4 Incidents That Could Torpedo Your Business

You had a vision, and you’re now up and running, but you’ve been running on a tight shoestring budget for a few years. You’re still well within the make-it-or-break-it five year period, but business has grown steadily, and there’s good reason for optimism. Don’t get torpedoed by any of these incidents that can sink you when you’re still early in your voyage.

Hostile Work Environment Claims

When the conduct of one or more employees causes an environment that becomes exceedingly difficult for another person to work in, a hostile work environment may have been created. This is ordinarily thought of in the context of sexual harassment, but a hostile work environment can also be created by retaliation against a whistleblower, retaliation for filing a worker’s compensation claim or other conditions. Applicable law requires the conduct to be so objectively offensive that it changes the conditions of the complainant’s employment.

Related Article: How Do I Develop Proper Risk Management?

Trademark Infringement Claims

The cost of registering a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is inexpensive. Registration offers much greater protection than if your mark isn’t registered. When registered, the nation is given notice that you own that trademark for your product or service. Registration eliminates many positions that an opponent can take in an infringement suit. If you’re going global, discretely register your mark in whatever countries you intend on doing business in. Pirates are out there who might legally register your mark in another country and then charge you a licensing fee for using your own mark.

Location Issues

You’ve purchased an old building so you can move your business out of your garage. That’s good because it was probably against local zoning laws to run a business out of your garage anyway. Is it legal to run your business out of that building you just bought? Commercial real estate attorneys have seen small businesses buy or lease property without the benefit of an attorney, and then not be permitted to do business in their new white elephant. Compliance with building and zoning laws is critical.

Discrimination Claims

On a federal level, discrimination claims include the Civil Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. Discrimination claims can be brought on at a state level too. On the federal level, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) receives and investigates these claims.

Any one of the above claims can go for millions. A small business needs to protect itself from being torpedoed by a staggering law suit.

Author: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. If you are just starting a business or seeking a new business lawyer, Anica suggests the services of attorneys from Carter West.