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+

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Choosing a Business Structure

Startup founders in the US have several options for legal business formation. The most common structures include Limited Liability Company (LLC), C-Corporation and S-Corporation. Each has distinct features regarding taxation, management and investment attraction. LLC offers management flexibility and pass-through taxation, while C-Corp is the preferred form for startups planning to attract venture capital.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property protection forms the foundation of most tech startups. Key aspects include:

Patenting technologies and inventions
Trademark registration
Copyright protection for software
Drafting rights transfer agreements between founders

Regulatory Compliance

Depending on the startup's industry, various regulations may apply:

For fintech projects - licensing and compliance with SEC, FINRA
In healthcare - HIPAA and FDA compliance
For user content platforms - DMCA compliance
In AI - emerging regulatory initiatives

Funding and Investments

Raising investments requires thorough legal preparation:

Drafting investor agreements (SAFE, Convertible Notes)
Preparing documents for funding rounds
Crowdfunding compliance
Currency regulations for international transactions

Tax Obligations

The US tax system includes:

Federal income taxes
State taxes (and sometimes city taxes)
Taxation of international operations
Tax incentives for startups

Employment Matters

Special attention should be paid to:

Worker classification (employees vs contractors)
Visas for foreign specialists
Non-disclosure and non-compete agreements
Employee stock option programs

Corporate Governance

Effective management structure includes:

Role distribution among founders
Forming a board of directors
Documenting key decisions
Conflict resolution mechanisms

International Aspects

For startups with global ambitions, it's important to consider:

Export controls
Data protection laws (GDPR for EU)
Operating in foreign markets
International tax planning

Timely attention to these legal aspects allows startup founders to build a solid foundation for business growth and avoid costly mistakes in early stages.