You have copyright rights that you probably don't know about! Copyright Protection Is Available for Original Works of Authorship Have you written a book or coded software? Are you a publisher? Have you created fashion, graphic or web designs? Are you a photographer? Perhaps an artist! If so, you should know all the benefits of Federal copyright registration. Registration is so much more than just putting a copyright notice on your work. Registration can be made at the state level in Georgia but it is the Federal registration that ... Read More »
5 Things to Know About Entity Selection
5 Things to Know About Entity Selection So you’re starting a business? Here are some threshold things to consider when choosing the entity: Often the choice is between an S corporation and a limited liability company, which is a type of partnership with liability protection. Both are considered “pass-through entities” for tax purposes. Both entities provide the same protection against the company’s trade creditors, assuming the business is properly operated. Generally, neither entity protects its principals from personal ... Read More »
BUYING OR SELLING A BUSINESS
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING OR SELLING A BUSINESS By: Laurance D. Pless Following are some practical observations about buying or selling a business that every business owner should know before venturing into this often unfamiliar territory. Step One: Run the Numbers. Tax liabilities vary widely. For example, one deal structure can risk a double tax. And tying payments to certain circumstances could increase the tax rate on them significantly. “It’s Not Signed Until It’s Signed”. The first document to be agreed upon between ... Read More »
START-UP PACKAGES
START-UPS/FORMING A NEW BUSINESS Overview. So you have a great business idea for a START-UP. You may turn to the Internet for legal help and come across a website or service that contains a form for incorporating a corporation or organizing an LLC. There is so much more to organizing a corporation or LLC, however, than just filing Articles of Incorporation or Organization. If your business has more than one equity holder, a Shareholders’ and Buy-Sell Agreement (in the case of a corporation) or LLC Operating Agreement (in the case of an LLC) ... Read More »
Are you Covered? Insurance In A Company Sale or Acquisition Setting
Many are the details surrounding the closing of a company sale or acquisition. Some details seem more important than others. Insurance fine points fall into a special class and deserve particular attention and care. In the hustle and bustle leading up to a closing, CEO’s and CFO’s should not succumb to a default stance of “let the insurance agents handle it.” Insurance is simply too important. Coordinating coverage at a time of transition, such as a sale, is often like fitting the pieces of an elaborate puzzle together. It takes great care ... Read More »