CryptoPunks: Aligning Blockchain Ownership with Copyright Ownership
Cryptography is different than copyright. How can you ensure each owner of a blockchain asset is also the valid copyright owner of that asset? We explore a few options.
PNW Startup Lawyer
Seattle startup lawyers helping founders navigate corporate law, venture capital, commercial transactions, and intellectual property.
How do I Protect My Trademark Internationally?
Trademarks rights are *territorial*, meaning that you need a trademark registration in each country where you want to protect your brand. Building an international trademark portfolio is expensive, but a worthwhile investment for consumer products and technology companies.
Postponing Incorporation Until Jan 1 Can Save a Bit of Tax
Most startups pay the minimum DE franchise tax of $350. Startups pay this minimum for each year of existence, even if they incorporate on December 31.
Negotiating a Master Service Agreement in Tech Deals
The Master Service Agreement and Statement of Work describe what is being delivered, and what happens when things go wrong. This post runs through common contract terms, provides some negotiation tips, and highlights issues you may want your MSA to address.
Fair Use in Copyright Law
Fair use is a flexible standard that lets artists borrow portions of prior works to use as building blocks for new art and literature.
SAFE Financings Explained Line by Line
A SAFE is a quick and simple doc startups use to raise seed capital. Although simple, there's still a learning curve. This post gives a line-by-line explanation of how a SAFE works.
Should Early Employees Get Anti-Dilution Rights?
Employee anti-dilution rights are problematic and unnecessary.
Rules for Granting Employee Stock Options
Startups issue equity to employees under Rule 701. The gist of Rule 701 is that a company can issue equity (1) to an employee or service provider (2) as compensation, (3) under an equity plan, (4) but not too much equity.
Do I Need to Send My 83b to the IRS with my Annual Tax Returns?
No. The IRS recently changed this rule. If you received stock after Jan 1, 2016, you don't need to file your 83b elections with your annual tax returns.
Should I Incorporate in Washington or Delaware?
Both are good choices. Washington is cheaper. Delaware is familiar to out-of-state investors and lawyers.
Fix a Missed 83(b) Deadline
If you have missed the 30 day filing deadline, there are a few tactics lawyers can use to clean up this tax election.
83(b) Elections for Startup Founders
This tax filing should be called ‘free money for startup founders.’ Do not miss the 30 day filing deadline.
Vesting Schedules
A vesting schedule doles out equity grants over time, or according to project milestones.
Startup Employee Equity Compensation
Employee equity, including stock options and related tax issues.
Exits, Acquisitions and IPOs
Curated links on exits and acquisitions for technology startups.
Newer