Legal Guidance for Businesses Small and Large

by Thomas Ajava

Mention legal regulations to a businessperson and you will probably see their eyes glaze over. One can hardly blame them given the complexities of the subject. That being said, here are a few legal nuggets you should know.

1. Avoid Oral Contracts ” In most situations, oral promises to do things are unenforceable, so avoid them. When it comes to contracts, the only thing important is what is in writing.

2. Multiple Business Owners ” If multiple people own a business, avoid situations where the ownership interests are equal. If you dont, you can end up with deadlocks that require court intervention.

3. Trademark Decisions ” When should you make the decision to get a trademark? As soon as possible, but only when you have a couple grand you can spend on it.

4. Copyright Office Information ” All copyrights must be filed with the Copyright Office. It is a department of the Library of Congress.

5. Financing New Businesses ” Starting a business usually requires money. Many people make the mistake of first offering ownership interests in exchange for cash. Use this as a last resort.

6. Common Law Copyright ” When you create an artistic work such as a book or music, you automatically are granted copyright. If some infringes on your copyright, however, you must have registered it with the Copyright Office to get damages.

7. Website Copyright Issues ” Many businesses need websites and yours probably does as well. If you use an outside party to create it, make sure they transfer copyright to you for the site.

8. Corporate Tax Designations ” Once you have incorporated a business, you must determine the tax status of the business. If you do nothing, it is automatically taxed as a C-corporation. Alternatively, you can file for a S designation.

9. LLC Tax Designation ” Most people know LLCs are great because they can be taxed like a partnership. If you wish, however, you can have them taxed as a corporation.

10. Email Privacy Issues ” If you send messages by email, it is important to remember they are not private. Whether you have a business dispute or personal one, a court can order you to produce them.

As with all legal information, keep in mind the above may or may not apply to your specific situation. Much of the law is factually oriented, meaning it applies in different ways to different situations.

About the Author:
Thomas Ajava writes for FindanAttorneyforme.com - where you can find a New York business attorney near you.

Published by: Thomas Ajava on June 14th, 2009 | Filed under Trademarks



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