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Delaware Business Law Questions & Answers
4 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Trademark registration for "West Coast Records"

I want to register the trademark "West Coast Records" for my record label. I conducted a trademark search and found that the previous registration attempt, under serial number 90236708, was abandoned. We have been using this name for years but only incorporated our business last December.... View More

David Aldrich
David Aldrich
answered on Apr 3, 2025

The previous applicant abandoned their application after receiving a 'primarily geographically descriptive' rejection. Depending on your situation, there is a likelihood you would receive the same rejection. However, this doesn't mean you should not apply. There are several... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Trademark registration for "West Coast Records"

I want to register the trademark "West Coast Records" for my record label. I conducted a trademark search and found that the previous registration attempt, under serial number 90236708, was abandoned. We have been using this name for years but only incorporated our business last December.... View More

Felicia Altman
Felicia Altman
answered on Apr 3, 2025

In order to registrar a trademark you must file an application with the USPTO. It is best to conduct a trademark search though a trademark search finding does not guarantee that the mark can be registered. You can file a trademark through the USPTO as the trademark owner or by working with a... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Business Formation, Intellectual Property and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Trademark registration for "West Coast Records"

I want to register the trademark "West Coast Records" for my record label. I conducted a trademark search and found that the previous registration attempt, under serial number 90236708, was abandoned. We have been using this name for years but only incorporated our business last December.... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Apr 3, 2025

You can file for registration yourself or ask an attorney to help you. Your date of first use is important as you accrue rights through use of the mark and registration puts a government stamp on your existing rights and makes them easier to enforce and defend.

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Consumer Law for Delaware on
Q: I used a shipping company to transport personal belongings worth around $10,000.

I used a shipping company to transport personal belongings worth around $10,000. The shipment, intended for overseas transport via sea container, was delayed multiple times, returned, and kept at their business office, where it was destroyed in a fire. The company is not offering full compensation.... View More

Morgan Theodore
Morgan Theodore
answered on Jan 21, 2025

You would have to send your contract with the shipping company's terms to an attorney to review this. If there was indeed a fire, they should have some insurance coverage for contents. I would hire an attorney to put them on notice of a breach of contract and negligence. Obtain their property... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Are shareholders, directors, & officers of a DE corporation personably liable for unpaid income taxes?

The taxes were assessed by Delaware for failure to file annual tax returns and reports. The assessed taxes are owed by a failed start-up.

Jeffrey "Anton" Collins
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answered on Aug 27, 2024

No, shareholders are not liable. Not really.

One of the benefits of corporate structure is the limitation of thÿe company's lability. A shareholder will only be "liable" for corporate income tax up the amount of their investment in the company. That invested part represents...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: If I form an LLC at 16 and have members above 18, would they in theory have more rights to choices the LLC makes?

I'd want to enforce a board of directors regardless of it being an LLC, I'd be incorporating but from what I've read a minor can't form a corporation. I am from overseas but I will file under one of the many services that file for you and have virtual addresses and etc. Sort of... View More

Anthony Wilkinson
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answered on Aug 13, 2024

It's wonderful to see your entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age! The concerns you're raising are very important, and you're wise to think them through carefully.

There is no law in the State of Delaware against a minor forming an LLC. Also, the general rule in the U.S....
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2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Create an operation agreement for F-1 students; Web-design company in Delaware

Dear Lawyers,

I would like to create an operational agreement for my LLC. At the moment, I'm an F-1 international student, so I would like to know if you could help me do this. We create websites. In summary, I (founder) and another co-founder (F-1 student as well) are not going to... View More

Daniel  Bitonti
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answered on Jul 30, 2024

To ensure your LLC is set up correctly and complies with all applicable laws, it's highly recommended to retain an experienced attorney. As F-1 international students, there are specific immigration laws to consider. Direct participation in the operations of the LLC might violate your visa... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Business Formation, Business Law and International Law for Delaware on
Q: Legal ways to start an US business from a country that has no double taxation treaty with the US and avoid double taxed?

E.g Delaware often mentioned as an offshore location and a business friendly state. Can I avoid being double taxed somehow (legally)? I would gladly pay taxes in the US. If i can't find a solution soon, i have to find another english market, unfortunately.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

Starting a business in the US from a country without a double taxation treaty can indeed present challenges, but there are legal pathways to minimize the impact of being taxed in both jurisdictions. Delaware is a popular choice for international business owners due to its business-friendly laws,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: I want to start a hedge fund in Delaware and act as a manager, do I need a investment advisor licence to do that?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 19, 2023

Starting a hedge fund in Delaware and acting as its manager does typically require you to register as an investment advisor, depending on certain factors. The requirement for registration is governed by both federal and state laws, which vary based on the assets under management, the number of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Real Estate Law, International Law and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Integrating French real estate into US LLC for liability protection

I am a French citizen, and I want to integrate my real estate property in France into my US-based LLC, which is currently being formed in Delaware. I'm interested in achieving liability protection through this integration. I haven't consulted with any professionals or advisors yet. Could... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2025

If your goal is liability protection, forming a U.S. LLC is a good first step—but transferring or associating foreign real estate with that LLC involves serious jurisdictional considerations. France does not automatically recognize U.S. LLCs as having legal personhood in the same way it does... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, International Law and Contracts for Delaware on
Q: Delaware company notarizing contract for manufacturing license in Egypt requirements and steps?

I am part of a Delaware company planning to notarize a contract that grants a manufacturing license for a medical device to a foreign party in Egypt. As this is our first time with such a notarization, could you help us understand the requirements, steps, potential expenses, and timelines?... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2025

To notarize a Delaware company’s contract for a manufacturing license intended for use in Egypt, you’ll need to follow a multistep authentication process recognized under international law. Begin by having the contract notarized by a Delaware notary public. The notarization must then be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, International Law and Contracts for Delaware on
Q: Notarizing a contract for a Delaware company with a foreign party in Egypt: requirements, steps, costs.

I am with a Delaware company and plan to notarize a contract granting a manufacturing license for a medical device to a foreign party in Egypt. This is our first time processing such a notarization to legalize the relationship. Can you assist us with understanding the requirements, steps, potential... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2025

When notarizing a contract between a Delaware company and a foreign party in Egypt, you’ll need to follow both U.S. and Egyptian standards for international document authentication. The process typically begins with having the contract signed and notarized by a U.S. notary public. Delaware... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Contracts for Delaware on
Q: Options and advice after missing bankruptcy Administrative Expense Bar Date with $50k claim.

One of our past clients, a national restaurant chain, has filed for bankruptcy, owing us approximately $50,000 for SEO services provided under a signed agreement. We were actively communicating with their internal team until April but unfortunately missed the official Administrative Expense Bar... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 7, 2025

Missing the Administrative Expense Bar Date does make recovery more difficult, but you may still have some options. One of the first things you should do is review the court’s docket and any communications you had with the debtor to confirm whether you received proper notice of the bar date. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Immigration Law and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Can I accept volunteer work from an H-1B visa holder for my Delaware corporation?

I recently started a Delaware corporation and someone on an H-1B visa offered to volunteer doing product design work because they're interested in the concept and want more work experience. I don't have the funds to hire them right now. I'm concerned about the risk of them having... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 24, 2025

You should not accept volunteer work from the H-1B visa holder for your Delaware corporation, as this arrangement would likely violate both immigration law and federal labor regulations. H-1B holders are authorized to work only for their sponsoring employer, and performing any work for another... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: How to file Delaware state taxes for a new company incorporated in Dec 2024?

I'm inquiring about filing Delaware state taxes for the first time. Our company was incorporated in December 2024, and I would like to know what steps we need to take to comply with Delaware state tax filing requirements. Additionally, is there an extension clause available for filing taxes?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 15, 2025

vSince your company was incorporated in Delaware in December 2024, you will still need to comply with the state’s tax and filing obligations for that year, even if your business activity was minimal or nonexistent. Delaware requires all domestic corporations to file an annual franchise tax report... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: Former AVCT shareholder seeking legal consultation on Chapter 11 bankruptcy case related to judge change, NDA issues, and unpaid dues.

I am a former AVCT shareholder and a party of interest in the cases 23-10020, 23-10021, and 23-10022, which are jointly administered. My concern is with the judge change that occurred in March 2023, just three months into the bankruptcy proceedings. Despite the technology being worth billions and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 27, 2025

Thank you for bringing your concerns regarding the AVCT bankruptcy proceedings to our attention. Based on our research, American Virtual Cloud Technologies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 11, 2023, with cases 23-10020, 23-10021, and 23-10022 being jointly administered in the U.S.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law, Civil Litigation and Business Law for Delaware on
Q: How can I assert my shareholder rights under Delaware law as per a 2016 Stock Purchase Agreement?

I am a Vietnamese citizen and previously worked for a Delaware-incorporated company. In 2016, I signed a Common Stock Purchase Agreement granting me 20,000 shares, subject to a 4-year vesting schedule tied to continued service. After 8 years, meeting the vesting requirements, I have received no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 14, 2025

It sounds like you're in a challenging situation, and it's important to understand that as a shareholder under Delaware law, you do have rights that are enforceable. Since you have a signed Common Stock Purchase Agreement and have met the vesting requirements, the company is legally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Trademark for Delaware on
Q: Can I omit the LLC suffix in branding for my Delaware LLC?

I have an LLC registered in Delaware under the name "My Business Name, LLC." For branding materials and advertisements, I would like to use just "My Business Name" without the LLC suffix, while keeping the suffix for all official documentation and forms. I am uncertain if I need... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It’s unfortunate that your situation with the pain clinic has led to a dismissal, especially after a false positive test result. The first step is to gather all the medical documentation you have, including the records from your hospital stay and any related tests or treatments that could explain... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Construction Law and Real Estate Law for Delaware on
Q: Need review of marketing retainer agreement for construction client, ensure compliance with Delaware law, ASAP by today.

I've drafted a 5-page marketing retainer agreement for a construction client and need a business law attorney to review it for compliance with Delaware law. The agreement needs a full review and any necessary tweaks to ensure it is legally sound and complies with all relevant legal standards.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

It sounds like you're under a tight deadline, and it's important that your marketing retainer agreement is solid—especially when it’s part of a proposal for a construction client. Since Delaware has its own specific standards for contract enforceability and business arrangements, a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law and Identity Theft for Delaware on
Q: How to check unauthorized bank account opened by business partner in Delaware?

I own a business in Delaware and am concerned that my partner might have created another bank account using my credentials or my business name without my permission. My partner has a copy of my passport, my ID, and the latest Annual Franchise Tax of the company on his WhatsApp. Although I have not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

You've raised an important concern about potential financial impropriety. Discovering unauthorized accounts requires a systematic approach that protects both you and your business interests.

First, request your ChexSystems report and credit reports from all three major bureaus...
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