Starting a business is a wonderful experience and a life-long dream of many people. However, this dream can turn into a nightmare without guidance to steer you in the right direction. When starting a business, there are many things to consider and your decisions will impact all aspects of your business.
One of the most important decisions that must be made is which legal entity is best for you and your business. Most business owners create a legal entity (such as a corporation, a partnership, or a limited liability company, just to name a few) in order to protect their personal assets. The legal entity that is best for you and your business depends on a number of factors, including the purpose and type of your business and the number of people that are going to be involved in your business. The creation of a legal entity is the first step that should be taken to create a business.
Another consideration for business owners is whether to obtain trademarks and copyrights. Trademarks, copyrights and patents are important to protect your ideas, literature, logos, phrases and other items that are associated with your business. Even if your business is associated closely with a logo or a phrase, it may be difficult to obtain a trademark if the phrase or logo is too common. It is important to determine what can be copyrighted and trademarked before you create literature, logos, works or art and phrases. Once it is determined that your logos, phrases and writings are able to be copyrighted and/or trademarked, it is important that it is done properly to ensure that your hard work is adequately protected.
Once a business is formed, it is inevitable that contracts and other documents will be needed, from bylaws and business plans to employment and vendor contracts. It is extremely important that contracts and legal documents are drafted properly and with specificity to ensure that they are enforceable in the event that they are breached.
There are many other issues that may arise when a business hires employees. Not only are employment contracts necessary, but federal, state and even local laws have many regulations regarding number of hours employees can work, when employees can be terminated “for cause”, when an employer is required to allow an employee to have time off work, and many other legal requirements a to which a business must adhere. It’s important to note that not all businesses have the same legal requirements. For instance, not all businesses must comply with the Family Medical Leave Act and other well known federal laws. Contact the law office of Mindi Lasley to determine which laws and regulations your business is required to comply with.
As a business evolves, additional legal issues will inevitably arise. Not only is it important to have your business properly formed and established in accordance with local, state and federal laws, but it’s important to stay abreast on changes to the laws and additional laws that may apply to your business as it grows.
Mindi Lasley, P.A. is experienced in forming and representing businesses, both non-profits and for-profit businesses, including business formation, obtaining copyrights and trademarks, drafting contracts, handling employment issues and any other assistance your business needs. Ms. Lasley serves as legal counsel for local businesses and advises them on all aspects of business law and assists in making major decisions so that the business owners and Boards of Directors are aware of all legal consequences.
Contact Mindi Lasley, P.A. to ensure your business gets started off on the right foot and allow Ms. Lasley to guide you throughout the difficulties that are inevitably associated with business ownership.