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Pennsylvania Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am a 5% owner of a limited partnership (I file a Schedule K-1 every year) and am looking to cash out on my shares.

An estranged family member is the majority owner of the partnership and I do not have direct contact to him, only through his attorney. I would like to know my options of how to receive payout of my shares and what I am legally entitled to. The investment is incorporated in Delaware.

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Apr 13, 2020

the answer to this is heavily dependent on the Limited Partnership document. Most family LPs have restrictions on sale/transfer of shares, and also some mechanism to value the shares (often at a discount) when a Limited Partner wants to cash out. This are usually set forth in detail in the LP... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I re-purpose a dormant LLC into a whole new business?

I have a 10 year old single member LLC (registered in PA). Can I amend my articles of organization and rename the company to turn it into a different business than it was originally created as? I want to capitalize on the age of this entity?

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Mar 27, 2020

this answer depends on your documents and whether you have maintained the LLC as active in PA. Most Certificates of Organization filed for LLCs do not contain specified types of business that the LLC will operate. so, in general, as long as the business is legal to operate, your LLC should be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: non-profit board of directors voting limits

in a non profit corporation (in this case a parent run 501c3 youth sport organization) can voting be limited to one per family even if two members of the family are on the board of directors? How should that be written?

(Pennsylvania)

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Feb 18, 2020

in general , yes, you can draft or revise your Bylaws to limit voting as you describe. you should consult with your attorney to review your Articles and Bylaws before attempting to draft the voting restrictions as you describe them

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I start a home beer and liquor delivery service in Hanover, Pa.?

I want to run the operation from home at first, and hire local people to pickup and deliver. I'm sure I can't stock my own because of the liquor licenses around here. They're scarce.

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Jan 2, 2020

This is not a question you are going to get answered in such a short space. PA has a complex and fragmented liquor law, and beer is treated separately from wine and liquor. Further, there are also separate laws if you brew your own beer or make your own wine. Licenses/permits are required for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Family charity no longer has family members on the charity board, is there a way I (family member) can get on the board?

about 10 years ago, my family started a charity that I describe as "Make a Wish for adults with terminal conditions/disabilities." This charity was started in my late grandfather's name. when the charity was started, it had two of my family members on the board, the rest were close... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Oct 28, 2019

These are difficult situations when the family founders lose touch with the charity since charities are not "owned" by anyone. Also depends on whether a public charity or a private foundation. Depends on original documents, tax status, and other factors. In Pennsylvania the Attorney... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Are non-shareholders allow to attend shareholders meeting where budgets and other pertinent information are discussed.
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 29, 2019

Why would they be, if it's not open to the public? Much of that information may be gleaned from annual reports, and other public documents.

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Send the copies of my passport and certificate of incorporation to potential investor ?

I am building my startup and I found an investor for my business (incorporated as LLC in PA, USA). Investor said that the deal will be done on the basis of equity financing. And now he is asking me to send the copies of my passport, certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of... View More

Elizabeth Tarasi
Elizabeth Tarasi pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 23, 2019

The articles of incorporation, memorandum and articles he should be able to get himself from the Pa Corp Bureau.

Passport?? I would question this.

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1 Answer | Asked in Intellectual Property, Trademark and Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hi! I am starting an app called align. It will be in the fitness space. Can I trademark the name even tho there r others

I see many align trademarks, so wondering if it is industry that sets them apart or if it's the font? I assume there must be a defining feature to allow them to trademark so many versions of "align".

Also wondering with a tech app, will I need intellectual property or any... View More

Jason Brooks
Jason Brooks
answered on Jun 18, 2019

Trademarks are differentiated by "Class" -- When you submit an application for a trademark registration, you must specifically identify which stream of commerce you are using your mark, and if the USPTO finds that there is no likelihood of confusion with another existing mark, you will be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hey Guys,i own 10% of an LLC, while someone else owns 90%. If We bring a capital partner, where does he get his %?

Hey Guys, I am not sure the exact terms of this, but i own 10% of an LLC, while someone else owns 90%. We are talking about bringing in a capital partner somewhere in the 40% range. I was told that my shares will be diluted in the same according to my other partners. so of that 40% 4% would come... View More

Jonathan Scott Savar
Jonathan Scott Savar
answered on May 23, 2019

The answer is that this type of scenario is normally the subject of negotiation among the parties and depends upon the facts and circumstances of the situation, unless the operating agreement specifies exactly what happens in the event both members bring on another member. For example, assuming... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Verizon come install cable I left my window up cat got out they never close the window and were on 3floor

the cat is know miss and i would love my cat back there are responsible for this action

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Apr 18, 2019

To the best of my knowledge there is no answer to this question, in part because it is not a legal question. Leave the window open a few days to see if your cat will come back home.

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: If a business name and entity was stolen or transferred without permission, do I sue or contact local authorities?

Originally started business with sibling who then decided to become sole proprietor without my knowledge. She then made a request for a business name change that she took my name off, stole the business and the name from me along with the logo and documents such as contract agreements that she... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Apr 19, 2019

You need to at least contact an attorney who handles partnerships as there are issues about breach of trust and other matters that impact this, and to write a letter called a "cease and desist" letter on your behalf. Ultimately you would be looking for some type of Declaratory Judgment... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: If an LLC run by 2 partners has no employees, what would their workers compensation requirements be?
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Nov 14, 2018

If there are truly no employees, workers' compensation insurance may not be necessary. However, if anyone works for the company you may want to have the relationship reviewed by an employment attorney to make sure it isn't an employer/employee relationship.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Trademark for Pennsylvania on
Q: I want to trademark my Company's brand and and logo. Can anyone help? Thanks
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Sep 17, 2018

Sure - contact Bob Duminiak, Esq. at Howson & Howson in Blue Bell. He's the guy.

Robert J. Duminiak, Esq.

Howson & Howson, LLP

Bldg. 620, Suite 210

350 Sentry Parkway

Blue Bell, PA 19422

Phone: 215-540-9200

Fax: 215-540-5818

Email: rduminiak@howsoniplaw.com

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I owned an MC and Website Hosting Company. Someone else is saying they made my company. Help
Carrie A. Ward
Carrie A. Ward
answered on Apr 13, 2018

You need to retained experienced Pennsylvania counsel to assist you with this. What is this third party claiming? Do they have an attorney involved? You need experienced counsel to protect your business.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I let go of partners from a start up if operating agrmnt isnt in place?

I put the team together in October, came up with the idea, we all signed NDAs, but now they are asking more equity than id like to give. They signed non-competes, can I choose to not work with them? Will they have any grounds to claim the company. Currently while the LLC is being approved at the... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jan 16, 2018

You may be OK but you really need the advice of a partnership expert. I suggest Ken Milner--give him a call. Tell him I suggested you call. Because of implied obligations etc. it's not something anyone can give you an easy yes/no on.

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How can I start & fund a business?

Business, Business Law, Formation, Costs etc.

Nancy L Lanard
Nancy L Lanard
answered on Dec 23, 2017

Your question is way too broad to be answered in this forum. You should consult an experienced business attorney and accountant who can assist you figure out if you should operate as a corporation, limited liability company or a sole proprietorship. Additionally, the attorney would need an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: My business partner has my money and will not put me on books or share profits

I gave my business partner a little over $300-k four years ago. He has not yet put me on the books or shared profits or doesn’t answer my calls and refuses to meet me. I continue to work at the business and run the business. The business partner has complete control of the finances. I just want... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 7, 2017

Attorneys fees possible but unlikely. Focus on the rest. If you have that much at stake you need a partnership attorney. You need to retain one, get advice as to what you can do to secure the evidence --for instance on the computers--etc. If you are in eastern PA I can recommend someone to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: I own a small business and I am registered in NJ. We contract to locations in PA. Do I need to register biz there too?

We teach sport classes at daycares, so we don't have any actual facility. We bring equipment to schools and are considered "contractors". The business address is in NJ, so I am hoping that as a contractor, we don't have to register in PA as well even though we do classes over there.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 25, 2017

If it's at daycare you may well have to. The daycare operator may want you to. You may need a Pennsylvania background check.

0 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Being threatened to be sued. Could he sue? He didn't follow through and he kept waiting on his contract being so e

We never got a contract but I have messages stating the obligations requested. This was for dance performances for a big event. He knew I was using experienced dancers & students. Only difference is that instead of 22 people (which he did not specify a specific number until the most recent... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Entertainment / Sports for Pennsylvania on
Q: I want to start a gospel record label. Should it be llc. or 501c?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 1, 2017

You need to have a cpa advise you. At the initial stage it may not matter much. Consulting a copyright attorney would be a good thing too.

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