Start Ups
The success of a commercial enterprise depends to varying degrees on innovation, efficiency, funding, human resources, careful planning and a multitude of other factors. There are so many things to consider that many of the more important aspects of the business are often overlooked, or dealt with haphazardly.
Listed below are certain features of your business with which we can provide expert assistance:
1. Structure
Commercial entities exist in many different forms, each suited to particular circumstances. The corporate form appropriate for your business will depend on the number of people involved, the desired division of equity and the market in which you operate.
For example, in many cases it is simpler to operate as a sole trader, on the other hand you may wish to limit your liability if the enterprise involves an element of risk.
Different corporate forms necessitate different administrative responsibilities and in order to remain efficient it is important that you make the correct decision. While company formation is accessible and inexpensive through various online service providers, expert advice will help to ensure that you do not need to undertake expensive and complex restructuring further down the line.
2. Domain Names
Many modern businesses are launched exclusively as online service providers, and those that are not use the web to further their objectives. Your domain name portfolio is an important part of your online brand, and so it is crucial that you choose names carefully, and protect them effectively.
Unless care is taken you may find yourself forced to surrender your domain name to another business with existing rights, or risk losing customers to cyber and typo-squatters. With accurate advice you can avoid these pitfalls, and acquire squatter domains.
3. Trade Marks
Trade marks protect your business name, your product names, and your logos from the damage that can be wrought when competitors confuse your customers, and influence your reputation by employing similar names and styles.
They also grant you powerful legal rights which can be used to combat counterfeiters by, for example, allowing you to work with border authorities to seize infringing products before they enter the market place.
Trade marks form part of our core business; our experience, our expertise, and the quality and range of our services position us as one of the most cost effective service providers in the field.
While some online providers offer extremely cheap trade mark services it is important to realise that the market is unregulated, and so unfortunately it is easy to confuse low prices with better value. A trade mark registration certificate is only as valuable as it is effective in protecting your brand, and although you may feel reassured that your mark is protected poor attention to detail and a lack of expertise can result in a registration which is only enforceable in the most limited of circumstances.
4. Contracts
There are myriad types of contractual agreement entered into by businesses and their contacts, from employment contracts to website terms of use. Each of these delineates rights and obligations which define relationships, but the inclusion of a term in a contract will not always have a predictable effect upon these relationships.
Various sources of law govern the enforceability of contract terms, and so in order to create relationships on which you can rely you must be aware of the relevant principles and rules affecting the agreements you enter into.
Our knowledge and experience allow us to provide you with the accurate advice necessary to confidently define the obligations which will govern your dealings both internally, and externally with third parties. More than that, our insight into commercial operations means that we are able to identify eventualities calling for clauses that our clients would otherwise miss.
For information on one type of agreement you may not have considered, but which may be relevant to your circumstances if you operate in the technology sector, please read about our Source Code Escrow services.
5. Websites & Marketing
A professional, content driven website is an effective way of building reputation, capturing new prospects, and publicising your products and services. It should not be necessary to convince you that your marketing strategy should involve an online presence in one form or another, the question is how best to leverage the internet to achieve your objectives.
In the past a web page might act simply as an advertisement, with product details, and a telephone number. With less competition online it was more likely that a customer searching for your class of offerings would be directed to your website. Over the last decade however, the rules of the game have changed considerably. Whichever market you enter, you will be faced with a vast array of competitors online, reaching the top of the search engine rankings will be a struggle, and maintaining a site that does not appear amateurish when compared to other market players will be difficult.
There are tried and tested strategies capable of overcoming these obstacles - our experience, and our relationships with web design and development experts allow Azrights to rapidly assess your needs and meet them while remaining within your budget.
What next?
If you need legal work please call us on +44 (0)20 7700 1414 or if you prefer send us an enquiry using the form below. Depending on your requirements we may suggest a free meeting. This is often the best way to assess whether we would be the right firm for you, and to understand the work involved, your priorities, attitude to risk, and desired timescales.
