

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.
Section Title
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What if I'm not currently selling the product or services that I want to use with my mark?Yes - If you have not begun selling your products or services just yet you can still apply for your trademark filing an intent to use application. The intent to use application essentially holds your place in line until you are ready to begin use. However, the USPTO will eventually want to see proof that you have begun selling your products and services to customers which can incur additional fees. You have up to three years to provide proof before your application is rejected.
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I want to trademark my brand name, logo and tagline, do they belong on one application?"No, a brand name, logo, and taglineare all separate and distinct trademarks which belong on their own application for review with the USPTO. We charge separately for each filing.
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What is the difference between ™ and Ⓡ?The ™ symbol is specifically for those individuals who do not have a trademark registered with the USPTO yet but are indicating to the general public that the words, logo, or tagline are an identifier for products and or services and would like to begin the trademark process. While the Ⓡ is specifically for those who have a obtained a federal trademark from the USPTO.
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How do I get started with my registration?To get started, schedule your free consultation using our Let's Talk button in the top right corner of our website.
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What if I want to add products and/or services to my application once it has been filed?Unfortunately, we cannot add products and/or services to an application once it has been filed and accepted with the USPTO; however, we can always add to an application before it is filed and if you decide not to provide those products or services we can always remove that language from the existing application. We can always remove, never add.
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Is a trademark registration guaranteed?Unfortunately, no. However, we do an analysis during our search to determine how likely your application is to be rejected. If after reviewing our analysis, you don't want to move ahead with registration, we will only charge $250 for conducting the search and analysis.
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What if I already conducted a search?Regardless of having conducted your own search, we must complete our own so we can provide you with a complete analysis to help you make a determination of your likelihood of being successful in registering your mark.
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How long does a trademark search take?It depends on our current caseload and your timing. We typically complete searches within one week of your submission of the trademark questionnaire form.
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What is a trademark class?A 'class' is the goods or services you are selling that will be connected to your mark. For example, Starbucks is protected under Class 030 for coffee and food. We will help you figure this out. Classification is one of the main parts of the application process that can get screwed up by trying to do it on your own. Each class typically has a filing fee of $350. Here is the list of trademark classes: CLASSES OF GOODS/PRODUCTS Class 1: Chemicals Class 2: Paints Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Preparations Class 4: Lubricants and Fuels Class 5: Pharmaceuticals Class 6: Metal Goods Class 7: Machinery Class 8: Hand Tools Class 9: Electrical and Scientific Apparatus Class 10: Medical Apparatus Class 11: Environmental Control Apparatus Class 12: Vehicles Class 13: Firearms Class 14: Jewelry Class 15 : Musical Instruments Class 16: Paper goods and Printed Matter Class 17: Rubber Goods Class 18: Leather Goods Class 19: Nonmetallic Building Materials Class 20 : Furniture and Articles not Otherwise Classified Class 21: Housewares and Glass Class 22: Cordage and Fibers Class 23 : Yarns and Threads Class 24: Fabrics Class 25: Clothing Class 26 : Fancy Goods Class 27: Floor Coverings Class 28 : Toys and Sporting Goods Class 29 : Meats and Processed Foods Class 30: Staple Foods Class 31 : Natural Agricultural Products Class 32: Light Beverages Class 33 : Wine and Spirits Class 34: Smokers’ Articles CLASSES OF SERVICES Class 35: Advertising and Business Class 36 : Insurance and Financial Class 37: Building Construction and Repair Class 38 : Telecommunications Class 39: Transportation and storage) Class 40 : Treatment of Materials Class 41 : Education and Entertainment Class 42 : Computer and Scientific Class 43 : Hotels and Restaurants Class 44 : Medical, Beauty & Agricultural Class 45: Personal
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What are filing fees?Filing fees are fees charged by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to file your application, request an exemption, file a statement of use, and other actions related to your trademark application.
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What is a technical office action?It is a denial by the USPTO that can easily be resolved. Often, the USPTO’s examining attorney just needs some additional information. The response to these refusals are included in your application fee.
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What is a substantive office action?It is a denial by the USPTO that requires a lengthy comprehensive response. If you receive a substantive office action, we will provide you with a number of options available to you in order to overcome the office action. The response will require billed at our regular hourly rate.
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How long does the trademark application process take?There are no guarantees on how long it will take; however, it is typically between 12 to 18 months. You can request a copy of our trademark application process here.
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Does a trademark registered with the USPTO protect my mark internationally?No - however, you can register in multiple countries. There is an application that allows multiple countries once you have do that initial application with the USPTO. If you want this, please let us know.
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What does it mean when someone opposes my registration?An opposition occurs when another mark believes registration of your mark will damage their mark. The cost of these proceedings will vary.
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Will I receive a refund if my application is denied?No - The USPTO does not issue refunds for unsuccessful applications, and neither do we. We will do everything possible to help you have a successful application, but we cannot guarantee success.
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Do I need a lawyer to file a trademark?No - anyone can file a trademark application. BUT, the application process can be complicated and if the USPTO sends an initial refusal with an office action, it can be very challenging for a non-lawyer to understand how to appropriately fight and respond. Often these office actions could have been avoided by using a lawyer to start. Unfortunately, the costs of bringing in an attorney at that point are often more expensive than if you'd used one to from the start.
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Still have questions?Set up a free consultation with us to discuss your questions by using the Let's Talk button in the top right corner of our website.