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Georgia Business Law Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Should I register my business name before trademark
Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Nov 3, 2023

Generally, it is good practice to form a business prior to filing any trademarks, however it is always good to ensure the business name is not already filed as a trademark by someone else prior to forming the business.

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4 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Should I register my business name before trademark
David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Nov 3, 2023

Generally, it is a good idea to form the business before filing for any trademarks. When you apply for a trademark, the "owner" you identify should be the entity that is actually using the mark in commerce (or else you put your registration in jeopardy). This is typically the company,... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Should I register my business name before trademark
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2023

Registering your business name at the state level typically secures your name within that state and is often a step in the foundational process of establishing your business.

A trademark, on the other hand, provides legal protection for your brand name, logo, or slogan at a national level....
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Georgia on
Q: If I am CEO and 51% owner of a company can I give raises and set how much without my partners input or lack of.
Glenn M. Lyon
Glenn M. Lyon
answered on Oct 16, 2023

Subject to his/her fiduciary duty (and possible other applicable laws), a CEO is authorized to handle employment issues for the company, including setting salaries. However, there could be a written agreement (typically call a shareholder agreement (corporation) or an operating agreement (LLC))... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Business Law and Employment Law for Georgia on
Q: Hello question I had an employee pay her car payment out of my checking account number I want to press charges

I have already filed police report but was told there was no cause I’m not understanding Hello question I had an employee paid her car payment out of my checking account and I want to press charges

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 9, 2023

In Georgia, unauthorized use of someone else's bank account is generally considered theft or fraud. If you believe an employee made an unauthorized payment using your account, you have the right to report it. While you've filed a police report and they indicated there's no cause, you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law, Contracts and Tax Law for Georgia on
Q: I own a condo in a business name and my business partner is considering filing bankruptcy, would we need to sell condo?

So that I am not impacted, would we need to sell the asset in order to not have it taken in a bankruptcy? Are there any other impacts to me if my business partner goes through with this?

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Sep 8, 2023

Yes, there are "impacts" that concern you (I currently represent a debtor in a Ch. 7 who has been a general partner in a small business construction company which has had a non-bankrupt general partner as well).

A general partner is personally liable for the debts of a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law, Contracts and Tax Law for Georgia on
Q: I own a condo in a business name and my business partner is considering filing bankruptcy, would we need to sell condo?

So that I am not impacted, would we need to sell the asset in order to not have it taken in a bankruptcy? Are there any other impacts to me if my business partner goes through with this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

If your business partner files for bankruptcy, it could potentially impact the assets of the business, including the condo. The exact impact would depend on a variety of factors including how the business is structured and the specific circumstances of the bankruptcy. It is recommended to consult... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Can I trademark Face.Lip.Body Cosmetics name
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 17, 2023

To trademark the name "Face.Lip.Body Cosmetics" in Georgia or the United States, you would need to go through the federal process with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It's important to ensure that the name is distinctive and not overly descriptive or generic.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Formation, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Would there be any trademark infringements to Skippy Peanut Butter for a dog treat bakery to be named Skippy's Snack?

Skippy's Snack Shack

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 15, 2023

Using a name like "Skippy's Snack Shack" for a dog treat bakery could potentially lead to trademark infringement issues with Skippy Peanut Butter if they believe there is a likelihood of confusion between their established brand and your bakery's name. To avoid legal issues,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Formation, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Georgia on
Q: Would there be any trademark infringements to Skippy Peanut Butter for a dog treat bakery to be named Skippy's Snack?

Skippy's Snack Shack

David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Aug 8, 2023

If you are planning to use "Skippy's Snack Shack" as the name of a retail bakery shop, you would have a low risk with respect to the mark for Skippy peanut butter. However, if you used this name on the snacks themselves, you could potentially run into a problem. You should contact... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for Georgia on
Q: What is a business trust? And how does one purchase a business that is owned by a trust and an individual? Thanks
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 7, 2023

A business trust is a legal entity that holds and manages property or assets for the benefit of beneficiaries. It is formed through a trust agreement, where a trustee holds legal title to the assets and manages them according to the terms of the trust.

When purchasing a business owned by a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can someone be charged for Deposit account fraud for a check on an LLC business account.
Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Jun 22, 2023

The elements of deposit account fraud are 1. that the accused wrote or paid someone/some place with a check that 2. they knew wouldn't be honored by the bank when deposited. The fact that the check was from an LLC business account might may be part of a defense to the charge, but otherwise... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for Georgia on
Q: Personal vs business name on a contract?

I am a physician independent contractor doing locum jobs. I have my own LLC. I am having a new part-time job, what name should I put in that locum contract? My name or the business LLC name? Does it matter? Can I simply use my name and have the LLC name put on the W9? Thanks

Jonathan Avi Barash
Jonathan Avi Barash
answered on May 15, 2023

People set up LLCs for various reasons, but primarily for tax reasons and to limit their personal liability. As far as the latter reason, while an LLC could limit your liability for business debts, it probably won't limit your liability for any malpractice claim as such claims are almost... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Georgia on
Q: What financial statements are required to give members of our non profit 501(c) 4 club in Georgia?

A member is requesting FY2021 Annual Financial report, all financial records for FY22 including incoming funds, and outgoing funds (checkbook stubs/ledger), money market balance, and "bottom line" total assets as of now (checking, money market, CD's and anything else).

Matthew Morris
Matthew Morris
answered on Mar 8, 2023

Let's start with the FY21 financial report. Under Georgia law, a nonprofit corporation "shall furnish" a member with a copy of "its latest prepared annual financial statements ... in reasonable detail as appropriate, that include a balance sheet as of the end of the fiscal year... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Georgia on
Q: I want to change the name of the organizer in my business
Glenn M. Lyon
Glenn M. Lyon
answered on Jan 23, 2023

You cannot retroactively change the name of the organizer once the entity is filed with the secretary of state. However, keep in mind that "organizer" does not mean that person is actually an owner of the company. It is simply the person or entity that files the articles.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Collections for Georgia on
Q: Lawncare company has serviced our yard for 18 months after we cancelled verbally. Now they are threatening to sue.

We have a verbal arrangement with a local lawncare company. When they were servicing our yard, they ran over our irrigation system twice. on the second time the crew stopped and i told them we need to pause service until the boss comes out to discuss, i spoke with him and he mentioned he would come... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Nov 8, 2023

Possibly. You would have to prove you canceled the service, and convince the court that you believed 18 months of lawn service was merely a gesture of goodwill. See an attorney for an assessment of your defense. Try working it out.

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Business Law for Georgia on
Q: I have non profit that is renting a space from a church I'm signing MOU that states partnership. Does this make us partn

There's a line on our MOU that states partnership. Does this mean that the church will have access to our business

Glenn M. Lyon
Glenn M. Lyon
answered on Nov 3, 2023

It depends on what you mean by "access," but either way you should revise the MOU to remove that language and specifically disclaim any type of partnership with the church, including limited partnership, limited liability partnership, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Georgia on
Q: I want a company pay my business instead of me and then use those funds to so that I don't show as much personal income?

I first want to know if this is legal and if so how do I set this up

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 19, 2023

First and foremost, I must emphasize that I'm not a tax attorney, but I can provide you with some general guidance. The structure you're referring to may involve creating a separate legal entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC), for your business. By having the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: i am looking into a business running a food /ice cream truck w/ hemp derived edibles.what are steps to take to protectit

i want to know what disclaimers i need for if they leave after an edible and go wreck a car then try to blame me for it or things of that nature. any other answers would be greatly appreciated. i want to be 100% legal with everything and turn this into an experience

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 20, 2023

A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. Your question covers lots of ground - type of business structure, insurance, etc. - and it might be difficult to obtain meaningful guidance in the brief format of a Q & A forum. One option is to think about a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Business Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I start a business after bankruptcy?

I filed for a bankruptcy on myself and my old business. It was filed and discharged back in 2022. I want to start over, but this time with a business partner. My old business was custom apparel. This new business will be a collection of businesses. Custom Apparel, Embroidery, banners, print shop,... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Apr 20, 2023

If you disclosed all of the debts and assets of yourself and your old business in your bankruptcy Schedules in last year's case, and you've received a discharge, then all of your old creditors are barred from attempting to collect on those discharged debts at this point.

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