Legal Questions to Consult an Attorney Before Launching a Business

Creating your own business is an exciting venture for most people. However, countless legal issues must be taken into account as well. New business owners have a lot on their plates between coming up with ideas, creating products and services, and securing funding. Meeting with a small business attorney early on could be one of the smartest decisions you can make.

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What type of business do I want to start?

Starting a business can be a logistical tangle. Details slip through the cracks for even the most careful entrepreneurs, and these mistakes can return as costly liabilities. Your attorney should be familiar with all the risks that could affect your particular type of business. It includes everything from incorporation to drafting agreements, obtaining permits and licenses, renting space, and confirming intellectual property rights. An Underhill Law Denver business attorney can guide you through these issues. Getting advice will save you pain in the future and allow your business to thrive.

What kind of business structure will work best for me?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what legal structure your business should take. It is an important decision that should be made with professional legal guidance based on your long-term goals and your circumstances. Proper structure is necessary to protect your assets from company debts and liabilities. A lawyer can help you understand the different systems, their costs and fees, and the various forms and deadlines they require.

What permits and licenses do I need?

Whether you’re a startup or a veteran entrepreneur, several city, county, state, and federal licensing requirements must be fulfilled. An attorney can help you determine what licenses and permits you need and how to obtain them. Many details can slip through the cracks as a new business starts, leading to unforeseen liabilities. An experienced business lawyer can ensure you’ve checked off all regulatory boxes.

What kind of contracts do I need?

Managing contracts is a huge part of running a business. An attorney can help draft, review and negotiate business agreements. An attorney can aid in preserving your intellectual property. It may include registering your trademarks with the federal government and filing for copyrights. Ask your potential attorney about their background and education. Look for on-the-job training and experience outside law school that has shaped your business attorney’s perspective, work product and advice.

What kind of insurance do I need?

Starting a business can be an exciting time, but it also requires much hard work and purchasing insurance. Fortunately, an experienced business law attorney can help you navigate the process and quickly get your new venture off the ground. The right lawyer will be familiar with all the risks of launching a business and can guide you through a checklist of legal documentation designed to protect your company from various liabilities.

What kind of trademarks do I need?

Your business’s logo, name and labels are considered trademarks. You’ll also need to protect any intellectual property, including copyrights. There are different classes for trademarks, depending on whether they apply to goods or services. Which sorts are most appropriate for your company can be determined with the assistance of your lawyer. You can informally obtain a trademark simply by using your name and logo, but it’s best to register it when your business starts getting traction. A lawyer can perform a more extensive search and file your application correctly.

What kind of copyrights do I need?

Copyrights are a property right given to authors that allow them to control and protect their artistic works. Virtually all literary and artistic works are automatically copyrighted as long as they meet the required criteria of originality and creativity and are fixed in a tangible medium of expression. A business attorney can advise you on the best ways to safeguard your company’s intellectual property and assist you in determining what it owns. They can also help with trademark or patent registration and provide contracts that protect your business from unforeseen liabilities.

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What kind of legal issues do I need to address?

There are many considerations for entrepreneurs when launching a business, but legal concerns should be top of mind. Future terrible outcomes could result from failing to solve these problems. A good business attorney can help you with various issues, including drafting contracts and agreements, protecting intellectual property, creating employee manuals, and minimizing risks. Ask potential attorneys about their previous experience and on-the-job training to see what kind of support they can provide you.