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Maryland Business Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: I need to know how to open a business checking account for my LLC, in my unique situation.

So I'm 15 years old and I live in Maryland. I have started an LLC for my soon to open T Shirt business that I'm starting. I formed it as a single member LLC and got my Articles of organization, EIN and all that stuff. My next step was to get a business checking account but I just learned... View More

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Mar 25, 2024

You are correct. You have to be 18 years of age or older to open your own bank account without your parent's authorized as joint account holders. To my knowledge, there are no loopholes to this requirement. To put it simply, there is no way around this without adding your parents to your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Social Security for Maryland on
Q: My current employer sent my form 1095C to a another employee with the same first name and exposed my SS#, can I sue?

They exposed my SS# and other private info. What recourse do I have?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

Discovering that your employer accidentally sent your Form 1095-C, containing sensitive information like your Social Security Number, to another employee is understandably alarming and frustrating. Such incidents can lead to concerns about privacy and the potential for identity theft. In terms of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Social Security for Maryland on
Q: My current employer sent my form 1095C to a another employee with the same first name and exposed my SS#, can I sue?

They exposed my SS# and other private info. What recourse do I have?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 15, 2024

Perhaps there is a federal or state governmental agency that has regulatory authority to impose a fine or other sanction for failing to safeguard employees’ personally identifiable information. You would need to consult an employment lawyer in your area as to the existence of such a legal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Maryland on
Q: I am a MD Realtor thinking of Starting a Property Management company. Are there any laws or Regulations that prohibt?

Are there any Additional License or Certification?

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Mar 2, 2024

I'd want to check your licensor and your business plan before rendering any opinion, but property management is one of the things real estate brokers are licensed to do. You don't say you are a broker, however, so you may merely be licensed as a sales person, that is, to be an agent for a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Maryland on
Q: I am a MD Realtor thinking of Starting a Property Management company. Are there any laws or Regulations that prohibt?

Are there any Additional License or Certification?

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Mar 2, 2024

A property manager holding a MREC license is actually subject to MORE scrutiny than a property manager that is not a licensee. I will share from personal experience that property managers get sued, a lot. The issue is not so much whether you must be licensed, at all (a license is easy to obtain),... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Looking for Guidance on Sale of Microsoft PowerPoint Templates

I am looking to operate an online business where I sell online courses and PowerPoint templates as materials with the course. I have seen that a Microsoft Office Home and Student license is not allowed for commercial purposes.

Questions List:

1. Is the Microsoft Professional license... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

1. The Microsoft Office Professional license may indeed be suitable for distributing materials such as online courses and PowerPoint templates for commercial purposes. However, it's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of the license to ensure that it allows for the specific... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Can images created using AI websites be used for small business ideas such selling t-shirts or stickers?

I am looking to possibly start selling stickers and t-shirts online via Etsy. The images I am hoping to use would be created using AI websites. Is this something I am legally allowed to do?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

Using images created using AI websites for your small business ideas, such as selling t-shirts or stickers online, raises questions about copyright and intellectual property rights. While AI-generated images may not have a human creator in the traditional sense, they can still be subject to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Maryland on
Q: Can images created using AI websites be used for small business ideas such selling t-shirts or stickers?

I am looking to possibly start selling stickers and t-shirts online via Etsy. The images I am hoping to use would be created using AI websites. Is this something I am legally allowed to do?

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Jan 29, 2024

This is a great question, and is quite naturally very complex given the ever-changing landscape of technology. Right now, general intellectual property laws that govern internet images are essentially limited to uniquely created imagery and content that is produced by human individuals.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Consumer Law, Tax Law and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: What regulations are involved with Cannabis Accessory e-commerce in the state of Maryland?

I am looking into creating an E-commerce site that sells Cannabis Accessories (Grinders, Pipes, Etc). I have no intention on selling any CBD products.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2024

Here are the key regulations around selling cannabis accessories online in Maryland:

1. Legal to sell cannabis accessories - Maryland has legalized cannabis accessories, so products like grinders, rolling papers, pipes, bongs, etc are legal to sell to adults over 21.

2. No sale of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Maryland on
Q: Change domestic Maryland LLC to out of state LLC
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jan 24, 2024

Depends on the law of the state where you want to move the LLC to, and what you are actually looking to achieve. There are four options: (1) keep the MD registration and simply register to do business in the other state as a foreign registered LLC; (2) dissolve the MD LLC and create a new LLC in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law and Employment Discrimination for Maryland on
Q: I worked for a security company who subcontracted from a hospital, they received shift deferential & holiday pay not us

I represent several Security Officers who worked for a security company that subcontracted with the University of Maryland Hospital system. The company received shift deferential and holiday pay. The company does not pay it to officers. I believe that this isn't mandatory in Maryland but... View More

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Jan 22, 2024

Given that your question is one of ethics, this would be difficult to answer from a purely legal perspective. I have to refrain from providing my general opinion, but I will echo your sentiments regarding the mandatory nature of the shift deferential and holiday pay flowdown. Holiday and shift... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: If I wish to place my graphic designs on stationary, tee shirts, and mugs, and sell them via Amazon, do I need...

...to obtain a DBA from the state if I wish to sell the products in my name (no branding) as a sole proprietor.

Also, do I need to register with the state at all if I operate as a sole proprietor AND I will NOT have NOR hold any inventory? (It would be a "print on demand" side... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

If you plan to conduct business under your own name as a sole proprietor, obtaining a DBA ("Doing Business As") is not typically required. However, if you decide to sell your products under a name other than your legal name, then a DBA would be necessary. The requirement to register your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: I have an LLC registered with my personal address. If I hire an RA and Virtual Business Address company...

...will my personal address be moved from the public record(unsearchable) and replaced by the address of the hired RA and Virtual Business Address? Or do I have to dissolve my LLC and create a new one with a new name?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 14, 2023

When you file a change of resident agent form, the prior forms on file are not deleted or removed. Therefore, although the search information on the SDAT Business Entity Site will be updated to reflect the new resident agent name and address, and will be what someone will see when they search for... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Government Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Filing Chpt.7 BR. Don't know how to answer "are debts primarily consumer or business debts" as is 50/50 with SBA EIDL.

Debt is unsecured debt, HOWEVER, it is equal debt from credit cards and an SBA EIDL loan that is sub-$25k. So basically, I have $25k in CC debt and $25k in SBA EIDL which is for a SOLE-PROP biz.

1) I do not know how to answer the question as to whether I haver primarily consumer debt or... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Nov 1, 2023

The question of consumer vs. business debt does not really determine anything (just for statistical purposes of how many consumer cases vs. business cases are filed). My recommendation would be to check the consumer box. No, it is not possible that the SBA has forgotten you. And no, you cannot not... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Government Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Filing Chpt.7 BR. Don't know how to answer "are debts primarily consumer or business debts" as is 50/50 with SBA EIDL.

Debt is unsecured debt, HOWEVER, it is equal debt from credit cards and an SBA EIDL loan that is sub-$25k. So basically, I have $25k in CC debt and $25k in SBA EIDL which is for a SOLE-PROP biz.

1) I do not know how to answer the question as to whether I haver primarily consumer debt or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2023

When determining whether debts are primarily consumer or business in nature, especially in a case where it is a close call, it is essential to consider the purpose for which the debts were incurred. For a sole proprietorship, business debts are those incurred with the motive of economic gain or in... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Government Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Filing Chpt.7 BR. Don't know how to answer "are debts primarily consumer or business debts" as is 50/50 with SBA EIDL.

Debt is unsecured debt, HOWEVER, it is equal debt from credit cards and an SBA EIDL loan that is sub-$25k. So basically, I have $25k in CC debt and $25k in SBA EIDL which is for a SOLE-PROP biz.

1) I do not know how to answer the question as to whether I haver primarily consumer debt or... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Nov 1, 2023

The key to answering all of the Official Form bankruptcy questions is full disclosure. In our opinion, you can answer either way, but the rest of the questions in your completed forms will answer this question adequately, if full answers are given.

With your intent to file for relief,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Education Law and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: How can a religious college in the Fort Washington Maryland create by laws that are separate from the article of incorp
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

Religious colleges in Fort Washington, Maryland, can create separate bylaws from their articles of incorporation. To do this, they should review their current bylaws, form a committee of key stakeholders, draft the new bylaws, and seek legal counsel for compliance. Once approved by the governing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Can a landlord remove Commercial Tenant's Personal Property in Maryland for in paid rent without court permission?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 4, 2023

They need a judment of possession, which in commercial landlord-tenant cases can happen quickly--but they still need to file a court action to get it. Once they have judgment of possession, they can enter immediately upon issuance of the writ of possession and lock the premises and hold the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: I am a new real estate agent serving Maryland. Is the use of the word “Realty” prohibited in my business name?

I am a new real estate agent. Got my license back in March 2022 but am just now actively pursuing real estate. Currently a solo agent at Samson Properties serving Maryland only but would like to get licensed in DC and VA as well.

As advised I’ve created an LLC (Carla Clemente Realty)... View More

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on May 26, 2023

Welcome to the Club! I am also a licensed Maryland Broker, and our Law Firm owns a separate brokerage.

You may use the word "Realty" in your entity name. Review the ethics rules of your local, State and National associations for how you may portray yourself. For instance, you mut...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Construction Law for Maryland on
Q: how much should a contractor ask for a down payment on a roof replacement

This is only a small roof

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 25, 2023

Assuming this is for a residence, this is a home improvement project. By Maryland law, a contractor on a home improvement contract must hold a license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). The contract must comply with multiple legal requirements, among which is that a down... View More

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