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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
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? […]
“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 […]
Non-solicitation and non-compete clauses are both common provisions that employers incorporate into employment agreements. While the two may have similarities, they are quite different provisions that accomplish separate goals. Note, too, that in 2019, Washington state revised its non-compete laws. This means that if your employment contracts include a non-solicitation and/or a non-compete clause, now […]
Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the Silenced No More Act on March 24, 2022. The new law places specific restrictions in the way employers use nondisclosure and nondisparagement provisions in employment agreements and independent contractor agreements. In light of Governor Inslee’s recent signing, employers with Washington employees should revise their employment agreements […]
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 […]
Congrats on the acquisition prospect! This is both an exciting and nerve-racking opportunity. Hiring an attorney during an acquisition is a natural expectation. The question we are addressing in this post is when to do so. Hire an Attorney Before Signing a Letter of Intent The early stages of the acquisition processes generally […]
Paid Family and Medical Leave in Washington State Washington State adopted the Paid Family and Medical Leave program in 2019. This law, in short, created a system where qualified employees who need to take time off to care for themselves, loved ones, or the birth or adoption of a child could take a certain amount […]