Entering into an Oregon business partnership is not unlike entering a marriage in that you likely enter with high hopes and confidence the partnership is going to work out. Yet, just like marriage, business partnerships sometimes run their course, and when yours does,...
Contracts
Avoiding third-party contract mistakes
As a business owner, protecting your company’s interests and minimizing risk whenever possible is essential. One way to do this is to consider your contracts with third parties and vendors carefully. Familiarize yourself with common contract mistakes to avoid trouble...
3 provisions to include in a non-compete agreement
A non-compete agreement is a contract between you and an employee in which the latter agrees not to work for a direct competitor of yours within a certain geographic region for a certain amount of time upon the termination of his or her employment. According to the...
3 questions to ask about buy-sell agreements
If you own a business with one or more co-owners, you should have a buy-sell agreement in place. This is a contract between co-owners that sets the price at which each partner can sell interest in a company. As with other contracts, a buy-sell agreement has to be...
Do your contracts contain these problem areas?
Form contracts have become the standard for many businesses, especially if you are just up and running. While a form agreement may prove helpful, you must proceed cautiously. A problem in one contract means a potential for that same one is high across the board....
A buy-sell agreement helps to create a smooth business succession
Many of the owners of privately held businesses are baby boomers who are in the process of transitioning from the working world into retirement. When a business has multiple owners, a plan for a smooth succession is essential, hence the need for a well-conceived...
Proposed rule could help small farmers negotiate better contracts
The United States Department of Agriculture is currently soliciting comments on a potential rule based on the provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. The goal of the new rule is to reduce the power imbalance between meat processors and small farmers to...
Why are expectations an important part of business contracts?
Business contracts can protect your company from unexpected circumstances and encourage compliance. However, these formal agreements lack clarity without clearly listed expectations. Giving each party the chance to disclose expectations can establish trust, boundaries...
Avoid these common non-compete agreement errors
When drafted with care and forethought, a non-compete agreement should help protect your Oregon business in the event that someone who works for you leaves and tries to work for a competitor. However, if you fail to take proper care when drafting your non-compete, it...
Essential elements of a legal contract
Many different types of legal contracts exist in the world of business. Some of these legal documents go on for pages and pages and cover many complex elements, while others cement an agreement in just a couple of pages. All contracts, though, contain several...