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Stay in the know with the latest news and expert insights from StartSmart Counsel. Our dedicated team of advisors regularly shares valuable updates, industry trends, and business wisdom to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Explore our curated collection of news articles and blog posts to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in your startup endeavors.
Protect Your Brand with a Trademark Assignment Template
In today’s competitive marketplace, your brand is one of your most valuable assets. Trademarks—your logos, names, slogans, and even distinctive packaging—signal quality and build customer loyalty. But what happens if you need to transfer those rights, whether because you’re selling a division, restructuring ownership, or engaging a licensing partner? A clear, well‑drafted trademark assignment template can save you time, reduce risk, and ensure that your valuable marks continue to protect the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
Prevent Legal Fire Drills: Use a Fractional GC for Ongoing Compliance
In today’s fast‑moving startup environment, legal issues can flare up overnight—vendor contracts, fundraising regulations, intellectual property worries, data‑privacy updates, employment law changes—you name it. Waiting until a crisis erupts and scrambling for outside counsel leads to reactive “legal fire drills,” skyrocketing fees, and missed strategic opportunities.
Avoiding Equity Disputes with a Founders Agreement
In the earliest days of your startup—when ideas are big and resources are tight—equity is often the most valuable currency. Yet without a clear, thoughtfully drafted founders agreement, even the strongest partnerships can fracture over “who owns what” down the road. Here’s how to use a founders agreement to head off equity disputes before they start.
Launching a Web3 Startup? Legal Issues You Need to Think About Early
Launching a Web3 startup is thrilling—but the decentralized, rapidly evolving nature of blockchain raises unique legal questions you need to address from Day One. Tackling these issues early not only reduces risk, it also positions you for smoother fundraising, partnerships, and growth. Here are the key areas to think about before you write your first smart contract.
Hiring International Freelancers? Start with an Independent Contractor Agreement
In today’s globalized marketplace, tapping into talent—no matter where it lives—has never been easier. From software developers in Eastern Europe to graphic designers in Southeast Asia, international freelancers can bring specialized skills, scalability, and cost efficiency to your projects. But hiring across borders also introduces legal, tax, and operational risks. The foundation for a successful, compliant engagement is a well‑drafted Independent Contractor Agreement.
Facing SBA Grant Delays? How 8(a) Firms Can Attract Investment and Launch Commercial Ventures Without Violating Regulations
Federal budget instability and recurring government shutdowns continue to create operational and financial uncertainty for small businesses participating in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. Many of these firms rely heavily on federal contracts and grant funding, particularly through agencies such as the Department of Defense. When appropriations lapse or procurement timelines stall, business continuity becomes increasingly difficult.
StartSmart Counsel Represents Azure in Landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Deal
StartSmart Counsel is proud to have served as legal counsel to Azure in one of the most significant Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transactions of the year. This landmark deal reflects the growing importance of well-structured public-private partnerships in addressing infrastructure needs while enabling innovation and capital investment.
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