you do it the right way! When should you hire an independent contractor and when do you need to pay someone as an employee (and what’s the difference)? Plus contracts for workers, like non-compete and NDAs. Episode highlights: What’s the difference between kinds of workers - independent contractors and employees? What could happen if you misclassify a worker as an independent contractor when they should be an employee (or vi...
Dealing with copycats who rip off your content or brand name (LRM S1E11)
January 16, 2017 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.6 MBAs a creative business owner, at some point, you will probably find someone has copied your best stuff or started a business or product with a very similar name as yours. Learn how to respond when this happens to protect your business and brand. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 11 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: What steps can you take to avoid someone copying you? What evidence should you keep in your files if you f...
Make more money for your business by licensing your content and brand (LRM S1E10)
January 09, 2017 10:00 - 12 minutes - 9.27 MBHow can you get paid for the intellectual property your business owns? Licensing might just unlock a hidden revenue stream. Learn about the basics of selling a license, or permission to use your copyrights, trademarks, or patents. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 10 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: License = fancy word for permission to use your IP What terms should your license include? What’s the difference betwee...
Help! I just got a cease and desist letter, what do I do? (LRM S1E9)
January 02, 2017 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBYou got a letter saying you’ve infringed intellectual property rights in someone’s copyright, trademark, or patent. Now what? Learn what a “cease and desist” letter and “DMCA takedown notice” are, and some steps you might take on your own without hiring a lawyer. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 9 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: What is a “cease and desist” letter? What is a “DMCA takedown notice”? How to investiga...
Copyright and Trademark 201, using other people’s photos, videos, music, and more legally (LRM S1E8)
December 26, 2016 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBHow can you use content created by other people like photos, videos, music, or text (third-party content) the right way in your business? Learn all about fair use and how to stay out of legal hot water with copyrights and trademarks. (Be sure to listen to Episodes 5, 6 and 7 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 8 builds on those episodes). Episode highlights: What’s in the public domain? Ask permission - the safest bet Using other people’s content on social me...
Copyright 101, who owns what, plus the huge benefits of registering early (LRM S1E7)
December 19, 2016 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBWant to stop copycats in their tracks? Learn how copyright law automatically protects your creative content like your blog, photos, videos, and e-courses, and the huge benefit you can get by registering your copyrights ASAP. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 7 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: Who owns what? How to be sure your business owns copyrights when your employees or contractors do the creating Tricky ownershi...
Trademark 101, choose a good business or product name and registration explained (LRM S1E6)
December 12, 2016 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBHow can you create the most value in your brand? Start by choosing a great company or product name, then check to make sure no one else is already using it. Plus learn why a federal trademark registration could help your business. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 6 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: What kinds of brand and company names make the best trademarks? Fanciful, arbitrary, suggestive, descriptive and generic mar...
IP for your business, copyrights, trademarks, patents, and more (LRM S1E5)
December 05, 2016 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBCopyrights, trademarks, and patents, oh my! What intellectual property does your creative business own that’s worth protecting? This primer will help you identify what’s valuable in your business and how you can protect and make money with IP registrations. Episode highlights: Copyrights: protect creative works Trademarks: protect brands, company names, logos Patents: protect inventions, processes, manufactured designs Trade secrets: protect things you keep secret and give you a com...
Do I need an LLC or corp. for my business? plus licenses, insurance, EIN, and taxes (LRM S1E4)
November 28, 2016 10:00 - 34 minutes - 24.3 MBDo you need an LLC for your business? Maybe, maybe not. Learn why you might want to form an LLC or corporation, plus info about federal and state taxes, insurance, business licenses, EINs, bank accounts, and sales taxes. Episode highlights: Liability protection - what this actually means Federal and state tax issues (hint: talk to an accountant!) Pros and cons of Sole proprietorships, Partnerships, LLCs, and Corporations Changing your business name KEY TAKEAWAY: Forming a business ...
Every business with a website needs these documents in place (LRM S1E3)
November 21, 2016 10:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBNOTE - NEW PRIVACY RULES (EU GDPR) went into effect MAY 25, 2018. Check out episodes 38, 39, and 40 for updated information on privacy policies. This Episode 3 was published in 2016 and does not address the new rules. Wonder what those “privacy policies” or “terms and conditions” that you see on websites actually are? Find out about these and other documents and terms your website must have - terms of use, disclaimers, and disclosures. Episode highlights: Terms and conditions: the ru...
All about contracts, the most important legal protection for creative and online businesses (LRM S1E2)
November 11, 2016 05:42 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBWhat contracts do you need for your creative business, and what should they say? Contracts are THE most important legal protection for your business. Learn about contracts with your clients or customers, vendors, partners or founders, joint venturers, investors, independent contractors and employees, event attendees. Episode highlights: When is a verbal contract ok, and when should you put it in writing? Liability waivers explained Why you need an agreement when you let others use you...
How legal can protect your business and make you more money (LRM S1E1)
November 11, 2016 05:40 - 16 minutes - 11.8 MBDo you need to worry about legal protections for your business? In a word, YES! Find out why you can’t ignore the law, how taking care of legal issues early can save and even make you money, and how legal protections can let you be more creative. Episode highlights: Contracts: everything is spelled out in case disagreements come up later Trademark name search: avoid getting sued and build value in your brand Copyright registration: better remedies against copycats Forming an LLC: pr...