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Massachusetts Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: I am on OPT as a B.S. in Business. Can I open an LLC to rent & sublease (AirBnB) properties?

I am on an F1 visa, and just got my OPT approved as a B.S. in Business with a major in Marketing. Am I allowed to create an LLC and work for my own company? Currently, I am planning to start an AirBnB arbitrage business. This includes finding properties to sublease, furnishing them, and listing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

When on an F1 visa and engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), your business activities must relate directly to your major area of study. As a B.S. in Business with a major in Marketing, starting an LLC to engage in property rental and subleasing for AirBnB could be considered relevant to... View More

Q: selling hemp / CBD products online in MASS. Does this require a MDAR license or can I operate under farmbill USDA/FDA?

region is for Massachusetts

if you read the MDAR website its really confusing in the wording when discussing the Whole sale which I know for sure they regulate. Its confusing legalese I feel like should be a really simple answer..

Thomas Shack III
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answered on Aug 8, 2023

While the Farm Bill USDA/FDA regulations provide a framework for the cultivation and sale of hemp at the federal level, it does not exempt businesses from complying with state-specific requirements. Therefore, even if you are operating under the Farm Bill USDA/FDA regulations, you may still need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Contracts and Gov & Administrative Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How many of the bar members on here are Freemasons? I know all judges are 33rd, is it a requirement inorder to license

Considering almost all police officers are masons, and all judges are absolutely masons, I'm curious if all the attorneys are also of the masonic fraternity? Ladies eastern star? Is it a requirement?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 19, 2023

There is no requirement for attorneys or judges to be masons.

There is no data on how many lawyers or how many judges are masons.

No doubt some are. No doubt most are not.

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: Can the uplyft capital loan be forgiven
William J. Amann
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answered on Mar 26, 2022

Yes. No matter what the name of the loan or lender is, if it is an unsecured loan and not a kind specified as non-dischargeable (under 11 USC 523), it can be discharged. If a lender "forgives" the loan it could raise tax issues (phantom income).

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Trademark for Massachusetts on
Q: Do I have to get a license to use the Red Sox B Service Mark in order to use it as a small part of my business name/logo

The Red Sox ‘B’ Service Mark, while used almost exclusively by the Boston Red Sox, is more closely aligned with representing the city of Boston as a whole… my business name utilizes the term BOSSTOWN, and I would like to use the ‘B’ Service Mark for the B in BOSSTOWN. The two businesses... View More

Michael Ray Smith
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Michael Ray Smith
answered on Feb 12, 2022

I see that you posted your question not only under Business Formation but also under Trademark. That's good because you need the advice of an intellectual property lawyer, someone who practices trademark law regularly. There are a number of factors to consider. Depending on the answers, the... View More

Q: I sell a product that I DIY, meaning the product existed already and was popular and more known in the 80s-90s.

Another company altered the same original product the same way I did and is claiming she’s the original creator of that new design. So she and her friends have been harassing me on both personal and business social medias. A good 2-3 businesses sell the same new version of this product as well.... View More

Stephen E. Zweig
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answered on Feb 1, 2022

I am not sure if this applies to your situation or not. However many products from the 80's and 90's, unless covered by trademarks (such as the product's name or logo) or copyrights (for example, graphics), are now "public domain." In such cases, anyone might be able to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts and Employment Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Could an associate of a law firm like Latham & Watkins provide legal services outside of their law firm?

For instance, say I need legal help with a start-up I'm trying to launch. I reach out to an attorney who works for a law firm who who says he's offering pro-bono legal services. I develop a relationship with this attorney and we agree on a deal that says he will take equity in my company... View More

Richard Gaudet
Richard Gaudet
answered on Mar 26, 2021

The answer depends upon the relationship that this attorney has with the law firm. It is possible that this attorney has some type of non-compete clause, or some other provision in a contract with the employer preventing the lawyer from self-dealing. So much of the answer to your question depends... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts and Tax Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I am trying to start my own business and I honestly have no clue where to start. Some advice would be appreciated! Tkyou
Joanne Belasco
Joanne Belasco
answered on Feb 2, 2021

Congratulations! There really isn't an easy way to answer this question. A lot depends on what kind of business you are starting and what form of business is right for you. You would need to make sure the name is available. As to the form of business, an LLC might be perfect for one person... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Internet Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Should I include any sort of legal text/disclaimer on my clothing store website?

I'm starting my first online clothing store. Should I include any sort of legal text on my website? My brand is not trademarked yet, I live in the US, and I'll be shipping to ePacket countries. Thank you!

William Scott Goldman
William Scott Goldman
answered on Jun 30, 2020

Trademark protection is always recommended, including searching for any potentially-confusing marks. Otherwise, terms of use, privacy policy and such should all be considered for an e-commerce site. Please call or email if you need assistance with any of the above.

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts and White Collar Crime for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I be removed from a Mass LLC without consent?

I've been removed from a Mass LLC that I was 50% owner of by the other 50% owner. The original LLC filing has me on it. My partner filed an amendment to the LLC that removed my name. And another amendment that changes the name of the LLC. Is it possible for this to happen without my consent?... View More

Kas DeCarvalho
Kas DeCarvalho
answered on Feb 10, 2020

Short answer: No, probably not.

You're response: "But my partner did--now what?!"

...and that's a longer answer.

So, unless your LLC's Operating Agreement provides for some mechanism for a single 50% Member to remover the other (which is possible,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: If I have a Service Mark under an LLC can this be considered a "business name" to add to a business bank account?

I have an events LLC producing different types of events. I would like to have two brands under the main LLC to do business as. If I trademark or service mark the 2 event brand names, would that be enough to do business as and add the name to a business bank account? Or would I also need to open... View More

John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on Aug 10, 2019

It isn't one or the other, they have different purposes. The short answer is that you should probably do both in order to accomplish everything you describe, and likely other things too. Hire a business attorney to give you specific advise on all of this.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Are online contracts enough legally to guarantee a business share ? .

I run a software related website with good amount of users , I was approached by another website owner who has the business registered as an LLC in Boston Massachusetts,We figured out the details of the merge and all is fine .

When i asked how we move forward with the process of making me a... View More

John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on Jul 4, 2019

No, not at all. Before you agree to anything, you need to hire a law firm that has experience working with non-citizens in your situation to properly advise you on both the legal and tax implications of what you propose.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Massachusetts on
Q: We need to set up an LLC for our business. What type of lawyer do we use for that? What is the average cost to do so?

Small family-owned business. Sales of $750,000 in 2018.

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 22, 2019

A business lawyer such as myself handles such issues as business formation, but it's key to also consider having a lawyer draft crucial contracts that you may need in dealing with employees and other 3rd parties, review your business for compliance with related laws, consider Intellectual... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: What do I need to know about insuring my home if my new startup employees are going to work here with me?
John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on Aug 24, 2018

You need to work with both an experienced attorney and insurance agent to protect yourself here in all aspects. For both, the details of your business will dictate what you need. For insurance, at minimum you need a commercial general liability policy and also workers compensation policy since you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What does a lawyer do when creating a partnership agreement?
John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on Jul 6, 2018

First have a conversation with all proposed partners to determine their legal needs and goals. Then advise on the best way to form the entity and draft the appropriate documents to accomplish same.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What is a Social Enterprise Characterized under, an LLC or Non-Profit Status?

I have a Social Business Idea that has a few ways to be monetized and I don't want to be completely limited by the Non-Profit sector. I want to file for incorporation but don't know what Umbrella a Social Enterprise falls under.

Kas DeCarvalho
Kas DeCarvalho
answered on Apr 27, 2018

The answer partially depends on what you're trying to accomplish: If the proposed purpose is solely benefit-related, without the desire or need to assign profits or owners/shareholders/members, then you're probably in (traditional) non-profit corporation territory. Alternately, you may... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: Where should I register the company in terms of taxes?

Hi,

I live in Boston, and I'm about to start a consulting firm, an LLC. My first customer is in Norway. Should I form an LLC in MA or in Delaware? since my business is purely international.

Jonathan R. Roth
Jonathan R. Roth
answered on Jan 5, 2018

You should register it in MA as you are a MA resident. There is no tax advantage in being a DE LLC if you are the sole member of the LLC and reside in MA. Moreover, if you have a dispute and want to engage the MA courts, you will have to register the DE LLC in MA to do so and the cost will wind-up... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: I'd like to purchase a local business, but I want to make sure the person

I'm buying it from doesn't turn around and start a competing business right away - what's the best way to handle this?

John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on Dec 1, 2017

A non-compete agreement as part of the purchase is one way to address that. You should have an attorney represent you in your purchase of the business to ensure that the documents reflect your intentions.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Business Formation for Massachusetts on
Q: what do i do in this situation

i had work done on an bb gun and told them to limit it to a price of 200 $ and i had to pay 241 and it didn't work so i told them to take there parts out and give me my money back due to faulty parts

Jonathan R. Roth
Jonathan R. Roth
answered on Oct 24, 2017

If they do not comply sue them in small claims court. I assume you can document the instruction and read whatever you signed with respect to the repair.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Do I have to register my online business?

I started an online business as a hobby which has now been producing income. Do I have to register my business even though I have no employees? Will I be penalized for producing income without being a registered business? I appreciate your help with this situation. Thank you.

John Espinosa
John Espinosa
answered on Oct 11, 2017

There are both legal and tax implications to consider when engaging in business. You should consult with both an attorney and accountant to discuss the specifics of your business so they can properly advise you.

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