1 in 5 new ventures in Ontario will fail. This can be due to market pressures, but it’s more likely due to a failure to understand and plan for risks.
As an entrepreneur, you must put in long hours, sacrifice your time, and manage many tasks. But did you know that navigating the legal complexities of running a business can be one of the most challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur? That’s why commercial lawyers are essential for entrepreneurs who want to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
Here are six ways that commercial litigation lawyers can help entrepreneurs navigate legal complexities and succeed.
6 Ways Commercial Litigation Lawyers Can Protect Your Business’s Interests
1. Structuring Your Business
One of the first things that entrepreneurs need to do is to structure their business. Should you set up a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation? What about a limited liability company (LLC)?
Corporate lawyers can help you choose the right structure for your business. They can also help you with the legal paperwork and filings required to set up your business entity.
2. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
Contracts are a critical part of any business. They protect your business interests and ensure that everyone is on the same page. But drafting and reviewing contracts can be complicated, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal jargon.
A corporate law firm can help you draft and review contracts to ensure that they are legally sound and protect your rights.
3. Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Intellectual property (IP) is an asset for any business. It includes trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. A corporate law firm can help you protect your IP and prevent others from using it without your permission. It can also help you register your trademarks and copyrights with the appropriate government agencies.
Make no mistake, losing IP can (and does) cost companies millions every year–not something a fledgling business can afford.
4. Resolving Disputes
Disputes are a fact of life in business. Whether it’s a contract dispute with a supplier or a disagreement with a partner, disputes can be costly and time-consuming.
Commercial lawyers can help you resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. They can also help you avoid disputes by drafting clear and concise contracts and agreements.
5. Compliance With Regulations
As a business owner, you are subject to a wide range of regulations and laws. These include tax laws, employment laws, and environmental laws, among others. An experienced team of corporate lawyers can help you understand and comply with these regulations, reducing the risk of a hefty fine or audit.
6. Managing Risk
Entrepreneurship is inherently risky. But lawyers can help you manage that risk by identifying potential legal issues and developing strategies to mitigate them.
This can include drafting liability waivers, insurance policies, and other legal documents to protect your business interests.
Give Your New Business the Smooth Runway it Needs to Succeed
Nothing stifles motivation and growth in the early stages as confused ownership structures and ongoing disputes. They divert energy and resources and set the business on a course of failure. That’s where an experienced team of commercial litigation lawyers can help.
Over 140 years, we have helped some of the Niagara region’s top businesses thrive. Talk to us about your needs and discover how we deliver value.