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Washington Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Immigration Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Can I start an LLC on an F1 OPT as a foreigner? If yes, am I allowed to work full-time for my LLC and draw a salary?

I graduated in May 2024 with an MBA degree and I am currently on my F1 OPT. I have been working on a business idea for some time, and would like to start an LLC to formalize my business and use it as my OPT for the first year. I have already spoken to my DSO and while they have not raised any red... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 16, 2024

You can form an LLC while on F1 OPT, but there are some important limitations to be aware of. While starting the business is allowed, working full-time for your own company can be problematic. The U.S. immigration rules for OPT require that employment be directly related to your field of study, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Where is my great grandpa mentioned in this patent? It's his idea. He owned aarvarka nd Tierra and soil sampling service
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 13, 2024

This is something that a patent attorney would probably be able to advise best on, but you posted last week and your question remains open. There is a category here for patent law. You could repost and add that category, and drop some of the other categories here that aren't relevant... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Washington on
Q: Can I use the term “Line Life” for tshirts for sale?

I see there is a trade mark for these words. Thank you!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

When considering the use of "Line Life" for t-shirts you plan to sell, it's important to be aware of existing trademarks on these words. Trademarks are designed to protect the brand identity of businesses across various products and services. If "Line Life" is trademarked... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Tax Law and Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: My dying mother wants to leave her art business to me, she wants me to continue sell her branded art for her

What must I do legally?

She wants me to continue on her brand and artwork selling.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

To legally handle your mother's request, you should:

1. Ensure she has a valid and comprehensive will or trust that clearly outlines her wishes for the art business's succession.

2. Work with an attorney experienced in estate planning to facilitate the transfer of assets...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legally sound to name my business KAGED BY KORTNIE when I know KAGED MUSCLE is currently trademarked?

What are the legal parameters around this?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 26, 2023

You could repost your question and add "Trademarks" as a category. That's probably why it remained open for two weeks. Some questions go unanswered, but you could have better chances of a response with the added heading. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: I have a sole proprietorship business but would be safer to have an LLC for liability reasons?

I have a sole proprietorship plumbing business but have been told by other business owners lately that I should have gone with an LLC. I am fully insured, bonded, and licensed but I want to make sure that will protect my personal assets if something does happen one day. I have been researching how... View More

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on Apr 26, 2023

An LLC can certainly provide an additional level of protection for your personal assets, when properly set up and properly run. But, as you pointed out, you would likely need to open a new bank account and set up your license, insurance, bond, etc to reflect the LLC. Some of those things you might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Copyright for Washington on
Q: If I purchase nfl stickers and used them to decorate masks to sell would that be copyright infringement?

I am thinking of decorating masks with nfl stickers and then selling them on a craft website.

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Sep 20, 2021

Very likely. Consult with an attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Trademark for Washington on
Q: Can I "do business as" the same name as a trademarked name in a completely different industry?
Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Jul 7, 2021

Maybe

You need to consult with an attorney to review your options and risks

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: So with these patents, it would be illegal to sell a glow-in-the-dark leash?
Robert P. Cogan
Robert P. Cogan
answered on Dec 20, 2020

Determining whether a product infringes a patent is not a do-it-yourself project. It is governed by federal law and not the law of any particular state. Many times the analysis is complicated. If you have any investment at stake, it should be cost-justified to consult a patent attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: When do I need a business license in another state?

My business would involve hosting summer programs for teenagers in different states, at locations temporarily rented for that purpose (e.g. facilities at a college campus). Do I need to be licensed in a state I plan to hold a program in?

Benton R Patterson III
Benton R Patterson III
answered on Jan 29, 2018

Probably so, but an attorney would need to review the business laws of that particular state to know for sure.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for Washington on
Q: A foreign company wants to purchase part of my LLC. Do I have to reform as a C-Corp?

As an LLC, we file as an S-Corp for federal taxes. We have an existing contract with the foreign company for services, resulting in expected revenue for 3 years. Can they purchase part of the LLC even though we file as an S-Corp? Or should we reform as a C-Corp. What then becomes of the existing... View More

Jonathan R. Roth
Jonathan R. Roth
answered on Sep 15, 2017

You would have to elect to be taxed as a partnership or as a C-Corp. A foreign entity cannot own part of an S-Corporation. However depending upon the purpose of the investment and the nature of how you want to operate there may be an alternative set of structures to accomplish your goal.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Washington on
Q: Does legal precedence for a minor starting a company and thus needing a loan exist? With the loan taken out by an adult.

To first clarify, I do have a partner who is of legal age; however, his line of credit is woefully inadequate for the company's needs. The main concern is the distinct possibility that the adult may attempt to claim the company as his own, thus completely undermining the operation. Thus the... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Feb 6, 2016

Contracts by minors are generally voidable in many states so doing business can be challenging. Sit down with a local business lawyer.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice,...
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