The Foundry Law Blog

New Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance to Take Effect Sept. 1

On September 1, 2022, the City of Seattle will have a new ordinance regrading independent contractors. The new law, labeled the Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance (ICPO), is designed to protect independent contractors from delayed payment and help them receive greater information about the terms and conditions of their work. The ordinance only applies to independent […]

Delaware or Washington: Where Should I Incorporate My Startup?

This is a common question that our attorneys often hear from Washington startups. While the specific answer will likely depend on your particular company and situation, there are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on your state of incorporation. Some of these include the requirements of incorporation, the overall cost of incorporation, […]

Are Non-Solicitation Clauses Enforceable?

A non-solicitation clause is a common provision that employers incorporate into their employment agreements. The clause essentially tries to protect a company’s clients. Under Washington law, non-solicitation provisions are generally enforceable provided that they meet certain conditions. What is a Non-Solicitation Provision? A non-solicitation clause is often used in an employment contract between an employer […]

The Importance of Information Security Policies & Why Your Company Needs One

Information security policies, also known as “ISPs,” refer to a collection of directives, regulations, and rules that advise and direct how an organization manages, protects, and distributes its information. These policies often cast a wide net, as they normally address all of an organization’s data, programs, systems, facilities, infrastructure, users, and third and fourth parties. […]

Are Electronic Signatures Valid in Washington?

In many instances, yes. Washington adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions ACT (UETA) in 2020. UETA sets forth specific requirements concerning the validity of electronic signatures for transactions related to business, commercial, and governmental matters. Learn of best practices to help ensure your business complies with the law. What Makes an Electronic Signature Valid in WA? […]

What Does Indemnity Mean and How Does it Impact my Business?

“Indemnity” is a legal term that often arises in discussions and dealings with business contracts. The term means that if one party to a contract suffers a loss because of a second party’s conduct, the second party has to compensate the first party. Please note, though, that the specific scope and effect of an indemnity […]

Hey, Foundry: Authorized Shares & Ownership

Email from a recently formed two founders start up: “Hey, Foundry, when you formed our corporation, I thought we had 10 million authorized shares. Why do we only have 4 million shares each and not 5 million if we are 50-50 owners?” At Foundry, we frequently receive questions like this. To start, it is standard […]

Trade Secret Basics – Protect Your Company’s Confidential Information

  A “trade secret” is generally defined as a piece of confidential information belonging to a company that provides the business with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. A few common examples include recipes, formulas, or presentations. While trade secrets can prove invaluable to a company’s success, owners must take appropriate steps to ensure their […]

Washington State LLC Builder For Multi-Member LLCs

If you have or are thinking about going into business with others, then you know how important it is to get the right legal foundation in place for your company. A solid foundation means less time spent debating issues as they arise and more time focused on what matters for your business. For new or […]