Best Business Lawyers in Mountain View

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Fenwick & West LLP

Fenwick & West LLP

Mountain View, United States

Founded in 1972
1,118 people in their team
Fenwick & West LLP provides comprehensive legal services to ground-breaking technology and life sciences companies โ€“ at every stage of their...
English

United States Business Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 1 legal question about Business in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

How do I legally protect my idea before selling or licensing it to a company?
Licensing
Business
Legal Document
Patents are most frequently used to protect inventions. With a patent, you have the right to take legal action against anyone who uses or sells your inventions without your permission. To get a patent you must have an invention that is new โ€“ not a modification โ€“ so check thoroughly before you apply for a patent.Patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention of a product or process, that provides a new way of doing something and the law that governs this right in Nigeria is the Patents and Designs Act. Under the Patent and Design Act, a combination of lines and colours or any three-dimensional form with or without colours is recognized as an industrial design and can thus be protected. There's a catch though. The catch is that such design must not have been in the public domain. Once again, this does not take into account the dynamism of the fashion industry that relies on trends and public acceptance of creative works. So there is protection, but with a limitation. Registration of a patent in Nigeria is carried out at the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry in Abuja. I can help you do this. Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA)Most creatives will be familiar with what an NDA is but might not realize the importance of this seemingly procedural agreement. An NDA is an agreement that protects confidential information that might pass between parties to the agreement.Apart from the fact that an NDA provides protection from disclosure of intellectual property (including trade secrets, proprietary information, and other confidential information), it also provides for more legal protections and options if another party does infringe on a patent or otherwise use protected information. Sign an NDA before sharing that business idea, model, design, beat or song.Reach me out by visiting our profile and send us a message

About Business Law in Mountain View, United States

Mountain View, United States, is a thriving technological and business hub, home to many global corporations like Google and LinkedIn. The legal framework that governs business activities in Mountain View is comprehensive, covering aspects such as business entity formation, contracts, employment laws, intellectual property rights, and business disputes. There are also additional local ordinances to comply with, dictated by the Mountain View City Code and the state of California.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

It's crucial to seek legal advice when starting a business for a variety of reasons. A lawyer can guide you in choosing the right business structure, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws, drafting contracts, resolving disputes, and protecting your intellectual property rights. Business lawyers are highly crucial when dealing with complex transactions such as company mergers, acquisitions, or if you are facing litigation.

Local Laws Overview

Business in Mountain View is regulated by California's state laws and the local Mountain View City Codes. These touch on business registration requirements, zoning laws for location-specific businesses, labor laws on minimum wage, overtime, and workplace safety, and finance laws relating to taxation and securities. Intellectual property laws protecting trademarks, patents, and copyrights are also crucial, given the city's tech-centric businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I start a business in Mountain View?

To start a business, you'll need to create a business plan, choose a suitable business structure, register the business, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and ensure compliance with tax laws. Legal advice can be instrumental in this process.

Q2: Do I need a specific license or permit for my business in Mountain View?

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain specific licenses or permits. These may include health permits, alcoholic beverage licenses, and others required by local or state laws.

Q3: How are intellectual property rights protected in Mountain View, United States?

Intellectual property rights in Mountain View are protected under U.S. federal law. These can be trademarks, copyrights, patents or trade secrets. An IP lawyer can help register and protect your rights.

Q4: What if my business gets into a legal dispute?

If your business gets into a legal dispute, it's recommended to seek legal counsel immediately to discuss your situation and explore the best possible strategies.

Q5: What are common employment law issues in Mountain View?

Employment law issues typically revolve around hiring and termination, handling workplace disputes, compliance with labor laws, such as those tackling discrimination, harassment, and wage-related concerns.

Additional Resources

The Mountain View Chamber of Commerce provides resources for local businesses, and agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offer valuable resources for businesses at the federal level. Legal resources include the State Bar of California, which offers guidance and lawyer referral services.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance, consider consulting a lawyer who specializes in business law in the Mountain View area. This can be done through lawyer referral services, seeking recommendations from business associates, or conducting online research. When engaging a lawyer, ensure they have the necessary expertise and a good understanding of Mountain View's local and California State laws.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.