Protecting Your Business Name and Brand: Trademarks, Trade Names, and Domain Names

business owner at work

Starting a business in North Carolina requires more than a great idea and solid financing. One of the most important steps entrepreneurs often overlook is protecting their business name and brand identity. Whether you’re launching a craft brewery in Wilmington, opening a retail shop in Southeastern North Carolina, or expanding your company’s digital presence, understanding…

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Legal Requirements for Carrying Passengers for Hire: What Do North Carolina Vessel Operators Need to Know?

ferry boat

Coastal North Carolina’s thriving tourism industry creates abundant opportunities for commercial passenger vessel operations. Charter fishing boats departing from Wrightsville Beach, sunset cruises along the Cape Fear River, and sightseeing tours through the Intracoastal Waterway all share one common requirement: strict compliance with federal and state regulations governing vessels that carry passengers for hire. Whether…

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Understanding CAMA & Local Permits and Environmental Compliance for Coastal Development

coast of nc

Coastal North Carolina’s beautiful environment comes with important rules that balance protecting our natural resources with smart development. If you own property, develop land, or run a business along our coast, understanding how state Coastal Area Management Act (“CAMA”)  regulations work with local permits can make the difference between a smooth project and costly delays.…

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National Maritime Day – Postponed to May 26

Marchant Marine Wreath Laying Ceremony May 26, 2023 11:00 AM *This event was postponed from May 19th to May 26th due to inclement weather. Veterans’ Memorial in Riverfront Park201 N. Water St., Wilmington, NC National Maritime Day is in observation of our maritime heritage with a formal wreath-laying ceremony to honor those lost who served…

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How Can I Avoid Probate?

Probate and estate administration proceedings can be lengthy and uncertain. The process can create an opportunity for beneficiaries to challenge the validity of the deceased person’s will. For this reason, most people prefer finding ways to protect their loved ones from going through the costly probate process. Although avoiding probate and estate administration can be…

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What to Do After a Boating Accident

After a boating accident, your goal should be to make sure everyone involved is safe. If the boat is still afloat, do a quick headcount to confirm that everyone is still on board. If someone has fallen overboard, assist them in safely getting back into the boat. Once everyone has been accounted for, check for…

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What Is a Power of Attorney?

Power of attorney is a legal instrument that grants a designated person the power to make decisions on your behalf if you are not physically present or incapacitated. The agent may be responsible for managing your property, finances, and/or medical affairs. There are different types of powers of attorney, and different individuals can be designated…

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Spoliation Sanctions In Tennessee – An Overview

By: Joseph Horowitz Spoliation is the failure to preserve evidence. Parties to a lawsuit may not alter, destroy or conceal evidence. The penalties for spoliation can be harsh – such as striking a pleading, dismissal of an action, an adverse inference jury instruction or monetary penalties against the spoliator. This article will give an overview…

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