At the Law Offices of Meghan E. McNulty, Inc., We Help You Build and Protect What You’ve Worked Hard to Create
Whether you’ve just launched a business or have been running one for years, legal support plays a critical role in protecting your operations, your brand, and your long-term goals. Even small decisions—like signing a lease or hiring a contractor—can carry legal consequences if not handled with care.
If you’re navigating any of the following, it might be time to speak with a business law attorney:
When Should You Consider Legal Guidance for Your Business?
Starting a New Business:
From selecting the right business structure (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) to filing the appropriate documents, a business attorney can help you set a strong legal foundation.
Hiring Employees or Contractors:
Ensure your employment policies, contracts, and classification decisions align with California labor laws to avoid unnecessary disputes or liability.
Signing or Drafting Contracts:
Clear, well-drafted contracts reduce confusion and help prevent conflicts. An attorney can review agreements to safeguard your interests.
Bringing on Investors or Partners:
Formalizing relationships with investors or co-owners requires clear operating agreements and a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities.
Dealing with Local Regulations or Permits:
As seen in our latest podcast episode featuring the founders of Dana Point Ale House, navigating local permit requirements can be complex. Legal guidance early on can help avoid costly delays.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property: What Every Business Owner Should Know
Intellectual property (IP) often represents the most valuable part of your business—your brand, your products, and your creative work. Protecting it doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require intentional action. Here are a few basic steps:
- Identify Your IP Assets: This could include trademarks (business names, logos), copyrights (written content, designs), patents (inventions), and trade secrets (formulas, methods).
- Register When Appropriate: Registering trademarks, copyrights, or patents gives you stronger legal protection and the right to enforce your ownership.
- Use NDAs and Confidentiality Agreements: When sharing sensitive information with contractors, collaborators, or employees, written agreements help reduce the risk of misuse.
- Monitor for Infringement: Watch for unauthorized use of your work or brand, and know when to seek legal advice to address it.
- Review Your IP Protections Regularly: As your business grows, your IP strategy should evolve too. A periodic legal check-in helps identify new risks and keep protections current.
Why Regular Legal Check-Ins Help
Just as your estate plan benefits from regular reviews, your business plan deserves the same attention. Laws change. Business structures evolve. New challenges arise. An experienced attorney can help ensure your documents, contracts, and policies are up to date and legally sound.
If you haven’t checked in on the legal side of your business recently, now is a good time to do so. A simple conversation can help prevent larger complications later on.
Need Help Reviewing Your Business Legal Needs?
Whether you have a specific concern or just want to ensure everything is in order, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation tailored to your business goals.
Tip of the Month
Running a business involves more than day-to-day operations. Taking time to protect your contracts, employees, and intellectual property now can save you time, money, and stress down the road.
