Daniel H Erskine Small Business Lawyer (International & Domestic)

If you have preliminary questions about trademarks and service marks, then take a look at the United States Patent and Trademark Office's "Trademark basics" site that contains links to information and guidance on trademark and service marks as well as the registration process with the USPTO. The USPTO also hosts the " IP Identifier: Learn to identify and protect your intellectual property " that is an interactive guide on the topic. The site features direct answers about trademarks and service marks as possible beneficial additions to your small business. The U.S. Copyright Office maintains a site answering the question "What is Copyright?" providing details on U.S. copyright as well as " Intellectual Property Toolkits " covering further IP definitions with guidance. If you looking for information on UK IP definitions and descriptions check out the UK's Intellectual Property Office site that provides guides, definitions, and explpnati...

With the explosion of cloud computing and general internet online activity (think social media) small businesses need to assess their security from business and compliance perspectives. Small and medium sized organisations in the UK need to be extra vigilant about cyber security given the increased regulations applicable to personal data and data security. Check out The National Cyber Security Center SME site discussing cybersecurity together with links to numerous resources as well as Cyber security: what small businesses need to know . The UK government maintains a general cybersecurity site providing links to guidance, research, and news among other items of interest that discuss cyber risks and protection measures. The ICO site has information and guidance (general and detailed) on cybersecurity that briefly discusses data security and your obligations under statutory and regulatory regimes. Also, the ICO has a small business hub with links to guidance and information on da...

If your small business is importing goods into the United States check out the US Customs and Broader Protection's Informed Compliance Publications (ICPs) to help meet your regulatory burden when importing merchandise, which detail a number of areas related to import of merchandise and discuss issues concerning specific goods. Some noteworthy ICPs are: Entry (describing getting your small business goods into the US); Prior Disclosure ; Customs Value ; and Recordkeeping . The CBP site also contains a handbook entitled " Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports ", " Tips for New Importers and Exporters " (links to information about importing into the United States and exporting out of the United States customs territory), as well as guidance on E-Commerce imports together with Internet Purchases . The links lead to good information about the processes of importing and exporting for both the novice and expert. Customs and Boarder Protection is the arm of ...

Before doing business with a prospective new business partner or customer your U.S. small business should conduct due diligence on your new prospect. Search the " Consolidated Screening List " that is "a list of parties for which the United States Government maintains restrictions on certain exports, reexports, or transfers of items." The List website also contains contact information for the various U.S. governmental entities that operate and enforce the U.S. sanctions framework. Review the ITA's " U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) " webpage and U.S. Department of Justice's webpage to learn about the FCPA and its requirements. Review the ITA's " U.S. Export Controls " webpage for information about export licenses, red flags to watch out for, and know your customer compliance. Daniel H. Erskine, an attorney and solicitor who holds a Master of Laws (or LL.M.) in International & Comparative Law, handles business transact...

The United States government has declared increased exports are the path for financial recovery. In particular, the Small Business Administration declared exports are the principal method to buttress American small business. So, how do small businesses effectively negotiate in the international market? Equipping oneself with a negotiation strategy permits a business to maximize benefits and foster relationships—if you use the appropriate method of negotiation. What is the negotiation method a small business should arm itself with to reach an agreement with a foreign company? This article sets out a negotiation strategy, which small businesses may use to effectively enter into the export business and conclude an international agreement. 1. Prepare Preparation is the key element in any negotiation. Familiarize yourself with the other company you desire to do business with and the market place they operate in. Look to the publicly available information about the company. Most fo...

If your business operates online, then your business/company should seriously address cybersecurity issues. The Small Business Administration (SBA) dedicates a page entitled "Strengthen your cybersecurity" . The page features links to fact sheets, webinars, online courses, and other federal agency resources. One such resource derives from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) that provides and generates, through an interactive web site, a Small Biz Cyber Planner that a company may use to "create and save a custom cyber security plan for your company, choosing from a menu of expert advice to address your specific business needs and concerns." There is also a link to the Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Resilience Review (CRR) , "...a no-cost, voluntary, non-technical assessment to evaluate an organization’s operational resilience and cybersecurity practices." The CRR page contains a number of downloadable forms and resource guides. Also, ...

For small businesses looking to conduct research and development, while needing funds to realize their small business technology, check out The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program . The SBIR "is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization." The "SBIR funds the critical startup and development stages and it encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy." The program started in 1982 (President Regan) and encompasses several US federal agencies. Another US federal government program focusing on small business technology companies is The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) . The STTR "expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena." Like the SBIR, the STTR is a three phase program...