Skip to main content
  • Claims Center
  • Contact Us
  • Español
  • Brokers & Agents
Hiscox Insurance
Menu Toggle
  • Home
  • Small Business Insurance Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Why Hiscox Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Resources Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Policy Management Toggle Menu Toggle Menu
  • Claims Center
  • Contact Us
  • Español
  • Brokers & Agents
  • About
  • Get a Quote Get a Quote
  • About
  • Get a Quote Get a Quote
  • Blog Home
    Start Your Business
    Grow Your Business
    Protect Your Business
    Celebrate Courage
    Search

    Twenty-Four Seven

    Sign up to get the latest small business news delivered right to your inbox.
    Grow Your Business
    August 24, 2015

    Top 3 Advertising and Marketing Watchouts for Small Businesses

    Marketing | Management
    By: Hiscox Blog

    Share Image

    Embed Image

    Copy

    Share Article:

    Advertising can be one of the most fun parts of business.  It's the perfect opportunity to blend creativity with your business acumen.  And, After all, who doesn't want to see their company name on TV, hear it on the radio or see it in print? And if you don’t have the budget for any of those media, advertising online is easier and cheaper than ever, and can expose your business to a whole new world of potential customers.

    But with that exposure comes risk. Whether you’re incorporating video into a small business marketing plan or just firing up your twitter account,  you need to take care that their advertising and marketing efforts don’t open them up to lawsuits.  Here are the top 3 things you need to watch out for when working on your marketing and advertising.

    1. Be Cautious about Copyright infringement
    Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses the works protected by copyright law without permission. Suppose you find a photograph on Google images or another image site and use it to promote your business on Facebook. If that  photograph is copyrighted, you could be sued for infringement. Even if you prevail at a trial, you will incur costs to defend yourself, and your business may suffer from damage to its reputation.

    2. Toe the Line when it Comes to Trademarks
    Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a trademark or service mark on competing or related goods and services. You don’t need to try to knock off Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ slogan or McDonald’s golden arches to be at risk. If your logo or tagline is similar enough to another to cause confusion in the mind of the consumer, you can be sued. If you happen to be in the same industry as the company that’s suing you, there’s even more danger that you may have to pay a settlement or get slapped with a judgement.

    3. Censor your Social Media
    Social media can be fun and games until you’re accused of libel. Slander (spoken statements that defame) and libel (written statements that defame) have been around since the dawn of litigation, but social media makes it much easier to make your statements public.  Statements must be public to be considered slander  or libel, and they must also be false and cause harm. If you are talking about a competitor on social media, be extra careful that what you’re saying is truthful, and not damaging.

    Even if you aren't aware that your ad, slogan or tweet infringes on someone else’s rights, you can still be sued.  Be sure to check in with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website for more resources on infringement. Also, realize that among the best protections is a general liability insurance policy that can cover claims of libel or slander, and copyright or trademark infringement. Look for a comprehensive policy that includes coverage for defense costs and loss of business income.


    Protect Your Business

    Protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build. Get a fast, free quote and your business could be covered today.

    Get a Quote
    Get a Quote
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Related Articles

    3 Min Read
    Surety bond card on desk with coffee to help you learn all you need to know about surety bonds

    What you need to know about surety bonds and whether you need one

    Management | Entrepreneur

    Here’s what you need to know about what a surety bond is and whether or not your small business needs one.

    Read More

    7 Min Read
    small business owner sitting at desk reviewing her business finances on screen.

    Small business owners offer advice on finances

    Finances | Small Business Intelligence

    We surveyed 140 small business owners to learn their thoughts about business finances. See what they had to say and gain some insights for your own business.

    Read More

    7 Min Read
    female entrepreneur works on her mobile device in office

    Useful apps that will make small business life easier

    Technology | Tools & Templates

    We’re living in a technological renaissance, to help you navigate we've researched some of the best apps for assisting in the day-to-day management of your small business operations.

    Read More


    We’re here to help.
    We provide tailored insurance for the specific risks you face, so you can take the right risks to grow your business.
    Get a Quote
    Get a Quote

    Footer menu 1

    • What We Cover
      • Business Insurance
      • General Liability Insurance
      • Professional Liability Insurance
      • Errors and Omissions
      • Cyber Security Insurance
      • Workers Compensation
      • Other Coverage
    • Who We Cover
      • Small Business Owners
      • LLC
      • Sole Proprietors
      • Entrepreneurs
      • Side Hustle
      • Contractors
      • Home Businesses
    • For Our Customers
      • Refer a Friend Program
      • Covid-19 Response
      • Claims Center
    • For Business Owners
      • Save with our Partners
    • About Hiscox
      • About Us
      • Careers
      • Contact Us
      • Hiscox Corporate
      • Investors
      • Foundation
      • Newsroom
      • We Stand Together
      • Affiliate Partner Program

    Footer menu 2

    • Accessibility
    • Site Map
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Legal Notices
    • Español

    Feefo Reviews: Hiscox rated 4.7/5 with 1,067 reviews between January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023

    * Any cost, premium, or coverage stated before an official customer quote are estimates and an approximation and are not guaranteed. Actual cost, premium, and coverage are subject to the unique considerations of each individual risk. Customer quotes are based on the information provided to Hiscox, and are subject to required underwriting and rating factors. Until an official customer quote is provided, all communication on this website or advertisement is provided as an example for informational purposes only, and is neither an offer nor a guarantee of available premium or coverage. Any coverage afforded by the products described are subject to and governed by the terms and conditions of each policy issued. This information may not be used to modify any policy that might be issued. Any information provided to assist in understanding the coverage we offer does not modify any insurance policy, nor does it imply that any claim is covered.

    © 2023 Hiscox Inc. All rights reserved. Underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1760, Chicago, IL 60602. As of December 31, 2021, HICI had admitted assets of $1,250,758,353 and policyholders surplus of $332,792,666. Total liabilities were $917,965,687 (inclusive of $433,752,764 of loss reserves) and paid-up capital stock was $4,242,000.

    icon-facebook
    icon-youtube
    icon-twitter
    icon-linkedin