Are Online Legal Services Really Cheaper?

 

         At first, online legal services such as legalzoom.com, and legalhelpmate.com, seem like great tools for the cost-conscious, do-it-yourself small business owner.  There are a myriad of online services that allow business owners, entrepreneurs, and other individuals to create legal documents and corporate formation documents for businesses.  Services include trademark applications, patent applications, wills, and business incorporations.  But, in the long run, are these online services really cheaper?

 

The great thing about these online legal service providers is that you don’t have to graduate from law school or pass the bar exam to use these services.  These services can be effective for basic legal document creation, but are neither sources of legal advice nor do they offer recommendations or advise people on their legal rights.  Additionally, these sites take no legal responsibility for any document created: PERIOD!

 

If you are prepared to take the time to independently research the services that online legal service providers offer, and are aware that the only person held accountable for mistakes is yourself, then these online services might suffice for your needs.  However, if you wish to receive individualized legal advice, personal business counseling and insight from a legal professional, then you may wish to consult an attorney for assistance with your legal and business needs.

 

When you consult with an attorney, you are getting an entire package of experience, advice, and personal customer service.  An attorney can customize business documents to suit you and your business.  An attorney can save you the hassle of attempting to remedy a problem by yourself and usually is available for consultation at any time.  Yes, initially the services of an attorney cost more than self-help sites, but an attorney may save you long term costs and headaches. 

 

Simply put, you should consider all of your options before using online legal document services since the creation of certain legal documents are of the utmost importance to you and your business.

 

Post written by: Gina Franco

 

Advertising Material:
This blog is intended to assist clients, colleagues and friends in their overall familiarity of the areas of practice and the services offered by Jamie Pruitt Law. This blog is for advertising purposes only and nothing contained herein should be considered legal advice. Each person or business has different circumstances and must be counseled individually. Reading information contained in this blog does not create a legal relationship with Jamie Pruitt Law and the information contained herein is protected by law.  Jamie Pruitt Law does not endorse any website contained in this blog and makes no guarantee or warranty regarding any website or the authenticity of such site.  Unauthorized copying, alteration, display or distribution of any material is prohibited.

 

 

Artists and Commissioned Works

Generally, when an artist creates a work, he or she is the sole owner of the image and all rights associated with it.  However, there are some exceptions with regard to commissioned works.

 

Certain types of works an artist creates may belong to the commissioning party or, in some cases, the artist’s employer.  When a work is specially commissioned, or a “work made for hire” and there is an agreement classifying the commissioned work as such, the artist may not own the rights associated with that piece.  The “works made for hire” provision may apply to employees who create the work within the scope of his or her employment.  Additionally, employees that work for recording companies or motion picture production studios may also be creating work for hire.  Other works for hire include translations, manuals, test materials and other supplementary material.

 

It is important to protect yourself before signing any agreement involving your potential rights to artistic or creative work, or entering into an employment relationship based on your artistic or creative talents.  To learn more about your rights and works made for hire, contact Jamie Pruitt Law for assistance.

 

Post written by: Noor Kazmi 

Advertising Material:
This blog is intended to assist clients, colleagues and friends in their overall familiarity of the areas of practice and the services offered by Jamie Pruitt Law. This blog is for advertising purposes only and nothing contained herein should be considered legal advice. Each person or business has different circumstances and must be counseled individually. Reading information contained in this blog does not create a legal relationship with Jamie Pruitt Law and the information contained herein is protected by law. Unauthorized copying, alteration, display or distribution of any material is prohibited.