Create a Solid Foundation for Your Business
Starting a business can be an exciting time, but navigating the legalities of owning and running a business can be intimidating. How do you know where to begin?
That's where we come in. From choosing a business structure and trademarking a business name to identifying potential risks and opportunities, we will provide answers to questions you may not even know to ask. Our focus is to make sure you understand your risks and help you prioritize your next steps. Let us help you create a solid foundation for your business.
Learn the 6 legal steps you must take to protect your growing business.
Get Legal Peace of Mind Knowing Your Business is Set Up for Success
Managing Your Business Wisely
01.
Select the Right Entity for Your Business
Selecting the right entity for your business is one of the most important steps in creating a solid foundation for your business. When you partner with us, we advise you on your options and help you select which entity is right for you - LLC, Corporation, or S-Corporation.
03.
Have the Right Contracts
Contracts are the number one way to limit your risk as a business owner after forming an entity. Contracts come in several forms - vendor contracts, customer contracts, website terms of service, employee contracts, and more. Without the right contracts you may be taking on more risk than you know.
04.
Protect What Makes You Great
What sets your business apart from others is what makes you great. But too often in the hustle and bustle of the every day, business owners forget to make sure they are protecting their competitive advantage. There are many legal tools to assist business owners - copyright registration, trademark registration, copyright notices, patent, and more.
SELECT THE RIGHT ENTITY
Forming an entity to manage your business offers liability protection for entrepreneurs. It protects you from the debts of your business, separating you as an individual from your business, which limits your personal liability for the business' debts protecting your home, car, savings, and more. The most common entity choices are a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
We offer a number of flat-rate packages to help you form your entity and set a solid foundation for your business. In addition, if you are forming a business with one or more partners, it’s essential to clearly establish the ownership and equity rights (and expectations) of each person from the start. Having a third-party help you through this process can eliminate a lot of pain and cost down the road.
WI Single Member
LLC Package
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Name search,
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WI single member LLC articles of organization and filing fee,
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Single Member Operating Agreement,
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EIN, and
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Seller’s Permit (if needed)
$495
Non-WI SMLLC Package
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Name search,
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Single member LLC articles of organization and filing fee,
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Single Member Operating Agreement, and
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EIN
$495 plus fees
WI Multi-Member
LLC Package
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Name search,
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WI multi-member LLC articles of organization and filing fee,
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Multi-Member Operating Agreement,
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EIN, and
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Seller's Permit (if needed)
$1025
WI Registered
Agent
Athena Legal Solutions will act as your registered agent for one year receiving any service of process notices and any communications from the WI Department of Financial Institutions.
$195 annually
WI Corporation
Package
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Name search,
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WI articles of incorporation and filing fee,
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bylaws,
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EIN, and
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Seller’s Permit (if needed)
$1500
DE Corporation
Package
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Name search,
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DE articles of incorporation and filing fee,
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bylaws,
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EIN, and
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DE Registered Agent (if needed)
$1750
UNDERSTANDING THE LAWS
THAT APPLY TO YOUR BUSINESS
Depending on your business, the number of laws and regulations that apply to your business will vary. It can be a challenge to understand and navigate each and everyone of them.
These laws could include:
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State licensing laws
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Cover any licenses that may be required to provide your product or service
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Employment laws
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Cover how you can manage any employees and your ability to require non-competes
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1099-Contractor
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Determine how if someone qualifies as a independent contractor
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CAN-SPAM Act
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Outlines how you can conduct email marketing
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State, federal & international privacy laws
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Cover what you must do if you collect, buy, or store nonpublic personal information
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Consumer protection laws
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Determines how you collect on debts
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And many more
Have the Right Contracts
Contracts are a critical part of managing your risk as a business owner. A well-written contract can save you a great deal of time and money in the long run. Our priority is always to collaborate with our clients to not only avoid liability but to protect your business interests and enhance your profitability. Typical contracts you'll need include:
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Customer Agreements
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Vendor Agreements
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Independent Contractor Agreements
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Employment Agreements
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Partnership and Shareholder Agreements
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Stock Purchase and Equity Award Agreements
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IP License or Assignment Agreements
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Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreements
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Website Terms of Use
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Website Privacy Policy
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Podcast Guest Agreements
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Merger and Acquisition Agreements
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Stock or Asset Purchase Agreements
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Corporate Reorganization Agreements
We create contracts tailored to meet your specific needs from standard LLC operating agreements to the most complex legal documents. We can also review your existing contracts to perform a risk assessment or negotiate desirable terms for the contract you need to take your company to the next level. We start with a consultation so we understand your contract needs and goals.
PROTECT WHAT MAKES YOU GREAT
Ensure your ownership, confidence, authority, power, expertise and value
by using copyrights, trademarks, copyright notices, and more to protect your business.
New businesses are often driven by a new idea, process or product. The key is making your new idea successful by protecting what makes you unique so your startup can grow and become profitable. There are a variety of ways you can protect and grow what makes you special; however, you'll want to customize which options you use based on your specific business as these services aren't one-size fits all.
Options that may make sense for your business include:
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Filing for a DBA or Tradename
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Using Copyright Notices
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Filing for a Copyright Registration
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Filing for a Trademark Registration with the USPTO or your state
We work with business owners to understand which options to use and when to achieve your business goals.
Learn more about trademarks by checking out our trademark services page.
Learn more about copyright notices by downloading our Copyright Wisdom guide.