SMALL BUSINESS LAW

GENERAL FAQS

What does a small business attorney do?

A small business attorney helps with LLC formation, contracts, intellectual property, employment issues, business compliance, liability protection, and ongoing legal advice for entrepreneurs and business owners. We help ensure your business is legally protected and set up for long-term success.

Do I need a lawyer to start a small business in Connecticut?

While you can start a business on your own, a lawyer ensures:

• Correct entity formation

• Liability protection

• Tax structure planning

• Compliance with Connecticut regulations

• Proper contracts and agreements

• Protection of your intellectual property

Most legal mistakes happen in the first year—working with an attorney prevents expensive issues later.

What type of business entity should I choose—LLC, corporation, partnership, or business trust?

Each structure offers different benefits:

• LLC: Flexible, strong liability protection

• Corporation: Best for investors and scaling

• Partnership: Simple but risky without agreements

• Business Trust: Advanced privacy and asset management tool

We help you choose the right entity based on your goals, risk profile, and industry.

How do I keep my personal information private when forming a business?

You can use:

• A registered agent

• A business trust or statutory trust

• A manager-managed LLC

• A business address instead of your home

• Certain nominee structures

Privacy planning is becoming increasingly important for business owners.

What legal mistakes do new business owners commonly make?

Top issues include:

• No written contracts

• No operating agreement

• Not protecting IP

• Commingling funds

• Hiring without proper employment practices

• Ignoring insurance requirements

• Using incorrect online templates

A small business attorney helps prevent all of these.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FAQS

TRADEMARKS (LOGOS, BUSINESS NAMES, SLOGANS)

What is a trademark, and why does my small business need one?

A trademark protects your business name, logo, slogan, or brand identity from being used by others. It builds brand value and reduces the risk of confusion in the marketplace.

How do I register a trademark with the USPTO?

Trademark registration involves:

1. A comprehensive search

2. Legal analysis of risks

3. Preparing and filing with the USPTO

4. Responding to office actions

5. Monitoring for infringement

A trademark attorney increases your chances of approval and avoids costly re-filings.

Can I trademark my logo, slogan, or product name?

Yes—logos, taglines, product lines, podcast names, business names, and designs can all be protected through trademark registration.

COPYRIGHTS (BOOKS, MUSIC, ART, WEBSITE CONTENT, TRAININGS)

What does copyright protect?

Copyright protects original creative works, including:

• Books

• Blog posts

• Music

• Artwork

• Course materials

• Website content

• Photos

• Videos

• Email marketing content

Do I need to register my copyright?

Registration is optional but gives you:

• Strong legal rights

• Statutory damages

• Ability to sue infringers

• Higher settlement value

TRADE SECRETS (RECIPES, FORMULAS, PROCESSES)

What qualifies as a trade secret for my business?

Trade secrets include:

• Recipes

• Perfume formulas

• Client lists

• Confidential business processes

• Manufacturing methods

• Internal systems

They must be actively protected through NDAs, internal policies, and restricted access.

How do I protect a trade secret?

Trade secrets are protected by:

• Confidentiality agreements (NDAs)

• Employee training

• Access limitations

• Security measures

• Proper documentation

If a trade secret leaks without protection, it loses legal protection.

PATENTS (INVENTIONS & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT)

Can you help with patents or invention protection?

We assist with:

• Patentability assessments

• Provisional patent applications

• Referrals to registered patent practitioners

• Integrating patents into business strategy

Patents protect inventions, formulas, tools, devices, and physical or software-based innovations.

CONTRACT LAW FAQS

What contracts does a small business need?

Most businesses need:

• Service agreements

• Independent contractor agreements

• Employment contracts

• Separation/termination agreements

• Vendor agreements

• Commercial leases

• Liability waivers

• Terms & Conditions + Privacy Policy

• Non-disclosure (NDA) and confidentiality agreements

Can a lawyer review a contract someone else gave me?

Yes. We look for:

• Hidden liabilities

• Unfair terms

• Missing protections

• Compliance issues

• Intellectual property ownership gaps

Contract review helps you negotiate better and avoid long-term risk.

What makes a contract legally enforceable in Connecticut?

A valid contract must include:

• Offer

• Acceptance

• Consideration

• Clear terms

• Legal purpose

• Proper signatures

We ensure your agreements comply with Connecticut contract law.

Can I use online templates for my contracts?

You can, but they often:

• Are not state-specific

• Do not include liability protections

• Miss IP ownership clauses

• Contain unenforceable terms

• Expose your business to risk

A custom contract protects you far more effectively.

What should I do if someone breaches a contract with me?

We assist with:

• Demand letters

• Negotiated settlements

• Contract enforcement

• Litigation strategy

Swift action increases your chance of recovery.

LIABILITY & INSURANCE FAQS

How do I protect my small business from lawsuits?

Key strategies include:

• LLC or corporate formation

• Liability insurance

• Well-drafted contracts

• Disclaimers and waivers

• Employment compliance

• IP protection

• Proper recordkeeping

What insurance does a small business need in Connecticut?

Most businesses need:

• General liability insurance

• Professional liability (E&O)

• Workers’ compensation

• Cyber liability

• Property insurance

• Business interruption coverage

Your industry determines additional requirements.

Does forming an LLC protect me personally?

An LLC provides limited liability, but personal exposure remains if:

• You personally guarantee debts

• You commit negligence

• You mix personal and business funds

• You fail to follow corporate formalities

We help structure your business correctly to maximize protection.

EMPLOYMENT & HR FAQS

What employment law issues do small businesses face?

Common risks include:

• Misclassification of contractors

• Wrongful termination claims

• Wage & hour violations

• Discrimination complaints

• Unclear handbooks

• Improper hiring/firing practices

We help businesses stay compliant.

Do I need an employment agreement or independent contractor agreement?

Yes — these protect you by clarifying:

• Duties

• Ownership of work

• Confidentiality

• Payment terms

• Liability

• Intellectual property rights

It also prevents misclassification issues.

When should I use a separation or severance agreement?

When ending an employment relationship, a separation agreement can:

• Reduce risk of lawsuits

• Protect IP and confidentiality

• Establish a clean break

• Provide release of claims

COMMERCIAL LEASE & REAL ESTATE FAQS

Do I need a lawyer to review a commercial lease?

Yes — commercial leases heavily favor the landlord and often include hidden risks involving:

• Personal guarantees

• Maintenance costs

• Build-out obligations

• Non-compete language

• Liability allocation

We negotiate to protect your interests.