When a business applies for a U.S. trademark, it must identify the goods or services connected to the mark. Those goods and services are organized into international trademark classes used by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

For business owners, understanding trademark classes is important because a trademark registration is tied to the goods or services identified in the application. The class number is part of that process, but the specific goods or services listed are also important in determining the practical scope of the registration.

Businesses that rely on skilled foreign workers have spent the past year following one of the most closely watched changes to the H-1B program in recent memory. A presidential proclamation introduced a $100,000 payment requirement for certain new H-1B petitions. Court challenges followed, and the requirement now sits between conflicting rulings, a presidential extension, and a separate proposed rule.

Businesses regularly use service agreements when working with consultants, agencies, technology providers, contractors, and other service providers. A service agreement can help define what each party is expected to do and establish the terms governing the relationship.

However, a contract may not provide much protection if important terms are vague, incomplete, or inconsistent with the way the parties actually intend to work together.

A well-drafted service agreement should clearly reflect the commercial arrangement and address the issues that may create uncertainty or disputes later.

Choosing a legal structure is one of the early decisions a business owner must make when starting a business in the United States. Two common options are a limited liability company (LLC) and a corporation.

Both structures can provide liability protection, but they differ in how they are formed, governed, taxed, and operated. The appropriate choice depends on factors such as the nature of the business, ownership structure, plans for raising capital, tax considerations, and the state where the business is formed.

Understanding these differences before forming a business can help owners establish a structure that better fits their current needs and future plans.

Businesses often share sensitive information before a formal business relationship begins. A company may discuss a potential investment, partnership, acquisition, licensing arrangement, joint venture, or commercial relationship before the parties know whether a deal will actually move forward.

These early discussions can involve valuable information, including business plans, financial information, customer data, product concepts, pricing strategies, technical information, and other confidential material.

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) can help establish clear contractual obligations concerning how that information may be used and disclosed before a transaction or business relationship is finalized.