by Chris SwiecickiPotential Tax Implications of Employment Settlements
Employee settlements are a fact of life for many businesses. The tax implications of those settlements, however, are too often an afterthought. Both parties involved should know the potential tax implications of employment settlements—understanding the tax treatment of settlement payments, their deductibility, and any reporting requirements can help both sides maximize benefits and avoid...
by Chris SwiecickiWhat is Patent Infringement? And Can it Apply to Apps?
In today’s smart-phone driven world, mobile applications are part of everyday life. Apps are everywhere, enhancing our productivity, communication, and entertainment. For app developers coming up with the next big idea that will disrupt a particular industry, it’s understandable to be protective of their creation and its underlying technology. Everyone working in the tech world needs to...
by Chris Swiecicki7 Tips for Preparing for Contract Negotiations
Running a business involves managing risk in many forms, from economic downturns to severe weather. One risk has more influence over a company’s success than any other: how well its leaders manage contract negotiations. Without skilled, experienced leaders at the table, businesses may suffer financially in employee contract negotiations. They also may settle for less in deals with business...
by Chris SwiecickiHow Taxation Laws Affect Stock Market Prices
When you hear news of possible corporate tax rate increases, your first thought may be how this will hurt your company’s bottom line. In addition to concerns about reduced profits, you might wonder how changes in taxation laws affect stock market prices. In many cases, stock prices go up after a federal tax increase. Still, many worry about what will happen if the economy stalls. Business...
by Chris SwiecickiWhat is the Difference Between a Merger, an Amalgamation, an Acquisition, and a Takeover?
As a small business owner, one of your long term goals could be to sell your business, or acquire another one to expand your reach. Either way, it’s a big decision, and understanding the different ways companies can combine with each other will give you more options and a greater understanding of the potential outcomes. There are four main types of business combinations: Mergers,...
by Chris SwiecickiWhat Does a Business Litigation Attorney Do?
When starting a business, few owners expect to end up facing a lawsuit. But at some point during the life of the company, they may end up on either side of a legal dispute This could be with another business, customers, suppliers, lenders, employees, or a government entity. It can also be between the company’s business partners. These circumstances all call for legal help. What does a business...
by Chris SwiecickiWhat is “Lifting the Corporate Veil” in Company Law?
Founders set up LLCs and other corporations to protect themselves from personal legal liability. The personal assets of members of an LLC are separate from their business assets. However, courts sometimes end the limited liability protection for owners, directors, and shareholders, an action called the lifting the corporate veil or piercing the corporate veil. “Veil” refers to the protection...
by Chris SwiecickiWhat is a “Poison Pill” in Corporate Law?
When a larger company tried to take over the company owning the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2022, corporate lawyers showed Lee Enterprises how to fight back. They crafted a poison pill defense, or shareholders rights plan, to kill the unsolicited offer from Alden Global Capital. The defense worked, and Lee still owns the Post-Dispatch and 22 other papers. Corporate lawyers often recommend...
by Chris SwiecickiWhat is a Merger and Acquisition Lawyer? When Do You Need One?
Merger and acquisition lawyers help companies that are at a crossroads. They facilitate deals and advise owners who are looking to sell their business, buy another business, or combine assets and resources to create a new entity. The merger and acquisition (M&A) branch of law brings together multiple disciplines, including accounting, tax law, real estate, government and industry...
by Chris Swiecicki