Resource Center

Stay in the know with the latest news and expert insights from StartSmart Counsel. Our dedicated team of advisors regularly shares valuable updates, industry trends, and business wisdom to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Explore our curated collection of news articles and blog posts to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in your startup endeavors.

Defamation 101: What Startups and SMEs Need to Know to Protect Their Reputation
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Defamation 101: What Startups and SMEs Need to Know to Protect Their Reputation

Defamation can seriously harm a startup or SME, but understanding how it shows up and how to protect your business is the first step toward safeguarding your reputation. By proactively monitoring for false statements, responding professionally to negative feedback, and knowing when to take legal action, you can minimize the risks and focus on growing your business.

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Side Hustle or Legal Hassle? How to Start a Business While Employed Without Getting Sued
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Side Hustle or Legal Hassle? How to Start a Business While Employed Without Getting Sued

Many employees dream of starting their own business while still working full-time. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra income or preparing to take the leap into entrepreneurship, balancing a side business with your current job can be tricky. In particular, it’s essential to navigate the legal landscape carefully to avoid potential conflicts with your employer.

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Why Every Business Needs a Compliance Wellness Check: Don’t Fly by the Seat of Your Pants
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Why Every Business Needs a Compliance Wellness Check: Don’t Fly by the Seat of Your Pants

If you’re a startup founder or have been running your business for a while, chances are, you've been busy handling everything from building your brand to closing sales. It's common for entrepreneurs to focus on growth and customer acquisition while the administrative side of the business—like compliance—takes a back seat. But ignoring your business’s compliance status can lead to costly consequences.

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Selling Equity in Your Business: Key Concerns and Documents You’ll Need
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Selling Equity in Your Business: Key Concerns and Documents You’ll Need

Selling equity in your business can be an effective way to raise capital, attract investors, and scale operations. But this move comes with significant legal and financial considerations. In this blog, we’ll cover the key concerns to keep in mind and the documents required to successfully sell equity in your company.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Privacy Policies: A Guide to Not Scaring Your Users Away
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

The Do’s and Don’ts of Privacy Policies: A Guide to Not Scaring Your Users Away

Ah, privacy policies. The fine print that no one reads but everyone knows is lurking at the bottom of every website. Writing a privacy policy is like trying to make a vegetable smoothie—necessary, but tricky to make enjoyable. So, let’s inject a little humor into the process with this guide to the Do’s and Don’ts of crafting a privacy policy that won't make your users want to delete their browser history.

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Business Growth vs. Consumer Trust: Lessons from the Mielle Organics Controversy
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Business Growth vs. Consumer Trust: Lessons from the Mielle Organics Controversy

The Mielle Organics controversy serves as a powerful reminder for businesses looking to grow and expand. While partnering with larger corporations or scaling operations can present exciting opportunities, it’s critical to prioritize customer trust, product quality, and transparency at every step.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, the path to growth should always include a commitment to the values and customers that brought you success in the first place. By taking these lessons to heart, businesses can grow without compromising the trust they’ve worked so hard to build.

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Avoiding Copyright Infringement: A Vital Guide for Startups Beyond Trademark Concerns
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Avoiding Copyright Infringement: A Vital Guide for Startups Beyond Trademark Concerns

For startups, it's easy to focus on securing trademarks and other visible branding elements while overlooking copyright concerns. However, copyright infringement can be just as damaging—if not more—than a trademark dispute. By creating original content, obtaining proper licenses, and educating your team, you can avoid costly copyright mistakes and protect your startup’s valuable intellectual property.

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When is SEC Registration Required for Your Offering? A Guide for Startups and Small Businesses
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

When is SEC Registration Required for Your Offering? A Guide for Startups and Small Businesses

Raising capital is a crucial step for startups and small businesses looking to grow. However, navigating the complexities of securities regulations can be challenging, particularly when it comes to understanding whether your offering needs to be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this guide, we’ll explore when SEC registration is required and highlight key exemptions, including Regulation S, that might be available to your business.

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Becoming an Investment Advisor: The Ultimate Guide
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Becoming an Investment Advisor: The Ultimate Guide

Registering as an investment advisor is a detailed process that requires careful planning and attention to regulatory requirements. By following these steps, you can navigate the registration process successfully and build a compliant, ethical, and thriving investment advisory business.

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You've Been Kicked Off Your Social Media Account, Now What?
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

You've Been Kicked Off Your Social Media Account, Now What?

In today’s digital age, social media is more than just a platform for sharing selfies and keeping up with friends. For businesses, entrepreneurs, and influencers, it’s a crucial tool for branding, marketing, and engaging with customers. But what happens when you suddenly find yourself locked out of your account?

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Protecting Your Digital Products: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Protecting Your Digital Products: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Protecting your digital products requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. By implementing copyright notices, EULAs, ToS, registering copyrights and trademarks, and using contracts and NDAs, you can safeguard your intellectual property and ensure the longevity and success of your business.

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Purchasing a Business: The Importance of Due Diligence
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Purchasing a Business: The Importance of Due Diligence

Purchasing a business is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and thorough due diligence. By meticulously examining the financial, legal, operational, human resources, and environmental aspects of the business, you can identify risks, negotiate better terms, and make informed decisions.

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Creating a Nonprofit: A Comprehensive Guide
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Creating a Nonprofit: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating a nonprofit is a journey that requires dedication, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to your cause. By following these steps and staying true to your mission, you can build a sustainable organization that makes a meaningful difference in your community.

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Why Using AI for Your Contracts and Disclosures is a Great Start but Not Sufficient
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Why Using AI for Your Contracts and Disclosures is a Great Start but Not Sufficient

AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of drafting contracts and disclosures. However, it is not a standalone solution. The complexities and nuances of legal work require the expertise, judgment, and personal touch that only human lawyers can provide. By combining the strengths of AI with the invaluable skills of experienced legal professionals, businesses can achieve the best of both worlds – efficiency and accuracy alongside strategic guidance and personalized service.

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Part Two: How to Address Chargebacks Effectively
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Part Two: How to Address Chargebacks Effectively

Effectively addressing chargebacks requires a proactive and organized approach. By acting quickly, gathering solid evidence, and maintaining clear communication, startups and SMBs can navigate chargeback disputes successfully. Continuous improvement in business practices, including maintaining clear customer agreements, refund/return policies, and disclaimers, will help reduce future chargebacks, ensuring a healthier bottom line.

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Part One: How Startups and SMBs Can Prevent Chargebacks from Customers
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Part One: How Startups and SMBs Can Prevent Chargebacks from Customers

Chargebacks can be a significant challenge for startups and small businesses, potentially affecting cash flow, customer relations, and overall business reputation. To help you navigate this complex issue, we've divided this blog into two parts. In Part One, we'll focus on proactive strategies to prevent chargebacks. In Part Two, we'll cover effective methods for addressing chargebacks when they do occur.

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Understanding Venture Capital Term Sheets
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Understanding Venture Capital Term Sheets

Securing venture capital (VC) funding is a significant milestone for any startup. However, the process can be complex, particularly when it comes to understanding the intricacies of a term sheet. A term sheet outlines the terms and conditions of an investment, serving as a blueprint for the final agreement. It’s crucial for startup founders to grasp the key components of a term sheet to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the main elements and what they mean for your startup.

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How to Structure Equity for Startup Employees
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

How to Structure Equity for Startup Employees

Equity compensation is a powerful tool for startups to attract and retain top talent. By offering a stake in the company, employees are incentivized to contribute to the company's growth and success. However, structuring equity compensation can be complex, with various methods offering different benefits and drawbacks. Here, we’ll explore the different ways to structure equity compensation for employees, explain what each method entails, and outline the associated legal considerations.

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