San Jose Business Lawyers Blog

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Breaking away from the rest and forming your own business is a dream for many people. Business entrepreneurship can be a risky but rewarding venture, and it’s possible to achieve great success in your new company. Although running a business takes a lot of hard work and has challenges, you can reach a high level of success. Here are four keys to achieving great things as a business owner, as well as some advice from successful entrepreneurs.

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Business Entrepreneurship: 4 Keys to Achieving Success

1. Hire a Lawyer

“Surround yourself with great mentors.”-Thalej Vasishta, CEO, Immigration Lawyer

Sound advice and a strong team to lean on are essential for entrepreneurs. One of the first things you should do when starting your company is hire a lawyer. Choosing a business entity and licensing can be intricate, so have all paperwork looked over before making big decisions. A good business lawyer will be able to guide you through the whole process and assist you in protecting your intellectual property rights along the way. Continue Reading

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Sometimes, avoiding litigation in a legal dispute is the best way to achieve a resolution. Mediation and arbitration may be viable alternatives to reduce the time and money spent litigating. Here are some pros and cons to choosing meditation vs. arbitration when deciding whether or not to opt for avoiding litigation.

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The Pros & Cons of Mediation
Pros:
1. Control

In mediation, you must sign in agreement of the final decision. This gives you control over your approval of the ruling. You also reserve the right to litigate if the mediation fails, making this a less costly alternative to heading straight to court. Continue Reading

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Among the most important decisions a business owner or entrepreneur can make is determining what business entity best suits their needs. This decision can affect how much you pay in taxes, the amount of paperwork that you will need to do, your own personal liability, and your ability to raise capital by issuing stock. Additionally, some business formations require certain formalities in order to be in compliance with state and federal law.

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Of course, every business is different, and what may be an appropriate business entity for one venture may be completely inappropriate for another. Business ventures that anticipate rapid growth or are formed with the intention of being acquired by another company may choose an entity type that may be unnecessarily onerous at startup but allow growth and compliance with federal securities laws, preempting the need for a potentially costly reorganization down the road. For these and other reasons, it is best for anyone considering forming a business entity to discuss their goals and options with an experienced Silicon Valley business lawyer before filing any paperwork with the state.

In the meantime, here is some basic information regarding the some of the most commonly used business formations:

Sole Proprietorships – A sole proprietorship is perhaps the most common type of business that exists today, and many people may own one without knowing it. Sole proprietors are simply individuals who engage in some sort of business venture for themselves. There are no filing requirements to start a sole proprietorship, and they may even do business under an assumed name if they choose to file a fictitious name with the state. One of the main drawbacks of sole proprietorships is that the owner can be held personally liable for all obligations incurred by the business.

Partnerships – A partnership involves two or more people who work together in a common enterprise and share in the profits and losses of that enterprise. Like sole proprietorships, partnerships can be formed without any state filings, and can actually be formed with a simple oral agreement. In some cases, a court may even determine the existence of a partnership even in the absence of an agreement. All partners are jointly and severally liable for the financial obligations of the partnership and profits or losses pass through to the partners for the purposes of taxation.

Corporations – A corporation is a legal entity separate from its owners created to conduct business. Because it is a separate entity, a corporation has the benefit of shielding its owners from personal liability for the debts or other obligations incurred by the corporation. One of the main disadvantages of a corporation is the legal requirements associated with formation and ongoing operations, which make them better suited to large, well-established businesses.

Limited Liability Companies – Limited Liability Companies are a relatively new business formation favored by many startups and small businesses because they combine the flexibility of partnerships with the liability protection of corporations. An LLC has the same limited personal liability as a corporation that is provided by state law and gets treated as a Partnership for Federal tax law purposes.

Choosing a business formation can be a complicated decision with far-reaching implications on the success and operation of your business. If you have any questions at all regarding business formation or any other matter related to business law, the skilled lawyers at Structure Law Group can help you. Please do not hesitate to call us today at (408) 441-7500 for assistance today.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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Do you have a great idea but aren’t sure how to start a business? Creating a startup can seem daunting at first. There are many questions to consider when defining what type of business you want to start and figuring out what it will look like once your plan comes to fruition. There are also a few legal activities you need to complete before you can open up shop. Here are 4 steps to starting a business and some tips to help you get started.
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4 Steps to Starting a Business

1. Determine Your Market and Specialty

Before you create a startup, you’ll need to determine what product or service you will offer your clientele. Make sure that your offering is focused enough so that your brand will become easily recognizable alongside your product or services. Once you determine what you will offer your customers, you need to think about your target market. This is known as conducting market research. Where is there a demand for your products or services in the market? Is the market already saturated with the products or services you plan to offer? Make sure you are able to utilize enough of the market share for the products or services you will be offering.

2. Select Your Business Type

There are many different types of business entities, such as sole proprietorships, limited liability corporations, partnerships or corporations. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages when starting a business. Hiring a business lawyer is a good way to determine which business type will best suit your startup’s needs and protect both you and your company’s interests. The team at Structure Law Group offers expert advice and council to make sure that when you start a business it’s done the right way.

3. Register Your Business

When you’re starting a business, you need to pick a company name that will be relevant for years to come. Pick something catchy enough to remember that also aligns with the brand you are trying to portray. Once you’ve picked a name for your startup, contact a lawyer to help you get your business registered, licensed and trademarked.

4. Write a Business Plan

A well-written business plan will help you chart measurable goals for the future. Your business plan will change over time as you amend or add ideas. In general, try to project your plans about 3-5 years in the future. Be sure to include financial information, like potential funding opportunities, a detailed marketing plan, and information about your company’s mission and values. A solid business plan will also assist you in securing future funding for your startup.

If you follow these four steps, your startup will be set up for success. Remember, when starting a business, it is always important to consult a business lawyer like those at Structure Law Group to help you with any paperwork or legal decisions.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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Deciding to start a small business can be both exciting and stressful, and seeing your business succeed can be highly rewarding.

The reality of starting a small business is, however, that forming and running a business is generally far from a simple task. Business owners must have a viable idea, the necessary supplies to bring that idea to fruition, and a client base to keep the business afloat. Furthermore, small business owners in California must always ensure that they are in full compliance with numerous federal and state laws and regulations. This can be particularly daunting as many entrepreneurs may be largely unacquainted with all of the applicable laws, and may not have the time or expertise to familiarize themselves with such regulations.
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If you are a small business owner, a California business attorney can advise you on all the essential steps you must take in order to comply with all necessary laws.

A business attorney can make sure you remain in compliance throughout all of the stages of your business, whether you are forming your business, or ready to dissolve your business and move onto a new venture. A lawyer can answer your questions and assist you in the following matters and more:

• Choosing the best business entity for you
• Legal formation of your business
• Drafting articles of incorporation
• Drafting operating agreements and bylaws
• Drafting buy-sell agreements
• Securing all necessary licenses
• Applying for and receiving all necessary permits for your business
• California Secretary of State filings
• Lease agreements
• Protecting your intellectual property
• Drafting employee contracts
• Complying with all employment laws
• Business transactions and contract review
• Contract dispute resolution
• Collection efforts
• Restructuring after bankruptcy
• Resolving partnership disputes
• Dissolution requirements

As a small business owner, you will face many legal decisions and issues on an ongoing basis.

If you make the wrong decision or fail to comply with a federal, state, or local law, you may find yourself facing expensive penalties, sanctions, or even watching your business get shut down. A quality small business attorney will be able to assist you with legal matters from the start to finish of your business tenure. A lawyer will also stay familiar with any changes in relevant business laws and can advise you on any necessary actions in response to these changes.

Contact Structure Law Group for help with your small business.

Staying up to date on all laws relevant to small businesses can be time-consuming and leaving such matters to a business attorney allows you to focus on what is most important–day-to-day operations, growing your business, and achieving your goals. Whether you have a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or other type of small business, the dedicated lawyers at the Structure Law Group in San Jose, California can help you. Please do not hesitate to call us today at (408) 441-7500 for assistance today.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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As much as you may want to avoid litigation when it comes to your business, conflicts arise and are sometimes unavoidable as a cost of running a successful business. While you and your business partners may have other philosophies on handling workplace issues, sometimes litigation is the best course of action to deal with messy company separations, distribution of assets, protecting your property, and sometimes even handling suppliers and consumers.

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As a business owner involved in litigation, you don’t need to resort to spending years in litigation or paying unreasonable settlement sums; you need to build strategies with a business lawyer so you can resolve conflicts efficiently and effectively, and maximize your ability to avoid future disputes. When litigation is initiated, it is important that it is done right to avoid unnecessary mistakes that waste all parties’ time and money.

Here are 5 common legal mistakes business owners can make when stepping into legal territory, and how to avoid them.

1. Not Taking the Lawsuit Seriously. If you know you haven’t done anything wrong, it can be tempting to avoid hiring a lawyer at all. Developing a strategy, finding and interviewing witnesses, and getting paperwork in order can all be costly to your business if not done properly. To ensure you can keep your full attention on business operations during the lawsuit, hire a litigation attorney who specializes in helping business owners.

2. Not Considering Other Options. Sometimes in sticky litigation battles, one or either party may be too eager to settle before taking full stock of all assets at stake. Mediation and arbitration may also be other options to consider before going to court to save money on fees and avoid long delays.

3. Making Decisions Based on Emotions.

Being involved in litigation can be a highly emotional experience, and it can get very difficult to make important decisions that will affect your business. Instead of making impaired decisions based on your emotions, work with a business litigation attorney to come up with a strategic plan based on a cost-benefit analysis. Remember that the dispute is business related, and not personal.

4. Keeping Information from your Lawyer. Your lawyer is there to help you navigate the process, so it’s imperative that you keep your lawyer apprised of all relevant information. Sometimes it may be overwhelming and frightening to present the “bad facts” to your lawyer, but hiding facts can seriously impact your chances of success in settlement discussions or in court.

5. Using the Wrong Lawyer. Be sure to do your research when it comes to finding a lawyer that specializes in the type of dispute you are a part of. The right lawyer will be able to provide you with objective advice that is best suited toward your business. Business can be extremely personal so it can be easy to overlook pertinent facts. To avoid clouded judgment and conquer inflexibility, always consult legal counsel to ensure your best chances of success. If you need advice or assistance on how to proceed, contact your team at Structure Law Group.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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5 Items to Include in a Real Estate Purchase Contract

When you make an offer on real estate you want to buy, there can be a lot of paperwork involved. Many additions to real estate purchase contracts are obvious, such as the address of the property, purchase price and owners. Here is a list of 5 things to consider and include when drafting a real estate purchase agreement.

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1. Legal Description of Property

Be sure to include a legal description of the property, including zoning information. In commercial real estate, this is more than just the mailing address of the property. Legal descriptions must include proper nomenclature used by the U.S. Public Land Survey System, including zoning codes. If the description is not included, the real estate contract may be invalid.

2. Closing Costs

You want to establish who pays closing costs in the real estate purchase contract. The buyer and seller should specify who is responsible for common fees such as escrow fees, title fees, title insurance, transfer tax and notary fees. If you want the seller to pay all or part of the closing costs, make sure to specify this in your offer. In California, the location of the property is used to determine how fees are divided.

3. Inspection Contingency

Make sure to include an inspection contingency in your purchase contract to protect yourself if a serious issue with the property comes to light after an inspection is conducted. This includes the buyer’s right to cancel the sale after conducting due diligence.

4. Closing Date

Common time frames for closing dates are 30 days, 45 days and 60 days. You should allow sufficient time for closing contingencies, including financing the transaction.

5. Right to Modify Purchase Agreement

Allow yourself room to amend or modify the purchase contract after its completion. By adding a clause allowing the right to amend of modify, both parties may amend the purchase contract after it has been completed. Keep in mind that this does not change the original contract and large amendments are usually better done by creating a new contract.

By including these essential items in your real estate purchase contract, both the buyer and the seller are protected and the purchase is transparent for both parties. Be sure to sit with an experienced real estate lawyer before making final decisions.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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Sole Proprietorships: Advantages and Disadvantages

Many small businesses in the United States operate as sole proprietorships. In fact, this is the most common type of business and is business in its simplest form. In this article we will discuss some advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorships and more specifically, owning and operating a sole proprietorship in California.

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Advantages of Sole Proprietorships

· Low start-up cost. Since there is no legal distinction between the person and the business entity, the sole proprietor is not required to register as a legal corporation. This saves on filing costs. Here in California, there is also a high minimum tax which sole proprietors avoid.

· No business taxes. Income generated through the business is reported and paid on the sole proprietors’ personal income taxes.

· No annual compliance. Unlike corporations, sole proprietors are not required to pay annual fees to retain their legal status.

· Simplicity and speed of setting up your business. While starting a sole proprietorship, LLC or corporation requires compliance with licensing, local laws and regulations, individual owners of sole proprietorships have lower overhead costs and speed though the process.

Disadvantages of Sole Proprietorships

· Personal liability. Since the business is not legally separate from the owner, the owner is personally responsible for all debts and transactions.

· Fewer investment opportunities. Once an investor or partner has joined the business, it is no longer a sole proprietorship. The transformation of the company will require compliance with licensing requirements and filing fees. As a result, it may be hard to find an investor to back your company.

· Debt. Many sole proprietors have dipped into personal assets or acquired loans to start their company. Since a sole proprietorship is not a formal business entity, personal loans may impact the owner’s credit score.

Is a sole proprietorship the right decision for you and your business? Your team here at Structure Law Group would be happy to help you start your sole proprietorship or answer any questions you may have. You can find more about the services we offer here.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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Pros and Cons of a C Corporation vs. an S Corporation

Selecting a business entity is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur faces. There are numerous options including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations. To make things even more complicated, there are two primary types of corporations, each with its own benefits. In order to ensure you choose the best business entity for your purposes, you should always conduct careful research and consult with an experienced California business attorney to discuss your options.

Once you have decided you want to incorporate, your options are to form a regular C Corporation or an S Corporation. Though these two types of corporations are quite similar, there are a few key differences that can determine which one is right for your business.

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3 Similarities between S & C Corporations

The following are a few ways that an S Corporation and C Corporation are alike:

1. Both types of corporations are owned by the shareholders, who have protections from liability for business debts and most business-related legal matters.
2. Both are structured the same way: the shareholder/owners elect a board of directors that oversees major issues. The board of directors then elects officers, who handle the day-to-day operations of the business.

3. Both must comply with state law regarding document filings, fees, bylaw and more.

Differences Between S Corporations and C Corporations

The most important difference between an S Corporation and C Corporation is the way that they are taxed. In both cases, shareholders pay taxes on dividends of any distributions of profits. A C Corporation, however, may also be taxed on the corporate level, which means it may be subject to double taxation. On the other hand, the taxes for an S Corporation all pass-through to the shareholders, so there is only single taxation. This pass-through taxation is authorized by IRS Code, Subchapter S of Chapter 1.

Though the single taxation of an S Corporation likely sounds preferable, the S Corporation entity is not an option for every business. Another difference between the two is that, while a C Corporation can be quite large and have numerous shareholders, an S Corporation may only have a maximum of 100 shareholders. In fact, the IRS created Subchapter S in part to encourage small businesses and entrepreneurship. Therefore, the size of your business may play a significant role in the type of corporate entity you choose.

If you have any questions about C Corporations, S Corporations, or other business entities, do not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney at the Structure Law Group for assistance today.

About Structure Law Group

Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.

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An employment contract can be a useful tool to protect your business while providing clarity and structure for your employees. An effective agreement should clearly spell out the terms of both employment and termination. In this post we’ll take a look at the basics of creating an employment contract.

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Understanding Employment Contracts

A well-designed contract outlines an employee’s roles and responsibilities. What tasks is the employee expected to perform? What does the job pay? What benefits will the employee receive? Clearly stating this information upfront will protect your business from future lawsuits, provided you abide by the contract.

You’ll want to be specific that the employment relationship is at-will. This means either the employer or the employee can terminate the agreement at any time for no reason. If instead it is not at-will, you should be sure to spell out the grounds for termination.
One thing to keep in mind is what happens after an employee is either terminated or leaves. Who owns the right to any material he or she produced? What about confidentiality? An employment contract can protect your business by safeguarding its intellectual property.

Advantages of Employment Contracts

Besides offering reassurance, an employment contract can be a great way to attract new talent. Think of a contract as an offer sheet. You’re providing a prospective employee with job security and a clear path to success.

Contracts can also make it easier to manage employees. The expectations can be laid out for all to see, which means there’s less gray area. Unfortunately, not all employees work out and a contract can avoid any confusion between employer and employee as to whether it is working out or not. make it easier to terminate employment should the need arise.

If you’re thinking about putting together an employment contract, contact the professionals at Structure Law Group. We can help you create something that is specific to your business and adheres to the law.

About Structure Law Group
Structure Law Group is a San Jose based firm that specializes in business issues including business formations, commercial contracts and litigation.