Get Free Answers From Experienced Lawyers!
I have created a unique website similar to YouTube but with a different concept. I want to launch it to the public and pitch it to investors, but I'm concerned about protecting my idea from being stolen, especially by major competitors like YouTube or Facebook. I am considering forming an LLC... View More
answered on Oct 7, 2025
Your idea by itself isn’t protectable. What you can protect are (1) the implementation (code, architecture, algorithms) through copyright, trade secrets, and possibly patents; (2) the brand through trademarks; and (3) your disclosures through well-drafted confidentiality agreements. An LLC helps... View More
I have created a unique website similar to YouTube but with a different concept. I want to launch it to the public and pitch it to investors, but I'm concerned about protecting my idea from being stolen, especially by major competitors like YouTube or Facebook. I am considering forming an LLC... View More
answered on Oct 7, 2025
Ask an accountant in your state about whether an LLC or S-Corporation would be better for you. One may save you more in taxes than the other.
An NDA and non-compete agreement are crucial before discussing your idea with investors or partners. The idea is the valuable commodity; once it is... View More
I formed an LLC in California with a partner. Three months after starting the business, I discovered that I was removed from the LLC without my knowledge or signing any documents, and I did not receive any formal communication regarding this removal. Additionally, my partner closed our business... View More
answered on Oct 6, 2025
How a member is removed (or can be) is dependent on the language in the LLC's Operating Agreement. Review the terms regarding removal of a member. Some Operating Agreements provide for involuntary removal/expulsion through a vote by other members or for specific events like bankruptcy or... View More
I formed an LLC in California with a partner. Three months after starting the business, I discovered that I was removed from the LLC without my knowledge or signing any documents, and I did not receive any formal communication regarding this removal. Additionally, my partner closed our business... View More
answered on Oct 6, 2025
In California, a co-owner generally cannot unilaterally “remove” another member from an LLC or strip that person’s ownership without the member’s consent or a valid legal basis in the operating agreement or statute, and certainly not without notice. Unilaterally closing the LLC’s bank... View More
As members of an LLC in California, we requested financial reports from the LLC manager three months ago, following up multiple times via text with no reply. The operating agreement states members have the right to view these reports, and other members share the same issue. What formal or legal... View More
answered on Sep 29, 2025
Members have statutory inspection and information rights that a manager can’t waive or ignore. Put a formal written demand on the manager and the LLC (not just a text), cite the Corporations Code, give a short deadline, and request a date to inspect and copy the required records. If they still... View More
As a founder of a new software company developing a story writing product for writers, without generative AI, I've been approached by another founder who claims we should refrain from using a word in our company name due to their trademark. Their trademark application is in the U.S. and still... View More
answered on Aug 26, 2025
If you're not in the United States yet, there is no trademark conflict. But if you're planning to enter the United States, you have a problem for which you need legal advice based on a candid and detailed set of information that you can't provide here. Entering the United States with... View More
I am part of an AI tech startup registered in India. We are currently in the prototype stage and want to register a patent for our technology in the US. We do not have any existing patents in India or elsewhere, and we are unsure about any challenges we might face in the US patent process. How can... View More
answered on Jul 14, 2025
To obtain a patent in the US, here is the process for someone in India.
(1) Find a patent attorney in India. To find such a lawyer, you may contact a lawyer that you already know who will be able to provide you a reference.
(2) The patent attorney in India should determine if your... View More
I am currently considering a change in the management of my LLC (partnership) agreement where the manager changes from my mom, who is a partner, to myself. The LLC agreement has not been updated since it was originally drafted, but it does contain clauses specifying procedures for notifying changes... View More
answered on Apr 2, 2025
Regarding the LLC agreement amendment, I would advise to review the agreement and follow the procedures outlined there for management changes. Even if an amendment isn’t required, it’s good practice to document the decision in writing (e.g., through a resolution or updated management... View More
I live in California and am becoming a mobile notary and plan to expand into loan signing services. I'm wondering if I need to form an LLC or another type of business entity for my notary services or if there's anything specific to consider for liability or business structure when... View More
answered on Mar 21, 2025
You can legally operate as a mobile notary and loan signing agent as a sole proprietor without forming a business entity. However, forming an LLC could offer significant advantages, particularly for liability protection and professional credibility, which are especially relevant given your plans to... View More
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in California and I'm thinking of opening a professional corporation solely under my license. I plan to supervise registered counselors eventually. Are there specific words or terms that must be included in the company name, similar to how LMFTs... View More
answered on Mar 21, 2025
There are indeed specific naming requirements you must follow under state law. The California Business and Professions Code, which governs professional clinical counselor corporations, mandates that the name of your corporation reflects its professional nature and purpose.
Specifically,... View More
I have already registered my business and I'm looking to obtain a business license for a direct cremation entity in Riverside County, CA. I need guidance on which agencies or departments to approach for the license, information on complying with local health and safety regulations, and help... View More
answered on Mar 19, 2025
To obtain a business license for a direct cremation entity in Riverside County, California, you must apply to the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, which oversees crematory licenses. Follow the link to submit your application online: https://cfb.ca.gov/licensee/app.shtml
Given crematories... View More
What do I need to put in place to ensure my wife can continue to run our company business if I die? I am currently a sole proprietor contractor with no will yet, although I plan to have one soon. My wife already has power of attorney.
answered on Mar 18, 2025
As a sole proprietor, all of your business assets are your assets. There is no separate entity. At a minimum you need a will that leaves your business assets (or everything you own, if that is your desire) to your wife when you die. But you should seriously consider creating a revocable living... View More
What do I need to put in place to ensure my wife can continue to run our company business if I die? I am currently a sole proprietor contractor with no will yet, although I plan to have one soon. My wife already has power of attorney.
answered on Mar 18, 2025
There are a number of ways a person can take over another person's business, including through a Trust or Will, by incorporating or forming an LLC and having specific language in the legal documents, etc. The law in California is that anyone with "probatable" assets valued at more... View More
I was the Chief Marketing Officer and a 25% owner of a company, with no prior written agreement about stock ownership after departure. I never saw or approved an SBA loan taken by the company. Since I was terminated a year ago and signed releases, my former partner is now asking me to sign a... View More
answered on Mar 13, 2025
You are not obligated to sign a personal guarantee for the SBA loan unless you explicitly agreed to do so in a prior agreement. Since you mentioned there was no prior written agreement about stock ownership after departure and you never saw or approved the SBA loan, you are not legally bound to... View More
I signed a contract with another party to open a business, and the business license is in my name, registered with the Secretary of State in California. The business is located at my address. However, I haven't heard from the other party since November 26, 2024. There are websites running with... View More
answered on Mar 10, 2025
Assuming you have a valid contract (oral or written) between you and your partner, you can file a civil action for breach of contract. To prove a breach of contract claim you would need to establish the existence of a contract, your performance or excuse for nonperformance, the other party's... View More
I am planning to start a business from home in California, selling custom t-shirts online across multiple states. I haven’t decided on a business name yet. Should I trademark my business name, and what are the benefits of doing so?
answered on Mar 4, 2025
It is always smart to trademark your business name in order to protect your brand identity and to ensure no one else can use or infringe on your business name and brand you are building. You can file a trademark with the USPTO and it is always smart to consult a trademark attorney to guide you... View More
I own a game on the popular gaming platform Roblox.com. A 3D modeler from Brazil has reached out with interests to join me under the provisions of a 10-year partnership contract. Details: the modeler will be involved in all decision making (like in General partnership agreements), but CANNOT own... View More
answered on Jan 13, 2025
Choosing the proper structure depends on multiple factors, including liability concerns, taxation, and how much control each party has. A Limited Partnership (LP) requires at least one general partner, who manages the business and bears personal liability, and one or more limited partners, who... View More
I own a game on the popular gaming platform Roblox.com. A 3D modeler from Brazil has reached out with interests to join me under the provisions of a 10-year partnership contract. Details: the modeler will be involved in all decision making (like in General partnership agreements), but CANNOT own... View More
answered on Jan 14, 2025
While a Limited Partnership (LP) could be one option, other legal structures or customized contracts, such as a profit-sharing agreement, independent contractor agreement, or hybrid partnership agreement, may better suit your needs. The final decision will depend on several factors, including your... View More
I have a mobile app that shares sports betting predictions. there is no gambling in my mobile app. only predictions of the results of sports matches are shared only by me. users see these predictions as paid subscribers. for example the result of the LA lakers vs Boston Celtics NBA game, Boston... View More
answered on Dec 19, 2024
The business model described, which involves sharing sports betting predictions and odds without facilitating actual betting or linking to gambling sites, may not fall under the definition of gambling in many jurisdictions. However, the legality can vary significantly by state.
In... View More
This firm will only be offering accounting/bookkeeping/contoller and CFO advisory services. No Audit/attest or compilation services
answered on Jul 23, 2024
Yes, you can form an LLC in California with a non-CPA partner for the type of advisory firm you are planning. California allows LLCs to offer accounting, bookkeeping, controller, and CFO advisory services as long as they do not include audit, attest, or compilation services. This means you can... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.