• About
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Newsletter
  • More
    • Demographics & Advertising Rates
    • Terms & Conditions
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
No Result
View All Result
California Business Journal
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness
California Business Journal
angry couple

‘My Job is Planning the Divorce … On The First Date.’

Businesses develop esteemed and profitable brands. Attorney Relani Belous helps them protect it.

by Victoria Kertz, Staff Writer, California Business Journal
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

(Photo by lyndaspann.com)

Hollywood studios, big movies and new productions are on hold — as are the ancillary transactions with thousands of small businesses that typically rely on the media, entertainment and supporting industries for work.

While caution spills into early summer, there are still more questions than encouraging headlines, yet behind closed doors, and to quote the famous line by P.T. Barnum “the show must go on.” Or, in this case, “Business must go on.”

Actors may not be on stage, but entrepreneurs – and the recently-furloughed – are turning side hustles into burgeoning brands.

And the lawyers are as busy as ever.

One is Relani Belous, an Intellectual Property attorney, branding expert and principal of Belous Law Corporation in Los Angeles, California.

“It’s not business as usual,” she says. “It’s business as unusual. But you have to adapt.”

Belous, with previous in-house executive level legal experience at MGM and Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment, says America’s inherent resiliency will help the nation bounce back.

ADVERTISEMENT

When she advises clients, a mix of entertainment, tech, retail, and B2B companies, Belous emphasizes the importance of a Plan B. The prominent question still remains consistent: “Are you prepared for the worst possible thing that could happen?”

It starts, she quickly adds, with the foundation of what IP stands for: Brand Protection and Loyalty.

“It’s sometimes overlooked during the rush to market,” Belous says.

In the daunting age of pirated digital movies, counterfeit fashion goods, fake emails with questionable wire instructions and ‘click throughs’ to a rabbit hole of doomsday emails, “it’s more dangerous not to be protected.”

Consider brand impersonation.

“The last person an entrepreneur wants to call is a lawyer,” she says with a laugh. Yet, as a best practice, all new brands, joint ventures, burgeoning business or co-marketing arrangements should be legally binding in writing, with proposed marks or brand monikers filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office post haste.

“There are other things that loom in the background like employment laws, working with your friends, a list of obligations and financial liabilities” she adds.

Before she attended law school, these IP pitfalls and the protective legal standards necessary were constantly engrained in Belous’ mind while working, among other various financially related roles, as a CPA auditing “for things that no one knew were there.”

“The biggest challenge is to have clients focus on what the big picture is,” she says. “Balance, in life and mindset, is key.”

IP protection is even more important when friends or family go into business together, something Belous advises against.

“My job is to plan the divorce on the first date,” she says.

Then she quickly adds: “Well, in the most positive light.”

Belous has seen multiple implosions of one founder turning on the other with disastrous, expensive and highly-emotional consequences that often lead to what she wants her clients to avoid: Litigation – which she does not handle. “It can cost six to seven figures and sometimes the cost to be right is the same, if not more than to be wrong,” she warns, thus her insistence that co-founding partners put everything in a clear and understandable written legal format.

Big law firms are motivated and rewarded to bill the maximum hours they can. Dragging intellectual property legal battles through the courts over several years means more money in their already deep pockets which otherwise could have been used to build up a brand versus tear it down. Large, traditional law offices have a history of turning small business people away from getting legal assistance when they’re a start-up.

“The legal industry is slow to adapt,” she says, noting that many are still staffed by a group of homogenous individuals working in marble offices charging exorbitant fees to cover the “frills” and making business or brand development more complicated than necessary. That said, it’s unclear how many small business owners found it easier to go it alone rather than endure the inhuman amount of patience required whilst awaiting the return call from a major firm’s attorney, which is high on the complaint list at the State Bar.

Establishing her firm in 2019, Belous is a growing small business owner herself and delights in the opportunity to guide clients through the unfamiliar legal jargon maze. “There’s a certain level of camaraderie with those just starting out. I like to build people up. I think, ‘how can I make their lives better?’ Not only legally, but also, do I know anyone I can partner up with them? I like bringing people together.”

She tells clients, “I’ll be with you every step of the way.”  She further insists that a woman-owned firm offers a different perspective and diversity. “Many clients prefer to work with like-minded small business professionals. They encourage and cheer them on. I believe in growing with them, and not at their expense.”

Belous has embarked on another unique passion project with a fellow trademark aficionado on the East Coast: A media-based manifesto known as The Trademark Channel, a consumer-focused platform dedicated to educating people about counterfeits and understanding the importance of trademarks. “Brands need to be important to consumers,” she says.

She uses beauty products – including CBD-based products as an example – because counterfeit lotions at a low price may be harmful to eager consumers. “Truly it’s impossible to know what you’re getting with an un-established  or ‘imitation’ brand,” she says. Improperly formulated skin products can have dire effects, and she wants consumers to know that they’re taking a serious chance when using them.

“Established, vetted brands,” she argues, “have quality controls in place.”

The site and channel, scheduled to launch this summer, “will educate society and help individuals make better buying decisions.”

Meanwhile, Belous is like the rest of us, staying at home and doing her part until it’s safe to go physically back into the world. She continues to work, as do many of her clients, although in a variety of different ways while devising innovative production techniques for The Trademark Channel and reinforcing what makes America magnificent  – small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs.

Like everyone, Belous looks forward to California’s grand reopening and the new, exciting brands and services that will hopefully emerge from the darkness of a pandemic – like the phoenix from the flame. “After all,” she says, “out of tragedy, comes opportunity.”

Copyright © 2020 California Business Journal. All Rights Reserved.

Relani Belous, an Intellectual Property attorney, branding expert and principal of Belous Law Corporation in Los Angeles, California.
Relani Belous, an Intellectual Property attorney, branding expert and principal of Belous Law Corporation in Los Angeles, California.
Relani Belous, an Intellectual Property attorney, branding expert and principal of Belous Law Corporation in Los Angeles, California.
Relani Belous, an Intellectual Property attorney, branding expert and principal of Belous Law Corporation in Los Angeles, California.
Tags: AmericaattorneyBelous LawbrandingCaliforniaCBDconsumersCorporationCPAdevelopmentdivorceentrepreneurentrepreneursexecutivefocusGroupHollywoodintellectual propertyIPlawlaw firmslaw schoollawyerLeelitigationLos AngelesloyaltymarketingRelani Beloussmall businesssmall business owners
ADVERTISEMENT
Victoria Kertz, Staff Writer, California Business Journal

Victoria Kertz, Staff Writer, California Business Journal

In addition to writing for CBJ, Victoria has written for Laguna Beach Magazine, Newport Beach Independent, Saute Magazine, The Fullest, Local Dish Magazine and Blue Sky The Color of Imagination. She holds a business degree from Appalachian State University.

Related Posts

How does domestic violence affect divorce in California
How does domestic violence affect divorce in California?
divorce
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin has a marriage rate of 59% and a divorce rate of 12.40%. Many couples in the city are looking to find a legal and more amicable way to separate from their spouses.
Couples upset
Recovering From a Divorce
Career, Family or Love -- Which Should You Prioritize After Your Divorce
Career, Family or Love: Which Should You Prioritize After Your Divorce?
Divorce Recovery Experts Colleen McNamee, Dr. Jeanne Michele and Daryl Cole, CFP® are collaborating to handle every element of separation.
The Divorce Trifecta
advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT

CBJ Newsletter

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram LinkedIn

Advertise With CBJ

Contact Rick@CalBizJournal.com

CBJ Rates and Demographics

Job Postings

CEO Wanted


Requirements: BS/BA + 2yrs of Business Managing Experience

Mail Resume: Grand Life, Inc. 14647 Northam St. La Mirada, CA 90638.

$114,754/year

ADVERTISEMENT
1REALTOUR-SAN DIEGO-WEB DESIGN
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn LinkedIn Instagram
C B J   LOGO  SVG-01
  • About
  • Contact California Business Journal
  • Testimonials
  • Demographics & Advertising Rates
  • Terms & Conditions

Categories

  • Art & Culture
  • Business
  • California Hotel Listings
  • Daily Updates
  • Editor's Choice
  • Education
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food & Dining
  • Health & Fitness
  • Human Interest
  • Insurance
  • Law
  • Lawyers
  • Marketing
  • Medical
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Opinion
  • People
  • Popular
  • Real Estate
  • Social Media
  • Technology
  • Top 25 Wealth Management Companies in California
  • Uncategorized

CBJ Partner Firebrand Media

Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper
 Laguna Beach City Guide
 Newport Beach Independent Newspaper
Newport Beach Country Club Magazine
  Montage Magazine
 Omni Escapes Hotel Magazine
 Bespoke Concierge New York
 Evans Hotels
 Laguna Beach Magazine
 On The Menu Laguna Beach
 Newport Beach Magazine
Coastal Real Estate Guide (NB,LB, CDM)
Monarch Beach Resort Magazine
 Pacific Coast Magazine (SoCal)
Sea Island Life Magazine
Salamander Hotel & Resorts Magazine
 View our entire portfolio

 

Most Viewed

  • Gavel, scales of justice and law books

    Lawsuit Basics: How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Investigation: Can TriumphFX Take Your Money?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Impact of Covid: Racing to Buy Second Citizenships

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What to Do When an Online Casino Refuses to Pay Out Your Winnings

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 5 Flavors On Elf Bar BC5000 Review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • NFL Paychecks: How Do NFL Players Get Paid?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Five Reasons Why The Government Does Not Like Bitcoin

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Start a Telecommunication Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Temu’s New Shipping Policy Is A Smashing Hit For Shoppers All Over the Country

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • 6 Types of Business Records and Receipts Every Small Business Should Keep

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Latest Articles

Nashville: Top 5 Benefits of Commercial Cleaning Services

Nashville: Top 5 Benefits of Commercial Cleaning Services

Strategies On How To Play สล็อตเว็บใหญ่ (Gamebet123.app)

Strategies On How To Play สล็อตเว็บใหญ่ (Gamebet123.app)

Idle Cash and Inflation: How to Protect Your Savings

Idle Cash and Inflation: How to Protect Your Savings

Keeping U.S. Productivity Spinning

Keeping U.S. Productivity Spinning

The World Cup Managed to Showcase that the Mediterranean World is More Than Just Sand, Desert, and Camels.

The World Cup Managed to Showcase that the Mediterranean World is More Than Just Sand, Desert, and Camels.

Fiber Optic Communication Cables Could Provide Earlier Critical Earthquake Warnings, According to Hebrew U. Researchers

Fiber Optic Communication Cables Could Provide Earlier Critical Earthquake Warnings, According to Hebrew U. Researchers

Leveraging Big Data For Better Business Insights

Leveraging Big Data For Better Business Insights

What You Need To Know About The Sharpe Ratio

What You Need To Know About The Sharpe Ratio

5 Ways Remote Work is Impacting the Legal Industry

5 Ways Remote Work is Impacting the Legal Industry

Upgrade you Home Interior with These 2023 Modern Living Room Ideas

Upgrade you Home Interior with These 2023 Modern Living Room Ideas

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR

No Result
View All Result
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR