Many small businesses are required to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the Corporate Transparency Act by January 1, 2025. Non-compliance can lead to fines up to $500/day and criminal penalties, including imprisonment. For companies formed before January 1, 2024, the BOI filing deadline is January 1, […]
Widerman Malek Law Blog
New Baby on the Way? Let’s Protect Your Bundle of Joy
A new addition to the family is an incredible blessing. With this precious gift comes the responsibility to ensure that your child is legally and financially protected if you pass away before your child turns 18. Creating the appropriate estate planning documents allows you to put the best plan possible in place to ensure that […]
Marvel and DC Comic’s “SUPER HERO” Marks Unmasked: How Your Trademark Can Avoid the Same Result
Trademark protection is designed to secure a business asset that is unique to your business and your business alone. This prevents consumer confusion by making it easy for a consumer to identify what product is yours versus that of a competitor’s business. Therefore, your trademark is an important business asset. The stronger your logo or […]
Homeowners’ and Condominium Owners’ Associations: The Basics
So … you are purchasing a home or other piece of residential real estate in Florida, and you have been told that the property you are purchasing is subject to a homeowners’ or condominium owners’ association. What does that mean for you and your soon-to-be home or investment property? In Florida, it is becoming more […]
Three Easy Ways to Mitigate the Risk of Litigation
Litigation can be a lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining process. As an attorney who practices as transactional, trial, and appellate counsel, I’ve seen firsthand how disputes can escalate into full-blown, multi-year court battles, typically to the detriment of everyone involved. While sometimes litigation is unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to minimize your […]
Homeowners’ and Condominium Owners’ Associations: An Introduction
Imagine this scenario: there is a certain corporation with 400 business units. Each business unit generates $500 per month in income. So, that is a $2.4-million-per-year corporation ($500 x 400 units x 12 months). Now consider that this corporation is run by a board of directors that rotates every year and is elected by the […]
Can You Patent Artificial Intelligence?
Of all the rapidly evolving fields of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major cornerstone of innovation. As AI systems continue to grow in usage, implementation, and sophistication, the question arises: can you patent artificial intelligence? The answer is yes, but with a few notable nuances. What is a Patent and Who Can Get […]
Navigating Business Disputes in Florida: Legal Insights and Strategies
In the complex world of business operations, disputes can arise unexpectedly, presenting challenges that may impact productivity, reputation, and profitability. Understanding how to navigate these disputes effectively within the legal framework of Florida is crucial for businesses to protect their interests and maintain operational continuity. Common Types of Business Disputes in Florida Business disputes in […]
The 2019 Requirement for Foreign-Domiciled Trademark Applicants: Understanding the Need for U.S. Licensed Attorneys
In 2019, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) implemented a significant change affecting trademark applicants and registrants outside the United States. The requirement mandates that all foreign-domiciled trademark applicants and registrants must be represented by a U.S. licensed attorney. This shift in policy has important implications for trademark attorneys practicing internationally, as it […]
Understanding United States Patents and Their Benefits to Businesses
In the changing world of innovation and technology, protecting intellectual property is a necessity for maintaining a competitive edge. One of the primary mechanisms for securing such protection is through patents. In the United States, patents are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). They provide inventors and businesses with exclusive rights […]
