Letters of Intent

Pankaj Raval
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Conversations with business leaders and changemakers on how they built their business and what keeps them going.

  1. Tariffs 2.0: Force Majeure Won't Save You Now

    4D AGO

    Tariffs 2.0: Force Majeure Won't Save You Now

    "Tariff" might be the President's favorite word, but for businesses, it's becoming a nightmare. In this episode of Letters of Intent, Pankaj Raval and Sahil Chaudry break down the new "Trump 2.0" trade regime. They explain why tariffs are no longer just a trade tool but a "core policy weapon," how "tariff stacking" can quietly triple your landed costs (up to 67% on some goods), and why courts are rejecting "Force Majeure" as an excuse to break contracts. If you import goods, you need to audit your agreements now—because silence on tariffs means you foot the bill. Takeaways Tariffs are a Weapon: The administration is using tariffs as a broad economic tool, not just for trade disputes. Expect a baseline 10% global tariff plus country-specific penalties.The "Stacking" Trap: It’s not just one duty. You face a baseline tariff, plus Section 301, Section 232, and reciprocal tariffs. This "stacking" effect can increase costs by 40-100% overnight.Force Majeure is Dead: Courts have ruled that tariffs are "foreseeable" market risks, especially when announced publicly on social media. You cannot use "Act of God" clauses to escape a contract just because it became expensive.Audit Your Contracts: Review your "Fixed Price" and "Change in Law" provisions. If your contract is silent on who pays new tariffs, the burden usually falls on the performing party (the importer).Drafting for Uncertainty: Future contracts need explicit tariff allocation. Include triggers for price adjustments, renegotiation rights, or termination clauses if duties spike beyond a certain threshold.Preserve Refund Rights: Even if tariffs are later ruled illegal by the Supreme Court (which is pending), you won't get a refund unless you actively preserved your rights.Soundbites "Trump has said repeatedly, tariffs are the most beautiful word in the dictionary.""We're not just talking about a few targeted duties. We're talking about a baseline global tariff regime.""A sudden 20% increase... with Indian goods right now... you're talking about upwards of 67%. That can vaporize your entire pricing model.""Courts are consistently saying [you can walk away] only if your contract says you can.""It's almost impossible to argue surprise... generic force majeure clauses... it's just not working.""Contracts have to become living, breathing documents that can respond to tariff risk."Keywords Tariffs, Trump 2.0, Trade War, Supply Chain, Force Majeure, Commercial Contracts, Import/Export, Customs, Risk Management, Tariff Stacking, Carbon Law Group 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    9 min
  2. Weekly Roundup: Trump Media, IBM, and the Medline IPO

    12/24/2025

    Weekly Roundup: Trump Media, IBM, and the Medline IPO

    Welcome to the Weekly Roundup, a new series on Letters of Intent where Pankaj and Sahil break down the three biggest deals of the week—and what they mean for your business. This week, we cover a bizarre merger between Trump Media and a nuclear fusion startup (a "Trojan Horse" for going public), IBM's acquisition of Confluent to own the "plumbing" of AI, and the massive Medline IPO that proves "boring" businesses with clean books are winning the market. Whether you're a tech founder or a small business owner, these deals offer a masterclass in capital access, risk management, and legal agility. Takeaways The "Trojan Horse" IPO: Trump Media's merger with TAE Technologies isn't about synergy; it's a financial vehicle to get a deep-tech company onto the public markets without a traditional IPO.Data is the New Oil (Again): IBM buying Confluent proves that the real value in AI isn't just the model—it's the infrastructure ("the pipes") that moves data in real-time.Boring is Back: In a volatile market, investors are flocking to stability. Medline (medical supplies) is seeing massive success because it offers recurring revenue and long-term contracts.Clean Books = Higher Valuation: Just like a house needs a clean chain of title, your business needs clean corporate governance. Missing bylaws or handshake equity deals will kill your valuation during a sale.Legal Agility: If a social media company can merge with a nuclear energy firm, almost any deal structure is possible—if your legal house is in order.Soundbites "Three deals that look completely different on the surface. But underneath, they're all responding to the same question: Where does opportunity live right now?""This isn't about operational synergy. This is about capital structure. This is a Trojan horse.""If your company is a mess when it comes to corporate governance, it's going to decrease your attractiveness to any potential investor.""You don't have to go public to go public."Keywords Weekly Roundup, M&A, Trump Media, Nuclear Fusion, IBM, Confluent, Artificial Intelligence, Medline, IPO, Corporate Governance, Due Diligence, Capital Markets, Carbon Law Group 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    17 min
  3. First to Use vs. First to File: Global IP Explained

    12/17/2025

    First to Use vs. First to File: Global IP Explained

    Short Summary Did you know your US trademark stops at the border? In this episode, Pankaj Raval and Sahil Chaudry dive into the complex world of international intellectual property. They explain why the "First to File" system in other countries creates a massive risk for US brands, how Apple got held hostage for $60 million over the "iPad" name in China, and why influencers need to trademark their TikTok handles to fight copycats. Takeaways US Protection is Local: A US trademark does not protect your brand globally. If you sell or manufacture overseas, you are exposed.First to File vs. First to Use: The US uses "First to Use" (you own it if you use it). Most other countries use "First to File" (whoever files the paperwork first owns the brand, even if they've never used it).The Squatter Risk: Because of "First to File," bad actors can register your brand in China or Europe before you do, forcing you to buy it back from them.WIPO/Madrid Protocol: You can use WIPO to file in 100+ countries at once. It's cheaper (~$5-10k), but carries a "Central Attack" risk: if your home application fails, your entire global portfolio can be invalidated.Manufacturing Protection: You should register trademarks in countries where you manufacture (like Mexico or China), not just where you sell, to prevent factories from selling your goods "out the back door."Social Media Handles: Trademarking your handle gives you a legal weapon to force platforms like Instagram and TikTok to take down copycat accounts that use confusingly similar names (e.g., adding an underscore).Use It or Lose It: You must monitor your brand globally. If you allow infringement to continue without sending a cease and desist, you can lose your rights to enforce the mark later. Soundbites "If you're the first to file a name, even if you're not using it, you're going to get rights to that [in other countries].""Apple fought that for a long time... someone registered the iPad trademark in China.""What's more expensive for you? To incur the expense now... or to deal with that expense later when you're unable to sell your product?""If your name is popping up and people are using your name... that's terrible for your brand.""Some factories will try to sell your goods... under your brand name without you knowing.""You should be thinking about that [trademarking] first... Too many people come to us too late.""If you show them [social platforms], hey, I also have a trademark to this... they're going to be much quicker to act."Keywords International Trademark, WIPO, Madrid Protocol, Intellectual Property, Brand Protection, First to File, Apple iPad Case, Manufacturing Agreements, Social Media Law, Influencer Law, Cease and Desist, Global Branding, Carbon Law Group 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    20 min
  4. Succession IRL: Takeaways From This Hostile Takeover of Hollywood

    12/10/2025

    Succession IRL: Takeaways From This Hostile Takeover of Hollywood

    It’s the biggest media M&A story in a generation, and it feels ripped straight from a script of Succession. In this episode, Pankaj and Sahil unpack the ruthless bidding war for Warner Brothers Discovery, pitting a strategic $82.7 billion offer from Netflix against a hostile, all-cash $108.4 billion takeover attempt from Paramount Skydance. They break down the aggressive "silver or lead" tactics being used, the hidden political advantages of the Ellison family, and what this massive consolidation means for creators, small businesses, and the value of intellectual property. Takeaways The War for WBD: Netflix wants to buy specific assets (studio/streaming) for ~$82B, while Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile bid for the entire company at ~$108B.Hostile Takeover Mechanics: Paramount is bypassing the board by appealing directly to shareholders with a premium price. Sahil compares this to Pablo Escobar’s "Plata o Plomo" (Silver or Lead) strategy—take the money, or lose your job.The Political Advantage: Paramount's bid is backed by the Ellisons, prominent Trump supporters. In an era of heavy antitrust scrutiny, political favor could be the deciding factor in getting the deal approved.IP is the Crown Jewel: The fight isn't just for a studio; it's for "generational IP" like Harry Potter, DC, and Lord of the Rings. These are evergreen assets that offer exponential revenue through licensing, gaming, and theme parks.Market Uncertainty: Large M&A deals freeze the market. Creators and small businesses may see slowed negotiations and price volatility as the industry waits to see who wins.Actionable Advice: If you have contracts with these entities, audit them immediately for "Change of Control" clauses. Ensure your rights are protected if the company is sold or merged.Build vs. Buy: This war highlights a key growth strategy. Sometimes it is faster and more effective to acquire established assets (like Netflix buying WBD's library) than to try and build them from scratch.Soundbites "A bidding war that feels more like Succession than reality.""This is the first truly aggressive, all-cash hostile takeover attempt we've seen in Hollywood in a generation.""It's Plata o Plomo... either you're taking the silver [money], or you're taking the lead [we buy the shares and fire you].""If you have the government's backing for a deal like this, you all of a sudden have an advantage over any other bidder.""This is generational IP you cannot recreate.""Having counsel that understands M&A and IP isn't a luxury right now, it's a competitive advantage."Keywords Warner Brothers Discovery, Netflix, Paramount, Skydance, Hostile Takeover, M&A, Intellectual Property, David Ellison, Larry Ellison, Antitrust, Media Merger, Succession, Harry Potter, DC Universe, Change of Control 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    19 min
  5. The $1.50 Hot Dog Sues the White House: Why It Matters to You

    12/03/2025

    The $1.50 Hot Dog Sues the White House: Why It Matters to You

    Short Summary Costco—the giant of $1.50 hot dogs—is suing the White House over tariffs, claiming executive overreach. In this urgent episode, Pankaj Raval and Sahil Chaudry break down what this lawsuit means for small businesses and why you can't afford to ignore it. They explain the dangerous "liquidation" clock that could wipe out your right to a refund, why uncertainty is a "margin killer" for importers, and provide a practical 5-step playbook to preserve your rights and fight back. Takeaways Costco vs. The White House: Costco is arguing that the President exceeded his authority under IEEPA because only Congress has the power to tax.The "Liquidation" Trap: Customs finalizes duties ~314 days after entry. If you don't challenge the tariff before this deadline, your money is gone forever—even if the Supreme Court later rules the tariff illegal.Tariffs are Taxes: For small businesses, tariffs aren't abstract policy; they are a direct tax that can wipe out margins overnight (e.g., a 67% hike on apparel).Uncertainty Kills Investment: Entrepreneurs can manage risk, but they cannot price uncertainty. Volatile tariff policy causes businesses to "freeze" and halt innovation.Preserve Your Rights: You don't get a refund by default. You must take affirmative action (like filing a protest) to "stop the clock" and preserve your right to get your money back.The Playbook:Track Deadlines: Know your liquidation date (approx. 314 days from entry).File a Protest: Use Customs Form 19 to challenge the tariff within 180 days of liquidation.Consider Litigation: A lawsuit in the Court of International Trade (CIT) can suspend liquidation.Comparative Advantage: We import goods not just for price, but for expertise (e.g., beaded dresses from India). Tariffs disrupt these established ecosystems.Soundbites "Costco... the bulk buying dollar 50 hot dog selling giant... is suing the Trump administration over tariffs.""That's like being told you're overcharged for your meal, but the restaurant already closed.""Tariffs aren't just political talking points. They're essentially taxes on small businesses.""You can't price uncertainty. You can't insure against it and you can't model it.""If you miss the 314 day window, your duties become final. Even if the tariff is later ruled illegal.""You need to preserve your refund rights. And now that is a strategic business function.""Costco suing isn't just a corporate tantrum, it's a flare gun."Keywords Tariffs, Costco Lawsuit, IEEPA, International Trade, Supply Chain, Small Business, Import/Export, Customs, Liquidation, Protest, Executive Authority, Risk Management, Carbon Law Group 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    19 min

  6. 11/26/2025

    The "Shadow AI" Threat in Your Business

    "Am I secure?" is the wrong question. In this episode, Pankaj and Sahil sit down with Rudy Ordaz, CEO of DataWise Networks, to demystify cybersecurity for business owners. Rudy shares his journey from a mainframe technician to selling his own IT firm, breaking down the M&A strategies that helped him grow. They discuss the "Shadow AI" threat, why security is a continuous practice rather than a one-time project, and the simple 5-point checklist every founder needs to audit their business today. Takeaways Security is a practice, not a project. You cannot simply "install" cybersecurity and be done. It requires ongoing maintenance, training, and cultural buy-in from leadership.The 5-Point Security Checklist: To be baseline secure, you need: 1) Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), 2) Backups, 3) Device Management, 4) Permission Controls, and 5) Security Awareness Training.Beware of "Shadow AI." Employees are likely using unapproved AI tools to do their jobs, potentially leaking proprietary data. You need a policy to govern which tools are safe to use.The "E-Myth" Lesson: Most founders are "technicians" who think they can run a business. To succeed, you must transition from doing the work to managing the enterprise.M&A isn't just for giants. Rudy grew his firm by acquiring a competitor using an "earn-out" structure, paying for the acquisition over time using the revenue from the acquired clients.Contracts create value. When selling a service business, buyers don't care about your tech stack; they value the recurring revenue locked in by strong contracts (MSAs).The Human Factor: The weakest link in any security system is always the human. Phishing and social engineering bypass the best firewalls, making training essential.Don't trust devices. Consumer devices (smart speakers, phones) are listening for advertising data. A security mindset means questioning what you connect to your network.Soundbites "Security is not a project... It's a practice that comes down from leadership.""I learned that most small businesses are started by technicians... you wake up one day and say, 'I can do this better.'""I don't trust devices and technology at face value." Keywords Cybersecurity, Managed IT Services, M&A, Business Growth, The E-Myth, Shadow AI, Data Privacy, Tech Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Exit Strategy, Risk Management, DataWise Networks Guest: Rudy Ordaz Company: DataWise NetworksWebsite: datawisenetworks.com🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    38 min
  7. AI Can Assist, It Can't invent

    11/19/2025

    AI Can Assist, It Can't invent

    AI has transformed innovation, but 2025 brought a hard legal truth: courts and patent offices globally have doubled down, ruling that only humans can be listed as inventors. In this episode, Pankaj Raval and Sahil Chaudry explore what this "human-only" patent rule means for businesses and R&D companies. They break down the "fast fashion for SaaS" concept, explain why AI compliance is now a critical part of due diligence, and provide a clear, actionable checklist for founders to protect their AI-assisted inventions. Takeaways The Law is Clear: Courts worldwide (e.g., Thaler v. Vidal) have affirmed that only natural persons, not AI systems, can be named as inventors on a patent.AI Can Assist, Not Invent: A human must guide the process, provide direction, and make judgment calls to be considered the "true inventor" in the eyes of the law.This Flips R&D Assumptions: Companies can no longer assume that an AI-designed product is automatically patentable. Without proof of "significant human involvement," the invention may not be protectable.The "Fast Fashion for SaaS" Era: Because code is difficult to patent and AI makes copying easy, we are entering an era where SaaS products are copied rapidly, similar to fast fashion.3-Step Founder Checklist: 1) Document the human role in the invention process. 2) List humans, not AI, on the patent application. 3) Update your contracts (like invention assignment agreements) to ensure all AI-assisted inventions belong to the company.Copyright Follows Suit: The US Copyright Office has also rejected AI-created works that lack meaningful human input.AI Complicates Due Diligence: Investors and buyers will now audit your IP portfolio to determine how much AI was used. If your IP is deemed unprotectable, it will be factored into (and likely lower) your valuation.New Motto: "Move fast and break things" is a dangerous motto for IP. The new motto is: "Move fast and break things, but bring your general counsel with you."Soundbites "Courts and patent offices across the globe doubled down saying only humans can be listed as inventors.""AI can assist, but it can't invent.""If you can't clearly show there was a significant amount of human involvement here, your invention may not be patentable." Keywords AI, Intellectual Property, IP Law, Patents, Inventorship, Copyright, Human Authorship, Thaler v. Vidal, USPTO, SaaS, Due Diligence, M&A, Innovation, Carbon Law Group 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    12 min
  8. Welcome to the New IP Wild West

    11/12/2025

    Welcome to the New IP Wild West

    Your product just went viral, and then... you get a cease and desist. In the new "IP Wild West," e-commerce businesses and AI-powered companies are facing unprecedented legal risks. In this episode, Pankaj Raval and Sahil Chaudry dive into the biggest IP liabilities facing modern entrepreneurs. They cover the dangers of AI-generated content, the "Victim and Violator" landmine with overseas suppliers, the shocking $2 million penalty for "counterfeit" fan merch, and why famous brands like Hermes have extra protection. Takeaways Be vigilant with AI-generated content (blogs, logos, etc.). It is trained on existing data and could be similar enough to a competitor's copyrighted work to trigger a cease and desist.You can be both the IP "victim and violator." If you buy a product from an overseas distributor that infringes on a patent, you can be held liable with no one to indemnify you.Selling "fan merch" (like t-shirts with pop star names) isn't harmless; it's legally considered "counterfeit" and can carry statutory damages up to $2 million."Famous marks" (like Hermes/Birkin) get extra legal protection against trademark dilution, which is why "artistic expression" defenses, like in the Metabirkins NFT case, often fail.The fashion industry is a unique "knockoff economy." The lack of strong copyright protection for silhouettes may actually fuel innovation rather than stifle it.Do not ignore a cease and desist letter. Contact legal counsel immediately. Some firms are more aggressive than others, and a lawyer can help you navigate the threat.File early, especially for trademarks. In many countries, rights go to the "first to file," not "first to use." Protect your brand globally before someone else does.Own your IP. Ensure you have IP transfer agreements with all developers, designers, and contractors.Soundbites "Picture this, your product just went viral, sales triple overnight, and then bam, you get hit with the cease and desist for trademark infringement.""[My client] learned a hard and expensive lesson.""When you have a famous mark, you're afforded additional protection that maybe you wouldn't get as a smaller mark.""...does the lack of protection fuel innovation?""Don't ignore a cease and desist if you get it." Keywords Intellectual Property, IP Law, AI, E-commerce, Trademark Infringement, Copyright, ChatGPT, Counterfeit, Cease and Desist, Patent Law, Fashion Law, Metabirkins, Hermes, Knockoff Economy 🔗 Learn More Website: carbonlg.com Connect with Pankaj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankaj-raval/ Connect with Sahil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahil-chaudry-6047305/ Trademark Watch Service: https://carbonlg.com/introducing-carbon-laws-new-trademark-watch-service/ Click Here To Schedule A Call With Us

    26 min
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About

Conversations with business leaders and changemakers on how they built their business and what keeps them going.

Information

  • Creator
    Pankaj Raval
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Carbon Law Group
  • Show Website
    Letters of Intent