Utah is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. If you are looking to start your own venture you can use this checklist as a guide to ensure your business fits within Utah’s laws and regulations.
#1. Choose the Right Business Structure
The foundation of your business is a legal structure that fits your needs. This could be a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership. Each structure provides different liability protections, tax implications, and complexities. To learn more about different business structures visit this blog and reach out to experienced Utah business law attorneys.
#2. Register your business name
Once you’ve chosen a business structure, your next move is to register your business name with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. This step officially establishes your business’s legal identity and prevents other Utah businesses from using the same or a confusingly similar name. Before filing, make sure the name you want is available; using a name that’s already taken or that is too similar to an existing one may lead to branding problems or legal disputes. A clear, unique name sets the foundation for your brand and your legal footprint in Utah’s business landscape.
#3. Obtain licenses and permits
To operate legally in Utah, your business may need certain licenses and permits. This may include general business licenses from your city or county or specialized permits for regulated fields like food service, construction, or health care. Federal licenses may need to be obtained for some businesses, especially if they’re involved in activities overseen by federal agencies such as selling alcohol or firearms. A Utah business lawyer can help determine exactly which licenses and permits apply to your operation and ensure your company is compliant from day one.
#4. Understand Employment Laws
As your business grows, it is important to understand both state and federal employment laws in order to avoid hefty lawsuits from employees. This includes a familiarity with anti-discrimination laws, minimum wage, and overtime pay. To navigate the process of hiring employees for the first time, you should consult with an attorney who is familiar with employment laws for the state you work in. To learn more about employment laws read this blog post.
#5. Draft Key Business Contracts
Contracts are responsible for clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of everyone your business interacts with. Common agreements include employment contracts, supplier and vendor agreements, customer contracts, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Well-drafted contracts help prevent misunderstandings, safeguard your business interests, and create a clear roadmap for resolving disputes. Because these documents carry great legal importance, working with a Utah legal group is essential to ensure your contracts are both enforceable and tailored to your business’s needs.
Following these five steps you will need to look into protecting your intellectual property, and ensuring compliance with taxes and environmental regulations. Starting a business can be a difficult process that is full of legal requirements. Hiring a business law attorney from the start will help ensure that your business is compliant with the law from the beginning and has a good foundation to grow and succeed.
Sumsion Business Law has years of experience providing personalized legal solutions for businesses just like yours. Whether you are building or expanding your business, we are here to help. Contact us to learn how we can guide and support your business at every stage.