Business Law

Business Law

Virginia, D.C., and Maryland Attorneys

Business Law

Businesses encounter legal challenges which are very different from those facing individuals. These matters are often complex and require customized solutions and a full understanding of the laws pertaining to forming, building, and operating a thriving business.  The practiced team at Cook Craig & Francuzenko puts clear insight and decades of combined experience to work for you.  

Areas of Concentration

If you’re starting a business, you have a lot to think about. Planning and structuring your business correctly from the beginning is key to your success. Some business structures, such as sole proprietorships, are simple. Forming a limited liability company, stock corporation or nonprofit will be far more complicated. 

 

Whatever you have in mind, get solid legal advice from an attorney you can trust. We’ll advise you on the best choices for your company, then walk you through the process so there are no surprises. From filing requirements to employment agreements, we can help get your business off to a good start.

 

We’ll help with the details so you can focus on your business.

Nonprofit and tax exempt entities are subject to local, state, and federal laws. Nonprofits provide services and sometimes goods for the benefit of the general public that may not be provided or available by commercial entities.  Nonprofit corporations are created under state law and may apply for tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service, in serving religious, charitable, scientific, or educational missions.

It’s important to structure the organization according to state and federal guidelines and the purpose of the entity.  Nonprofits operate differently than other companies- the regulations, tax codes, and business practices are unique to them. 

While there are clearly advantages to creating nonprofit entities, there are also challenges that require specialized help. If you’re considering starting a nonprofit organization or converting your existing business to nonprofit status, we’ll help walk you through the process and ensure that you’re in compliance with state and federal guidelines.

 

Set your nonprofit up for success.

A contract is a formal and legally binding agreement and has very real implications for your business. When a contract is carefully prepared and executed, it is a powerful tool. That’s why it’s important to have skilled, experienced counsel when drafting contracts for your business. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and what you’re trying to accomplish, then create contracts and agreements that best serve your business interests. 

 

We specialize in: 

  • Employment contracts
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements
  • Confidentiality Agreements
  • Business Contracts

From employment contracts to confidentiality agreements, we’ve got you covered.

There are many things to consider while maintaining a thriving business. Whether it’s a commercial enterprise, limited liability company or partnership, nonprofit organization or a sole proprietorship, your business requires experienced counsel focused on growth, risk management and the well-being of the company and its employees. Our attorneys offer guidance on organization and governance to keep your business structurally healthy and sound, including making recommendations on regular meetings and corporate record-keeping. We’ll ensure that the details are taken care of so you can focus on doing what you do best – running your business. 

 

Experienced guidance you can trust. Call us to learn how we can help.

Trademark and copyright law can be complex and feel overwhelming. Within our general corporate and business practice, we provide legal services and advice on matters related to intellectual property, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks, along with providing  day-to-day general counsel to our clients, such as preparing non-disclosure agreements to protect intellectual property, and securing proper local, state, and federal certifications necessary to build their related assets.

 

 For example we:

  • Assist clients in preparing trademark and copyright registration applications, work with Trademark Examining Attorneys in the application process and advise clients on post-application obligations.
  • Represent clients in copyright and trademark-related contracts, or in related dispute resolution and litigation.
  • Prepare and/or advise clients with regard to non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements.
  • Provide advice and counsel concerning the protection of client trade secrets.

 

Your intellectual property is one of your greatest assets. Protect it.

Practice Area Attorneys