Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to incorporate a business?
If you are the sole owner, you can expect to spend between $500 - $2,000 to fully incorporate your business and set up the necessary legal framework. Most of our clients in this category spend this much to get things up and running. This amount includes filing and processing fees for state documents, publication requests, affidavit filings, and legal fees. If you are starting your business with other co-owners, the whole process becomes slightly more involved with more people participating.
Can I just use an incorporating service to start my business?
Yes, you can. There are plenty of “DIY” or incorporating services out there that can help you start your business. Although you may save some money on legal fees by using those companies, you may not be receiving the full list of services that are necessary to start your business. Some incorporating services prepare and file just the incorporating documents for you, but not some of the other mandatory forms. Other companies may provide boilerplate documents that are not specifically customized to you business needs and therefore will not adequately address potential issues in the future. When you work with us, you will always get a fee quote and a full description of exactly what we’ll do for you and why it’s important. Our goal is to empower you so that you understand and feel comfortable about the whole process. We encourage you to shop around (as all business owners should) for service providers similar to us, but be careful about what you’re getting back for your money when you use a DIY service. Contact us for a free consultation.
Can I incorporate my business on my own?
Yes, you can. But doing this correctly requires you to be familiar with numerous federal, state, city, and county rules and regulations. If you do the process incorrectly, it will lead to consequences that will cost you more time, money, and energy to fix down the road. If your business has multiple owners or employees (or may have them in that future), or if your business transacts with the government, things can get even more complicated. We have been helping business owners for years, and are very familiar with the process. Put our experience to work for you.
How much does it cost to file a trademark?
It depends on the kind of trademark application you want to file. Our fees for the most trademark applications range between $350 - $2,000, excluding fees paid to the U.S. Trademark Office. There are 4 stages for filing a trademark application: (1) research, (2) initial filing, (3) response to Office Action, and (4) publication or appeal. Not all phases are mandatory, and there are variations in each phase that may affect the range of our fees. We strive to always make these costs clear to you before we do the work. Contact us for a free consultation so we can provide a more detailed estimate for your application.
How do I know that my trademark or business idea is safe from others?
We always keep your information confidential and private — even if you don’t end up hiring us, or end our engagement prematurely. We are bound by various rules of professional conduct, case precedent, and laws affecting attorney-client relationships to safeguard your information at all costs. We take these responsibilities very seriously. If you’d like, we can always put an NDA in place before we discuss sensitive matters. Our goal is to always be your teammate, not a competitor. Seeing you succeed in launching that great business idea is our success!
How much does it cost to file a copyright?
It depends on the kind of copyright application you want to file. Our fees for the simplest copyright application that has all the minimum requirements ready for filing range between $300 - $600, excluding fees paid to the U.S. Copyright Office. There are different requirements for different types of copyright applications, and filing one incorrectly by yourself may cost you more money in the future to clean up. Contact us to get a detailed estimate so you can make an educated decision. We’re ready to help!