Can a business legally use someone else's trademark? In many cases, the answer is yes. The doctrine of nominative fair use allows businesses, brokers, resellers, reviewers, and content creators to refer to trademarked products and services without committing trademark infringement—provided their use does not create consumer confusion.

Should two companies form a new LLC before launching a joint venture? While many businesses prefer the simplicity of operating through a contractual arrangement, doing so can create significant legal, tax, liability, and intellectual property risks if not properly structured. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of operating a joint venture without a separate entity and outlines practical strategies for reducing risk while preserving flexibility.