Start-Up / Business Organizations

Creating Business Entity

Before you start doing business (and before you sign any contracts), it is extremely important to create a legal business entity. Otherwise, you may be putting your personal assets at risk. We provide the following services to help you through this important step:

  • Choosing the business entity to fit your needs

    (e.g., c-corporation, s-corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership)

  • Preparing and filing formation documents
  • Making tax elections
  • Drafting rules for corporate governance
  • Preparing necessary governmental filings

Establishing Ownership Agreements

There are many ownership issues which business partners may not even consider until problems arise. How will decisions be made? How will disagreements be resolved? What if one owner dies or wants to sell his interest? Will there be rights of first-refusal or buy-sell agreements? Dickinson & Wheelock can:

  • Help you identify important issues
  • Suggest alternatives
  • Ensure your agreements are properly written

Protecting Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (“IP”) includes most knowledge and ideas which have commercial value. It even includes business plans and customer lists. So the question isn't whether your business will develop IP, it's how will your business protect and profit from the IP it does develop. Dickinson & Wheelock can help you with:

  • Trademarks
  • Licensing
  • Confidentiality Agreements

    (with employees and business partners)

Contact

Jeff Wheelock

1.800.727.3458

Houston: 713.722.8118

Read what others have to say about our franchise expertise

Jeff is very knowledgeable, takes pride in his work and really has your best interest at heart. He took the time to explain everything in language I could understand. I now have more confidence in knowing what I am getting into. I would definitely recommend Jeff.
Jon W.
I can not recommend Jeff highly enough. From the very first time I spoke to him on the phone, through to the very thorough line by line review of the franchise agreement he was very informative, explaining issues, both good and bad, in simple easy to understand language. In addition to line by line analysis, the amendments and negotiating points were invaluable. I will definitely use Jeff in the future and would recommend him to anyone thinking of starting a franchise.
Ralph T.
Jeff took me through my franchise agreement line by line making sure i understood every detail i was signing. He focused on two main categories - am i protected if things go really well and am i protected is if things do not go well. I had no idea how exposed i was in the downside scenario until he walked me through a few example situations. I also did not understand the exposure i was taking on the upside scenario. When i read the agreement i read the part about territory completely wrong and because of his accurate assessment of territory i chose to not pursue this franchise. He created a simple to read addendum that i was able to send on to the franchise owners and gave me great tips on negotiating terms. When i find another franchise i intend to pursue i will definitely contact Jeff again to review any agreements before i sign.
Diane H.

Over forty five star Google reviews! Read more!

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