Business Legal Fundamentals
Whether you’re starting a new business or launching a product or service, it’s essential that you take the right steps early on to protect yourself.
Don’t worry: nobody completes all the initial steps on Day 1, but successful entrepreneurs learn how to properly set themselves up for future growth.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Consider what type of entity your business is going to be. These may include a solo business, a partnership, a corporation, an LLC, or a non-profit.
- Be sure to consult with both a qualified attorney and a business-focused CPA before getting started. You will benefit from surrounding yourself with a knowledgeable team that will help you avoid legal issues and minimize your tax burden.
- Engage an attorney to do a full trademark search for your business name and brand name. Too many businesses fail to take this step. They often end up receiving “Cease and Desist” letters right when their sales are taking off. This results in unanticipated legal costs, in addition to the huge burden of having to create a whole new brand.
Business Building Blocks
Here are some of the key concepts to understand when you’re getting ready to launch:
CORPORATIONS, LLCS, AND PARTNERSHIPS
These are among the variety of forms that your business may take. Sometimes this is referred to as the “type of entity.” These include:
Solo Businesses (also known as Sole Practitioners)
This is the default status if you’re working on your own and you haven’t filed the paperwork to form any other type of legal business entity.
| Partnerships Sole practitioners and partnerships are less costly to form than corporations or LLCs, but they don’t provide the same level of liability protection. As a sole practitioner or partner, your personal assets may be subject to attack in the case of a lawsuit. Corporations |
LLCs An LLC is a limited liability company. LLCs operate in a manner that’s similar to a corporation, but usually require a bit less formality, which can translate into cost savings. Non-Profits |
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TRADEMARKSAnything that identifies your brand. This may include your brand name, business lame, logo, or tag line.
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COPYRIGHTSLegal protection for valuable creative works produced by an individual or a business.
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BUSINESS TRANSACTIONSThis term covers a broad range of agreements, such as:
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ONLINE TERMS AND CONDITIONSThese include your website’s Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, Copyright Notice, and other documentation that’s required to shield your business from legal liability. |
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ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA LAWWhat do these have to do with businesses that aren’t in the “entertainment industry?” In today’s business environment, almost every business is heavily involved in online marketing. The principles of Entertainment and Social Media Law have been applied to any business that is public-facing. |
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Transactional Law Consultation
Sometimes there are straightforward solutions that require less strategy and more implementation. We offer focused, transaction-based consultations to get your legal needs completed correctly and on time. Click here to contact us and schedule a consultation to discuss your needs in the following areas:
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In today’s complex business landscape, having an experienced transaction attorney can make the difference between growth and stagnation. Since 2005, David Lizerbram has dedicated his practice to helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors navigate the intricate world of business transactions. His depth of experience in transaction-based law allows him to provide practical, forward-thinking solutions that protect client interests while fostering business growth.
Transaction-based law forms the backbone of every successful business operation, encompassing everything from daily operational contracts to complex merger agreements. David understands that each business faces unique challenges and opportunities. His approach to transaction law combines deep legal expertise with practical business insight, ensuring that every legal solution he provides aligns with his clients’ strategic goals and growth trajectory.
David’s transaction law practice spans the entire business lifecycle, beginning with strategic entity formation and extending through every phase of business growth. He guides clients through the critical decision-making process of choosing and forming the right business entity, whether it’s an LLC, corporation, or partnership. This foundational work sets the stage for future success, creating a legal framework that supports business objectives while providing necessary protections.
Contract development and review stand at the center of David’s transaction law practice. He crafts and reviews a wide range of business agreements, from non-disclosure agreements and independent contractor contracts to complex master service agreements and statements of work. Each document he prepares reflects his commitment to clarity and precision, helping prevent disputes while protecting business interests. His experience has shown that well-drafted contracts serve as both a shield and a foundation for business relationships, saving substantial time and resources in the long run.
As businesses grow, David’s transaction law expertise becomes even more valuable. He handles the intricate legal aspects of business financing, from equity transactions and stockholder agreements to debt financing arrangements. His work in mergers and acquisitions demonstrates his ability to manage complex transactions while preserving value and managing risk. Whether clients are buying or selling a business, David provides comprehensive guidance through due diligence, agreement drafting, and final execution.
The digital transformation of business has created new legal challenges and opportunities. David’s transaction law services have evolved to address these modern needs, including the development of robust online terms and conditions, privacy policies, and digital content agreements. He helps businesses navigate the complexities of e-commerce, social media law, and digital intellectual property protection. His approach ensures his clients’ online presence remains both legally compliant and commercially effective.
Trademark and intellectual property protection form another crucial component of David’s transaction law practice. He helps businesses secure and maintain their intellectual property rights through careful registration and monitoring processes. His proactive approach to trademark protection helps prevent costly disputes while building lasting brand value. Whether clients are launching a new brand or expanding an existing one, David’s transaction-focused strategies help secure their intellectual property assets.
Years of experience in transaction-based law have given David insight into virtually every type of business agreement and challenge. He’s worked with technology startups, professional service firms, manufacturing companies, and creative enterprises, developing deep understanding of industry-specific needs and challenges. This broad experience allows him to provide nuanced, practical advice that goes beyond simple legal compliance to support his clients’ business strategy.
Time sensitivity in business transactions cannot be overstated, and David’s practice is structured to provide efficient, responsive service. He understands that delays in legal processes can impact business opportunities, which is why he prioritizes clear communication and timely execution. His transaction law services are designed to streamline complex legal processes without sacrificing attention to detail or protection of client interests.
The foundation of David’s practice is his commitment to building long-term relationships with his clients. He takes the time to understand their business objectives, industry challenges, and growth plans, allowing him to provide more targeted and effective legal solutions. This approach has helped him build lasting partnerships with businesses across various sectors, serving as a trusted advisor through multiple phases of growth and development.
Ready to ensure your business transactions have the legal protection they deserve? Contact David to schedule a consultation about your specific needs. Let him show you how his transaction-based law expertise can support your business goals and protect your interests as you grow. He is ready to help you navigate the legal complexities of modern business while keeping your objectives firmly in focus.
