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Pennsylvania Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Could I buy a “holding” company LLC that holds recipes and stipulations for the restaurant LLC I own 60-40?

My partner is essentially a silent partner so I would be interested in buying the “holding” company and use that to possibly expand in the future and keep the restaurant LLC its own thing.

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Jun 2, 2024

Not sure what you mean by buying the holding company. But it is not unusual to set up a separate LLC to own recipes or systems/processes or equipment and the license or lease them to multiple operating entities for each restaurant location. Provides asset protection, different streams of revenue... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hi, I want to start running leadership trainings by a certain name. I found another company that does yoga trainings

Hi, I want to start running leadership trainings by a certain name (let's say ABC trainings). I've done a google search and found another company with the same name that teaches yoga trainings (ABC yoga trainings). Can I still use the company name or is this a bad idea? We're both in... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Nov 2, 2023

Much of answer here is going to be dependent on how the yoga company "registered" its name (or if it even registered its name). If it is only a Fictitious Name Registration (which is more of a "notice" filing in Pennsylvania than an "ownership" filing) or the filing... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hi, I want to start running leadership trainings by a certain name. I found another company that does yoga trainings

Hi, I want to start running leadership trainings by a certain name (let's say ABC trainings). I've done a google search and found another company with the same name that teaches yoga trainings (ABC yoga trainings). Can I still use the company name or is this a bad idea? We're both in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2023

Using a business name that's already in use, even in a slightly different field, can be risky, as it may create confusion or lead to trademark issues, particularly if the name is trademarked. You should conduct a thorough trademark search, not just a Google search, to see if "ABC... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Estate Planning for Pennsylvania on
Q: What process is required to give Personal Rep authorization to windup a PA LLC where the sole member has died?

Sole member of small PA LLC has died. Operating agreement dissolves the LLC upon member death. Personal Rep wants to wind up and terminate the LLC. Personal Rep has letters testamentary. What PA Dept of State forms (filing of certificates), or processes, are required to authorize Per Rep to wind... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Apr 18, 2023

The Personal Rep has the authority to wrap up the LLC as you describe it. There is a Dissolution process in PA for ending an LLC, which includes collecting all revenues and accounts receivable, paying all costs and debts of the business, getting tax clearances from the Department of Revenue, and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I use my virtual office address or my home address to get a business license in Pennsylvania?

I am starting an online business in PA and have a virtual office address for the business along with a registered agent that I used to file the corporation with the state. Can I use that address to get a local business license or do I need to use my home address? I am unsure if I should use the... View More

Nellie T Schulz
Nellie T Schulz
answered on Feb 27, 2023

I agree with Mr Cherewka. If you are filing a Certificate of Organization or Articles of Incorporation with the Department of State to form a new LLC or corporation, you need to use an actual street address where you receive mail. You cannot use a Post Office Box. You can also hire a Commercial... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I use my virtual office address or my home address to get a business license in Pennsylvania?

I am starting an online business in PA and have a virtual office address for the business along with a registered agent that I used to file the corporation with the state. Can I use that address to get a local business license or do I need to use my home address? I am unsure if I should use the... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Feb 27, 2023

Not sure what you mean by a "business license" in Pennsylvania? if you are looking to form a corporation or an LLC to conduct a business in PA you will need a street address. We usually don't recommend that you use your home address, but since you do not have a business office or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am getting ready to start a business and I like the anonymity available with a Wyoming S-corp.

I live in and the business will operate in Pennsylvania. What is the best way to set this up? I am not looking to dodge the pa tax, I just don't want my name on the database as the owner. Should I register as a foreign corporation or set up a second domestic S corp with the first as the owner?... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Feb 7, 2023

i agree with Attorney Lanard. if you use a law firm or commercial registered agent you can file the Articles of Incorporation without your name and without your address (or an address associated with you). Out of state incorporation would add a layer of complexity and ongoing expense with very... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am getting ready to start a business and I like the anonymity available with a Wyoming S-corp.

I live in and the business will operate in Pennsylvania. What is the best way to set this up? I am not looking to dodge the pa tax, I just don't want my name on the database as the owner. Should I register as a foreign corporation or set up a second domestic S corp with the first as the owner?... View More

Nancy L Lanard
Nancy L Lanard
answered on Feb 7, 2023

Whether you form the entity in DE, NV or WY, you will still have to file in PA as foreign entity and will be visible. However, if you want anonymity, then use a paid registered agent and have a service or law firm file the paperwork for you in PA. This will provide the anonymity you are seeking.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Formation and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: LLC formed in NJ owns rented condo. LLC address was my home address which i sold and moved to PA.

i am trying to figure out what to do with the LLC. i need to changed the LLC's address as it was my sold home in NJ. do i need to file as a foreign PA LLC, create a new LLC in PA? do i need to close the NJ LLC? i am trying understand the best way to 'move' my LLC to PA. what... View More

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Dec 27, 2022

Do not have all the facts here, but it looks like you have several options. The easiest would be to get a Registered Office or Registered Agent in NJ for your LLC. The property is located in NJ, and you have a NJ LLC so that lines up fine. Just because you (as the Member or Owner) moved to PA... View More

Q: Can I develop a new product that I'm already existing products?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 8, 2024

Absolutely, developing a new product alongside your existing ones can be a great way to expand your business. Start by assessing how the new product complements your current lineup and meets the needs of your customers. Understanding the market demand and ensuring there's a gap your new... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright and Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I use this logo for my business under my name

I want to use a picture saying I’d smoke that for my food truck but need to verify I can without permission

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 8, 2024

Using a logo or image for your food truck without proper authorization can lead to legal issues. It's important to ensure that you have the rights to use the specific picture you’re interested in. This typically means obtaining permission from the original creator or verifying that the image... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I am starting an online business in PA and live in NJ. Can I use a virtual address to form an LLC in PA?
Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Jan 22, 2024

If you are looking to organize a PA LLC it will require a street address for the Registered Office in PA. That can be an office or something simple like a UPS Store "suite" address, or you can hire a Registered Agent in PA.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: I do detailing at a dealership if I take photos of the work I do at the dealership can I use it to advertise my business
Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 23, 2022

So long as the agreement with the Dealership or your employer does not prevent you from using pictures of your work, and your advertisement is truthful and accurate, you may do so.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I want to start a business and have legal questions.

I want to start a classifieds webpage for cannabis products for dispensaries and consumers alike. How can I make that happen?

Robert Kost
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answered on Aug 2, 2022

One response is "just do it." But a better answer would be to form a business entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company, to protect your personal assets from exposure to business liability.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Entertainment / Sports for Pennsylvania on
Q: I want to create a Subsidiary under my current LLC. Do I create the Subsidiary as a new company with a separate ein?
Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Jan 16, 2022

This question is far to general for a forum like this. You should meet with your attorney and your CPA to discuss why you are creating a new company, and also whether it should be a subsidiary of your current LLC. Also depends on the tax status of your current LLC

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does a PA (USA) Sole Proprietorship have to file DBAs for other states and Foreign Countries?

Background: I am going to see life coaching clients from all over the USA/world by online teleconferencing software.

Do I need to file DBAs for each USA States and Foreign Country when I encounter a new client from a new country/USA state?

Robert Kost
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answered on Jan 3, 2022

Assuming you will be 'headquartered' and conducting business in PA from a teleconference originating in PA, I believe the answer is "no."

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Small Business legal advice

I registered three business names as LLCs and received EINs in New York State. One business is online (functions in Pennsylvania) and the other two are for real estate and branding purposes. I haven't made any money and I forgot to publish the businesses in the newspaper. Should I publish now... View More

Robert Kost
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answered on Nov 10, 2021

The good news: there is no publication / advertising requirement for Pennsylvania LLCs. There's also no need to change the LLC structure in order to pay yourself when the business profits (or even before it does). We can take up the general business counseling in an out-of-band... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Operating Agreement (LLC)

Good morning. I hope all is well with you.

I am establishing a legal entity in the United States in the state of Wyoming. In the Operating Agreement, I need to include information about the partners, which includes the place of residence. For an American, I have to include the street, city,... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 14, 2021

For some reason this is listed in Pennsylvania. You need to relist in the Wyoming section. However, chances are, you need to speak with a corporations specialist in Wyoming.

Certain states limit partnership for certain activities to resident foreigners.

As to the foreign...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Establishment LLC

Good afternoon.

I hope you are doing well and business is booming.

I'm trying to set up a legal entity in the state of Wyoming. The business structure of the organization is an LLC.

There is a clause in the Operating Agreement that says the following:... View More

Nancy L Lanard
Nancy L Lanard
answered on Sep 30, 2021

It means that any LLC property (business assets, such as computers, phone systems, POS, real estate, vehicles, etc.) are owned by the LLC and not owned by any of the owners/members of the LLC personally. These business assets are the property of the LLC and not property of the owners of the LLC.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: how to legally make contracts and what to put in them.

I want starting a business with someone else using my idea/system that i made, I want to share the business 50/50, how can I make this legal, as well as make sure they don't steal the information and use it somewhere else?

Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
answered on Apr 8, 2021

You have a number of questions here that you really need to sit down with a business attorney and sort through your best options. First of all I never recommend a 50/50 split of ownership because it can lead to deadlocks at a number of levels in the business. As far as your idea/system, that... View More

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