6 Legal Considerations When Starting a Corporation

There are many legal considerations that you must take into account before making the decision to become a corporate entity. In this post, we will discuss six of the most important legal issues that you need to consider when starting a corporation.

By understanding these key concepts, you can make sure that your business is set up for success without any potential legal headaches down the road.

Trademark and Copyright Protection

One of the most important things to consider when starting a corporation is protecting your brand and intellectual property. In order to do so, you need to make sure that you have registered your trademark and secured intellectual property protection for any original content or designs.

Without this, you could leave your business open to legal challenges from competitors who may try to use your intellectual property without permission.

You should also take steps to keep your trade secrets confidential. Trade secrets can include things like the formula for your product or the process you use to make your product.

Corporate Structure and Governance

When starting a corporation, you need to decide on the corporate structure and governance. This includes deciding who will be in charge of the company, how decisions will be made, and what type of financial reporting is required.

By taking the time to set up a clear corporate structure and governance protocol, you can avoid any potential disputes among shareholders or directors down the road.

Your choice of legal structure will affect the amount of personal liability that shareholders are exposed to. For example, a corporation with limited liability will offer shareholders protection from any legal claims arising from the company’s activities.

It will also determine how you run your business and how you pay your taxes. Be sure to consult with an attorney to get specific advice on the best corporate structure and governance for your business.

Corporate Charter and Bylaws

To make sure that your business is in compliance with state and federal regulations, you need to create a corporate charter and bylaws. The corporate charter outlines the basic rules and regulations of the corporation, while the bylaws provide more specific details about how the company will be run.

Both of these documents should be reviewed and approved by your lawyer to ensure that they comply with state and federal law.

Employee Policies

When starting a corporation, you need to create employee policies that comply with state and federal law. This includes policies on hiring, firing, wages, and benefits. Without written policies in place could lead to legal disputes with employees down the road.

It is also important to have an HR department in place to handle any employment-related issues. By having a solid HR department in place, you can ensure that your employees are treated fairly.

Zoning Laws

Before starting a corporation, you need to make sure that you are in compliance with all zoning laws. This includes understanding what type of business you can operate in your area and what restrictions may be placed on your business. Failing to comply with zoning laws could lead to fines or even the closure of your business.

Relevant Safety and Health Laws

In addition to complying with zoning laws, you need to make sure that your business complies with all relevant safety and health laws. This includes laws governing the use of chemicals, hazardous materials, and workplace safety.

You also have the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of visitors to your place of business.

By understanding these key legal concepts, you can set your business up for success. Be sure to consult with an attorney to get specific advice on how to best protect your corporation.