Best Business Lawyers in St. Petersburg

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Bailey Glasser

Bailey Glasser

St. Petersburg, United States

Founded in 1999
123 people in their team
Founded by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in 1999 in Charleston, West Virginia, Bailey Glasser has grown to include 76 lawyers, with 17 offices across...
English
Adams and Reese LLP

Adams and Reese LLP

St. Petersburg, 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

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 St. Petersburg, United States

St Petersburg, part of the Tampa Bay area in Florida, is a thriving business hub that attracts various types of businesses. Business laws in this area regulate the formation, operation, and dissolution of all types of businesses. These laws primarily encompass all state, federal, and administrative laws, and also include diverse regulations such as corporate contracts, hiring practices, manufacturing, and sales of consumer goods.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

As a business owner or entrepreneur, you may require a lawyer for various reasons. It could be for legal advice during the formation stage of your business where you may need to determine the most beneficial legal structure. You may also need legal guidance when negotiating contracts, dealing with employee issues, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and protecting intellectual property rights. The sale or acquisition of businesses and solving any business disputes are also areas where legal support is generally required.

Local Laws Overview

Florida State laws heavily influence St. Petersburg's business laws. These laws cover a wide range of business activities, including licensing, taxation, consumer protection, environmental regulations, and employment law. Florida follows the ‘At-Will Employment’ regulation, so employees can be fired for any reason at any time unless the reasons are discriminatory, as described in federal and state human rights laws. Florida is also a sales tax-free state, hence luring many businesses into its area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of business should I form?

This decision would depend upon your long-term business goals and market research. It's best to consult with a business lawyer to understand which legal structure will be most beneficial for your organization.

Can I terminate an employee without a reason in St. Petersburg?

Yes, as per ‘At-Will Employment’ regulation, you may terminate an employee for any reason unless it's illegal or discriminatory under the state and federal laws.

Do I need to register my business in St. Petersburg?

Yes, almost all types of businesses need to be registered with the appropriate authorities. Local requirements may vary depending on your business's legal structure and nature of operation.

What type of regulations am I required to comply with for my business?

This would significantly depend on the nature of your business. These could include tax laws, employment laws, licensing regulations, environmental rules, etc. It's advisable to consult a local business lawyer for detailed information.

Is sales tax applied in St. Petersburg to the goods sold by businesses?

No, Florida is a sales tax-free state. This makes it favorable for many kinds of businesses, hence attracting them to set up their operations.

Additional Resources

You could approach governmental bodies such as the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Florida Department of State Division of Corporations, or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for guidance. Professional organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce can also prove to be helpful.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in business, the first step is to identify your legal needs. Based on your requirements, you can consult with a local business lawyer who can provide guidance, prepare the necessary legal documents, or represent you in front of legal authorities. Always ensure you choose someone experienced and knowledgeable about local business laws. It's also advisable to consult more than one professional before entrusting them with your business responsibilities.

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.