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AdobeStock_429740779-300x200Are you looking to start a new business in San Jose or Silicon Valley?  If so, congratulations! Among your many decisions will be choosing a business legal entity.  A sole proprietorship is the easiest structure to get up and running quickly. But there are certain legal steps you will need to take to establish a sole proprietorship. And there are potential disadvantages you should consider. The Silicon Valley start-ups and financing lawyers at SLG can provide you with more specific advice related to your situation that will help you choose the right entity for your new business.

What You Need to Know About Being a Sole Proprietor in Silicon Valley

A sole proprietor is an individual who owns an unincorporated business. From a tax and legal standpoint, there is no distinction between the sole proprietor and their business. This has several implications, such as:

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AdobeStock_1422775834-300x164Nobody enters a business partnership or relationship expecting to end up in litigation, but disputes may arise that can only be resolved through a formal legal process. If you are involved in such a lawsuit, the San Jose partnership lawyers at Structure Law Group can provide you with professional advice, guidance, and representation throughout the process.

Why Partnership Lawsuits Happen

Most business partnerships are governed by some form of written contract, such as a partnership agreement, limited liability company (LLC) operating agreement, or corporate bylaws. These documents spell out the legal rights and responsibilities of the owners of the business. So when a lawsuit does arise, it is often because one party to the agreement has alleged a breach or violation on the part of another party.

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AdobeStock_135958555-300x213Texas entrepreneurs often embody a ‘do-it-yourself’ (DIY) ethos. In a typical startup, a compact team of committed individuals assumes various roles across the organization. This approach can be instrumental in driving a company towards success. However, applying a DIY mindset indiscriminately, especially in specialized domains like legal affairs, can be detrimental and lead to significant costs for the business. Entrepreneurs must recognize when professional expertise is needed, particularly in areas with legal implications.

In recent years, we have seen several online services promote DIY legal services as an inexpensive way to help get a business up and running. But when it comes to understanding and complying with the multitude of federal, state, and local regulations that may affect a new business, legal advice is one area where you do not want to cut corners. Instead, you should strongly consider working with an experienced Texas start-up and financing attorney.

Beware of Legal Templates

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AdobeStock_998337525-300x231Corporate acquisitions are rarely simple. Any merger requires careful pre-planning on both sides. And even where there is eagerness to conclude an M&A deal quickly, several steps must be followed to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.

At Structure Law Group, our Texas mergers and acquisitions attorneys can assist your business at every stage of a corporate merger. Whether you want to acquire or be acquired, our legal team has the knowledge and specialized skills to guide you through the M&A process. Indeed, an experienced Texas business attorney plays several key roles in preparing, negotiating, and completing a corporate merger. Here are just a few examples:

Performing Due Diligence

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AdobeStock_1534752117-1-300x171John Roberts, Jr., the United States chief justice, used a report on the federal judiciary to comment on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal profession. Roberts noted, “Proponents of AI tout its potential to increase access to justice, particularly for litigants with limited resources.”. The Chief Justice agreed that “[m]any AI applications indisputably assist the judicial system” in helping courts to resolve disputes.

Roberts also predicted that “human judges will be around for a while.” Similarly, while online chatbots may seem like a convenient alternative to hiring an attorney, the team at Structure Law Group encourages you to carefully evaluate your overall legal needs before relying solely technology.

What AI Is–and Is Not

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AdobeStock_543012960-300x200Running a business in Texas comes with inherent risks, including the potential for litigation. Lawsuits can be expensive and time-consuming, making it essential to take proactive steps to minimize risks and respond effectively when disputes arise. At Structure Law Group, our experienced Texas business litigation attorneys are here to guide you through the litigation process and provide proactive strategies to help you avoid lawsuits whenever possible.

With that in mind, here are a few general tips on how you can strengthen your business against the risk of lawsuits:

Properly Structure Your Business

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AdobeStock_210179496-300x193At first glance, starting a business might seem straightforward– simply completing an application and remitting a fee to the California Secretary of State to incorporate. However, the reality is that starting a business entails a lot more complexity, particularly when it comes to legal matters. The process extends well beyond basic registration, encompassing a detailed understanding of regulations, compliance requirements, and a multitude of legal intricacies that must be meticulously managed. Providing guidance through the process of business formation is a service that is legally reserved for corporate attorneys. Additionally, a multitude of questions typically arise during the establishment of a business in California, each requiring careful consideration and legal expertise to navigate effectively. This is where the San Jose start-ups and financing lawyers at SLG have proven invaluable in assisting numerous clients to launch their new business ventures successfully.

Starting a new business in California’s dynamic and innovative economy is an exciting endeavor. However, this process involves navigating a complex set of legal rules that can be quite challenging. Here are key reasons why it’s crucial to consider hiring a lawyer when you’re setting up a new business in California:

Selecting the Right Business Structure for your San Jose Startup and protect your personal assets

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AdobeStock_1614031388-300x200A merger or acquisition is one of the most complex transactions that a Texas business–or, in this case, multiple Texas businesses–can enter into. There is no such thing as an “impulse buy” when it comes to M&A. Both sides need to perform “due diligence” before closing a final deal.

Mistakes during the due diligence process can lead to significant problems for all parties involved. That is why working with an experienced Texas mergers and acquisitions attorney is essential. The team at Structure Law Group can help protect your company’s interest while negotiating a deal and performing the necessary due diligence to help you avoid potential lawsuits down the line.

What Is “Due Diligence”?

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AdobeStock_248573288-300x200A successful California business lives or dies by its brand. Your corporate name, logo, and slogan are often the first things a customer associates with your business. So it is crucial to protect your branding through the use of trademarks. The experienced California trademark attorneys at SLG offer a full range of legal services designed to help your business in this area.

What Does a Trademark Do (or Do Not Do)?

Although the term “trademark” is used broadly in everyday conversation, there are actually two types of marks used in branding–trademarks and service marks. A trademark is used to describe physical goods and products, while service marks describe services. For the sake of simplicity, we will just refer to both as “trademarks” in this article.

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AdobeStock_914410371-300x200Most Bay Area businesses aim to embrace diversity and inclusion as integral parts of their core values. However, these objectives are often not well-defined. For instance, a company might be committed to diverse hiring in terms of gender and ethnicity, but they may still face challenges in fostering inclusion. Additionally, many managers find it challenging to measure and communicate the precise benefits of diversity and inclusion to their superiors or board.

At Structure Law Group, we believe that diversity and inclusion are not just marketing buzzwords. Rather, they are goals that many businesses must meet for professional and legal reasons. The Silicon Valley employment attorneys at Structure Law Group can advise you on this and other issues related to the recruitment and management of employees.

How Diversity Can Drive Your Business to Greater Success

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