Intellectual property is one of the most important and valuable intangible assets to a startup company. The idea, knowhow, and processes differentiate a company from competitors. Many startup founders have heard of intellectual property, but few truly understand how effectively protecting intellectual property can help their startup. There are three ways to protect intellectual property: […]
Startups generally have few employees during the early stages of its existence. As a result, many startups may find it to be unnecessary to have —and regularly maintain— an employment handbook. Though startups may find it easier and adequate to have more informal discussions of company policies, it is often advisable to develop and distribute […]
When an entrepreneur wants to start a business, they are likely focused on making a profit and not thinking about potential conflicts that can result in litigation. However, conflicts involving a new business can arise when you least expect it and can escalate quickly into a lawsuit if they are not properly addressed. Before you […]
Many startup companies need outside funding to get their business off the ground. Traditional means of acquiring capital include business loans, boot strapping, mortgages, and funds from venture capitalists. Startups now have access to another source of capital: angel investors. According to the Angel Capital Association (ACA), angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who invest their […]
Entrepreneurs generally form a corporation as a means of protecting personal assets. For example, corporate entities can protect the entrepreneur’s personal assets from plaintiffs who win a judgment against the company. Corporate entities foster business growth and expansion by protecting the individuals who actually run the company. Sometimes, however, a court permits a plaintiff to […]
Startups formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) should always draft an Operating Agreement. An Operating Agreement is a set of rules agreed upon by the LLC’s members. These rules govern, among other things, the startup’s daily operations, issues relating to finances, and ownership percentages. Most importantly, the Operating Agreement will serve to guard the […]
What is a Trademark Designing a trademark is an integral component of a startup company’s branding and marketing strategy. A trademark associates a product or service with the source of the product of service. The trademark helps potential consumers to recognize the company and associate the mark with the company’s products and services. Therefore, registering […]
When starting a company in California there are many considerations to take. Many startup owners choose to form a limited liability company (LLC) because of its tax flexibility and protection for owners and their personal assets. However, in order to receive the benefits of an LLC, potential startup owners must take the necessary steps to […]
The last thing any startup entrepreneur ever wants to think about is the process of dissolving their company. Given the exceptional failure rate of startups in today’s economy, it is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to dissolve a startup at least once throughout their careers. Planning ahead for a potential dissolution can save in legal disputes […]
Every business can benefit from having a sound business plan, for startup companies, having a sound business plan is an absolute necessity. Investors and potential business partners will want to see a solid business plan in place before considering, let alone committing to a financing investment. The business plan should demonstrate the vision of the […]