News & Events
New Laws Every Business Owner Should Know — Corporate Transparency Act
Small Business Incubator Los Angeles, CA June 2-5, 2024
Corporate Transparency Act Update, Contract Negotiation best practices, Intellectual Property Update, Networking, Rest and Rejuvenation.
Law Offices of Melissa B. Jaffe sponsors Oregon State Bar Business Law Section event May 16, 2024
Upcoming Networking Event For Oregon Business Lawyers Sponsored By Law Offices Of Melissa B. Jaffe, PC
Intellectual Property Review—Updates and Changes from 2022—OSB CLE Webcast
February 24, 2023 9 a.m.–1:20 p.m. Examine the past year’s activity in intellectual property with a review of trademark, copyright, and patent law.
Women, Minority, and Veteran Certification — Does it Matter?
Women and minority-owned businesses may be leaving money on the table by not getting certified. Learn how.
2023 Blissness School Book Club: A Hundred Daffodils, by Rebecca Winn
Join us for the first 2023 Blissness School Book Club, all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
Fri, January 20, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM PST
Lawyer Wellness, The Latest Brain News with Justice Faith Ireland
On 2/16/23 the CLE entitled “Lawyer Wellness, The Latest Brain News” will be presented by Retired Washington Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland.
Why Shouldn’t I Reaffirm my Credit Card Debts in Bankruptcy?
If you file for bankruptcy, your credit card issuer is likely to kick up your rate or cancel your card, even though you are current on the account. Though less than sporting, their actions would be entirely legal.
Will My Business Make Money?
How can you tell if your business idea will be profitable? Honestly, you can't. But this shouldn't keep you from researching the financial soundness of your idea.
When is a Mechanical Royalty Due?
Musicians, like other human beings, appreciate being given credit where credit is due. But even more important than the nicety of listing the names of the music makers is the legal requirement of paying them for the right to copy their work.
Start Your Own Business: 50 Things You’ll Need to Do
The more you know about starting a business, the more power you have to form an organization that develops into a lasting source of income and satisfaction. For help with the beginning stages of operating a business, the following checklist is a great place to start.
Six Tips for Women Entrepreneurs
More women than ever before are grabbing the reins and starting their own businesses. The number of women-owned small businesses is growing approximately twice as quickly as the national average for all start-ups.
Is it Infringement if Someone Uses My Company’s Name for a Different Business?
Is there a possible infringement on the name even though we are both using it for completely different purposes?
How do I Improve my Credit Position After Bankruptcy?
I've been told that it takes ten years for a Chapter 7 to "fall off" your record. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to get a lower rate on my car loan and credit cards?
Dealing With Collection Agencies FAQ
Generally, the longer you put off resolving the issue, the worse the situation and consequences will become. Whether you negotiate directly with the collector or obtain a lawyer's assistance, most counselors feel it is almost always best to talk with the collector and try to work out a mutually satisfactory arrangement.
Copyright Registration, Notice, and Enforcement FAQ
Why should I register my work with the U.S. Copyright Office?
Choosing the Best Ownership Structure for Your Business
When you start a business, you must decide whether it will be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).
Can My Car be Repossessed Without Warning?
In many states, if you are behind in your car payments, the lender can "repossess" your car without warning or even leaving a calling card.
Can I Use Facts from Articles and Newspapers in my Novel?
I'm writing a book that deals with a long-running news story. I'm getting my facts from newspapers and magazines and turning the story into a novel, based on fact. Do I have to get the sources' permissions to use the facts? How do I give proper credit in the book to these sources?
Can I Refinance After a Bankruptcy?
I would like to negotiate a lower interest rate with the mortgage holder, but am not eligible for refinancing because of the bankruptcy. How can I approach the lender about this?
Business Plan Basics
A good business plan has two goals: It should describe the fundamentals of your business idea and provide financial data to show that you will make good money. Beyond that, the content of your business plan depends on whether it’s for potential investors or a financial projection just for yourself.