The Annual Exorcism of Business Horror Part 2: Your IP Legal Checkup | What Intellectual Property Is Haunting Your Business?⏱️ CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction: Why an IP Audit Matters1:39 IP Refresher (What do Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets Protect?)2:15 Trademark Audit (Brand Names, Logos, Domains, Product/Packaging Design)10:53 Copyright Audit (Creative Works, Ownership)16:37 Patent and Trade Secret Audit (Protecting Your Innovations and Confidential Information)25:00 Conclusion and Resources (Free Checklist)Last week, I talked about your business foundation: entity status, contracts, licenses, etc. Those are the operational backbone that keeps your business legally sound.This week, I’m talking about something potentially even more valuable that EVERY business has: your intellectual property.ALL businesses have intellectual property, and for many businesses, intellectual property IS the business. Your brand name, your logo, your proprietary processes, your creative content; they're often the most valuable assets you own.Despite all that truth, most business owners have no idea (1) that they have IP, (2) what IP they actually have, (3) whether their IP is protected, or (4) when critical deadlines are coming up.That changes today.By the end of this video, you'll know exactly how to audit your intellectual property, identify gaps in your protection, and prioritize what needs attention this year.Download the free IP Checkup Checklist at kingpatentlaw.com (or use the QR code in the video) so you have a step-by-step guide for auditing your intellectual property.If you discover gaps or problems during your audit that you're not sure how to address, or you don’t have time to do it yourself, schedule a consultation at kingpatentlaw.com or call 217-714-8558. We'll review your IP portfolio and create a protection strategy that fits your budget and priorities.Avoid the legal horrors, and keep rocking your IP.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney

Three contract red flags every business owner should check right now.

Red flag #1: You're operating under an expired contract. A one-year contract ended, but both parties kept performing. You've created legal ambiguity that could blow up in a dispute.

Red flag #2: You have an auto-renewal contract and missedthe cancellation deadline. Many contracts renew automatically unless you give 30, 60, or 90 days’ notice. If you want out, you need to know those deadlines NOW.

Red flag #3: You're paying for services you're not using. Just because you signed it doesn't mean you have to keep it. January is the time to renegotiate or terminate contracts that aren't serving you.

Pull out your contracts this month. Check the dates. Calendar the deadlines.

WANT A FULL 7-POINT BUSINESS CHECKUP CHECKLIST?

Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/

(see QR code in video)

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposesonly, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

What does "good standing" actually mean for your business?

If you formed an LLC or corporation, your state requires youto file annual reports and pay fees to stay active. If you don't, your business falls out of "good standing."

Why does this matter? Operating while not in good standingcan void your liability protection, prevent you from filing lawsuits, and create problems when you try to get a loan or sell the business.

Check your status right now at your Secretary of State'swebsite. Takes two minutes.

WANT A FULL 7-POINT BUSINESS CHECKUP CHECKLIST?

Get the complete Beginning-of-Year Business Checkup Checklist at https://kingpatentlaw.com/business-checkup-checklist/

(see QR code in video)

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposesonly, is not legal advice, and does not form an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.