LLC Creation Checklist for California

Previously on the blog, we provided some general information about the formation requirements for various business entities. One of the most commonly utilized entities in California is the limited liability company (LLC). Generally speaking, the steps for forming an LLC in California include the following: Pick a Name for the LLC. Selection of the name is limited by the California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA). See California Corporations Code Section 17701.08. The...

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Mergers and Acquisitions News: Staples Plans Merger with Office Depot

Previously on our blog, we discussed the differences between mergers and acquisitions, as well as the recent increase in merger and acquisition activity. There has been increased activity across different industries to adapt to new market dynamics linked to changes in technology. The newest major merger announcement has come from Staples, the office supply giant. In order to stay competitive with goliath’s like Amazon and Wal-Mart, Staples has announced a plan to purchase Office...

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U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Takings Clause Case from California

In January 2015, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear a property case that originated in California dealing with whether the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the seizure of personal property as well as real property. The case, Horne v. U.S. Department of Agriculture, has already been before the United States Supreme Court before. In 2002 and 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (the “USDA”) forced the Horne family to take...

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Cardinal Change vs. Abandonment

Previously on the blog, we defined what constitutes a cardinal change in a construction contract. Importantly, California is one of the few states that differentiates between a cardinal change and the related legal theory of  “abandonment.”  It is important for property owners and contractors to understand the difference and the implications of both. A cardinal change is a change that goes beyond the permitted changes detailed in the contract.  It is usually a request so far outside...

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Non-Disclosure Agreements: Issues and Variations

Non-disclosure agreements (NDA) can be either a stand-alone contract or a provision of a contract within a larger contractual agreement or transaction or a stand-alone contract that typically requires an individual or entity to (1) refrain from disclosing information, (2) protect the confidentiality of information received, and only (3)  limit the use information for a specified purpose. Businesses use NDAs as an asset protection tool. This is especially true for businesses working with technology and other...

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