Imagine spending months or years making your idea into something tangible only for someone to come along, take the idea (and perhaps physical invention too), and commercialise it without allowing you to benefit. IP helps avoid this by keeping your work yours. Whether it’s your logo, your app, your
Your website’s Terms of Use (TOU) and Privacy Policy are more than legal fine print. They’re the foundation of your online business. These documents define how you interact with customers, protect your company from lawsuits, and ensure compliance with privacy laws. Yet many founders still copy these agreements
When your employees invent something valuable, who owns it — the inventor or your company? This question becomes critical the moment your startup raises funding, negotiates an acquisition, or files for patent protection. Investors and acquirers will always ask the same thing: “Does the company actually own its IP?” If the
When founders think about fundraising compliance, most focus on the SEC — accredited investors, Reg D exemptions, Form D filings, and federal securities law. But there’s another layer of regulation that often catches first-time entrepreneurs off guard: state securities laws, commonly known as “blue sky laws.” Even if your offering
Expanding your business into other U.S. states? Learn what “doing business” means, when you must register as a foreign entity, and how to stay compliant with state filing and tax requirements.
Hiring contractors for your startup? Learn how to protect your intellectual property and avoid misclassification risks.
Many founders put off trademark protection until it’s too late. I've encountered several cases throughout my practice. A client asks me to help trademark their brand. After a thorough search, I discover that someone else has beaten them to the bunch. "But we've already
If you’re starting a company, your equity is everything. It’s your reward for taking the risk, and it’s what investors, employees, and acquirers will all negotiate around. Yet many founders don’t fully understand how their ownership actually works, when it vests, or why it matters how
When you sell your company, how the deal is structured can be just as important as the price. The right structure protects your payout, minimizes taxes, and keeps the deal on track. The wrong one can leave founders shortchanged or locked into unfavorable terms long after closing. Here’s what
If you clicked on this article, things probably aren't going well. Acknowledging your business is dead is one of the hardest moments for a founder. But as difficult as it is, you still have work to do. At this point, you need to shift quickly from growth mode
Simple Agreements for Future Equity ("SAFEs") and Convertible Notes ("Notes") are popular tools for fundraising, especially at the earlier stages. However, without careful planning, both tools can bite founders hard, especially during a raise. Let's say you're doing a series A, and
So you're ready to make your first hire! Hiring the right people is one of the biggest drivers of your company’s growth. Once you've locked in the right person (perhaps testing them out first as a contractor) you're ready to send your offer
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set the global standard for how companies collect, store, and use personal information. While the regulation was set by the Europeans, its reach extends far beyond. Even if your startup is based in the United States, you may be required to comply with the
Your choice of business entity is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make. It affects how much tax you pay, how easily you can raise money, and how well your personal assets are protected. As a general rule, choose a corporation if you want to build a