Blog

  • Apple Loses to Samsung in Supreme Court Design Patent Case, But the Battle Isn’t Over
    Apple Loses to Samsung in Supreme Court Design Patent Case, But the Battle Isn’t Over
    Apple iPhone (left) vs. Samsung Galaxy S (right). Pretty similar, right? Samsung Beats Apple in a Unanimous Supreme Court Decision: The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled on a design patent case—its first time doing so in over 120 years. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court sided with Samsung in a unanimous 8-0 decision,...
  • A Strategic Guide to Finding the Right Investment Partner
    A Strategic Guide to Finding the Right Investment Partner
    The landscape of business funding is constantly evolving. While large venture capital firms and private equity companies often make headlines with billion-dollar deals, small business owners must also understand how to find and work with investors who will support their vision rather than take control.  According to a recent article...
  • A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
    A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
    If you've ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you've probably heard the term "power of attorney." But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. There are many misconceptions about what a...
  • A Legacy of Honor: Estate Planning as a Lasting Tribute on Memorial Day
    A Legacy of Honor: Estate Planning as a Lasting Tribute on Memorial Day
    When we think about Memorial Day, we often picture parades, flags at half-staff, and moments of silence to honor those who gave their lives in service. But beyond ceremonies and traditions, Memorial Day invites us to reflect on legacy—on what we leave behind for those we love. One of the most...
  • A Heart-to-Heart Conversation About Trademarks: Heart LLC v. Heart Pizza
    A Heart-to-Heart Conversation About Trademarks: Heart LLC v. Heart Pizza
    Two Portland businesses, Heart LLC and Heart Pizza LLC, are currently battling over the use of their very similar names. Heart LLC has been using the trademark HEART in connection with specialty coffee goods and services since 2009. Heart Pizza LLC, on the other hand, started using the trademark HEART in connection with—you guessed it—pizza-related...
  • A Female Founder’s Guide to Business Success
    A Female Founder’s Guide to Business Success
    Women are launching businesses at an unprecedented rate, yet the road to success is rarely smooth. While female founders prove their resilience and innovation daily, they face unique challenges—from securing funding to balancing leadership with personal life demands. But let's be clear: female entrepreneurs aren't just keeping up; they're redefining...
  • 8 Tips to Help Secure Outside Funding for Your Business
    8 Tips to Help Secure Outside Funding for Your Business
    As an entrepreneur, you can appreciate how difficult it may be to get funding for your business. You've pitched your heart out, refined your business plan, and networked like it's an Olympic sport, yet the only word you seem to hear from investors is "no." But fret not! It's possible...
  • 8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes
    8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes
    It might seem a bit early to think about your 2023 taxes, but as the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at your financial situation and make some strategic moves that can help you minimize your tax liability come April. Year-end tax...
  • 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Launching Your Business
    8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Launching Your Business
    As you are thinking of starting your own business, you'll need to get clear on a number of issues to ensure both you and your operation are properly positioned for success. Oftentimes, aspiring entrepreneurs jump headfirst into business ownership, with false expectations of what it takes to run a successful...
  • 7 Tips for Creating a Winning Business Plan
    7 Tips for Creating a Winning Business Plan
    Far too many aspiring entrepreneurs jump-start their businesses without taking the time to properly plan. Just as a builder uses a blueprint to ensure a new construction project will be structurally sound, a carefully researched and well-thought-out business plan allows you to determine whether or not your business concept will...