Small business owners, listen up! In this episode of Leadership Powered by Common Sense, attorney Kelli Jones shares legal considerations you need to know to protect your intellectual property and avoid legal consequences. But beware, you’ll be left wondering what will happen next when a shocking moment leaves Jones in a difficult situation with no resolution in sight.

Legal is one of those things where it sounds overwhelming and expensive to do initially, but if you don’t do it early and something happens, there’s only so much that I can do to help you fix it at that point.

My special guest is Kelli Jones

Meet Kelli Jones, a legal expert who has been practicing law for nearly ten years, with a keen focus on trademarks, contracts, and assisting business owners in securing their brands. After founding her own law firm several years ago, Kelli has made it her mission to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights, offering invaluable advice and personalized support. Her practical approach and commitment to client success make Kelli a trustworthy ally for any business owner looking to prevent legal pitfalls and protect their brand in today’s increasingly digital landscape.

This is Kelli Jones’s story:

Kelli Jones, a seasoned attorney with nearly a decade of experience, realized the importance of legal considerations for small business owners when she started her own firm three years ago. Specializing in trademarks and contracts, she has since worked tirelessly to help entrepreneurs protect their intellectual property and avoid costly mistakes. Kelli’s passion for guiding business owners through the complex legal process was ignited by witnessing the challenges they faced and the consequences of not addressing these issues early on. From trademarking their business name to understanding the implications of using copyrighted materials in marketing, Kelli has helped countless clients navigate the often-overwhelming world of legal matters with a friendly and approachable demeanor.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable legal knowledge to fortify your small business against unforeseen obstacles.
• Understand the crucial role of trademarks and intellectual property protection in maintaining momentum.
• Master the art of crafting contracts and building a robust business framework.
• Explore typical legal hurdles small businesses face, such as copyright complexities and social media management.
• Appreciate the value of seeking expert guidance from legal and financial professionals for enduring prosperity.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Trademark your business name and logo as early as possible to avoid potential legal issues later on.
• Conduct a comprehensive search before filing for a trademark to ensure that there are no pending or registered trademarks that could pose a risk to your brand.
• Check with your state and do a basic trademark search on the USPTO website to ensure that your business name and logo are not already in use.
• Use contracts in all business dealings to protect yourself and your business from legal issues down the line.
• Be mindful of intellectual property rights, including copyrights on social media content and videos.
• Avoid copying others’ work and instead focus on creating original content for your business.
• Consider seeking legal guidance early on in your business journey to avoid costly legal issues in the future.

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Watch the Video: