The Legal Basics You Actually Need As A Solopreneur

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Legal doesn’t have to be scary, but it can get expensive fast when you ignore it.

In this episode of The Aspiring Solopreneur, Carly Ries and Joe Rando talk with Bobby Klinck, founder of Plainly Legal, about how solopreneurs can protect their businesses early without getting overwhelmed. Bobby explains why legal mistakes often work like “time bombs,” the quick prevention steps that save thousands later, and where solopreneurs commonly waste money paying for legal help they could have handled themselves.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Why waiting on legal can create problems months or years later
• The first question to ask before you trademark anything: “Does someone else already own rights to this name?”
• How a simple trademark/name search can prevent a painful rebrand
• Why “right-click, save as” images can trigger expensive copyright claims (including Getty Images letters)
• The myth of the “7-second rule” for music and video clips
• What business documents matter most (and which are optional)
• Why contractor agreements are critical if they create content or IP for your business
• What “compliance” can mean for coaches, wellness pros, and marketing claims
• When templates are “good enough,” and when a lawyer is worth it
• The safe way to use AI tools like ChatGPT with legal templates (and where it can mislead you)

Key takeaways

1) Prevention is cheaper than cleanup.
Most legal pain is avoidable with small early steps.

2) Do the simple checks yourself first.
Before paying anyone, run a basic name search (Google + trademark database) to catch obvious conflicts.

3) Assume content is copyrighted unless you have permission.
Images, music, clips...don’t use them unless you license them, use free-use sources, or create your own.

4) If money changes hands, get terms in place.
Programs, services, digital products...clear terms reduce confusion and conflict.

5) Contractors may own what they create, unless your agreement says otherwise.
Protect your business assets with the right clause in writing.

Action checklist (do this this week)

• Run a basic trademark/name search for your business/podcast/program name
• Replace any unlicensed images on your website with properly sourced options
• Add (or update) your website privacy policy
• Create a clear terms/conditions page (or program terms) for anything you sell
• Add contractor agreements for anyone creating content, designs, or course material
• Decide what you’ll DIY now vs what you’ll upgrade later with a lawyer

Resources mentioned

• Plainly Legal (free legal audit + tools): plainlylegal.com (look for “Start Free”)

FAQs

What legal documents does a solopreneur need on their website?
At minimum, a privacy policy is commonly required. Terms of use and other disclaimers may not be legally required in every case, but they’re best practice, especially if you sell products, collect emails, or run a membership/community.

Can I use images from Google or social media if I credit the creator?
Usually no. Copyright law typically requires permission or a proper license. Use stock sites, free-use libraries, your own assets, or AI-generated images (with the tradeoff that AI outputs may not be copyright-protectable).

Should I use ChatGPT to edit legal templates?
It can help with limited tasks like rewriting a clause more clearly, but it may also repeat incorrect legal assumptions (like what LLCs do and don’t protect). Use common sense, keep changes narrow, and consider professional review for high-stakes agreements.

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About Bobby Klinck

Bobby helps entrepreneurs who are building online knowledge brands to get their legal protection in place quickly, easily, and affordably.

About the Show

The Aspiring Solopreneur helps one-person business owners grow smarter, avoid burnout, and build businesses that support their lives, not consume them. Hosted by Carly Ries and Joe Rando, the show features practical strategies, real conversations, and expert insights for modern solopreneurs.

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