Business Organization, Franchise Law, Communications & Media Law

Best Practices in Drafting Corporate Shareholder Agreements

by Peter Bauman - Senior Associate at Tharpe &... on 1/10/2013

Corporate shareholder agreements are vital for many companies with more than one shareholder, especially non-public companies with a limited number of persons owning shares. The shareholder agreement typically details the...more

FTC Green Marketing Guides

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 12/6/2012

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced the release of revised “Green Guides” on October 1, 2012. The Green Guides are intended to help marketers avoid making misleading environmental claims. The Green Guides are...more

Economic Forecast For Slow Growth

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 12/5/2012

Two major conclusions are found in a recent survey of economists by the Wall Street Journal: 1. Slow growth over the coming year 2. A recession is unlikely As reported by the Los Angeles Times, the survey of 48...more

Use Your Phone To Pay For Products And Services

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 11/29/2012

Businesses trying to stay ahead of the curve, and jumping on any possible competitive advantage, may now be looking towards the revolution in the payment process. Cash was once (maybe still is) king. Barter has been around...more

Responding To A Corporate Crisis

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 11/12/2012

A corporate crisis can arise without warning and from many causes. A journalist writes a story about exploited workers at a foreign factory where the company manufactures product. The CEO is charged with sexual...more

City of Los Angeles Waste Hauling Takes Big Step to Exclusive Franchise System

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 11/2/2012

The City of Los Angeles took another step towards granting exclusive franchises for commercial trash hauling within the City, franchises that would also cover large apartment complexes. Under a plan approved by two City...more

Corporate Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship: Part Four

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 10/31/2012

Fourth in a Series of Articles We began this series of articles by asking tough questions: Do corporations exist solely to maximize shareholder value and profit? Or do corporations also exist to serve a broader...more

CDFI Loans For Small Business

by Peter Bauman - Senior Associate at Tharpe &... on 10/29/2012

Small business often finds it difficult to borrow money for operations and growth from commercial banks or other traditional sources of financing. This is especially true in economically distressed communities. Government...more

Use Your Phone To Pay For Products And Services

by Peter Bauman - Senior Associate at Tharpe &... on 10/24/2012

Businesses trying to stay ahead of the curve, and jumping on any possible competitive advantage, may now be looking towards the revolution in the payment process. Cash was once (maybe still is) king. Barter has been around...more

Corporate Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship Part Two

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 10/17/2012

As a purely legal matter, corporate sustainability and social entrepreneurship require that we begin by asking the following question: Does the law of corporate governance permit social good as a primary focus and aim of...more

Corporate Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship: Part Four

by Peter Bauman - Senior Associate at Tharpe &... on 9/18/2012

Fourth in a Series of Articles We began this series of articles by asking tough questions: Do corporations exist solely to maximize shareholder value and profit? Or do corporations also exist to serve a broader...more

FTC Targets “Up To” Claims

by Robert Freedman - Partner at Tharpe & Howell,... on 9/18/2012

Advertising claims that are deceptive or misleading often draw the ire of the Federal Trade Commission. That’s why avoiding the use of potentially misleading or deceptive adverting is advisable. Of course, what seems...more

Beware: Changing Ownership of Company Radio Licences Could Cost You

by Varnum LLP on 2/17/2011

One of the most commonly overlooked regulatory agency approvals in a business transaction is FCC approval of radio license assignments and transfers - and the reason it is often overlooked is that many businesses are unaware...more