She Makes Waves

In this informative episode, I interview seasoned business attorney Sean Goodwin, who specializes in representing local businesses and creative individuals, including those in the salon industry. With over 16 years of experience, Sean dives deep into essential legal aspects that every aspiring salon owner should know. Our conversation spans topics like the importance of trademarks—from common law to state and federal levels—and how these can protect your salon's brand identity. Sean emphasizes the significance of proactive legal measures, such as having written employment contracts and choosing the right business address to avoid potential legal issues. The episode also sheds light on the new beneficial ownership information (BOI) filing requirements, which are crucial for avoiding hefty fines. Sean offers practical advice on how to select a unique and strong business name, whether it's fanciful, arbitrary, or suggestive. Additionally, he covers why enforcing your trademark rights is critical to maintaining t