Starting a new business is an exciting, but stressful time. It can also be confusing if this is your first business, as issues can crop up that could delay or even derail operations. An attorney experienced in business law is a tremendous asset that you can rely on for help in multiple ways. 

What Are the Benefits of a Business Lawyer?

1. Determine Business Structure

When starting a new business, one of the first major decisions is determining how to classify the entity. Your business may take the form of a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company. Each has different tax obligations, governance requirements, liabilities, and setup fees. An attorney who specializes in business law can advise you on the pros and cons and work with you to choose the right structure for your company.

2. Protect Intellectual Property

Many small businesses are built on intellectual property, such as inventions, product designs, blueprints, original works, trade secrets, software, and devices. All intellectual property and other intangible assets—including the business name, brand names, and logos—need to be protected. A business law expert can help you apply for any necessary patents, trademarks, and copyrights. 

3. Draft and Review Contracts

Business law matters typically require a lot of paperwork, much of it packed with convoluted legal language. An attorney can draft and review contracts with clients, customers, vendors, government agencies, and employees. 

These may include partnership agreements, property and equipment leases, bills of sale, nondisclosure agreements, and employment contracts. A qualified attorney can write a contract to your specifications, negotiate terms, and ensure no "gotcha" clauses are hidden in the fine print. 

4. Manage Disputes

Disputes are quite common in business law. You may believe a vendor hasn't fulfilled their contractual obligation, or a customer may accuse you of the same. Partners may disagree about the direction of the company. Your company may face regulatory or tax issues with the government. An attorney can help manage these disputes through negotiation, mediation or, if necessary, representation in a court hearing. 

Start your business with Stayton Law by your side. Attorney Jennifer L. Tiger and team have extensive experience and expertise in corporate and business law, and they provide quality counsel and representation to clients in Stayton, OR, and across the Willamette Valley. They will make sure your interests are protected every step of the way. Call (503) 769-7741 for a consultation or for more information on their services.