Launch Phase: Are you making expensive legal mistakes? (S5E120)

Launch Phase: Are you making expensive legal mistakes? (S5E120)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs January 6, 2020 Duration: 32:18

If you're starting or growing your business in 2020, my guess is you don't know half of the things that can go wrong legally in your business. 

All season, we're talking about dreaming + scheming, and the expensive legal pitfalls you'll want to avoid in each stage of starting, building, and scaling your online business. 

If you're in Launch Phase of business - maybe you still have a day job while you get started, or you're full-time but still getting your business off the ground - this episode is for you.

(Even if you're further along in business, you might find that you still need to button up some of the legal issues I discuss in this episode!)

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • Why launch phase is the perfect time to create a strong foundation for your online business
  • If you need to form a corporate entity when you're in launch phase
  • Why it's important to check that no one's using the name you want for your business before you get started
  • Why you probably don't need to worry about registering your trademark in launch phase
  • If you need to have a contract for any collaborations when you're just getting started
  • Why it's essential to make sure you keep your business and personal expenses separate
  • Why using other people's intellectual property (i.e., images, music, etc.) is one thing you absolutely want to avoid when you're just getting started
  • What is perhaps the most important thing to remember in launch phase

Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast120 for show notes.

BONUS: Launch Phase Entrepreneur Checklist -- head to www.awbfirm.com/podcast120 to learn about what can go wrong legally as you launch your business, and simple actions you can take now to avoid costly problems later, in our Launch Phase Entrepreneur Checklist.  We'll be releasing a brand-new legal checklist for each phase of your business building journey, free with every episode this month!

 

Resources:

Legal Road Map® episode: LLC vs. corporation for your online business www.awbfirm.com/podcast108

Legal Road Map® episode: Making partnerships and collaborations successful  www.awbfirm.com/podcast35

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

If you're so in love with your course, product, or business name that you're ready to say "I do", it's probably time to register your trademark. The AWB Firm can help! Clients love our seamless process and flat-fee pricing (i.e., no surprise bills for you!). If you're ready to learn more or get started, visit www.awbfirm.com/trademark-copyright.


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
Podcast Episodes
Patent attorney interview: John DeBoer (S4E109) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:41
Have you ever wondered whether you need a patent for your business? Do you have an idea, invention, method or system you'd like to protect? Learn the ins and outs of patent law from my friend, patent attorney John DeBoer…
Legal for course creators: Do I need an LLC or corporation? (S4E108) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:32
How do you know when it's time to form an LLC or corporation? Learn why it's a good idea for course creators to form a corporate entity, and which entities work best for different types of businesses. In this episode we'…
Course creator interview: Tyler J. McCall (S4E107) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:27
Learn how Tyler J. McCall built his business teaching business owners how to use Instagram by incorporating an online course with his membership community. In this episode we'll cover: How the questions all your clients…
Course creator interview: Dana Malstaff (S4E105) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
Learn how Boss Mom Dana Malstaff created one of the most popular communities on Facebook, and how she's using courses in her business. In this episode we'll cover: The challenges of cultivating a successful online commun…
Legal for course creators: choosing a name for your course (S4E104) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
Learn what makes a strong trademark, how-to DIY your trademark search, and what to steer clear of when choosing a name for your digital course. In this episode we'll cover: The different types of trademarks and the pros…
Course creator interview: Rick Mulready (S4E103) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
Learn the important role courses have played in Rick Mulready building his online business. In this episode we'll cover: The importance of validating the concept of your course before investing your time and money to cre…
Legal for course creators: FB ads (S4E102) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:44
Learn how the legal health of your business can affect how you run Facebook or Instagram ads, or even if they're approved. In this episode we'll cover: Why you'll want to check out Facebook's ad policies before you start…
Course creator interview: Stacy Tuschl (S4E101) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:51
Stacy Tuschl shares about being in year four with She's Building Her Empire, growing her brick-and-mortar business, and shifting into online business. In this episode we'll cover: How Stacy uses inexpensive digital produ…