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10 Key Legal Documents for Starting a Business
When starting a new business, it is critical to be proactive about protecting your personal assets and putting your company in a favorable position to achieve sustainable growth both now and in the future. This means giving due consideration to the legalities and preparing the necessary documentation to protect your company against potential losses and liabilities. While each business’s needs are unique (and this list is by no means intended to be exhaustive), our Springfield business lawyer suggests 10 types of documents most companies will need to protect their assets and mitigate their risks.
1. Articles of Organization or Incorporation
Articles of Organization are used to form a limited liability company (LLC), and Articles of Incorporation are used to form a corporation. Once you chose the most-appropriate entity structure for your company, you will need to file the appropriate “Articles” in order to establish your entity in your chosen jurisdiction.
2. Corporate Resolutions and Minutes
Corporate resolutions are used for things such as appointing officers and directors and making other significant company-level decisions. Minutes provide a record of other company activities, including board, member and shareholder meetings.
3. Member or Shareholder Agreement
The member or shareholder agreement is the primary governing document of an LLC or corporation. It outlines the company’s purpose, officers’ and directors’ duties, the terms of financial contributions and distributions, and various other key issues.
4. Non-Disclosure Agreement
When sharing confidential and proprietary information with potential vendors, investors, or joint venture partners, using a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) can be critical to preventing unauthorized use and protecting your company’s trade secrets against disclosure.
5. Employment or Independent Contractor Agreement
Whether your company will hire employees, independent contractors or both, you will want to document the relationship appropriately. Employment and independent contractor agreements should each contain a variety of key terms, and they should be customized to your company’s unique needs.
6. Intellectual Property Registration Applications
Registering your company’s intellectual property (IP) – trademarks, copyrights and patents – is a critical step toward building value and protecting your company’s market position. Although certain IP rights are automatic (including limited trademark rights and copyrights), there are several significant benefits to registration.
7. Insurance Policies
For all types of businesses, adequate insurance coverage is one of the best ways to mitigate the risk of facing costly litigation. Company owners should work with their brokers early on to find adequate insurance solutions. Our Springfield business lawyer also encourages owners to think ahead toward retirement and plan for business succession by including disability insurance that will help keep your business afloat should something happen to alter your plans.
8. Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Companies’ obligations in the online world are becoming increasingly complex, and website terms of use and privacy policies should be drafted to meet all applicable legal requirements while providing adequate protection from liability.
9. Vendor Agreements
Vendors typically have their own “form” contracts, and many services and software licenses are offered on a “take-it-or-leave-it” basis. Before you sign any contract from a third party, you need to make sure you understand the key terms and try to negotiate if necessary.
10. Customer Contracts
Regardless of what your company sells, you will likely want to consider developing a customer contract that outlines customers’ reasonable expectations and provides further insulation from liability. From software licenses to hard goods, and from professional services to gym memberships, all products and services should be sold subject to appropriate terms and conditions.
Contact a Springfield Business Lawyer Today for Help
If you need help drafting or finalizing any of the above-mentioned documents, do not hesitate to contact our Springfield business lawyer right away. We are here to assist you with your business needs.