Startups Articles
Practical articles on startups for united states businesses in the US.
Do You Own The Designs Your Startup Paid For?
Hiring a designer for your startup? Payment alone may not give you full ownership of logos, UI files or brand assets. Here's what to cover before you launch.
October 22, 2026
Do You Need To Trademark Your Business Name?
Your business name may be available with your state or as a domain, but that doesn't mean it's protected. Here's when a federal trademark is worth considering.
October 21, 2026
Using Open-Source Software? What Startups Should Check Before Fundraising or an Acquisition
Using open-source software? Hidden licence issues can derail due diligence before fundraising or a sale. Here's what startups should check now.
October 21, 2026
Sweat Equity Agreements for US Founders
Sweat equity can help founders reward early contributors, but the documents matter. Learn how vesting, IP assignments and contributor contracts protect ownership.
October 20, 2026
Assignment Of Rights For Founders: What To Sign
Need to move code, content, branding or inventions into your startup? Here is what founders should sign so the company owns the rights it relies on.
October 20, 2026
Vendor Agreement Checklist For US Businesses
Engaging a supplier or service provider? Here's what to include in your vendor agreement so delivery, payment, IP, data, risk and exit rights are clear.
October 19, 2026
Memorandum Of Contract: What To Know Before You Sign
Asked to sign a contract memo? Here's how to tell whether it may bind your business, what terms to check, and when a fuller agreement is the safer move.
October 19, 2026
Fully Executed Contract: What It Means In The US
Signed the contract but not sure the deal is final? Here is what a fully executed contract means in the US, plus what to check before you start work.
October 19, 2026
What Is A Confidentiality Agreement In The US?
Sharing sensitive information is part of doing business. A well-drafted confidentiality agreement helps you protect trade secrets, customer data and plans.
October 19, 2026
Exclusivity Agreements In Business Contracts
Exclusive rights can help you secure commitment, pricing and growth. They can also lock your business into the wrong deal if the scope and exit terms are not clear.
October 19, 2026
Trademark Lawyer Fees In The US: What To Budget
Budgeting for a US trademark? Here is what attorney fees may cover, from clearance searches and USPTO filings to office actions and transfers.
October 19, 2026
What Is A Trademark Clearance Search?
Thinking about filing a trademark? A clearance search can help you spot refusal and infringement risks before you invest too much in your brand.
October 18, 2026
How To Choose A Strong Trademark For Your Brand
Choosing a brand name is exciting, but it pays to check trademark strength and clearance early so you do not invest in a name that is hard to protect.
October 18, 2026
What To Do If Your Trademark Application Is Refused
Received a USPTO refusal or Office action? Here's how to work out what it means, your response deadline, and whether to fight, amend, refile, or rebrand.
October 18, 2026
Can I Use A Similar Business Name?
Found another company with a similar name? Here is how to think through trademark confusion, business name conflicts and whether your preferred name is too risky.
October 18, 2026
Contracts For AI Startups Selling To Businesses
Selling AI tools to business customers? Your contracts should make ownership, data use, outputs, acceptable use and service limits clear from the start.
October 17, 2026
What Is A Trade Secret And How Do You Protect It?
Your formulas, customer lists, processes and know-how can be powerful business assets. Here is how trade secret protection works and the steps to keep them safe.
October 17, 2026
Can You Trademark A Logo You Made With AI?
Used an AI tool or designer-assisted AI process for your logo? Here's how trademark protection works, what copyright does differently, and what to check before filing.
October 17, 2026
Purchase Order Vs Supply Agreement: Which Do You Need?
Ordering inventory or materials? Here's when a purchase order may be enough, and when a supply agreement can better protect your products, timelines and cash flow.
October 16, 2026
Trademark Renewal in the US: What Owners Need to Know
Federal trademark registrations need ongoing USPTO maintenance. Learn when to renew, what use evidence is needed, and what to check before cancellation risk arises.
October 16, 2026Can You Trademark a Slogan in the US?
A slogan can be trademarked in the US if it works as a brand identifier, not just ad copy. Learn what the USPTO looks for before launching your campaign.
October 16, 2026
SaaS Legal Checklist for Launching in the US
Launching a SaaS product in the US? Use this practical legal checklist to prepare customer terms, data documents, IP assignments, vendor contracts and reseller processes.
October 15, 2026
Legal Documents for a SaaS Business in the US
Launching a SaaS product? Use this US-focused checklist to map your customer terms, beta terms, contractor IP assignments, NDAs, support terms, and reseller documents.
October 15, 2026
Legal Documents for Mobile App Startups in the US
Launching a mobile app? Learn which legal documents to prepare for app terms, beta testing, user content, IP ownership and contractor assignments.
October 15, 2026
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