Business Law and Commercial Matters

Business Formation & Shareholder/Ownership Services
Our Firm's attorneys have extensive experience in business formation issues and shareholder/owner agreements. The Firm assists clients in selecting the right entity for their needs. Proper initial planning helps minimize the chances of power struggles and disputes in the future as well as unfavorable tax consequences. The Firm offers a full analysis of owner alternatives that are critical in the early organization stages. Its services include other essential components such as tax planning, documents for incorporation or other business formation, and raising of capital funds. The Firm also can assist with the drafting of a wide range of buy/sell, member control, non-compete, stock option and proxy agreements.

Commercial Transactions
The Firm's attorneys are regularly involved in a wide variety of commercial transactions, including advising sellers and buyers regarding the sale and purchase of products and services. They regularly negotiate asset purchase agreements, confidentiality agreements, supply agreements and development agreements. The Firm is also experienced in drafting agreements for licensing, distributorship and joint ventures. The Firm's attorneys can also review warranty and indemnification issues and draft language to meet your legal needs.

Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property law includes copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. The Firm assists clients in researching, applying for, securing and enforcing trademark and copyright rights, and provides advice regarding trade secret protection.

Commercial transactions handled by the Firm's lawyers often involve transfer of intellectual property rights. The Firm also provides services in infringement litigation, contract negotiations, licensing and confidentiality agreements.

Non-profit Organizations
The firm assists clients in establishing non-profit organizations such as non-profit corporations. The firm is well versed in the organizational documents to establish such entities, and has assisted clients in preparing and submitting tax exemption applications to the IRS. Members of the firm can also provide guidance and counsel to organizers and board members regarding the proper operation of a non-profit entity.

Attorneys practicing in this area include:

• James B. Langeness
• Martin J. Kenworthy
• Tara J. Higgins