Business Law

Business Law

Ultra Vires Doctrine

By Aaron Hall · February 28, 2025

The Ultra Vires Doctrine is a legal concept rooted in English common law that limits the actions of entities, such as corporations and government agencies, to those explicitly granted by law or …

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Business Law

Fair Market Value Clause

By Aaron Hall · February 27, 2025 · Updated April 7, 2025

A Fair Market Value (FMV) Clause establishes a benchmark for asset valuation in transactions. It defines FMV as the price agreed upon by a knowledgeable buyer and seller under normal market …

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Business Law

Anti-Assignment Clause

By Aaron Hall · February 15, 2025 · Updated April 7, 2025

An anti-assignment clause is a contractual provision that restricts or prohibits the transfer of rights or obligations to third parties. Its primary purpose is to maintain the integrity of the …

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Business Law

Unilateral Amendment Clause

By Aaron Hall · February 12, 2025 · Updated April 7, 2025

A unilateral amendment clause permits one party to alter contract terms independently, raising significant concerns regarding fairness and enforceability. Such provisions can lead to power imbalances, …

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Business Law

Springing Guaranty Clause

By Aaron Hall · February 7, 2025 · Updated February 11, 2025

A springing guaranty clause is a contractual mechanism that activates the guarantor’s obligations upon specific triggering events, such as borrower defaults. It enhances the security of …

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Business Law

When Do You Need a DBA?

By Aaron Hall · May 23, 2024 · Updated February 26, 2026

The Strategic Advantage of Using a DBA for Your Business Understanding the Role of a DBA in Business A ‘Doing Business As’ (DBA) is not just a formality—it’s a strategic tool for businesses of all …

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Business Law

These Businesses Never Fail

By Aaron Hall · July 24, 2023 · Updated September 6, 2023

Unveiling the Timeless Gems: Businesses That Stand the Test of Time Starting a business is often accompanied by risks and uncertainties, making the entrepreneurial journey a challenging one. While …

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Business Law

The Scam of Passive Income

By Aaron Hall · July 20, 2023 · Updated February 28, 2024

The Passive Income Myth: Unveiling the Scam Behind It In recent years, the concept of passive income has gained significant popularity, enticing individuals with promises of financial freedom and …

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Business Law

Is a Land Trust Necessary?

By Aaron Hall · July 18, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2026

In the realm of real estate and property ownership, the term “land trust” often emerges as a topic of interest. But what exactly is a land trust? To comprehend its significance and benefits, we need …

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Business Law

How to Add Money to Your LLC

By Aaron Hall · July 10, 2023 · Updated February 28, 2024

Contributing funds to your limited liability company (LLC) is an essential step in establishing and maintaining its financial stability. Whether you’re starting a new venture or injecting additional …

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Business Law

When Do You Need a DBA?

By Aaron Hall · June 27, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2026

 Unveiling the Need for a DBA: When is it Required? Starting a new business venture often involves making important decisions, including choosing a name that reflects your brand and resonates with …

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Business Law

Who Owns the Photo?

By Aaron Hall · June 22, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2026

Do You Have a Right to Photos of You? In today’s digital age, where smartphones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and social media platforms encourage photo sharing, the issue of personal …

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Business Law

What Are the Types of Taxes?

By Aaron Hall · June 16, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2026

 The Types of Taxes Taxes provide the necessary funds for governments to provide public services, infrastructure, and various social programs. However, navigating the intricate world of taxes can be …

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Business Law

What If the Band Breaks?

By Aaron Hall · June 14, 2023 · Updated September 6, 2023

Few things are as heart-wrenching for music fans as the breakup of their favorite band. The end of a musical era can be a bitter pill to swallow, but the breakup of a band often brings about another …

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Business Law

Can a DBA Get a Bank Loan?

By Aaron Hall · June 6, 2023 · Updated September 6, 2023

When it comes to financing their business ventures, entrepreneurs often explore various avenues, including seeking bank loans. However, for individuals operating as a DBA (Doing Business As) or sole …

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Business Law

One LLC Not Enough?

By Aaron Hall · June 2, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2026

Should You Have a Second LLC for Your Business? When starting a business, one of the most important decisions you need to make is choosing the right legal structure. Many entrepreneurs opt for a …

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Business Law

Can AI Replace Lawyers?

By Aaron Hall · May 31, 2023 · Updated February 26, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant advancements in various industries, raising questions about its potential to replace human professionals. The legal profession is no exception, as AI …

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Business Law

How to Get Paid in Your LLC

By Aaron Hall · May 16, 2023 · Updated February 25, 2026

Most LLC owners don’t receive a paycheck. Instead, they take profit distributions—transferring money from the LLC’s bank account to their personal account. Here’s how it works and what to watch out …

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Business Law

Insurance For Each DBA?

By Aaron Hall · May 6, 2023 · Updated September 6, 2023

When operating a business under a Doing Business As (DBA) name, it is essential to protect your interests and mitigate risks through appropriate insurance coverage. DBA entities encompass a wide …

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Business Law

20 FAQ About Interrogatories

By Aaron Hall · December 19, 2022 · Updated January 20, 2023

This article answers common questions asked by people about interrogatories. What are interrogatories? Interrogatories are written questions that one party in a legal proceeding may serve on another …

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Business Law

How Much Does a Lawsuit Cost?

By Aaron Hall · October 28, 2022 · Updated October 19, 2023

 The cost of a lawsuit can vary depending on a number of factors, including the jurisdiction, the type of case, and the complexity of the issues involved. Some common costs associated with a lawsuit …

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Business Law

What Is a DBA?

By Aaron Hall · October 24, 2022 · Updated September 6, 2023

In this video, you’ll get answers to these questions: What is a DBA? Why would you want a DBA? Who can get a DBA? How do you get a DBA? How long does a DBA last? What is an assumed name? (Minnesota) …

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Business Law

Estoppel Law in Minnesota

By Aaron Hall · April 14, 2020 · Updated March 9, 2026

In this video, you get answers to these questions: What is an example of estoppel? When does this come up? What is an example of estoppel coming up in litigation? How do you avoid claims of estoppel …

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Business Law

What is a Demand Letter?

By Aaron Hall · March 24, 2020 · Updated February 26, 2026

In this video, you get answers to these questions: What is a demand letter? What are the takeaways from this lawsuit? Why is it important to hire an attorney when responding to a demand letter? Why …

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Business Law

Why Do Lawyers Use Legalese?

By Aaron Hall · February 2, 2020 · Updated February 26, 2026

In this video, you get answers to these questions: Why do lawyers use legalese? What are two reasons why lawyers will use legalese? Video Transcript Why do lawyers use legalese? That’s the question …

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Business Law

What is the Court of Equity?

By Aaron Hall · January 31, 2020 · Updated September 6, 2023

 In this video, you will get answers to these questions: What is the court of equity? What is the history of the court of equity? How is the court of equity used today? What does it take to be an …

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Business Law

What is Good Cop, Bad Cop?

By Aaron Hall · January 27, 2020 · Updated February 26, 2026

In this video, you will get answers to these questions: What is good cop, bad cop? How do you use good cop, bad cop in a negotiation? What are some examples when used by lawyers? Video Transcript …

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Business Law

Quid Pro Quo?

By Aaron Hall · December 27, 2019 · Updated February 26, 2026

In this video, you get answers to these questions: What is the definition of quid pro quo? What is an example of quid pro quo? Video Transcript What is a quid pro quo? What does quid pro quo mean? …

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Business Law

How to Get Paid

By Aaron Hall · December 23, 2019 · Updated February 26, 2026

In this video, you get answers to these questions: What do you do when you have to wait for a large sum of money? What is a promissory note and confession of judgment? How do you agree to extend …

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Business Law

What Are Uncovered Assets?

By Aaron Hall · May 3, 2018 · Updated September 6, 2023

An uncovered asset is simply property or something else of value that has been revealed to exist. Uncovered means found or discovered. Assets are generally anything of value including money personal …

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Business Law

Failure To Object To Inventory May Result In Waiver Of Objection To Missing Asset In Account; Attendance At Hearing And Failure To File Written Objections Justify Allowance Of Account Without Notice To Party

By Aaron Hall · July 5, 2017 · Updated February 22, 2019

Minnesota Estate Planning Case: In re Guardianship and Conservatorship of Adeline V. Dorosh, A16-0113 (Minn.Ct.App. January 9, 2017) Case Summary: Failure To Object To Inventory May Result In Waiver …

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Business Law

Schedule of Members Template

By Aaron Hall · January 19, 2016 · Updated February 22, 2019

This is part five of a series on single owner LLC formation. Articles of Organization Initial Member Resolutions Member Resolutions Operating Agreement Schedule of Members Written Action of Organizer …

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Business Law

Operating Agreement Template

By Aaron Hall · January 19, 2016 · Updated March 9, 2026

This is part four of a series on single owner LLC formation. Articles of Organization Initial Member Resolutions Member Resolutions Operating Agreement Schedule of Members Written Action of Organizer …

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Business Law

Get a Grip on Your Business

By Aaron Hall · July 8, 2015 · Updated February 22, 2019

The following is a guest article from CJ DuBe’ of Achieve Traction. CJ will be speaking at our Minnesota CEO & Business Owner Conference on October 8. The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is …

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Business Law

Shape Shifting in the Law

By Aaron Hall · May 29, 2015 · Updated February 22, 2019

This is a guest article from Professor Daniel Kleinberger. Prof. Kleinberger is the director of the Mitchell Fellows Program at the William Mitchell College of Law. He was the reporter for the MSBA …

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Business Law

The Reporter’s Rejoinder

By Aaron Hall · May 22, 2015 · Updated March 9, 2026

This is a guest article from Professor Daniel Kleinberger. Prof. Kleinberger is the director of the Mitchell Fellows Program at the William Mitchell College of Law. He was the reporter for the MSBA …

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Business Law

Rites of Passage

By Aaron Hall · January 22, 2015 · Updated February 22, 2019

The following is a guest article from Thomas H. Hubler of Hubler for Business Families. Setting Expectations and Criteria for Next Generation Leaders is Essential Family businesses are all about the …

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Business Law

Theft of Trade Secrets

By Aaron Hall · November 3, 2014 · Updated February 22, 2019

Minnesota Supreme Court Upholds Half-Billion Arbitration Award Seagate Technology LLC and Western Digital, along with a former Seagate employee, Sining Mao, were involved in a long legal battle …

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Business Law

False Advertising

By Aaron Hall · September 25, 2014 · Updated February 22, 2019

Common-law and statutes allow for a cause of action when a company misrepresents the nature or characteristics of its goods to consumers. In Minnesota, a false statement in an advertisement is defined …

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Business Law

Minnesota Franchise Law

By Aaron Hall · September 22, 2014 · Updated September 7, 2023

Three Elements of Operating a Franchise in Minnesota Operating a franchise involves the combination of these three elements: A license to use a trade or service mark, The payment of a fee by the …

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Business Law

Minnesota Usury Law

By Aaron Hall · September 19, 2014 · Updated March 9, 2026

Minnesota’s Usury Law, which is codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 334, sets limits on the amount of interest that can be charged on any particular type of debt. Chapter 334 also does not allow …

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Business Law

Limited Liability Company

By Aaron Hall · September 18, 2014 · Updated February 22, 2019

Business owners are typically very good at, and excited about the business, however they may not be good at the legal issues that come with forming and owning a business. Business attorneys work with …

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Business Law

Minnesota Anti-SLAPP Statute

By Aaron Hall · August 25, 2014 · Updated October 2, 2019

2017 Update: Minnesota’s Anti-SLAPP Statute Ruled Unconstitutional The Minnesota Supreme Court held that Minnesota’s Anti-SLAPP Statute was unconstitutional as applied to claims at law alleging torts. …

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Business Law

Copyright

By Aaron Hall · August 14, 2014 · Updated February 22, 2019

Copyright is a form of intellectual property that grants the creator of an idea or work of art exclusive rights to the material. In order to copyright material it must be an original work and must be …

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Business Law

Trademarks

By Aaron Hall · August 14, 2014 · Updated February 22, 2019

The trademark registration process is not a very difficult process; however, it can be a long process. The typical process usually takes about 10 months, and if there are any errors or mistakes in the …

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Business Law

The Truth in Lending Act

By Aaron Hall · August 12, 2014 · Updated February 22, 2019

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) was originally passed in 1968 and focuses on the uniform disclosure of credit terms to facilitate consumers shopping for the best credit terms available to them. …

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Business Law

Conversion

By Aaron Hall · August 12, 2014 · Updated September 7, 2023

Conversion is unlawfully taking or using someone’s property in a way that prevents the lawful owner from enjoying the full rights and benefits of ownership. This article explains conversion law in …

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Business Law

Piercing the Corporate Veil

By Aaron Hall · July 11, 2014 · Updated June 2, 2020

“Piercing the corporate veil” is a legal doctrine that allows owners of a company to be liable for acts of the company. “Piercing the corporate veil” is widely accepted legal concept in Minnesota. …

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Business Law

Unfair Trade Practices

By Aaron Hall · April 21, 2014 · Updated March 9, 2026

Unfair Competition Unfair competition is not a tort with specific elements; instead it describes a general category of torts which courts recognize for the protection of commercial interests. …

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Business Law

Minnesota Petroleum Tax

By Aaron Hall · September 3, 2013 · Updated February 22, 2019

Licensing and Filing Information Inside this booklet Need help with your taxes? Information on: We’re ready to answer your questions! Getting a license Filing your monthly return Minnesota Department …

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Business Law

Minnesota Bankruptcy Law FAQ

By Aaron Hall · April 18, 2012 · Updated September 7, 2023

Minnesota bankruptcy law works hand-in-hand with U.S. federal bankruptcy law. For this reason, the information provided here explains federal and Minnesota bankruptcy laws as they generally apply to …

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Business Law

Private Nuisance Actions

By Aaron Hall · March 16, 2012 · Updated February 22, 2019

This post is part of a series of posts on Minnesota’s Public and Private Nuisance Laws. Separate from public nuisance but sometimes overlapping it, Minnesota statutes also recognize private nuisance. …

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Business Law

Minnesota Wage Levies

By Aaron Hall · March 14, 2012 · Updated February 22, 2019

A wage levy, sometimes referred to as a garnishment, is a legal action used to take up to 25 percent of a debtor’s wages to pay a debt. The wage levy notice to an employer includes a disclosure form …

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Business Law

Broadcaster Legal ID Laws

By Aaron Hall · February 14, 2012 · Updated May 23, 2024

Written by Attorney Joe Irby What is a legal ID and when must I run one? Are the requirements the same for radio and television? How do I run a legal ID on my booster/translator? Legal ID The Legal ID …

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Business Law

Unlicensed Broadcasting Laws

By Aaron Hall · February 14, 2012 · Updated May 23, 2024

Written by Attorney Joe Irby Unlicensed Broadcasting – Do I need a license to broadcast? An engineer once said “The FCC spends too much time going after pirates. As long as the station doesn’t …

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Business Law

Scams Targeting Attorneys

By Aaron Hall · November 16, 2011 · Updated June 12, 2023

I have heard from a number of attorneys that scam artists are targeting lawyers claiming to need legal help. I have decided to posts these email messages here in case other attorneys receive them and …

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