It sounds like something that is reserved for big businesses that are making millions. Sadly, even the smallest business is at risk of being sued.
There can be any number of issues that result in a client taking legal action against you. Most often, it is to do with the end product.
If you have produced the work to spec, and something has still gone wrong, disgruntled clients can still pose a problem.
Or perhaps you make and sell food items, and a client gets sick. It’s on you to provide the best services and products at all times. If you don’t have legal protections, insurance, or any form of protection – a complaint can soon turn into the collapse of your business.
Photo by Plush Design Studio on Unsplash
Business Name
Is your business name protected? Or perhaps you are accidentally using someone else’s business name, but you didn’t know it at the time.
If you have double-checked that your business name isn’t in use or protected elsewhere, you can move forward to protect the name yourself.
Although there are variations to the requirements, here are some of the things that you can do when you use your trademark:
- Capitalize the first letter
- Note on all of your branding and marketing materials that you own the mark.
- Use the R in a circle adjacent to the mark or word.
- Use the ™ only if you have registered in specific states or countries.
Insurance
Your insurance is your what-if. It’s the parachute that stops you from hitting the ground at full speed.
Just like your home, your pet, and your car – you insure the things that really matter in life. Your business matters, and so do you. This is why you should make sure that your company has the right insurance.
If you crash a car, you know, you are covered by two things: an experienced personal injury law firm and your insurance.
If a person were to trip and fall in your building or the work you produce causes issues for your client, are you covered?
Get the right insurance for your business type, and have peace of mind.
Your Work
If you produce written work, art, or others that could be copied and reproduced, how is your work protected? If you place your photographs on a website like Unsplash, they have a clear CC0 policy.
Would you mind if people shared your work on social media? And how would you like that to happen?
If you have your own website, you can use a sharing plugin to help people share and tag you in the shares. You can also watermark your work and purchase copyright.
Have what can and what cannot be shared in your terms and conditions.
Many people don’t treat their small businesses with the seriousness that they should. Small businesses are growing and evolving all the time, and your work deserves to be protected too.
Ensure that you protect your brand, your reputation, and you are protecting your future income too.
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