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Burning Man 2018: A Legal Guide (4th Edition)

Going to Burning Man? Understand how to deal with search requests, being frisked, being detained, and being arrested.

By Pieter Gunst 28602 views

Non-Disclosure Agreement Checklist

This checklist provides an overview of issues to take into account when preparing a non-­‐disclosure agreement. It provides an easy way to ensure that no important issues are overlooked.

By LawGives 3805 views

12 Reasons Businesses Should Use Arbitration Agreements

This guide briefly outlines the existing law on arbitration agreements, and then identifies and explains 12 reasons why businesses should use them.

By Robert Fojo 10684 views

What tax forms do I need for an independent contractor?

Tax information for businesses & individuals

By LawGives 81433 views

The Equality Act

How the Proposed Law Could End LGBT Discrimination

By Hannah Konitshek 1046 views

Estate Planning after Obergefell

Does the Supreme Court decision change your estate plan?

By Hannah Konitshek 1341 views

6 Tips for Protecting Your Communications From Prying Eyes

by Julia Angwin ProPublica, June 18, 2015, 8 a.m.

By Hannah Konitshek 1056 views

NY Lawmakers Want Stiffer Penalties for Landlords Who Ignore Rent Limits

by Cezary Podkul and Marcelo Rochabrun ProPublica

By Hannah Konitshek 776 views

Privacy Not Included: Federal Law Lags Behind New Tech

by Charles Ornstein ProPublica, Nov. 17, 2015, 10 a.m.

By Hannah Konitshek 596 views

Our Updated Reading List for the Supreme Court's Texas Abortion Case

by Nina Martin ProPublica, March 2, 2016, 10:27 a.m.

By Hannah Konitshek 245 views

Belgium vs Facebook

On November 9th, 2015, a Belgian court ordered Facebook to stop tracking non-Facebook users, and imposed a fine of $250,000 per day in case of non-compliance. A look at the facts, the rules at hand, and the questions that matter.

By Pieter Gunst 2574 views

Can I put my pet in my will?

While many people often think of their (human) loved ones when drafting a will, more and more people are looking to ensure that their pets are provided for once they die.

By Hannah Konitshek 1066 views

Federal Advertising Regulations - is your business compliant?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the agency which enforces advertising laws passed by Congress.

By Hannah Konitshek 1773 views

Piercing the Corporate Veil: what you need to know.

The "corporate veil" refers to the protection that separates one's personal assets from their business' assets.

By Hannah Konitshek 2209 views

The Internet of Things: legal considerations

There will be many on-going legal challenges for the internet of things.

By Hannah Konitshek 623 views

Trademarking Cannabis Related Goods and Services – A Sticky Road

I have been asked by several client’s recently about obtaining US federal trademark registrations for cannabis related goods and services. The short answer is that trademarks for cannabis related goods and services are not registrable under federal registration with limited exceptions. I have posted this legal guide to explain the pitfalls in the trademark application process.

By Alan Kendrick 780 views

Does a Corporation Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return When It Has No Income?

Under the United States Tax Code, every U.S. corporation that is in business must file a tax return.

By Hannah Konitshek 1327 views

Founders University: Incentive Stock Options vs. Non-qualified Stock Options

For our next session of Founders University, we share a comparison of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) and Non-qualified – or Non-statutory – Stock Options (NSOs).

By Craig Schmitz 1767 views

Founders University: Using Document Driver to Launch A Startup

For our third session of Founders University, we share an overview of creating governance and formation documents with Document Driver, by partner Dave Cappillo.

By Craig Schmitz 417 views

Founders University: Corporate Governance

Welcome back to Founders University, our core curriculum designed to provide start-up company founders with the basics they’ll need to get their company off the ground.

By Craig Schmitz 2078 views

What is Par Value and Why Should You Care?

A common question for those forming companies is how to deal with par value, which is understandable because it often does not bear a relationship to the actual value of the shares.

By Craig Schmitz 1764 views

Participating vs. Non-Participating Preferred Stock

This post on Capitalization Issues was authored by Ian Engstrand.

By Craig Schmitz 1653 views

Ask the Capital Calculator: How much will I be diluted when I take an equity investment?

Dilution is the change in a shareholder’s percentage ownership that results from the company issuing additional equity.

By Craig Schmitz 1626 views

Can a Startup Sponsor an H-1B Visa?

Startups, startup founders, and H-1B visas.

By Pieter Gunst 1802 views

Divorce in Massachusetts

How to file for divorce yourself in Massachusetts

By Hannah Konitshek 423 views

What you need to know about Section 83(b) Elections.

Taxes, stock options, and you. Oh my.

By Hannah Konitshek 5696 views

Judicial Release in Ohio: You Too, May Get Out of Prison Early! Maybe

Prison in Ohio is a concept that most people, hopefully, don’t consider. The loss of liberty associated with a prison sentence is a scary thought.

By Hannah Konitshek 26369 views

Why Your Company Needs a Social Media Policy

With more employees posting potentially damaging content online, business owners need to learn how to best protect their brand’s goodwill.

By Hannah Konitshek 863 views

The Rules Governing California 501(c)(6) Business Leagues or Professional Associations

Business leagues, professional associations, and similar organizations often will qualify for exemption from taxation under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. The below article explains how an organization may qualify for exemption and what rules the organization should be aware of when conducting activities.

By Cameron Holland 4285 views

Changing your name after marriage

Follow these steps to legally change your name following a marriage.

By Hannah Konitshek 454 views

How to freelance as an independent contractor

Learn how to navigate the freelancer arrangement.

By Hannah Konitshek 296 views

How to Revive a Suspended California Nonprofit

A surprisingly large number of nonprofits incorporated in California have had their corporate status suspended. This article looks at why a nonprofit corporation may be suspended, what it means to be in suspended status and what a suspended nonprofit corporation can do to return to good standing.

By Cameron Holland 4010 views

How to Form and Operate a California Mutual Benefit Nonprofit

California nonprofit mutual benefit corporations make up many of California’s business leagues, trade or professional associations, fraternal societies, homeowners’ associations and social clubs. This article explores why a mutual benefit corporation might make sense for your organization and what you need to do to form one.

By Cameron Holland 23408 views

How to Dissolve a California Nonprofit

Nonprofit, tax­exempt organizations often need to dissolve for a variety of reasons.

By Cameron Holland 1842 views

How to Respond to a Copyright Infringement Notice

A guide to handling a copyright infringement notice.

By Hannah Konitshek 29878 views

Open Source Software: a legal guide

This guide will give you a general overview of the legal complexities that can arise when using open source software.

By Pieter Gunst 12569 views

SCOTUS Legalized Gay Marriage - Now What?

This decision is a historic victory for gay rights activists who have fought for years in the lower courts - but what's next?

By Hannah Konitshek 7780 views

The Sharing Economy Just Got A Whole Lot Messier

High-profile Uber and FedEx cases demonstrate how misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees can threaten your company. Here’s everything you need to know.

By Pieter Gunst 4145 views

Entrepreneurial Visa Options

Visas for entrepreneurs wishing to come and/or stay in the United states.

By Sweta Khandelwal 1553 views

Independent Contractor Agreement

This independent contractor agreement (consulting agreement), governs the relationship between a company and an independent contractor or consultant.

1941 views

Client Brochure

A brochure to guide you through how we can help.

1484 views

Terms of Service

Having a solid Terms of Service for your website is crucial.

By Hannah Konitshek 2304 views

Employment Agreement

An Employment Agreement helps solidify things like salary, benefits, and general job duties.

By Hannah Konitshek 2333 views

Asset Purchase Agreement

This is a standard asset purchase agreement template that can be used to facilitate the sale of an asset between a buyer and a seller.

By Hannah Konitshek 856 views

Terms of Service

Terms of Service template. Legalese and boilerplate clauses are simplified as much as possible.

By Hannah Konitshek 2363 views

Convertible Note Term Sheet

Term sheet for a convertible note purchase.

By Hannah Konitshek 1757 views

Patent Assignment Agreement

A patent assignment agreement gives the patent rights from the assignee to a company. The assignment must be supported by consideration, which may be a nominal amount or a market value amount.

By Hannah Konitshek 1089 views

General Partnership Agreement

While most startups choose to incorporate, some companies do create legal partnerships. Partnerships are a legal agreement between two or more parties. The contract will usually define the terms of the partnership and how the profit-sharing will work. A partnership is not a separate legal entity from its owners.

By Hannah Konitshek 917 views

Bylaws - Delaware

This Delaware Bylaws document will help you to establish how formalities of the company will run. The bylaws also establish voting thresholds for approvals of company actions, such as electing new board members or incurring new debt.

By Hannah Konitshek 960 views

Copyright License Agreement

A copyright licensing agreement can be used to license a copyrightable and/or copyrighted work.

By Hannah Konitshek 731 views

83(b) Election for Corporation

An 83(b) election is an IRS filing which is typically filed when vesting is placed on a founding Member's ownership. If the founder/employee does not make the 83(b) election, then he or she may have income as their shares vest and will have to pay income taxes on the income.

By Hannah Konitshek 979 views

83(b) Election for LLC

An 83(b) election is an IRS filing which is typically filed when a vesting schedule is placed on a founding Member's ownership. If the founder/employee does not make the 83(b) election, then he or she may have "income" as their shares vest and will then have to pay taxes on the income.

By Hannah Konitshek 1935 views

Non-Disclosure Agreement (mutual)

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA), is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties wish to share with each other, but wish to ultimately keep confidential.

By Hannah Konitshek 907 views

Intern Agreement

An Intern Agreement governs the relationship between a company and an Intern.

By Pieter Gunst 1212 views

Incorporation Checklist

If you're thinking of starting a corporation, we recommend using this free incorporation checklist. While your company's requirements will vary, depending on your industry and the location of your business, this list is a helpful starting point on a path to engaging with a qualified incorporation lawyer.

By Hannah Konitshek 998 views

Founder Collaboration Agreement

If your company is only at the idea stage, then you might not be ready to incorporate. This is where a founders agreement can be of enormous benefit. The document is essentially a written agreement among the founders that allows them to have an open and honest conversation about their attitudes, fears, and aspirations for the project.

By Hannah Konitshek 1044 views

Advisory Board Agreement

An advisory board is a body of individuals that provide non-binding strategic advice to the management of your startup. The informal nature of an advisory board allows for greater flexibility than the Board of Directors.

By Hannah Konitshek 1196 views

Coachella: Your Legal Guide

Going to Coachella? Understand how to deal with search requests, being frisked, being detained, and being arrested.

10457 views

What’s In A Name? Everything When Using and Protecting Your Business’s Most Important Asset

Brands or marks (trademarks for goods and service marks for services) (now collectively referred for this guide as “Mark(s)”) are a company’s most important asset and can generate consistent and substantial revenues.

By Paul Menes 866 views

What Do You Mean We Have A Contract?! How to Prevent an Email Exchange From Inadvertently Becoming a Binding Contract.

Contract formation is one of the oldest forms of human interaction.

By Paul Menes 63604 views

12 Reasons Attorneys Should Charge Flat Fees

Flat Fees Align the Attorney’s Interests with the Client’s Interests

By Robert Fojo 8408 views

5 Ways To Avoid And Resolve Partnership Disputes

Going into business with a partner can be a great way to work. Two heads are often better than one.

28802 views

How to Protest and Dispute Government Contract Awards

Protesting and disputing government contract awards can appear intimidating at first glance.

By Robert Fojo 14537 views

How to Respond to a Third-Party Subpoena for Documents

In litigation, a party will often use a third-party subpoena to obtain documents from individuals, businesses, or other entities that are not parties to the lawsuit.

By Robert Fojo 132454 views

How to Navigate the New Hampshire Tax Abatement Process

New Hampshire’s heavy reliance on property taxes – which are among the highest in the United States – often produces significant tension with respect to the New Hampshire tax abatement process.

By Robert Fojo 2393 views

5 Reasons A Business Should Sue A Former Employee Who Violates A Non-Compete Agreement

Many businesses require their employees to sign a non-compete agreement or covenant not to compete either upon their hiring or as a condition of continued employment.

By Robert Fojo 23088 views

Top 10 Divorce Myths in California

Make sure you're prepared to handle any challenges a divorce may throw your way.

3193 views

Eight Things to Know about IRS Notices and Letters

Each year, IRS sends millions of notices and letters to taxpayers for a variety of reasons. Here are eight things to know in case one shows up in your mailbox.

By Olga V. Guzhva 2380 views

Investor’s Checklist for an EB-5 Compliant Business Plan

It is crucial that EB-5 investors and facilitators understand the Matter of Ho elements and ensure that the business plan submitted to USCIS contains each element in.

By Olga V. Guzhva 2508 views

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa

A Step-by-Step to a U.S. Green Card

By Hannah Konitshek 1262 views

Free Legal Documents

Free legal documents—valuable information for every entrepreneur. These legal documents, forms, and letters help entrepreneurs at any stage to make informed and strategic decisions. Whether you're signing a contract or incorporating your business, you'll find free legal documents for a wide variety of needs. Questions? Comments? Feel free to use the chat box to contact us! We're always ready to help.

By Hannah Konitshek 3028 views

Licensing Authorities

Guide to bar association licensing authorities in the United States and abroad.

By Hannah Konitshek 3023 views

Starting a Business - Licenses & Permits

If your business is involved in activities that are supervised or regulated by a federal agency (ex: selling alcohol, firearms, tobacco, commercial fishing, etc.), then it may be necessary to obtain a federal license or permit.

By Hannah Konitshek 1392 views

Starting a Business - Federal / State Taxes

Your form of business (ex: sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation) will determine which income tax return form you need to file.

By Hannah Konitshek 1016 views

Business Name Availability / Search / Reservation

By Hannah Konitshek 970 views

"Doing Business As" (DBA) / Business Name Registration

A guide to using a name different then the one you're incorporated with.

By Hannah Konitshek 1303 views

Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC)

A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is a limited liability company formed for the purpose of providing professional services.

By Hannah Konitshek 1862 views

Professional Corporations (PC)

A professional corporation (PC) is a corporate entity that is used for a narrow set of licensed professionals - such as lawyers, architects, engineers, accountants, and doctors.

By Hannah Konitshek 1542 views

Incorporation (C-Corp & S-Corp)

Find out if a C Corp or S Corp is right for your business.

By Hannah Konitshek 1606 views

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company (LLC) is a hybrid business entity that has certain characteristics of both a corporation and a partnership / sole proprietorship.

By Hannah Konitshek 1538 views

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) are structured as a typical partnership (including favorable tax pass-through treatment), but a LLP also offers limited liability protection to the owners that is similar to that of corporations.

By Hannah Konitshek 5522 views

Limited Partnership (LP)

Limited partnerships have both general partners and limited partners. General partners are responsible for the management of the LP and have unlimited liability.

By Hannah Konitshek 3537 views

General Partnership

A general partnership is made up of two or more partners where all partners manage and are responsible for the business' operations and debts.

By Hannah Konitshek 2176 views

Sole Proprietorship

A business consisting of a single owner. The business is not necessarily formally organized and/or registered with the state.

By Hannah Konitshek 1293 views

Other Ways to Get a Green Card

Although the majority of immigrants come to live permanently in the United States through a family member’s sponsorship, employment, or a job offer, there are other ways a Green Card can be obtained.

By Hannah Konitshek 1355 views

Green Card Through Refugee or Asylee Status

1059 views

Green Card Through a Job

By Hannah Konitshek 2254 views

Green Card Through Family

Many people get Green Cards (become permanent residents) through family members.

By Hannah Konitshek 1308 views

B Visa

A B visa is granted to foreign citizens seeking entry for a temporary period. B-1 visas are granted for business purposes and B-2 visas are granted for tourism or other non-business purposes. In practice, the visas are typically combined to a B1/B2 visa.

By Hannah Konitshek 1163 views

H-3 Visa

The H-3 is a non-immigrant visa granted to trainees or special education exchange visitors who ultimately intend to perform their job outside of the United States.

By Hannah Konitshek 1168 views

J-1 Visa

J-1 visitors may remain in the United States for the duration of their program and for an additional 30 days afterwards.

By Hannah Konitshek 954 views

O Visa

The O visa is a temporary worker visa granted to an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (O-1A visa) or extraordinary ability in the arts and/or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry (O-1B visa).

By Hannah Konitshek 1513 views

TN Visa

By Hannah Konitshek 891 views

L-1 Visa

An L-1 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States for the purpose of work in L-1 status.

By Hannah Konitshek 1049 views

E-2 Visa

By Hannah Konitshek 1216 views

H-1B Visa

The H1B visa classification permits a foreign national to work in the United States for a temporary period.

By Hannah Konitshek 1046 views

Non-Immigrant Visa Types

An overview of non-immigration visa types

By Hannah Konitshek 1345 views

EB-2 visa

EB-2 is an immigrant visa preference category for United States employment-based permanent residency,

By Hannah Konitshek 1330 views

EB-1 visa

By Hannah Konitshek 1081 views

Immigrant Visa Types

An overview of permanent residency visas.

By Hannah Konitshek 1051 views

Trademark Search

By Hannah Konitshek 1043 views

Copyright Registration

You must register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office before you are legally permitted to bring a federal lawsuit to enforce it.

By Hannah Konitshek 2810 views

Patent Search

By Hannah Konitshek 1318 views

Intellectual Property Infringement, Misappropriation, and Enforcement

By Hannah Konitshek 24210 views

Trade Dress

Trade dress describes all of the elements that a company might use to promote a product or service.

By Hannah Konitshek 1426 views

Trademark Registration

In the United States, the registration process includes roughly five steps. The entire process will require a minimum of 10 - 12 months.

By Hannah Konitshek 1296 views

Design Patents / Industrial Design Rights

In the United States, a design patent is an intellectual property protection granted to the ornamental design of a functional item.

By Hannah Konitshek 2362 views

Patent Application

A patent application is a formal request to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the grant of a patent for the specific invention described and claimed in the application.

By Hannah Konitshek 1637 views

Trade Secret

A trade secret is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, commercial method, or compilation of information which is not generally known to the public or reasonably ascertainable by others.

By Hannah Konitshek 1516 views

Trademark

A trademark is a recognizable sign, design or expression which serves as a source identifier for consumers.

By Hannah Konitshek 1420 views

Patent

Patents are a form of intellectual property that give an inventor or assignee an exclusive right over an invention for a limited period of time in exchange for detailed public disclosure of an invention.

By Hannah Konitshek 1989 views

Copyright

Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time, with the intention of enabling the creator to receive compensation for their effort.

By Hannah Konitshek 1528 views

The Startup Package Process

The Startup Packages are among the most popular sets of flat-fee legal products in our startup community. This step-by-step Process Guide takes you through each step of the Packages to help you understand what’s coming, what to ask about, what your different options are, and highlights areas where we think it’s particularly important to get a lawyer’s advice.

By Pieter Gunst 3803 views

Creative Use of Scientific Tools in Litigation

Lawrence Molton is an SLS alum who has developed an interdisciplinary approach and ended up on an unusual career track. This guide to the creative use of scientific tools in litigation reflects the training provided to him by his early career and interest in health policy.

By Larry Molton 969 views

Executive Immigration Reform

On November 20th, 2014, Obama made sweeping changes to immigration. Find out the details here.

By Hannah Konitshek 1974 views

Employee Handbooks

This Employee Handbook Guide helps you to create a set of workplace guidelines so that employees, staff, and management are aware of company policies and expectations.

By Hannah Konitshek 1428 views

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that allows transactions to take place directly between two parties, without the need of a central bank acting as a middle-man. This legal guide explains what Bitcoin is, and covers some of the legal issues facing this new type of currency.

By Pieter Gunst 11496 views

Immigration

The LawGives Immigration Guide provides information on immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas. Each visa description details: who can apply for the visa, work authorization status, and the length of stay.

1941 views

Workplace Hiring

The Workplace Hiring Guide explains the legal difference between volunteers, interns, independent contractors, and employees. It is also important to ensure your hiring practices do not discriminate based on the following classes: Race, Color, Religion, Sex (including pregnancy), National Origin, Age (40+), Disability, and Genetic Information.

By Hannah Konitshek 1620 views

Working with a lawyer

This LawGives Guide provides tips and tricks for working effectively with your lawyer.

By Hannah Konitshek 1419 views

Eviction

The LawGives Eviction Guide details the 6 grounds for eviction of a tenant and an overview of the eviction process (Notice, Lawsuit, Removal).

By Hannah Konitshek 865 views

Divorce

Know your legal rights and responsibilities when dissolving a marriage. In includes information on the 9 issues decided in a divorce settlement, and the difference between a fault and no fault divorce.

By Hannah Konitshek 882 views

Bankruptcy

Learn the basics of federal bankruptcy laws and the bankruptcy process. This Guide provides an overview of Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

By Hannah Konitshek 743 views

Contract Negotiation

A 5 step guide to valid contract formation, contract negotiation strategies, information on oral contracts, and an example of contract negotiation.

By Hannah Konitshek 5385 views

Real Estate Purchase

The LawGives Real Estate Purchase guide walks you through the 5 steps involved in a real estate transaction: Listing Agreement, Purchase Offer, Inspections, Lending, and Closing. It also details the differences between a commercial closing and a residential closing, and provides specific information for first-time home buyers.

By Hannah Konitshek 1103 views

Nonprofits

The LawGives Nonprofit Guide provides the 7 step process for creating your 501(c)(3), which can be legally formed as a public charity, a private foundation, or a private operating foundation.

By Hannah Konitshek 1118 views

Estate Planning

The LawGives Estate Planning Guide provides key information about living wills, trusts, power of attorney, medical directives, and retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

By Hannah Konitshek 1104 views

Intellectual Property

Learn about the 4 main areas of IP: Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, and Trade Secrets. This guide also covers the patent application timeline, how to know if a copyright infringement is fair use, whether you should register your trademark, and the definition of a trade secret.

By Hannah Konitshek 2302 views

Starting a business

According to the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, in 2008 there were 29+ million small businesses in the United States, and half of all American workers were employed by small businesses.

By Hannah Konitshek 5020 views
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