Protecting proprietary information and trade secrets is vital for the success of any business in Arizona. With a good understanding the legal framework and a practical approach, business owners can make informed decisions about protecting their business’s proprietary information and trade secrets.

The Family Medical Leave Act is a federal law that applies to employers with 50 or more employees and gives employees the right to unpaid leave for certain family or medical reasons, along with a right to return to their job or an equivalent position. If an employee’s leave request qualifies for FMLA leave, the employer must grant up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within any 12-month period to an eligible employee for certain family or medical reasons.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises often rely on banks for operating capital and business growth, and business owners assume responsibility for loan repayment through personal guarantees. Given the significant business and personal risks involved in business loans, understanding the Five Cs and the factors that banks consider when evaluating a business loan application is highly beneficial to borrowers. Business owners can also leverage this knowledge to enhance their chance

For any small- or medium-sized business owner, the decision to sign a lease agreement for commercial space is one of the most significant decisions the owner will make. . . . . Because the decision to lease commercial property is so important, every small-business owner or first-time tenant needs to understand the basics of commercial leases and seek advice from a legal professional.

Although not required by law, operating agreements are essential because they define the partnership relationship between the members, clarify the rights and responsibilities of members and managers, set up internal governance procedures, and establish the management structure for the LLC.

Subsidiary limited liability companies (LLCs) can be a very effective strategy for minimizing a parent company’s exposure to potential liability by transferring the liability risk to the subsidiary LLC. If the LLC becomes liable for some claim or debt, the liability is limited to the subsidiary LLC, which, in most cases, protects the parent company’s business assets from being used to pay the LLC's liability.