Two Simple Legal Tasks to Take on This Summer

Starting a business can be a very daunting task, so daunting that many folks sit on the sidelines and let their brilliant, million dollar ideas go with them to the grave.  But everything is easier when you break it down into easy to follow steps.  Here are two simple legal steps you can take, even during the fun-filled, uber busy summer months, to get your business or brilliant idea off the ground.

Hey, Can You Use That Name? 
You’ve come up with an awesome name that completely captures your brand and business, but is another business already using that name? Will you be infringing on a trademark if you use it? Start with a Google search for this task. Next, go broader and use a database that will allow you to perform a comprehensive search into state and local files to find out if an existing entity has already snagged your name. You can search each individual state’s registry free of charge  and there are a few databases where you can perform a comprehensive search across all states. Finally, see if it’s been trademarked. You can conduct a free trademark search via the United States Patent & Trademark Office’s website.

Study Up
There’s a whole lot of law that goes into setting up your entity and ensuring that it runs smoothly. While you shouldn’t rush to enroll in law school, you should have some basic understanding about the laws applicable to your business, as it will help you understand, manage, and forecast your legal needs and facilitate more meaningful conversation with your legal counsel. The two books I recommended are  The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Law   and  American Bar Association Legal Guide for Small Business, Second Edition: Everything You Need to Know About Small Business, from Start-Up to Employment Laws to Financing and Selling . Think of these as your new beach reads, or just toss them in your tote on the go. If you want more, Coursea also offers an excellent free online course, Law and the Entrepreneur,  I’ve taken it and I highly recommend it. And in September, SJS Law Firm will be publishing an easy to read legal guide for entrepreneurs!

So, as you rush from weddings to family cookouts, take some time to get started on your business—especially since you can do these steps poolside with a tablet or a few books!

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