LEGAL CONSULTATION FOR STARTUP FOUNDERS ✅ BUSINESS ✅ SERVICES

Stage 1: Initial Consultation and Startup Needs Assessment

Lawyer's Actions:

Analysis of the startup idea, development stage, and target market.
Identification of key legal needs: company structure, IP, contracts, compliance.
Determination of further legal support directions.

Stage 2: Legal Structure Selection and Company Registration

Lawyer's Actions:

Recommendations on business form (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp).
Selection of registration state (often Delaware).
Preparation and filing of incorporation documents.
Obtaining EIN (Employer Identification Number).
Assistance with opening a bank account.

Stage 3: Founders' Agreements and Equity Distribution

Lawyer's Actions:

Preparation of Founders' Agreement.
Drafting IP Assignment Agreement - transfer of intellectual property rights to the company.
Development of Cap Table: ownership structure of shares/equity.
Consultation on vesting schedules for co-founders.

Stage 4: Intellectual Property (IP) Protection

Lawyer's Actions:

Brand uniqueness verification (name, logo).

Trademark application filing (USPTO).

Patenting advice (if applicable).

Timeline:

Analysis + application filing: 3-7 business days

USPTO review: 6-12 months

Cost:

TM analysis + application: $1,000-$1,500

Patent: from $5,000+

Legal Foundations for a US Startup

Launching a startup in the US? Great — but it's crucial to address key legal issues upfront to save time and money later.

1. Choosing Business Structure

LLC — flexible, easy to manage, pass-through taxation.
C-Corp — better for venture funding and IPO.
S-Corp — suitable for small companies with limited shareholders.

Choose the structure based on your goals (fundraising, scaling, tax optimization).

2. Intellectual Property

Patents — for core technologies.
Trademarks — for branding.
Copyrights and assignment agreements — to prevent creators from taking code/ideas.

Action: secure rights in founder and contractor agreements.

3. Industry Regulations

Fintech/Crypto: licenses, AML/KYC, SEC/FINRA requirements.
Healthcare: HIPAA, FDA requirements.
Platforms: DMCA and content policies.
AI: monitor new regulations and ethics.

Industry compliance should be built into your product roadmap.

4. Fundraising

Documents: SAFE, convertible notes, term sheet.
Round preparation: cap table, due diligence package.

Prepare transparent documentation in advance.

5. Taxes

Federal and state obligations.
Taxation of international operations.
Tax incentive opportunities for startups.

6. Employment & Team

Proper classification: employee vs contractor.
Visas and international hiring.
NDA, IP assignment, option plans.

7. Corporate Governance

Founder roles, board of directors, meeting minutes.
Dispute resolution and founder exit mechanisms.

Incorporation documents and operating agreement resolve 80% of conflicts.

8. International Considerations

Export controls, GDPR, cross-border taxation.
Product localization and legal requirements in target markets.

Plan global compliance strategy in early stages.

Summary

Proper legal decisions will save you time, money, and stress. If you'd like — I can prepare a brief plan for your startup (3-5 priority steps). Just share your industry and development stage.