Legal Watch

Intellectual Property Panel Discussion For Hardware Startups

Jul 15 2015

Kathleen Kuznicki will be a panelist in a discussion on the strategies available to hardware startups with regards to securing IP, open sourcing, and licensing options, hosted by Pittsburgh Hardware Startup Meetup. Don’t miss this meetup if you are part of … →

Posted in Events, Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

6 Things Pennsylvania Employers Need to Know Before Implementing Workplace Drug Testing

Apr 20 2015

Have you adopted a Drug and Alcohol Policy?  Drug testing programs work best when implemented based on a clear, written policy that is shared with all employees, along with employee education about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, supervisor … →

Posted in Labor and Employment, Legal Watch

Is It Worth Getting A Patent Even If You Never Intend To Litigate?

Mar 31 2015
long exposure of car driving on road at night

All Successful Inventions Should Be Patent Protected Yes. Otherwise, if you have a desirable and successful invention, competitors will blatantly copy your product because they know there will be no recourse to stop them. Generally, no business wants to go … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Governor Wolf Proposes Tax on Legal Services

Mar 10 2015

Earlier this month, Governor Tom Wolf unveiled his proposed budget and tax plan for Pennsylvania for the fiscal year 2015-2016. The plan contains a proposed ten percent increase in the Sales and Use Tax rate to 6.6% tax and an … →

Posted in Legal Watch

Important Changes To Pennsylvania’s Power of Attorney Law Could Affect Your Estate Plan

Mar 09 2015
hands holding pen signing contract

Pennsylvania has updated its Power of Attorney Act, effective January 1, 2015. One of the major changes was the execution of Powers of Attorney (POAs). For example, when you sign your POA, it must be witnessed by two people and notarized. … →

Posted in Estates and Trusts, Legal Watch

I Think I Invented Something, Now What Do I Do?

Mar 05 2015
group of women in professional attire smiling in meeting

First, can your invention generate revenue? Before you take any further steps to develop your invention, you need to determine if you can realistically generate revenue from your invention. You will need to determine: Is it something people will want … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Might You Be a Copyright Infringer? 

Feb 23 2015
blue copyright graphic and computer code on screen

(In the voice of a famous redneck comedian!) Do you think everything online is free for public use? Then you might be an infringer. Do you play background music in a public area of your business? Then you might be … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Pros and Cons of Criminal Background Checks

Feb 23 2015

Many companies have made criminal background checks a standard part of their hiring process, but are they worthwhile for the average small business?  Employers in certain sectors, such as child care, are required to screen applicants for specific crimes.  Other … →

Posted in Labor and Employment, Legal Watch

The Power of “Patent Pending”

Feb 09 2015
a string of locks

If you or your business is developing new products or processes, you should consider being “patent pending” before you trying to exploit your inventive idea. When a patent application is filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Legal Watch

Changing Tides: U.S. Relations with Cuba and Russia

Feb 03 2015
car passing government building in Cuba

The Importance of Staying on Top of International Business Regulations On December 17 of last year, President Obama announced he was normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba and re-opening an embassy in Havana.  The announcement had a quick impact on U.S. … →

Posted in International Business, Legal Watch