# FAQ’s - Link: https://www.lumlawgroup.com/faqs/ - Published: 2025-02-19T02:48:37-08:00 - Author: Ritchie Baldonado Important Things You Should Know ## Common Intellectual Property & Creators Rights FAQs What should I do if my immigration case is severely delayed? If your application for a Green Card, visa, or citizenship is experiencing unreasonable delays with USCIS, a Pasadena immigration attorney can help. We can submit inquiries, escalate the issue with the appropriate agencies, or file a Writ of Mandamus in federal court to compel the government to make a decision on your case. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) How can a lawyer help stop deportation or removal proceedings? Facing deportation is overwhelming, but you have legal options. Our deportation defense attorneys can intervene by filing motions to terminate proceedings, applying for asylum, seeking cancellation of removal, or appealing an immigration judge’s decision. Time is critical, so contacting an experienced attorney immediately is the best step to protect your future in the U.S. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) What are the different types of employment-based visas? There are several employment-based (EB) visa categories, ranging from EB-1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities to EB-3 for skilled workers and professionals. Additionally, temporary work visas like the H-1B, L-1, and O-1 are available depending on your qualifications and your employer’s needs. Lum Law Group helps businesses and foreign professionals navigate the complex application process to secure the right visa. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) Do I need a local Pasadena immigration lawyer, or can I use an online service? While U.S. immigration is federal law, having a local Pasadena attorney offers distinct advantages. If your case requires an in-person USCIS interview in Los Angeles, or if you need to appear in a local immigration court, an online service cannot stand by your side. At Lum Law Group, we prepare you for local procedures, manage your deadlines, and provide hands-on representation that remote document-preparation services simply cannot offer. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) What should I do if I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Los Angeles immigration court? A Notice to Appear means you have been placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. Do not ignore this document. You must attend your scheduled hearing, or you risk an automatic order of removal. Contact a deportation defense attorney immediately. Our team can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify for cancellation of removal, asylum, or an adjustment of status to keep you in the United States. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) How much does an immigration attorney cost in Southern California? Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. Some attorneys charge by the hour, but at Lum Law Group, we utilize flat-fee pricing for the majority of our immigration and visa applications. This means you know exactly what your legal costs will be upfront, providing financial predictability with no hidden billing surprises. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) Can I trademark a business idea before I actually launch the product? You cannot trademark a raw idea, but you can file an “Intent-to-Use” trademark application. This reserves your brand name or logo with the USPTO while you develop your product or service, giving you priority over competitors who might try to register the same name in the meantime. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) Does registering a domain name automatically give me trademark rights? No. Owning a domain name (.com, .net) only prevents someone else from buying that exact web address. It does not give you the legal right to stop competitors from using your business name on their products, social media, or marketing. Only a registered federal trademark provides comprehensive legal protection. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) What happens if someone uses my copyrighted work without my permission? If a competitor or unauthorized party uses your original content—such as videos, photos, code, or marketing copy—our IP attorneys can issue a formal Cease and Desist letter. If they refuse to take the content down, we can pursue copyright infringement litigation to protect your creative assets and recover potential damages. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) Should I form an LLC or a Corporation for my small business? This depends on your long-term goals. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) offers flexible management and “pass-through” taxation, which is ideal for many small businesses. A Corporation (C-Corp) is often better if you plan to seek venture capital funding or issue stock options to employees. We help you choose and form the entity that best limits your personal liability in California. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) What essential legal contracts does a new business need? To protect your operations from day one, every business should have an Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Bylaws (for Corporations), standardized client Service Agreements, NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) for employees and vendors, and clear Website Terms and Conditions. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/) How do I protect my personal assets from business lawsuits? The most critical step is forming a distinct legal entity and maintaining the “corporate veil.” This means keeping your business finances completely separate from your personal accounts, signing contracts only in the business’s name, and ensuring your corporate governance documents are up to date. [ Get Started ](https://www.lumlawgroup.com/contact-us/)