There’s a big learning curve when trying to start and successfully run a business. Everyone makes mistakes during this process and even years into running their business. While some mistakes are easy to move past, some activities aren’t just errors. They’re illegal. Keep reading to learn about three business mistakes that are actually illegal so that you don’t accidentally make them and jeopardize the future of your business.
False Advertising
Most businesses sell a product or service. While attempting to sell that product or service, you have to advertise it. But some advertising goes a little over the top, promising things that aren’t possible and that the company can’t guarantee once someone makes the purchase. You might think it’s OK to stretch the truth a little bit when you advertise, but false advertising is actually illegal. If you include content in your ads that misleads, omits, or falsifies information that affects the customer’s purchase, you could face legal repercussions. Keep your advertising optimistic but honest.
Trademark Infringement
“Ignorance is bliss” doesn’t cover legal problems like trademark infringement. Even if you create a business name, tagline, and logo that you think is original, you need to double-check that before using it. Accidental trademark infringement can cause a pile of legal problems that your new business doesn’t want to deal with. Research your name, tagline, logo, and other forms of branding to make sure you’ve created something as original as possible before sharing it with the world. You can’t claim that you didn’t know when the internet can easily tell you otherwise.
Violating Waste Laws
Every person and institution, including your business, creates waste. You need to learn about common hazardous waste violations so that you can do your best to avoid them. If you’re not sure whether your waste is hazardous, you can hire professionals to test it. The four characteristics that professionals will look for are whether the waste is ignitable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. If your waste has any of those characteristics and you’ve already sent some to a normal landfill or let people handle it without protective equipment, you could get in a lot of trouble.
False advertising, trademark infringement, and violating waste laws are three common business mistakes that are actually illegal. Taking the time to thoroughly research the laws in your area and consult with professionals, including legal professionals, can help you avoid making these mistakes. If you think you or someone else in your business has already accidentally committed one of these illegal activities, consult with a legal professional. Make sure the professional is familiar with federal and local laws so that they can help you discern the best way forward for your business.
