I had a great time talking with Laura and April over at Rein In Your Herd Podcast. On Episode 36, Legal Considerations for Horse Businesses with Jo Belasco, We discussed trademarks, liability, and business formation – all for equine businesses. Take a listen, and be sure to check out their other podcasts! Thanks Laura and April for having me on the show!
Posts by Jo
Holy or Holey Donut Trademarks
One of the biggest questions I get from businesses is why they should invest in getting a trademark registration. A recent donut debate shows the importance of protecting your brand. The Holy Donut in Maine received its federal trademark registration in 2016 (Registration number 5057631). While it is located exclusively in Maine right now, the company has enforced its trademark against businesses across the country. One way it has done so is to enter into a coexistence agreement if the infringing company is not located in New England. Doing so allows the other company to still use the name but
Border Collie Inherits $5 Million Trust
A recent news article at CNN reports on a Nashville Border Collie who is the subject of a $5 million trust. That’s a lot of balls, frisbees, sheep, and treats for the lucky BC. It turns out that when Bill Dorris, a successful businessman, died last year, he left a provision in his will to create a trust that ensures his Border Collie, Lulu, is taken care of for the rest of her life. He chose a friend, Martha Burton, who often took care of Lulu when Mr. Dorris went on trips, to take care of Lulu and to receive
Yes, You Really Do Need an Estate Plan
A common misconception is that only the very rich require an estate plan. That’s simply not true. An estate plan is simply the use of a will or trust and incapacity documents to take care of your assets when you die, and your health and business needs if you are ever incapacitated. If you have a bank account, a car, a home, or any other items, then you have assets. Those assets will pass to someone after you die. If you want to be able to control who gets those assets, then you need to have an estate plan. Massachusetts
Business Succession in Washington Post
The Washington Post published a good article about business succession. Does your estate plan include a business succession plan? While no one likes to talk about death, it’s important to have a plan for your business for when the inevitable happens. There are many options, from continuing the business to selling it to shutting it down. But your wishes won’t be followed unless you have a business succession plan in your estate plan. Contact me today at jo@windhorselegal.com or 617-991-8905 so we can make sure your business is taken care of by your estate plan.