Charles Mudd moderates and speaks at “Legal Considerations for Entrepreneurs, Founders, and Startups” on May 7, 2013 at the ISBA Chicago Office. Charles also will speak about NDAs.
Program Coordinator/Moderator:
Charles L. Mudd Jr., Mudd Law Offices, Chicago
agenda
8:55 – 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
Charles L. Mudd Jr., Mudd Law Offices, Chicago
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. When Do You Need an Attorney?
You want to begin a startup or jump into entrepreneurship, but time and money are limited. You may think to handle some of the legal issues yourself. But some early do-it-yourself tasks can have costly or even business-fatal consequences – making it important for you to know when you need an attorney and when you do not. This segment provides guidance on when a startup, founder, and/or entrepreneur needs an attorney, what one can safely do without the assistance of an attorney, and how your characteristics can impact the decision.
Daniel Kegan, Kegan & Kegan, Ltd., Chicago
9:45 – 10:30 a.m. What You Should Know About Copyright & Trademark
Any startup will likely begin with a name and branding concerns. Moreover, content in the product description, code, or other creative output will need to be protected through copyright. This presentation discusses basic concepts for entrepreneurs, founders, and startups to consider as they move forward with launching their business.
Joseph T. Nabor, Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery, LLP, Chicago
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break (beverages provided)
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. What are Patents and When Do You Need One?
Get the information you need to know about patents, what you can do yourselves, and when you need an attorney. Topics include: understanding what a patent is, patent licensing issues, patent issues that can arise in business transactions, and patent litigation.
Eugene F. Friedman, Friedman & Friedman, Ltd., Chicago
Christopher J. McGeehan, McGeehan Technology Law, Ltd., Chicago
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. You Can’t Just Call It “Trade Secret”: Understanding Trade Secret Protection
As a possible alternative to patents and to protect the confidential nature of business information, you may consider trade secrets; however, one cannot obtain protection by simply calling information a “trade secret.” Join us for this informative presentation and discover the steps needed to establish a viable argument for trade secret protection.
Stephanie M. Snyder, Mudd Law Offices, Chicago
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Privacy, Internet, Data Protection, and EU Considerations
This comprehensive overview examines a number of privacy issues a startup must consider – from the privacy interests in directing the products and services to the consumers, to employing individuals and expanding outside the geographical boundaries of the startup’s home country.
Theresa V. Johnson, Law Office of Theresa V. Johnson, Westmont
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Politics and Non-Disclosure Agreements: Balancing Trade Secrets with Business Development
Many entrepreneurs and startups begin with concepts and ideas believed to be proprietary and novel. With this belief, many founders and entrepreneurs either want to share all of their ideas with everyone or share the ideas with no one absent an agreement maintaining confidentiality (Non-Disclosure Agreements or NDAs). Attorneys often will counsel clients to refrain from disclosure until a signed NDA is in hand. However, requests for NDAs must be timed properly. Too soon, and business opportunities will quickly evaporate. Too late, and your ideas may find themselves leaving you behind. This presentation will address these issues in discussing how to navigate the political aspects of using NDAs.
Charles L. Mudd Jr., Mudd Law Offices, Chicago
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Choosing the Best Business Structure
All startups must determine what form of legal entity will best suit the needs of the startup and its focus. In this session, the speaker addresses important considerations in determining which entity should be employed to facilitate the startup objectives.
William A. Price, Growth Law, Warrenville
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)
3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Labor and Employment Considerations
Gain a better understanding of which labor and employment issues are important for you to consider. Topics include: asking the right questions when trying to hire the right person for the job; documenting the terms and conditions of employment and keeping legally-required records on file; understanding exempt vs. non-exempt employees regarding overtime and complying with wage payment laws; knowing how the employment area is regulated by OSHA standards and other administrative agencies; and the consequences of failing to train managers and supervisors.
Richard A. Russo, Davis & Campbell LLC, Peoria
3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Small Business Innovative Research (“SBIR”) Program
Funding and resources need not only come from angel investors or venture capitalists. This segment discusses the Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) as a unique resource for your startup!
Alan R. Singleton, Singleton Law Firm, P.C., Champaign
4:30 – 4:45 p.m. Closing: Ethical Business & Legal Practice among Startups*
This brief overview promotes best practices among startups and their attorneys.
Charles L. Mudd Jr., Mudd Law Offices, Chicago
Non-Lawyer (No discounts apply):
$290, if received by ISBA prior to Wednesday May 01, 2013