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Firm News
State Bar Honors Steve Richards for Volunteer Work
The Idaho State Bar Board of Commissioners has selected Steve Richards as a winner of the Denise O’Donnell Day Pro Bono Awards for performing exceptional volunteer legal work. Steve was nominated by the Court Appointed Special Advocate ("CASA") program for his volunteer work helping children. The award was presented to Steve on November 19 at the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation annual Resolution Meeting in Idaho Falls.
Articles
Company Owners and Management Holding Genealogy Positions The challenges associated with management holding a position in the genealogy can be overcome with proper planning and execution. Unfortunately, because startup MLMs normally don't recognize the issues, planning and execution in this area are often lacking. So if you are starting an MLM and are considering taking a position in the genealogy, you should first carefully consider the points addressed in this article.
Intellectual Property - What is It?
When you mention intellectual property, the odds are pretty good that you will be met with a blank stare. After all, our common perception of property is something that we can physically possess. The law, however, has an entirely different concept of property. To the law, property is considered a bundle of rights, that include the right to use something, the right to possess that thing, the right to dispose of that thing, and the right to prevent other people from interfering with your rights respecting that thing.
Picking Your Partners
Among the top reasons why MLM startups fail is clashes among the business partners. Did you put as much thought and planning into choosing the right business partners as you did working through the planning around your product line, your compensation plan, your marketing strategy, and the hundreds of other big and small decisions that you made along the way? This installment of our guide to how to start an MLM reviews the critical issues you should address before choosing your partners.
MLM Startup Series
The first installment of our new a guide specifically directed to startup and young direct selling companies that utilize multilevel compensation plans. Topics will range from frequently encountered situations with industry-wide application to unique situations applicable to specific product or service genres.
Dietary Supplement Marketing - Rethinking the Use of Third Party Material
A dangerous trend has taken root in the world of dietary supplement advertising. More and more companies are using third parties ostensibly unconnected with the company to author and publish materials extolling the benefits of the generic ingredients in their products. The problem is that these materials may not pass regulatory muster, and sooner or later will come under FTC scrutiny. Here's what you need to know now to avoid problems in the future.
In a related case, POM Wonderful's former head of scientific and regulatory affairs and expert endorser, has agreed to a settlement that bars him from making any disease treatment or prevention claims in advertising for a POM Wonderful product unless the claim is not misleading and comports with FDA requirements for the claim. Details are in the agreement and consent order.
Korea FTC Cracks Down on Multilevel Marketing Firms
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has "declared war" on multilevel marketing firms, calling for increased investigations and criminal penalties to "make examples" of allegedly unlawful MLM firms accused of taking advantage of the unemployed, retirees, students and others having difficulty finding jobs due to the economic crisis.
MLMs Increasing Sales Forces Despite Falling Sales
Leading direct selling companies are actively recruiting sales representatives, even though the Direct Selling Association reports a trend of falling revenues.
MLMs Increasing Sales Forces Despite Falling Sales
Leading direct selling companies are actively recruiting sales representatives, even though the Direct Selling Association reports a trend of falling revenues.
Direct Selling: Working From Home
With close to 15 million direct selling companies to choose from, there are more than enough options to find the company, program and products that best suit people looking to tap into the opportunities offered.
Donald Trump's Entry Into Multi-Leval Marketing Gets Boost from Economy
An MLM vitamin supplement company recently acquired by Donald Trump and renamed "Trump Network" is getting something of a head start, in part because the economic downturn has people looking for extra income to supplement their jobs, or just new jobs to replacet ones lost.
Santa Barbara’s LMS Fragrances Sells Direct with a Twist With a 115 percent annual growth rate over the past three years and more than 2,500 sales consultants nationwide, LMS Fragrances is flourishing and looking to expand even more. Their success, the owners feel, is due in large part to a unique direct-selling plan that allows their consultants to keep more money — up to 30 percent of their sales — and not have to pay up-front for the product.
Direct Marketing Industry Thrives In Recession
With the economy in a slump and unemployment at an all-time high, it's not unusual for people to look for opportunities in the direct selling industry. But it's not just individuals. Many companies are looking to the direct sales channel as a way to expand and grow their businesses.
Idaho Falls, Idaho, Office ~ Kevin D. Grimes, Spencer M. Reese, Steven A. Richards
615 Hoopes Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401-6106, Tel. (208) 522-2600, Fax: (208) 524-5686 E-mail: kgrimes@mlmlaw.com, sreese@mlmlaw.com and srichards@mlmlaw.com
