Hypothetical Case Studies: Start-ups

Hypothetical Case Studies: Entrepreneurs

Internet Start-up

Issue:
Cash-strapped college entrepreneurs developing an internet start-up want to
(1) start a partnership structured to provide opportunity for future buy out;
(2) comply with local, state, and federal laws.

Solution:
(1) Establish a cost-effective business structure which also provides opportunity for future buy-out, prepare operating, shareholder & partnership agreements;
(2) compliance counseling on federal, state, & local regulations.

Entertainer

Issue:
Entertainment entrepreneur with a potential book and television deal wants to
(1) confidently complete both agreements;
(2) protect commercial interests in image and persona;
(3) rent office space.

Solution:
(1) Review and revise book publishing and television appearance agreement;
(2) provide right of publicity law counseling;
(3) review and revise commercial lease.

Beverage Manufacturer

Issue:
Entrepreneur developing a line of energy drinks wants to
(1) protect assets & limit civil liability;
(2) maximize profits by confidently entering into business contracts;
(3) protect recipe and bottle design.

Solution:
(1) Establish a limited liability business;
(2) prepare purchase and sale agreements with distributors and suppliers;
(3) prepare employment agreements with confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses, provide intellectual property counseling on bottle design.

Software Developers

Issue:
Entrepreneurs working on mobile applications and 3D mapping wants to
(1) limit software copyright infringement liability as independent contractor;
(2) protect already developed trade secrets.

Solution:
(1) Prepare independent contractor agreement with clauses limiting software copyright liability;
(2) prepare confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, provide intellectual property counseling.