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Ohio Business Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: If I have an LLC and I want to start a clothing brand. Does my brand logo have to be the same name as the LLC
Matthew Morris
Matthew Morris
answered on Apr 8, 2022

No, not unless you want it to be.

Your LLC is a company, and it can have (pretty much) any name you want it to have. I say "pretty much" because your company has to have a name that is different enough from other companies that it will not cause confusion. Your brand name and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Do I have a lawsuit if other employees at my job are harassing, intimidating, and bullying me with no consequences

There was a employee group chat started that included every employee except for me, where I was the topic of conversation and only negative things that were very defaming were said by two of my employees and even my general manager chimed in. When I brought this to my district managers attention... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 9, 2022

That's probably something you should first discuss with the company HR department. If you are being harassed, then you might have a claim against the company if it fails to act. So in that case, use the Find a Lawyer tab to talk to a local employment law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: My business partner passed away and we have no partner agreement. We are an S Corp how do I move forward?

Not sure what needs done to continue on with the business as myself as sole owner. My partner is my sister.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Feb 9, 2022

The executor or administrator of the estate of your deceased partner will have to list the partnership interest as an asset of the decedent's estate and distribute it according to the decedent's will, or if no will, then as provided by Ohio law for those without a will. Use the Find a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I have decided to discontinue my business. If I end my LLC, would it prevent a future lawsuit against me personally?

This is a 16 year business with a formed LLC. I would like to continue my LLC in a completely different type of business, but not if it leaves me open to future lawsuits pertaining to the business that I'm ending. Would it benefit me to end my current LLC and form a new LLC for my new venture?

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jan 26, 2022

It depends on many factors, the nature of business, the type of business liability insurance, etc. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local business attorney who can review all the facts and circumstances and advise you of your options.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I loaned a friend $75,000 to start up his business. We signed a contract and he has missed two payments
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Dec 31, 2021

If you can't work out a payment plan, then you will have to sue him and/or his company, depending on which was the borrower. You can sue in common pleas court, and you will need an attorney. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local litigation attorney. But he could file bankruptcy or the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I start a business. That hires another business to do the work?

Example if I have a window cleaning business. And I hire another company to do the actual work.

Joseph B. LaRocco
Joseph B. LaRocco
answered on Dec 20, 2021

Yes, this is commonly done in many businesses including web-development, construction, various service businesses, and software development. The only exception would be if you sign a contract with the customer stating you will do all the work or that you represent you "will not"... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: My wife owned a cemetery plot and passed without a will. Does it go to me?

My wife owned a cemetery plot and passed without a will. She had three children from a previous marriage but paid for the plot while we were married. As her next of kin, do I now own that plot?

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Nov 1, 2021

Call the cemetery and ask them. Sometimes, cemetery plots will pass under cemetery rules. Even if it has to go through probate, you will probably be able to get it.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: I am starting my own personalized puzzle business and am not sure about what images I can include in my puzzles.

Can I use school mascots and names? What about poems or popular quotes? If a person is on a local sports team (non professional, such as Little League), can I include their name in the puzzle? I have purchased my images from a website and have created templates, but if I want to personalize the... View More

Andrew Popp
Andrew Popp
answered on Jul 29, 2021

To a certain extent, it's going to depend on each item. Look for things that are in the public domain or attribution free. Otherwise you need to get authorization and/or pay to use trademarked or copyrighted materials.

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Ohio on
Q: I lived with my fiancé for 17 years. We ran a business together out of the house for the last 11 years. She died.

She left the house to her sister. I knew that. However, they took the business name and accounts and took control of the business PO Box and all incoming checks and entered them into probate in Greene Co. Ohio. I subsequently had to file all necessary paperwork and obtain a new federal EIM and new... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 19, 2021

If there is an operating agreement or partnership agreement for the company, you could make a claim for your share of the ownership. If any of your personal property was removed from the house, you could make a claim for return of that. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local attorney to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Must I have a 'Business Account' at a bank for my Single-Owner-LLC...or could I set-up a separate 'Personal Account'?

(That way I will make sure NOT to co-mingle the Business and Personal monies, eh?)

Neil Klingshirn
Neil Klingshirn
answered on Jul 1, 2021

There is no law requiring you to establish separate business and personal accounts for your business and personal finances. Nonetheless, you should do so for the reason you cite, to avoid co-mingling. You should also obtain or dedicate a single credit/debit card for business purchases. Finally, set... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Collections for Ohio on
Q: My friend got a debt collection letter to appear in court.

Can a debt collection agency sue if they don't have my friend SSN and the report doesn't appear on her credit report. i told her to ignore it I think its a scheme tactic but she is worried?

Joel Allen Holt
Joel Allen Holt
answered on Jul 7, 2021

The question is a bit vague, but generally speaking, the debt collector (or the party owed the debt) can file a lawsuit if they have proof that the debt is valid, outstanding, and binding on your friend. They don't need a SSN to file the suit and the debt does not have to appear on the credit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Probate, Business Law and Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: Mark&Mary were together for years had a child. Marks parents pass small business down to them in marys name cuz he owes

Taxes. He counties to run company. They have a business bank account that he was on originally she was added to later. Bank says they are both equals on that account. Does he have rights to that money after she passes and business becomes shut down.

Andrew Popp
Andrew Popp
answered on Jun 15, 2021

Additional facts are needed to answer this question. Much depends on how the bank account was set up. Who is the actual owner, who are the authorized users? Are there survivorship rights (if applicable), what do the company documents say? (articles of incorporation or Operating Agreement for a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Business Formation and Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Stayed in hotel room stay was refunded due to bug receipt was given 0 owed days later charged due to no bug

Pics was shown as soon as incident pics was sent to email from front desk. Of bed bug

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on May 19, 2021

Dispute the charge with your bank as unauthorized, which it sounds like it was.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Small Claims for Ohio on
Q: I am so livid I am shaking!!!

Is this a case or am I just petty?

I am so livid I am shaking!!!

Andrew Popp
Andrew Popp
answered on Apr 28, 2021

I'm sorry, no question is asked here. To determine if you have a viable case I recommend sitting down with an attorney who practices in the area of concern.

Best of luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Rights and Internet Law for Ohio on
Q: Can a business video and audio surveillance record without letting any customers know he is doing this?

He can access the recordings online!

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Mar 29, 2021

Businesses are free to employ surveillance in most parts of the business. They cannot do so in changing and bathroom areas, or showers at places like gyms.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: If a business is sued, could I lose my house?

I am retired and have a self-publishing business part-time to sell books I have written. If I use my residential house address where I live for this business address, and if someone sued the business, would it be possible for me to lose my house?

Thank you.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 15, 2021

It doesn't matter what address you use for the business. If a lawsuit finds you personally liable, then all your personal assets would be at risk - including any real estate you own. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local business attorney who can advise you about protecting your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Ohio on
Q: Do you need a permit or vendor license or any certification to run a home based business?
Drew Chalfant
Drew Chalfant
answered on Feb 24, 2021

This is going to depend largely on the nature of your business and where your home is located. If your home is in an area that is zoned for residential use only and you open a business, it may violate the zoning ordinance. While a home-based business that operates exclusively online or doesn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Landlord - Tenant, Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Is my mom responsible for payment of a business lease if she is not on it? Dad died, no will, landlord wants a yearof $

My dad signed a 2 year business lease on 1-19-2021. He passed away 1-31-2021. He leased for 30 years from the landlord, was never late with his payment and now the landlord wants my mom to pay him a year's worth of rent to end the lease. She was never on the lease. They were married for 60... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Feb 16, 2021

If your mom is not a guarantor or co-signer then she has no liability to the landlord and should not pay anything.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Employment Law for Ohio on
Q: I am 1099 employee with employment contract. If I get furloughed , does the company still owe $$ for previous sales?

I have an employment contract/non-compete agreement. Would this agreement be null and void also?

Drew Chalfant
Drew Chalfant
answered on Jan 11, 2021

The terms of your contract between you and "employer" would govern what happens if services are suspended and you had made sales that qualify for payment prior to the suspension. Often times, employers will put people on 1099 arrangements when in fact they have a more traditional... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: If my credit report says my auto loan is closed but finance company is harassing me can I walk away from car?

Can I walk away with no obligations in Ohio? It clearly states account is closed and the harassment and interest rate alone may kill me and cat is falling apart. I need nee car ASAP. Please help

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Nov 20, 2020

1. FYI, your credit report status has nothing whatsoever to do with your auto loan status.

2. The lender can continue trying to collect from you until you pay off the car loan.

3. And finally, "walking away" will do no good either.

Again: You still owe the...
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