Software including digital products and applications can be protected using various types of intellectual property (also known as IP).
Legal Guides
As a contractor you may encounter a wide variety of legal scenarios - from making sure your contracts are valid, to dealing with potential disputes.
Why your limited company might need a shareholders’ agreement
If you decide to set up a limited company with other people – either for contracting purposes or to run another type of business, how do you ensure that all of your shareholders (including yourselves) are protected in case something goes wrong? A well-drafted shareholders’ agreement might be the answer.
The risks of contracting without a written contract in place
Not all contractors start work with a signed contract in place. Here we consider the risks this may involve, and why a contract doesn’t necessarily have to be in writing for it to be legally binding.
Contracting and dealing with late payment problems
What contractors should do if a client or agency fails to pay an invoice ontime. How online software, organisation, and a knowledge of your rights will protect your cashflow.
Key things to look out for before signing a contract
Due to the emphasis often placed on IR35, contractors may enter into contractual agreements without fully understanding the practicality and implications of the other provisions contained within them. Here are some typical things to look out for before you sign on the dotted line.
Accidental contracts – take care when negotiating with clients via email
In this article, commercial solicitor Leigh Ellis explains why contractors should be careful when negotiating with potential clients, as you could unwittingly enter a binding contract during an email conversation if you don’t use the correct terminology.
How to choose a solicitor for your contracting business
As a professional contractor or small business owner, you may require legal guidance at some point. Typically, solicitors are able to offer advice on a wide range of issues, from checking over contracts to resolving disputes between you and clients – including late payment problems.
Taking on your first employee – ten basic steps
If you’re thinking of expanding the contract work you undertake into a larger business, taking on your first employee is a big move. Becoming an employer for the first time will inevitably mean dealing with some red tape, but the process should be trouble-free if you follow these ten steps.
Using the Small Claims Court without engaging a solicitor
Whether you’re a freelance contractor or run a small business, one of the most difficult things to manage is cash flow – especially if clients owe you money and you’re having trouble getting them to pay.
GDPR – a headache for businesses, an opportunity for contractors
GDPR, or the European General Data Protection Regulation, comes into effect on 25th May 2018. It’s a new regulation that every business in the country needs to be aware of, but what exactly is GDPR and how is it likely to affect clients and contractors?