How your interior design business can cost you BIG (S5E153)

How your interior design business can cost you BIG (S5E153)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs August 24, 2020 Duration: 38:29

To an outsider, interior design or decorating can seem like a fun and easy gig. You pick paint colors, recommend a few pieces of furniture, top your vision off with a few accessories. Done! But actually, interior design and decorator contracts are some of the more complex contracts we work on at the AWB Firm, with moving parts like who's responsible for install, will you pass along your designer discount to your client, if you hire a photographer can your client use the pictures, and many more questions.

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • Why interior designer and decorator contracts are more complex than other creative service providers' contracts, and what terms should be clearly spelled out
  • What to be sure you make clear (both with the photographer and with your client) when you hire a photographer to capture your finished product
  • The higher risks in an interior design or decorator business and why you'll definitely want to form an LLC or corporation, and be covered by insurance
  • How your designs have automatic copyright protection under US law, but why you still might want to register them
  • What you need to know about using other people's creative work in your business

BONUS:  If you're starting something new, or this episode has spotlighted areas of your business that have you worried, now is a great time to make sure your business is in good shape legally. Download our free How to Write Your Own Contracts checklist to make sure your business has solid contracts in place at www.awbfirm.com/podcast153!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Miles & Kirk Design: https://www.milesandkirk.com/

The Green Room Interiors: https://www.thegreenroominteriors.com/

Interior Designer contract template:

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
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