The Suffolk Economic Development Department and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce will kick off a free business education series today.

Seminars, hosted by Pender & Coward, will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. today at the Suffolk Workforce Development Center, 157 N Main Street, second floor, and Aug. 25, 2011 at the Workforce Transition Center, 7025 Harbour View Blvd., Suite 120 from.

Topics will include the following:

Overview of immigration issues for employers

A basic overview of how the US immigration and labor laws affect employers, from recruitment and hiring of U.S. and foreign workers, to avoiding discrimination and maintaining compliance with various documentary requirements.

Trademark and copyright issues

An introduction to basic trademark and copyright issues including registration procedures and management of your intellectual property portfolio.

Non-compete agreements in Virginia

A discussion focusing on a party’s ability to enforce or defeat a non-compete agreement, as well as the preferred alternative under current law.

To register or for further information, contact Deanna Holt, Suffolk Economic Development at 514-4049 or dholt@suffolkva.us.