What the Heck is an Indemnification Clause?
A plain-English guide to indemnification, “hold harmless” language, liability shifting, and why these clauses can become extremely expensive in client, vendor, and contractor agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Bylaws
At Narwhal Law & Business Strategy, we help nonprofits throughout Oregon and Washington, as well as 501(c)(3) organizations across the country, draft, review, and update their bylaws. Along the way, we hear many of the same questions about what bylaws are, what they should include, and how they actually work in practice.
Here are some of the questions we hear most often.
AI, Copyright, and Creativity: What Artists, Creators, and Businesses Should Know Right Now
While we at Narwhal are ourselves still learning about this quickly evolving field, we thought it was important to clarify what the current rules are involving AI and copyrights.
Should You Incorporate in Delaware? The Truth About Delaware Corporations
For the vast majority of businesses, incorporating in Delaware is not just simply irrelevant, but can often be actively bad advice that adds additional costs and work to small businesses with effectively no benefit.
Which Agreement Do You Need? A Guide to Community Partnerships and Nonprofit Collaborations
One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is assuming every partnership should use the same agreement. Some download an MOU from the internet. Others rely on a handshake or an email chain. Still others call every relationship a "partnership" without considering the legal implications.
The reality is that different relationships require different legal tools.
50/50 Raffles, Auctions, and Charity Gaming in Oregon: How to Fundraise Creatively While Staying Compliant
Fundraising tools such as 50/50 raffles, silent auctions, and casino style charity games can transform the fundraising process from intimidating to exhilarating. But, these events are often categorized as a form of gambling, and it is vitally important your organization knows the do’s and do not’s of hosting these events.
Understanding Copyright: Ownership, Protection, and Real-World Use
Copyright often gets overlooked until there is a problem. When should you protect your original work?
Stronger Together: How Joint Ventures and Strategic Partnerships Can Help Small Businesses Win Bigger Projects
Joint ventures, teaming agreements, and strategic partnerships can allow smaller firms to pool their strengths, share risk, and compete for work that would otherwise be unattainable.
Trademarking: It Sounds Simple. It Is Not. And That Is Okay
Trademarking feels easy because the system is online, the forms are public, and success stories are shared more than failures. What you do not see are rejected applications, forced rebrands, and years of cleanup work.
Working Board vs Governing Board vs Advisory Board: What’s the difference and Why it matters
One of the most common nonprofit governance problems is not lack of passion or commitment. It is role confusion.
When Nonprofit and For-Profit Worlds Collide: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest Under Oregon and Federal Law
Most nonprofit enforcement actions do not begin with fraud. They begin with blurred lines, missing records, and assumptions that “everyone knows” what is happening. Your governance can strengthen your organization or bring it down.
2026 Law Update: Navigating Updated & New Laws for Oregon and Washington Small Businesses and Nonprofits
What’s the Difference Between a Deposit and a Nonrefundable Retainer?
Learn the difference between deposits and nonrefundable retainers, when each is earned, and how proper wording protects your business from disputes and chargebacks.
Washington Expands Sales Tax to More Services: What Nonprofits and Small Businesses Need to Know
Beginning October 1, 2025, Washington will start taxing many professional, digital, and event-related services that were not previously treated as retail sales.
When Regulators Come Calling: 10 Common Nonprofit Red Flags (and How to Avoid Them)
Nonprofits attract regulator attention when filings lapse, conflicts arise, or boards disengage. Staying compliant means keeping reports current, bylaws updated, finances transparent, and governance strong. Proactive oversight protects both your mission and your credibility.
Avoiding Business Nightmares: Business Health Checklist
What does your business have? What do you need to work on next?
Read the blog to view the list, which is designed for both new and established businesses.
LLCs vs. Corporations: Key Differences Every Oregon and Washington Entrepreneur Should Know
When you are starting a business in Oregon or Washington, one of the first big decisions you will face is choosing a legal structure.
Equity, Wages, and Founders: What’s the Difference?
The difference between “hiring someone and giving them equity” versus “naming them a founder and giving them equity” is not just semantics.
What is a 501(h) Election for Nonprofits (and Why It Matters)
This blog breaks down what the 501(h) election is, how it differs from the vague “substantial part test,” and why it gives nonprofits clearer, safer rules for lobbying. It also reminds readers to consult their accountants while encouraging nonprofits to confidently use their voices.
Cooperatives, Worker-Owned Businesses, and Cooperative-Style LLCs: What’s the Difference?
Curious about the difference between a cooperative, a worker-owned business, and a cooperative-style LLC? While these models may share values like equity and shared ownership, they are not legally the same, especially under Oregon law. This blog breaks down what makes each structure unique and helps you choose the right path for your mission-driven business.