Episode 17.10 The Legal Side of Business Women Ignore
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In this empowering episode of *Women With Vision*, host Tam sits down with Elizabeth Yang, a dynamic attorney and entrepreneur based in LA, to discuss the often-overlooked legal foundations that every woman building a business must understand. Elizabeth shares her journey from engineering to intellectual property law, and how a personal experience with a lengthy divorce led her to expand into family law—now a major part of her practice. She emphasizes the critical importance of protecting business assets early, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents, warning that failing to do so can result in costly rebranding later. She also dives into the risks of informal business partnerships and the value of written agreements. The conversation shifts to family law, where Elizabeth advocates for 'social marriage'—a non-legal union based on mutual agreement—as a way to avoid the high stakes of divorce, especially in California’s 70% divorce rate. She highlights prenuptial agreements as a practical tool, even if not always enforceable, and unpacks cultural dynamics, particularly in Asian communities, around in-laws and intergenerational living. Elizabeth also shares her innovative virtual assistant company based in the Philippines, which has saved her firm money and provided meaningful employment, while humorously revealing her new comedy aspirations. The episode closes with a heartfelt connection and invitation to attend her upcoming comedy show.
Protect your business IP (trademarks, copyrights, patents) before launching—don’t wait for a cease-and-desist letter.
Document all business agreements in writing; avoid 'handshake deals' with partners or family members.
Consider a prenuptial agreement or social marriage to protect assets and avoid high-stakes divorce battles.
Global IP protection requires separate filings in each country—U.S. registration doesn’t cover international markets.
Virtual assistants overseas can reduce costs and legal risks while providing high-quality support.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Introduction to Elizabeth Yang and the Legal Blind Spots for Women Entrepreneurs
“Too many people start up their businesses and then a few years later, they get a cease and desist letter. And then all of a sudden, they have to rebrand everything.”
The Critical Role of Intellectual Property in Business Building
“If they trademark their name, no one can copy their name. And also it confirms that they're not also infringing on someone else's trademark.”
Global IP Protection and Licensing Agreements
The conversation explores how U.S. IP rights don’t extend globally, and how licensing agreements enable business expansion—both domestically and internationally.
The Hidden Dangers of Informal Business and Family Agreements
“Too many times entrepreneurs start their business and maybe they have a partner that they trust... a handshake deal should be okay. That's where we end up handling most of our litigation cases.”
Social Marriage, Prenups, and Cultural Realities in Relationships
“Most people who sign a legal marriage document don't even read the terms of the contract. It's like the only contract that people sign blindly and they just hope for the best.”
“Most people who sign a legal marriage document don't even read the terms of the contract. It's like the only contract that people sign blindly and they just hope for the best.”
“Too many people start up their businesses and then a few years later, they get a cease and desist letter. And then all of a sudden, they have to rebrand everything.”
“If they trademark their name, no one can copy their name. And also it confirms that they're not also infringing on someone else's trademark.”
Host
Guest
Elizabeth Yang
person
Tam
person
California
place
trademark
other
virtual assistant
other
Yang Law Offices
organization
copyright
other
Philippines
place
patent
other
Social Marriage
other
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