Startup Legal Support

1. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): Offering flexibility and pass-through taxation, LLCs are popular for their simplicity and protection of personal assets.
2. C-Corporations: The preferred structure for startups seeking venture capital, C-Corps offer the ability to issue multiple classes of stock and are typically required for institutional investment.
3. S-Corporations: Combining some benefits of LLCs and C-Corps, S-Corps provide pass-through taxation while maintaining a corporate structure.
4. Benefit Corporations: For socially conscious startups, benefit corporations allow for the pursuit of both profit and social good.
5. Partnerships: Various forms of partnerships can be suitable for certain types of businesses and professional services.

Our team works closely with you to understand your business model, growth plans, and personal goals to recommend the most suitable structure. We then handle all aspects of the formation process, including:

• Preparing and filing necessary documents with state authorities
• Drafting foundational corporate documents (e.g., operating agreements, bylaws)
• Advising on initial stock issuances and vesting schedules
• Guiding you through post-formation compliance requirements

By establishing the right foundation from the start, we help set your startup on a path for success and scalability.

Our contract services include:

1. Drafting and reviewing a wide range of business agreements, including:
   • Customer and vendor contracts
   • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
   • Licensing agreements
   • Partnership and collaboration agreements
   • Terms of service and privacy policies for digital platforms
2. Negotiation support to ensure favorable terms while maintaining positive business relationships
3. Contract management advice to help you stay on top of obligations and renewals
4. Dispute avoidance strategies through clear, unambiguous contract language

We focus on creating contracts that not only protect your legal interests but also facilitate your business objectives. Our goal is to provide you with agreements that are clear, enforceable, and aligned with industry best practices.

1. Patent Protection:
   • Conducting patentability assessments
   • Drafting and filing provisional and non-provisional patent applications
   • Developing global patent strategies
2. Trademark Protection:
   • Conducting trademark searches and clearance
   • Filing trademark applications domestically and internationally
   • Enforcing trademark rights against infringers
3. Copyright Protection:
   • Registering copyrights for software, content, and creative works
   • Advising on fair use and licensing issues
4. Trade Secret Protection:
   • Developing trade secret policies and procedures
   • Drafting invention assignment/confidentiality agreements and non-compete clauses
5. IP Audits and Portfolio Management:
   • Assessing existing IP assets and identifying gaps in protection
   • Developing comprehensive IP strategies aligned with business goals

We work closely with founders and technical teams to understand your innovations and create tailored IP protection strategies that maximize the value of your intellectual assets while staying within budget constraints

1. Term Sheet Review and Negotiation:
   • Analyzing and explaining key terms
   • Negotiating favorable conditions while maintaining investor relationships
2. Due Diligence Support:
   • Preparing your company for investor scrutiny
   • Managing the due diligence process to present your startup in the best light
3. Drafting and Reviewing Funding Documents:
   • Stock Purchase Agreements
   • Investor Rights Agreements
   • Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreements
   • Voting Agreements
4. Advising on Alternative Funding Structures:
   • Convertible notes and SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
   • Crowdfunding compliance and documentation
   • Revenue-based financing arrangements
5. Cap Table Management:
   • Maintaining accurate records of equity ownership
   • Advising on dilution and equity incentive plans

We strive to protect your interests and maintain your operational flexibility while securing the capital needed for growth. Our experience with a wide range of funding structures allows us to provide insights into market standards and negotiate effectively on your behalf.

1. Employment Agreement Drafting:
   • Offer letters and employment contracts
   • Non-disclosure and invention assignment agreements
2. Equity Compensation Plans:
   • Stock option plans and agreements
   • Restricted stock units (RSUs) and other equity incentives
3. Employee Handbook Development:
   • Customized policies reflecting your company culture and values
   • Ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws
4. HR Policy Guidance:
   • Anti-discrimination and harassment policies
   • Leave policies and benefits administration
   • Performance evaluation and disciplinary procedures
5. Contractor and Consultant Agreements:
   • Drafting agreements that clearly define relationships and protect IP

We focus on creating employment documents that not only comply with applicable laws but also foster a positive work environment and protect your company’s valuable assets and information.

While we emphasize preventive legal strategies, we recognize that disputes can arise even with the best planning. When conflicts do occur, we provide comprehensive dispute resolution services to protect your interests and find efficient solutions. Our approach includes:

• Early Dispute Assessment:
  • Evaluating the strength of your position and potential outcomes
  • Advising on strategic options for resolution
• Mediation and Negotiation:
  • Representing your interests in settlement discussions
  • Drafting and reviewing settlement agreements
• Arbitration Support:
  • Preparing and presenting cases in arbitration proceedings
  • Enforcing arbitration awards
• Litigation Management:
  • Representing startups in state and federal courts
  • Managing complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Design:
  • Creating custom ADR clauses for your contracts to minimize future disputes

Our goal is to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively, allowing you to focus on growing your business. When litigation is unavoidable, we leverage our experience and resources to vigorously defend your interests. We’re committed to being more than just legal advisors – we aim to be strategic partners in your startup journey. By providing comprehensive legal support tailored to the unique needs of startups, we help you navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a strong foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling rapidly, our team is here to provide the legal guidance and support you need at every stage of your growth.