Category: Business Law

Remote Workers and Foreign Business Registration

July 14, 2021  |  Carole Clark Isakson

Flexible and remote working was tested on a massive scale at the onset of COVID-19 sheltering restrictions approximately 15 months ago. It appears to have been largely successful and may have a permanent impact on how and where we work. Read our blog as we discuss the impact of remote workers on foreign business registration. The positive impact of working remotely Many media outlets have suggested that the ability to work remotely is a very important amenity to the majority of Millennial and Generation Z members. Other proponents cite the desire to live in a more affordable location, or to save on commute times and transportation related costs, or even to reduce their carbon footprint. Employers may find that allowing workers to work remotely improves retention and provides a greater pool of qualified employees to fill job openings. Parameters for multi-state employment If you employ people who reside in another state, you may need to register to do business in that state as well. Each state has its own parameters indicating what “doing business” in a state means, so make sure you know the rules. One interesting website, with which we have no affiliation, is https://www.makemymove.com. This site lists cities that offer cash incentives to workers who relocate. Some cities require that to…

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BGS Attorney Scott Lepak to Present on Labor Relations from a Pandemic Perspective on November 10

November 5, 2020  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

COVID-19 has raised new questions and concerns for employers everywhere. To help owners understand and address these unprecedented circumstances, BGS Attorney Scott Lepak will be co-presenting a free, one-hour webinar on labor relations from a pandemic perspective at 11 a.m. on Tuesday November 10, 2020. Sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities, this webinar will explore how to avoid common pitfalls while successfully leading and managing employees during a pandemic. The free, hour-long session will address best practices in the following areas:  Understanding how to establish and maintain management rights Exploring common mistakes when responding to grievances and ways to avoid them Reviewing ways to respond to unfair labor practice claims Learning negotiation skills and how to manage critical workers during a pandemic To register for the webinar, go to: https://www.lmc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/free-webinar-labor-relations-practices-from-a-pandemic-perspective/. Scott Lepak authored a treatise of the Minnesota Public Sector Labor Law and is one of Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s highly knowledgeable and experienced labor law attorneys. Our talented team of business law professionals is here to discuss your specific needs and provide innovative legal solutions. Contact us today to learn more.

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Infringement: How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

October 21, 2020  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

At some point, many business owners face the threat of infringement and are challenged on their use of a business or product name. For some it is simply an accident, and the “fix” may be as easy as changing a name. But what should you do when confronted with a cease-and-desist letter or lawsuit? Read our blog as we discuss infringement and how to protect yourself and your business. Types of infringement The Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School defines infringement as “a violation, a breach, or an unauthorized act.” There are different types of infringement depending on the situation. In a commercial contract, an infringement occurs when one of the contracting parties breaches the contract terms. In intellectual property, an infringement relates to an unauthorized use of any copyrighted material or patented invention. This can be trademark, patent, or copyright infringement. How to protect yourself and your business In many cases, infringement on another is done unwittingly. However, regardless if the infringement is an accident, the law is very clear. Your first course of action should be to contact a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the law and your rights. Your attorney will be able to advise you on whether a response is required. Because the use of someone else’s intellectual property (like…

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