Hardware Podcasts

009: NDAs, Contracts, Insurance & Other Legal Tips with Gordon Firemark of Entertainment Law Update

Product Startup · 31 May 2016 · 53m

What this episode covers

Gordon Firemark, an entertainment attorney and host of the Entertainment Law Update podcast, advises product startups on navigating legal risks, emphasizing that NDAs have limited enforcement value compared to trusting reputable partners. He explains the distinctions between patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, warning against frivolous patenting and highlighting the importance of proper business entity formation (LLCs/Corporations) and comprehensive insurance to protect personal assets. Firemark also details the legal requirements for online businesses, including DMCA registration for safe harbor, FTC compliance for endorsements, and the critical distinction between employees and independent contractors to avoid liability.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Mako Design + Invent, Game Face Company, Nabisco, Kentucky Fried Chicken
Products
Coca-Cola, Oreo
Also
Entertainment Law Update, Shark Tank, Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban, RJBarrie, RSS, OK Corral, firemark.com, entertainment law update.com, podcast lawbook.com

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 57m

    #216 - Food Labeling Law 101 with Lauren Handel

    Lauren Handel, founder of Handel Food Law, explains the regulatory framework and litigation risks for CPG brands, distinguishing between FDA-regulated foods and USDA-regulated products. She details specific claim categories including nutrient content, 'natural,' 'organic,' and health benefits, emphasizing that consistency across packaging, websites, and advertising is essential to avoid costly class-action lawsuits. Handel advises founders to understand the difference between regulatory consultants and attorneys, noting that legal advice offers privilege and risk assessment that consultants cannot provide, while recommending third-party certifications to mitigate exposure to litigation.

    Certification & complianceMarketing & brand
    10 chapters

  • Embedded.fm · 1h 13m

    4: Are We Not Lawyers?

    Elecia White and Chris White, founders of Logical Elegance, discuss the realities of transitioning from full-time employment to independent consulting. They cover the distinction between contracting and consulting, the importance of networking and reputation in finding clients, and the financial mechanics of setting hourly rates to account for taxes, insurance, and downtime. The episode also details practical advice on contract negotiation, managing client relationships, and protecting work through backups and virtualization.

    Careers & educationPricing, margins & unit economics
    6 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 1h 04m

    #238 - Legal Ask-Me-Anything with Giannuzzi Lewendon

    Adam Marsh and Gabrielle McGonagle of Giannuzzi Lewendon, a CPG-focused law firm, answer legal questions from the Startup CPG Slack community. They advise founders on structuring friends and family rounds to avoid side letters that derail Series A, building data rooms early for institutional diligence, and negotiating term sheets to retain board control. The attorneys also warn against vague co-manufacturer agreements that can lead to IP ransom demands or product failures on shelf, and discuss the risks of using DIY tools like LegalZoom for entity formation.

    Fundraising & investorsManufacturing partners & offshoring
    10 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 53m

    #243 - Building Your Team Legal Considerations with Giannuzzi Lewendon

    Blake Horn and Ryan Hall, partners at the CPG-exclusive law firm Giannuzzi Lewendon, discuss the legal foundations of building a team for consumer packaged goods brands. They warn against informal equity promises and misclassifying employees as contractors, which can resurface during due diligence to derail exits or fundraises. The guests outline essential documents like offer letters, IP agreements, and employee handbooks, while explaining the nuances of vesting schedules and co-founder agreements specific to the CPG industry.

    Starting a product companyHiring & workforce
    7 chapters

  • Making It · 1h 05m

    Episode 171: Ant Insurance

    Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the practical and legal challenges of running a maker business, with a deep dive into liability insurance. Jimmy details his experience securing business insurance for a RAM truck sponsorship and realizing his homeowner's policy didn't cover his workshop activities. David shares his struggles with production companies requiring liability coverage for TV shoots and his strategies for managing risk with movers and waivers. Bob discusses the necessity of worker's compensation after hiring an employee and the importance of product liability insurance as his company, I Make Limited, scales.

    Pricing, margins & unit economicsDirect-to-consumer & e-commerce
    9 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Product Startup. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.