Houston Business Lawyer

Getting the company started on the right foot can set you up for a successful future. There are several critical legal considerations you should keep in mind when forming a business in Texas. These considerations include:

• Choosing a legal name,
• Selecting the proper structure,
• Obtaining an employer identification number for tax purposes,
• Applying for a general business license,
• Obtaining all local licenses and permits,
• Understanding the rules governing employer-employee relationships,
• Understanding the laws and regulations that govern your industry, and
• Obtaining the proper insurance for your business.

As a Houston business lawyer, I can help you tackle these legal considerations.

Whether you are personally liable for the debts held by your business depends on several factors. First, the structure of the debts matters. Any assets the debt is secured against, including personal property, are at risk. Second, the form of your business is a significant factor in determining your personal exposure to business debts. Third, courts can “pierce the corporate veil” and hold you liable for business debts if you do not operate your business in accordance with the law. Commingling personal and company funds is a common practice that leads to personal liability for business owners.

Choosing the proper business structure for your company’s needs is one of the best ways to protect yourself from personal liability. You must also operate your business according to the rules and regulations governing your company. Buying adequate business liability insurance will also help you protect yourself. As part of my services, I work closely with companies to help them perform an in-depth risk assessment and identify potential liabilities.

In general, there are five business entities that business owners choose from in Texas. These entities include:

• Sole proprietorships,
• Corporations,
• Limited liability companies,
• Partnerships, and
• Professional Entities.

Each of these entities is best suited for different business purposes. Further, there are also subcategories that come with advantages and disadvantages. When advising prospective business owners, I work diligently to inform them of the pros and cons of every business structure so they can choose the best one for their company.

The first step to protect intellectual property (IP) is registering it. Registration will look different depending on the type of IP. The primary forms of IP you can register are copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Once you register your IP, you must vigorously defend it to maintain its validity. I work closely with businesses of all sizes to register and protect their valuable IP.

Hiring a Houston business lawyer is about establishing and maintaining a valuable relationship with a skilled professional. A business attorney stays on top of all the legal matters affecting your business so you can focus on the day-to-day operations. A skilled attorney can also provide valuable legal advice outside the company’s immediate scope. At the Curley Law Firm, we develop these relationships and provide ongoing and practical advice to business owners in the Houston community.