Copyrights & Trademarks [2015]

This guide contains an overview of federal trademark and copyright laws. It covers the following information: What is a Trademark, Trademark Laws, Choosing a Trademark, Acquiring and Protecting Trademark Rights, and Copyrights.

Bankruptcy Information for Nonprofits [2009]

The topic of bankruptcy is explored through a series of questions addressing many common concerns of nonprofit organizations from both the perspective of debtor and creditor. The answers offer a starting point for a nonprofit to evaluate whether the remedy of bankruptcy can help it achieve a more sustainable economic future through a reorganization, or whether the time has come to “close with honor.”

Annotated IRS Form 990 [2011]

This guide is designed to assist California nonprofit public benefit corporations in collecting and disclosing information requested by the revised IRS Form 990. Selected portions of the revised core form, its schedules, and instructions are annotated with explanatory notes, including citations to applicable federal laws, filing tips, and recommended practices.

Getting There Together: Tools to Advocate for Inclusive Development Near Transit [2012]

This guide is a Southern California housing advocates’ guide outlining legal tools for influencing affordable housing and land use and disposition policies in a new era of transit-oriented development and smart growth. It sets forth selected strategies that can be used by advocates at the regional, local, neighborhood, and project-specific levels to meaningfully participate in shaping the landscape of our neighborhoods.

Annotated Business Associate Agreement [2015]

Under the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, a HIPAA business associate agreement is a contract between a HIPAA-covered entity and a HIPAA business associate. The agreement protects personal health information in accordance with HIPAA requirements.

Public Support Test [2020]

In order to retain public charity status, most nonprofit organizations need to meet one of two “public support tests,” which measures an organization’s public support over a five-year period. This …

Intellectual Property Licensing Basics for Nonprofits [2016]

In pursuit of achieving their mission and conducting charitable activities, nonprofit organizations often develop advertising and marketing literature, design logos, names and programs, and create products or written works. All of these things constitute intellectual property. If intellectual property is not managed well, a nonprofit organization may dilute or damage its rights to its own intellectual property and possibly infringe on the rights of others.

Notification Requirements for California Public Benefit Corporations: Change of Address, Name, Mission or Specific Purpose, Scope of Activities, or Other Significant Changes to Bylaws

Directors and executive staff of a California nonprofit organization may wish to make changes to the organization, including changing the name, mission, programs and services, or governing rules. This guide explains the required process for making these changes, including how to notify the IRS and California regulatory agencies, as well as potential legal concerns that need to be addressed before the changes are made.

Guide For Reinstatement of Good Standing With Corporate and Tax Regulatory Agencies For California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporations

This publication provides an overview of how to bring a California nonprofit public benefit corporation exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code and Section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code into compliance with the California Secretary of State, California Attorney General, California Franchise Tax Board, and Internal Revenue Service.

Work For Hire Basics for Nonprofits [2016]

This guide provides nonprofits with an overview of the Work for Hire doctrine, which governs whether an organization that commissions work to be done or whether the person who created the work (e.g. an employee or independent contractor) owns the copyright in the work. It covers the following information: Copyright Basics, Works Made for Hire Overview, and Best Practices: Works for Hire.