Best Business Lawyers in Houston

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Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Houston, United States

Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation,...
English
Jones Day

Jones Day

Houston, United States

Founded in 1893
2,500 people in their team
Jones Day has a history of more than 125 years and a culture of client service and professionalism based on explicit shared values. These values...
English
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Houston, United States

Founded in 1948
1,700 people in their team
The traits that fueled Skadden’s rise from a New York startup to a global powerhouse — collaborative, innovative, persistent — continue to...
English
Adams and Reese LLP

Adams and Reese LLP

Houston, United States

Founded in 1951
610 people in their team
Study our experience and credentials to understand why we belong on your short list. Get to know us as people, and you’ll recognize our dedication...
English
Phelps Dunbar LLP.

Phelps Dunbar LLP.

Houston, United States

Founded in 1853
300 people in their team
Our health law attorneys represent hospitals, physicians, managed care organizations and other health care providers throughout the Southeast as...
English
Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Houston, United States

Founded in 1967
2,300 people in their team
Five decades ago, while at lunch in a South Florida deli, attorneys Larry J. Hoffman, Mel Greenberg, and Robert Traurig saw an opportunity to...
English
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Houston, United States

Founded in 1931
1,100 people in their team
Founded in 1931, Weil has provided legal services to the largest public companies, private equity firms and financial institutions for the past 90...
English
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

Houston, United States

Founded in 1891
1,287 people in their team
For 130 years, Baker Donelson has built a reputation for achieving results for our clients on a wide range of legal matters. While providing legal...
English
BALCH & BINGHAM LLP

BALCH & BINGHAM LLP

Houston, United States

Founded in 1922
439 people in their team
Balch & Bingham LLP is a corporate law firm with more than 230 attorneys across offices in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville,...
English

United States Business Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 1 legal question about Business in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

How do I legally protect my idea before selling or licensing it to a company?
Licensing
Business
Legal Document
Patents are most frequently used to protect inventions. With a patent, you have the right to take legal action against anyone who uses or sells your inventions without your permission. To get a patent you must have an invention that is new – not a modification – so check thoroughly before you apply for a patent.Patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention of a product or process, that provides a new way of doing something and the law that governs this right in Nigeria is the Patents and Designs Act. Under the Patent and Design Act, a combination of lines and colours or any three-dimensional form with or without colours is recognized as an industrial design and can thus be protected. There's a catch though. The catch is that such design must not have been in the public domain. Once again, this does not take into account the dynamism of the fashion industry that relies on trends and public acceptance of creative works. So there is protection, but with a limitation. Registration of a patent in Nigeria is carried out at the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry in Abuja. I can help you do this. Non Disclosure Agreements (NDA)Most creatives will be familiar with what an NDA is but might not realize the importance of this seemingly procedural agreement. An NDA is an agreement that protects confidential information that might pass between parties to the agreement.Apart from the fact that an NDA provides protection from disclosure of intellectual property (including trade secrets, proprietary information, and other confidential information), it also provides for more legal protections and options if another party does infringe on a patent or otherwise use protected information. Sign an NDA before sharing that business idea, model, design, beat or song.Reach me out by visiting our profile and send us a message

About Business Law in Houston, United States

Business law in Houston, United States, encompasses multiple areas, including start-ups, business formations, contracts, commercial transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. It also includes matters involving environmental regulations, employment laws, and intellectual property. Business law governs all aspects of commercial interactions between businesses, government entities, and individuals. Business in Houston is robust and diverse, making the city a hub of commercial activity and its associated legal matters.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several scenarios where legal assistance becomes necessary. These include business formation, making important decisions such as creating a partnership, LLC or corporation, employment issues, and legal disputes. Compliance with local regulations, establishing contracts with clients or vendors, and navigating environmental and intellectual property laws are other areas where legal expertise can be vital. Having a lawyer ensures your business can function efficiently and legally.

Local Laws Overview

Houston's business laws are governed by both Texas state laws and local city ordinances. The laws cover aspects such as business licenses and permits, zoning regulations, tax compliance and more. Additionally, numerous industries in Houston are subject to their own specific regulations. For instance, the oil and gas industry, a significant sector within Houston's economy, has specific environmental and safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license to operate in Houston, US?

Though Houston does not require a general business license, certain types of businesses still need permits and licenses to operate legally.

What are the labor laws for businesses in Houston?

Houston businesses must follow both Texas state and federal labor laws, including those governing minimum wage, overtime, non-discrimination, and safe working conditions.

Can a Houston business lawyer help me with a contract?

Yes. A Houston business lawyer can help draft contracts to protect your business's interests and advise you on contracts presented to you by others.

How does intellectual property impact my business?

Intellectual property laws protect your business's innovations, brand, and proprietary information. A lawyer can help file patents, trademarks and copyrights and assist if infringement occurs.

What type of business entity should I choose?

The business entity you choose affects issues such as personal liability, tax, and management structure. Business lawyers can help decide the type most suitable for you.

Additional Resources

The Houston Bar Association provides assistance, while the Houston District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration offers resources and guidance for starting and maintaining a business. The Houston City Government website provides information about necessary permits and licenses for businesses.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance, consider consulting with a business attorney. They typically offer an initial consultation either free or at a lower fee. During this meeting, you can discuss your challenge, ask questions and decide if this is the right attorney for your needs. It's beneficial to gather all the relevant documents and prepare your questions before the meeting.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.