The Legal Jim Podcast is a weekly online business and legal show featuring information on how to start, build and legally protect your online business. We discuss everything from LLC’s to launching your online business, from contracts to Youtube, and everything in between. Jim is not your father’s lawyer – he is a husband and father to three awesome kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 3 fish and a turtle named Fred. He has built his online business on the back of his extremely popular Youtube channel that ...
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Picking an Awesome Name for your Business with Alexandra Watkins
1:02:39
1:02:39
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In this episode of The Legal Jim, we interview Alexandra Watkins about what makes a great name for your business, as well as how to avoid a bad name. We talk about her signature SMILE and SCRATCH methods for picking amazing and memorable brand names. Don’t miss this episode! Check out Eat My Words. Follow Alexandra Watkins on Linked In. Would you l…
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Should You Use a Virtual Address for Your LLC?
12:34
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When and why should you use a virtual business address for your LLC? In today’s episode of The Legal Jim, we will be reviewing all of the ins and outs that come with virtual addresses, including what they are, the main benefits of using a virtual address, and the limitations of virtual addresses (i.e. what they should NOT be used for). Would you li…
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How to Register Your Trademarks Quickly and Easily Using My 4R Framework™
17:27
17:27
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In my law firm I have developed a special process to help online entrepreneurs register and protect their trademarks as quickly and easily as possible. I call it the 4R Framework. In today’s episode I break down the four main areas of this framework to help you understand everything you need to know to get your trademarks protected as quickly as po…
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So you’ve picked an amazing name for your business, and you want to make sure it is protected by filing a trademark application. But hold your horses - before you run out and spend a lot of money filing an application with the USPTO, you must make sure nobody else is using your chosen trademark. In today’s episode, I will walk you through step-by-s…
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How to Come Up with an Awesome Trademark Name
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18:31
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If you are wondering how to get a trademark, it all starts with your name. In today’s podcast episode, we will be talking about how to pick the best trademark name to maximize the likelihood that you will ultimately get the trademark. Would you like to work with Jim on a deeper level? Click here to schedule a strategy call and learn how we can help…
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Paying yourself is likely one of the most confusing aspects of starting a business. Not only do you have to decide how much to pay yourself, but you also have to plan for taxes, make sure you have enough cash left over to operate your business, and determine an appropriate cadence for taking a salary or draw from your business. In today’s podcast w…
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Many people who set up their LLC on their own don’t realize just how much goes into this process. There are so many opportunities for mistakes and things to overlook. Would you like to work with Jim on a deeper level? Click here to schedule a strategy call and learn how we can help you to protect your online brand. (https://hawthornlaw.net/) If you…
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8 Common Mistakes People Make with their LLC
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In today’s episode of The Legal Jim we will be reviewing 8 of the most common mistakes we see people make over and over when they are setting up their LLC’s. Everything from filing in the wrong state (and why this is BAD) to using the wrong address, to not using a Registered Agent, this episode is packed with a tremendous amount of information! Wou…
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Build a Business Like a Franchise with Josh Brown
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If you are wondering how to systematically build and grow your business like the big franchises do, then today’s episode will be perfect for you. Today I welcome Franchise Lawyer Josh Brown onto the show to talk about the legal and practical things you need to do to take your business to the next level. Whether you are looking to take your brand to…
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Do you REALLY need to hire a trademark lawyer?
13:51
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Yesterday I returned to Lisbon from a long weekend in the Azores, which are a group of islands in the North Atlantic that fall under Portuguese control. After two days of trying to explore the island of São Miguel on our own, we gave up and hired a local guide for our last full day on the island. Which begs the question… is an expert really necessa…
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Navi Maraj is an accountant and CPA who works with small businesses to save them money on taxes. He also has created a course to teach people all the ins and outs of bookkeeping so that they can deliver a clean set of books to their tax preparers each year. In today’s episode we talk about some of the most underused methods to save money on your ta…
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Launching an Online Store and Staying Off Brand
52:55
52:55
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In today's episode of The Legal Jim, I had the pleasure of interviewing Scott Ohsman, Hayley Brucker and Summer Jubelirer from The Always Off Brand Podcast. These three amazing people are experts in all things e-commerce, specifically selling on Amazon. Whether you are just starting out and selling a couple thousand dollars a month, or you are a bi…
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Putting Your Customers First to Grow an Amazing Business with Kerrie Fitzgerald
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In today's episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Kerrie Fitzgerald. Kerrie is an amazing entrepreneur that built a subscription business from nothing to amazing in just a few short years... all without using any paid ads! Kerrie's strategy was to create robust and amazing client experiences, promote customer referral programs, and host month…
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How to LEGALLY Start a Business (in 2023)
31:21
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Are you thinking about starting a business this year? Or maybe you have already started one but aren’t sure if you did it the right way? Not to fret, in this episode we are going to take you by the hand, and walk you step-by-step through everything you need to do to make sure your business is set up for success… legally speaking of course. Whether …
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3 Deadly Mistakes People Make (or Don't Make) with Their Brands
13:44
13:44
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In today’s episode we review 3 mistakes I see people make with their intellectual property all the time. If you are building a brand, or thinking about building a brand, then pay careful attention to this episode! I'm writing a book! To join the Fan Club and get access to early release chapters, behind the scenes updates on what it is like to write…
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Trademark vs Copyright: Can you tell the difference? (Episode 37)
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I remember back in law school when I first started learning about trademarks and copyrights. I hadn't a clue what the difference was between them, or what they would have meant for my future business ventures. You probably feel the same way. That's why I decided that this weeks video would be a little different than ones I've done in the past. It's…
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How long the trademark process ACTUALLY takes…
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This is one of the most common questions i get from clients during our consult calls. And unfortunately it is taking longer now than ever before to process a trademark application. Find out just HOW long in this quick tip episode.By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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If you are thinking about getting your trademark registered, you may also be wondering what the best way is to do it. In today's video I share the 4 different ways to get your trademark registered (depending on your budget), as well as my favorite recommendation. Learn more about how a trademark can help you to claim the legal rights to your brand:…
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How can I represent clients across the United States…from Portugal?
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Lots of people want to know how I can represent clients across the United States from my law firm in North Carolina... that I run from Portugal. In today’s quick episode I explain how it works!By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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36: What is the Best Type of Trademark Application to File?
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What is a combination mark logo, and should you use one for your online business? In today’s episode I’m going to explain what a combination mark logo is, and my thoughts on whether you should or should not attempt to register one of these trademarks for your business when you are just starting out.By James Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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35: I Did a Trademark Search and Nobody is Using My Name...
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Are you wondering if your company name is available for use? Many people do what they believe is a proper trademark search, think their name is available and then don’t know what to do next. That is what we are going to talk about on today’s episode. What do you do after you have done a trademark search and determined that nobody is using your name…
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34: How to Pick the Right Name for Your Business
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When you are first starting in business, deciding on the right business name can be tough. But even more difficult may be deciding whether to name your business after yourself or to pick a new brand name for your business. In today’s episode we will review some of the reasons why a brand name might be better than a personal name for your business a…
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What is a trademark anyway? Most online entrepreneurs are using trademarks in their business and don’t even realize it. Investing in a trademark registration is one of the single-most important financial commitments you can make in your business. It will increase the value of your business and make your brand more recognizable in the marketplace.…
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Have you ever wondered what the right way to pay yourself is? Are you worried about writing yourself a check? Not sure how much to take? How often to run payroll? We tackle all of these questions and even more in this weeks episode of The Legal Jim.By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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31: The White Lives Matter Trademark is Getting interesting
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15:18
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There is a dispute that is just getting started around the White Lives Matter trademark application that was filed last month. Two radio hosts are now seeing the White Lives Matter trademark application through the USPTO system… but do they have any real intent to use it or do they just want to stop other people from using it? Right now, it is uncl…
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30: Should You Wait to File Your Trademark?
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Many people think, especially those of you that are just getting started with your online business, that you should wait to file your trademark. In your mind, trademarks are only for startups and established businesses. In today’s episode of The Legal Jim, we are going to debunk the myths surrounding when you should file your trademarks so that you…
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What do you do if a copycat is stealing your content? First of all, you should be thankful. You’ve officially hit the big time. What do I mean by this? If you are an online entrepreneur who is just getting started with no followers or revenue, then chances are nobody even knows who you are! But once you start to develop a following online, if you p…
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28: The 3 Best Types of Trademarks (Not all Trademarks are the same!)
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Did you know that there are five different types of trademarks? That’s right, not all trademarks are created equal. Some are easier to register while others will cost you less to educate your customers about. And still others are not capable of registration at all. Picking the correct trademark for your brand is incredibly important. And if you pic…
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27: 2022 Year End Legal Checklist (Save Big on Taxes!)
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It’s that time of year again! The time of year when it is time to start thinking about how you can save a ton of money on your 2022 tax bill before it is too late! In today’s episode, I review 8 ways to save money on taxes by doing things that you are probably already doing! Let’s get to it!By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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26: How Long does it REALLY take to Get a Trademark Registered?
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Are you wondering how long does it take to get a trademark? in today’s episode we walk you through everything you need to know, including what needs to happen in the first two weeks before you file your trademark application and why that timing is so important.By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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25: Do you REALLY Need a Trademark Lawyer to Handle Your Trademark Application?
20:33
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There are so many people who believe that they can DIY their legal work and save a lot of money. And while yes, it is possible to save some money on the front end while you try to handle your own legal work, what are the costs on the back end? Today we talk about the plusses and minuses related to drafting and filing your own trademark application.…
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If you are using or thinking about using a cool sounding name for your business, you may be wondering when you should trademark that name. In today’s episode, we talk about when you should start to think about trademarking your business name.By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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23: How to Properly Use the Trademark Symbols (™ and ®)
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Are you wondering what those little trademark symbols really mean? Or how to properly use them in your business? Then you are in luck. Today we break down everything you need to know about those symbols and share with you how to use them correctly in your business to make sure your are legally protected and not running afoul of the USPTO. Because t…
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22: Why thinking you will NEVER get sued is a mistake...
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Are you one of those entrepreneurs who puts off legal “because I’ll never get sued”? This is a great way to save some money and time by punting the ball down the road… until it isn’t. But chances are, getting sued by a client or customer is the least of your concerns. In today’s podcast, we talk about what the biggest risks to your business are and…
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Many people are confused about what trademarks they should file first. Should you go with your business name? The name of your podcast? Your slogan or logo, or even you signature course? Today we review which types of trademarks you might have in your business, which to register first, and why you shouldn’t register them all at the same time.…
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20: But My Business isn't Ready for a Trademark...
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Most entrepreneurs who are just starting out think they aren’t ready to register their trademarks on a Federal level. They think that filing for trademark protection is only for large, established businesses. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of the biggest legal risks to your business is not securing the legal rights to your brand name.…
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Chances are, you have more intellectual property in your business than you know about. But most online business owners have never taken inventory of their IP, let alone taken the steps necessary to protect it. In today’s episode, we dig into the different types of trademarks you need to protect in your business, why it is important to protect those…
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018: The Most Common Reason Your Trademark Application Will Get Denied
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If you are an entrepreneur who is looking to start and build a profitable brand online, one of the first things you need to do is claim the legal rights to your name. Unfortunately, there are two huge mistakes that people make when filing trademark applications on their own that will cause their filing to get rejected. This will not only cost you a…
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017: How to PROPERLY Name Your Business (legally speaking)
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When talking to entrepreneurs about setting up their businesses legally, one of the most common hurdles I see is that people aren’t sure how to come up with a name for their business. In this process, they make one of three easily avoidable mistakes. We talk about all three of these mistakes, how to avoid them, and more in today’s episode of The Le…
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016: How to Legally Protect Your Online Business
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19:22
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In this episode of The Legal Jim, we will be reviewing the 4 things you need to do to get your business legally protected. They include: 1) creating separation between your personal and business lives; 2) Claiming the legal rights to your online persona (i.e. brand); 3) Protecting your relationships with clients, contractors and vendors; and, 4) Pr…
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015: Should You Form an LLC for Your Online Business?
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Today’s episode seems like it is all about LLC’s, but I’ll be weaving in some trademark and branding snippets as well. Here are some of the things we will discuss… What is an LLC? Why is forming an LLC important? Should you form an LLC before you Trademark your name? Why I recommend forming an LLC when you are just getting started…
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014: Trademarks vs. Copyrights... What's the Difference?
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In today’s episode we are going to breakdown the differences between trademarks and copyrights, including what they are in simple to understand language. If you have an interest in protecting the intellectual property in your business, then this is a can’t miss episode!By Jim Hart, Trademark Lawyer
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013: The #1 Biggest Legal Mistake Online Entrepreneurs are Making
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Today, I want to talk to you about the #1 legal mistake that I see entrepreneurs make time and time again, and what to do about it. So for most of you, when you started your business, you probably didn’t think too long or hard about the name you used for your business. Instead, maybe you did a domain name search to see if your chosen domain was ava…
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012: Top Youtube Mistakes that Will DESTROY Your Channel Growth
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In today's episode we share the top 3 mistakes that I see Youtubers make repeatedly on their channels. Many people get started on Youtube and think that things are as easy as recording and posting a video. But if you want your channel to grow, you must pay attention to some very important details. And that is what I'm going to share with you today.…
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011: How to Pay Yourself... It's Easier than You Think!
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One of the most common questions many online business owners have is "how do I pay myself"? If you are used to getting a paycheck your entire life, you may be wondering how to handle payroll when you own your own business. In today's episode I demystify this topic and outline my three step approach to making sure you are handling your payroll the r…
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010: Ten Tax Strategies to Help You Save $$$ on Your 2021 Tax Bill
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Are you looking for ways to save on your taxes before the end of the year? Look no further, today we will be discussing 10 easy to implement tax strategies that you can put into play before the end of the year to help you save thousands on your 2021 tax bill. Click here to join OB Foundations during our Cyber Week Deal: https://www.obfoundations.co…
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009: What is Your Reason for Starting an Online business?
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What is your purpose? What are you trying to achieve online? Why are we doing all this in the first place? Why ask this question? Today we are going to get philosophical on the podcast and go deep on what your true purpose is and how that will impact your choice to start an online business. SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES Give us a Rating & Review…
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008: Should you file your LLC now or wait until next year?
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One of the biggest questions I get from my online business clients is whether they should file their LLC now or wait until next year. This is an especially tricky question here at the end of the year when both options are equally plausible. In today's episode I will walk you through my thought process on this and how and why I made the decision to …
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007: How to Scale Your Service Based Business
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Whether you are just getting started with your online business, or a seasoned veteran, growing and scaling your business is something that many entrepreneurs struggle with. In today's episode we are going to be talking about how to start the process of scaling your business so that you can reach more people and have a bigger impact in your communit…
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006: 4 Contracts You MUST have for your Online Business
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Whether you are just getting started with your online business, or you are a seasoned veteran, there are 4 foundational contracts you need for your business. In today's episode we talk about what those contract are, why you need them, where to put them on your website, and everything else you may need to know about these incredibly important docume…
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