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Rhode Island Business Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What advice do you have for partnering with someone in building a new company?... Like two of you owns the company
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 11, 2023

In many instances, limited liability companies are a good form of business organization for a small business with two owners. Remember to include an easy quick way to resolve any disagreement between the two owners in the company agreement. Remember to elect to be taxed as a sub chapter S... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Employment Law for Rhode Island on
Q: In a 2 person firm, is it legal / moral that the 2nd attorney keeps firm afloat while 1st keeps all their attorney fees?

Good morning. I had a quick question about attorney workplace practices… my gf works for a firm. Just her and her boss. She feels she’s in a bit of a bad situation, her attorney fees are used to keep the business afloat and her boss pockets all his fees. Supposedly she gets the smaller cases... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 2, 2022

Your girlfriend is in the best position to advocate to reform her employment agreement as she sees fit, unless you also are an attorney and advocate that she has retained to negotiate on her behalf. If she is dissatisfied with her current arrangement, she is free to explore other options including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Ri based condo association attorney recommending the following by-law changes with respect to quorum.

In anticipation of this year's annual meeting the executive board and

management are recommending the attached amendment to the

associations by-laws.

Our current quorum requires call for a minimum of 60% of the

community to participate in order for any business... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 5, 2021

This is not the place to conduct condo association business. Meet with your attorney in private to discuss the impact of this proposed revision. §34-36.1 will likely come up during your consultation http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE34/34-36.1/INDEX.HTM

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Trademark for Rhode Island on
Q: Is "Newport Wellness" registrable as a service mark? geographically descriptive + generic term for the services.

I don't think it is, but I'm looking for other opinions.

Per USPTO, Generic words cannot qualify as “marks” in the legal sense and are never registrable or enforceable against third parties. Because generic words are the common, everyday name for goods and services and... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 14, 2019

Speak with a trademark attorney. They will explain the impact of the disclaimer to the plain words, the limitation, of the category of trade for which one might register, and other options you may consider to give you more than "thin protection" . They will also explain the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can someone in Rhode Island buy a bottle of distilled spirit or wine from a rectifier for OFF-PREMISE consumption?

2016 Rhode Island General Laws

Title 3 - Alcoholic Beverages

Chapter 3-6 - Manufacturing and Wholesale Licenses

Section 3-6-6 - Bottling and sale privileges of a rectifier's license.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 27, 2019

Generally, no, as that would be construed as a retail sale, and this statute only provides for wholesale.

SEE: TITLE 3

Alcoholic Beverages

CHAPTER 3-6

Manufacturing and Wholesale Licenses

SECTION 3-6-6

§ 3-6-6. Bottling and sale privileges of a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: In order to file for tax exempt number and go forth 501c3 status do we have to be a corporation on State of RI level ?
Kas DeCarvalho
Kas DeCarvalho
answered on Jul 6, 2017

Yes. The State-registered non-profit corporation is essentially the "trunk" upon which you then add various "branches," including your Employer ID number, related 501(c)3 or other non-profit/exempt status, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Penalties for running a tattoo parlor out of your house without license or permits, with a child in the household

I'm a worried father as if this is legal or not. My child's mothers does tattoos in her kitchen, out of her house. Sometimes while my child is home.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jun 8, 2017

Is this in Massachusetts or Rhode Island? Is your relationship with your child's parent so strained that you are both looking for ways to cause each other difficulties?

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I need legal representation to aid in my business dealings with RI post secondary.
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 21, 2017

Consult with and retain a lawyer to assist you, There are many here that are easily found through the "find a lawyer" feature.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: i'm a v.p. share holder of a corp. my brother own's 60% i own 40% in our company. i want to retire my brother does not.

what is my next step to get my share of money for the co.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 6, 2017

Time to negotiate a buyout.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I expressed an interest in buying a business but now I'm not sure -- I'm not legally bound to buy it, am I?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 22, 2017

If you signed a contract, you may well be contractually obligated.

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Communications Law, Contracts and Election Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is network news liable to a viewer/investor/voter if they entered into any contracts based on inaccurate media coverage?

Basically if CNN reported false information or shielded information from the public throughout the course of the election while voters selected candidates and investors selected stocks; would CNN be liable? Could they still be liable for misleading the public in the first place or even election... View More

Glenn B. Manishin
Glenn B. Manishin
answered on Dec 20, 2016

No. Fraud requires an intention to defraud, knowingly false statements and a duty of care to the other party. Largely the same for securities law purposes. News media are supposed to be accurate but do not have a legal obligation to investors, voters or even viewers.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What is the effect of votes of members at a meeting where a quorum is not present
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 25, 2015

Check the applicable organizational documents. In some cases, it might make a difference if a quorum is present at first but not later in the meeting. Best to check with a local business lawyer.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What to do about a business partner in breach of contract

My business partner out of nowhere is starting to breach our partnership terms,im not sure if he just doesnt care or thinks he can get away with it .Im looking for options on howto deal with this

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 12, 2015

If you can't resolve the problems between you, it may be time to meet with an attorney and discuss your legal remedies.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Rhode Island on
Q: In Providence, Rhode Island. can a retail store sell my goods after 30 days without notice?
James J Bagley
James J Bagley
answered on Apr 23, 2013

Are you referring to a consignment/retail store? Each store has its own policy on how long they will hang onto items for sale, did you ever sign any paperwork consenting to their sale of your goods? The short answer is maybe, you will want to look at any agreement or paperwork that you completed... View More

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