The BrewerLong Blog

Business relationships, like other kinds of relationships, can be complicated. And just like other relationships, business relationships sometimes come to an end. When one or multiple partners want to dissolve their business relationship, it is in their best interest to do so amicably. If one partner is trying to force another partner out, they will have to follow procedures set forth in the partnership agreement to do so. In the absence of such an agreement, partners must nonetheless comply with state and federal laws when dissolving their partnership. If you’re wondering–What do I do about my business partner trying to force me out?– then you are likely concerned about whether or not they can legally do so. If an irreconcilable dispute arises between partners, one of the partners might take aggressive action to push out the other partner. When that happens, it might be necessary to push back. Business Disputes Attorney Michael Long What Is a Business Partnership? A business partnership is a legal relationship that forms the ownership of a business. In a business partnership, one or more partners own the business and share in the profits and losses. Unlike corporations, business partnerships are not separate entities from the individual owners. Partnerships are usually required to register with the state in which they do business.  Business partnerships are typically formed and governed by a written agreement. Operating agreements may cover the following: The management of the partnership; The distribution of profits and losses; The resolution of disputes between partners;  The dissolution of the partnership; The distribution of assets upon dissolution; and The procedure for one partner to exit the partnership. You may be wondering, Can my business partner push me out? Whether your business partner can force you out of the partnership is likely a question that can be answered by reading over the operating agreement. Can My Business Partner Push Me Out? If you or your business partner wants to dissolve your business, or your business partner is trying to force you out, you are likely concerned about the relevant rules and consequences. First, look over your business’s operating agreement. The agreement should contain provisions related to resolving disputes amongst the partners. One such provision common to operating agreements is a buyout provision. Buyout provisions allow the partners to decide to sell their ownership interest in the business. Such provisions also provide procedures for partners to buy out other partners under certain circumstances. In the absence of a written agreement, state law provides rules and remedies. In most cases, a partner can force out another partner only for violating the partnership agreement or state or federal laws. If you didn’t violate the agreement or act illegally, you may nonetheless be forced out of the partnership if a court determines that the partnership should be dissolved. If your business partner successfully pushes you out of your partnership, you may have the right to receive profits as well as the right to inspect the books and records of the business. Will the Courts Get Involved? If the dissolution of your partnership leads to a lawsuit, the courts will get involved. In order to petition the court for dissolution in Florida, a partner must show that the economic purpose of the partnership is likely to be unreasonably frustrated, another partner has engaged in conduct which makes it impractical to carry on the business in partnership, or it is not otherwise reasonably practicable to carry on the partnership business in conformity with the partnership agreement. If the court decides to dissolve the business, you will likely get a share of any profits from the sale or buyout. My Business Partner Is Trying to Force Me Out; What Do I Do? If you’re in a position where your business partner is trying to force you out, you should think about how to protect yourself. The best way to protect yourself from being forced out of your business relationship is to include protective provisions in your partnership agreement. Consult with an experienced business law attorney to help you prepare a partnership agreement that suits the needs of your business. Your agreement will specify the rights and obligations of the partners and will detail the procedures for dissolution, buyout, and sale. If your business partner is trying to or has forced you out,  you have the right to receive compensation and the right to access business records. If your partners fail to provide either, you should first write a letter demanding that they do so. If the partners still fail to provide profits and/or access, you can file a claim in court. Why Hire BrewerLong? BrewerLong is a law firm that focuses on relationships. Our attorneys strive to provide approachable and sophisticated representation to businesses of all types and sizes. Whether you own your own business or you are part of a business partnership, we can help. Contact us today for a introductory phone call. One of our attorneys will talk through your case with you to find out whether we can provide you with legal services. We will do our best to represent you.

The term shareholder is not just relevant to Fortune 500 companies. A shareholder is any individual or institution that legally owns at least one share of stock in a private or public corporation. If you own stock in a company, or your pension includes publicly traded stocks, you are a shareholder. Shareholders are also sometimes called members of a corporation. Shareholders essentially have a financial interest in a corporation or company. Considering the money at stake, shareholders can get into any number of different types of disputes. With more and more owners of a company, it’s inevitable that disputes will arise about how the company is managed. Hopefully, the shareholders can work together to resolve these disputes. Sometimes they cannot, and shareholders need their own attorney representation. Business Disputes Attorney Michael Long Shareholder Rights The rights and responsibilities of a shareholder differ according to the governing shareholder agreement. Shareholders commonly have the right to: Sell their shares; Purchase new shares;  Nominate directors; Vote on directors nominated by the board of directors;  Propose shareholder resolutions; Vote on shareholder resolutions;  Receive payment of dividends; Sue the company for violations of a fiduciary duty; Vote on management proposals; and  Receive payment of assets remaining after liquidation. A shareholder’s rights and responsibilities are outlined in the company’s constitutional documents, e.g., the articles of incorporation and any shareholder agreements. The rights such an agreement provides will inform the method shareholders choose to resolve their disputes. What Is a Shareholder Dispute? Shareholder disputes can be disagreements among shareholders or between shareholders and the owners of the company. Shareholder disputes can take on a number of different forms. Whether shareholders disagree with the company’s management style or decision-making or there has been an instance of fraud or illegal conduct, shareholder disputes can differ widely. Examples of Common Shareholder Disputes Shareholders get into disagreements over any number of issues. With money on the line, shareholder disputes can be contentious. Examples of common shareholder disputes include: Breach of a shareholder agreement; Disagreements over direction; Disagreements over company management; Breach of fiduciary duties; Minority shareholders not getting enough respect; Differences in compensation or contribution;  Conflicts of interest; Personal problem affecting business relationships;  Lack of dividend distributions; Concern over possible illegal or fraudulent activities; and Breach of a director’s service contract. Disputes amongst shareholders are common and often high-stakes. Failure to seek legal advice early in the course of a shareholder dispute regarding a shareholder’s legal rights and strategies can escalate the seriousness of the dispute. For this reason, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced business law attorney as soon as possible. How to Resolve Common Shareholder Disputes The first step to resolving a shareholder dispute is to look over the shareholder agreement. The manner in which shareholder disputes are resolved may be determined by the governing shareholder agreement. A shareholder agreement will likely include provisions that provide procedures for forcing a shareholder to sell their shares given certain circumstances. If the shareholder agreement does not provide any such procedures, shareholders can and should form a shareholder agreement during the process of resolving the dispute. Other methods for resolving shareholder disputes include: Proposing a resolution to address the dispute at a general meeting; Appointing a disinterested director, board advisor, etc. to resolve the dispute;  Appointing additional statutory directors, etc. to avoid deadlock and bring a fresh perspective;  Calling a general meeting of the shareholders to consider a resolution dismissing a director; Terminating a shareholder’s employment, if applicable, under an employee settlement agreement; Engaging a neutral professional mediator to resolve the dispute; Arranging a buyout by an external buyer, another shareholder, or the company, in accordance with the company’s articles and any governing shareholder agreements; Selling the company and distributing the proceeds to shareholders in accordance with the articles of association and any governing shareholder agreement; Presenting a petition to have the company wound up, if it is just and equitable to do so; or Filing a lawsuit, known as a derivative claim, on behalf of the company against the wrongdoers; The method of resolution you choose depends on the specific circumstances of your dispute. No matter what you decide to do, you should first consult all applicable shareholder agreements and the articles of association. Your rights and responsibilities will be limited by any such agreements, so it is important to be educated about their requirements. You should also be sure to consult an experienced business law attorney who can help you interpret your operating agreement and explain applicable state and federal laws. How BrewerLong Can Help  BrewerLong is a Florida-based law firm that handles all manner of business law cases. From formation to dissolution, we can represent you throughout the life of your business. Our team of experienced business law attorneys works tirelessly to provide individualized services. Contact us today for a free case consultation. We’ll work with you to develop the best strategy for your case.

Starting a corporation can seem overwhelming at first because there are many steps in the process and a number of Florida corporation laws you need to understand. However, this process will seem less daunting if you educate yourself about the process and get advice from a knowledgeable business formation attorney. Your attorney can help you determine whether a corporation is the best entity for your business and how to go about setting it up. With the right legal help, you can ensure you comply with important Florida corporate laws in establishing your business. This can give you peace of mind now and set your business up for success in the future. Different situations call for different business types–whether corporation, LLC, or partnership–and there are different requirements and norms for organizing and operating each business type. Business Attorney Trevor Brewer Florida Corporation Naming Laws Did you know that there are Florida laws regarding what name you can legally use for your corporation? All corporate names must include one of the following words or abbreviations: “corporation,” “incorporated,” “company,” “co,” “inc,” or “corp.” These designations alert the public that your organization is a corporation. The name also has to be distinguishable from the names of other registered entities in the state. To be different, the name needs to actually use different words, not just variations of the same words. For example, if there were an existing entity called Sam’s Pizzeria Co, names like Sam Pizzeria Co, Sam’s Pizza Co, and Sam’s Pizzeria Inc would all be considered duplicates. Finally, the name cannot have language that would suggest an affiliation with the government or an illegal purpose. For example, names like Orlando City Water or The Meth Lab could be problematic. Choosing a name for your corporation seems like a simple step, but it poses many potential legal complications under Florida corporate laws. It’s important to consult with an attorney before choosing a corporate name. Your attorney can also help you protect your name under Florida trademark law. Forming a Business Under Florida Corporation Law Florida corporation statutes also set forth several rules you need to follow when forming a corporation. Register Your Corporation To register your corporation, you must file articles of incorporation with the Florida Department of State. All documents must: Be signed by a director, president, or corporate officer, with limited exceptions; Be written in English; and Contain all information required by Florida’s corporation statutes, such as the corporate name, location, and purpose. You will also need to determine what type of corporation you want to create. Florida recognizes three types: C-corp, S-corp, and B-corp. C-corps are the traditional form of corporation. S-corps are for businesses with fewer shareholders and allow for pass-through taxation similar to an LLC. B-corps, or benefit corporations, are for-profit corporations that also have goals of benefiting society. Your attorney can advise you on the best entity for your business. Establish Your Florida Corporate Bylaws Florida corporations must have bylaws. Typically, directors (if you have appointed initial directors) or incorporators will adopt the bylaws at an organizational meeting after you file your articles of incorporation. Bylaws dictate how to manage the business and may contain provisions regarding things such as: The purpose of your corporation; How many directors you will have, how long they will serve, and how they will be selected; How corporate officers will be appointed; Shareholder rights; How stock will be issued and transferred; How and when shareholder meetings will be conducted; How conflicts of interest will be handled; The process for removing directors; Whether and to what extent directors and officers will be indemnified; and How bylaws can be amended. It’s important to involve an attorney in this process. They can help you ensure that your Florida corporation bylaws address all important issues and adequately protect the corporation’s interests. Select Corporate Directors and Officers The method for selecting your directors and officers should be outlined in your corporate bylaws. In most cases, Florida law requires corporations to have a board of directors. The directors manage the corporation as a whole. They make major decisions regarding the business’s activities and policies. Officers are those who manage the day-to-day operations of the company. They include roles such as the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), and chief operations officer (COO). Florida has a number of corporate laws pertaining to directors and officers. However, in many cases, a corporation has the ability to contract around these laws by providing different or additional standards in its bylaws. It’s important to consult a Florida corporation lawyer to help you understand how these laws may apply to your corporation. Appoint a Registered Agent With limited exceptions, all Florida corporations must have a registered office and registered agent in Florida. This person has the authority to conduct business on behalf of the corporation and accept service of process for legal actions. The Florida Department of State keeps records of each corporation’s registered agent, and the public can access that information. Even if your business is incorporated somewhere else, you need to have a registered agent in Florida if your corporation conducts business or owns real property here. Rights and Obligations Under Florida Corporate Laws Corporations are the most complicated type of business entity. Corporations are owned by shareholders, but they are operated by corporate officers and directors. In smaller, closely held corporations, the shareholders and the directors may be the same people. This can lead to complications and potential liability when individuals don’t understand how their obligations as directors intersect with their rights as shareholders. Corporate officers and directors must make decisions in the best interests of the company and its shareholders rather than themselves. But when directors are also shareholders, they may begin to neglect this duty at the expense of other shareholders. This can lead to litigation and be costly or even fatal to a company. If you are setting up a closely held corporation, a business attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations….

As a business owner, you understand the numerous rules and regulations that ensure a compliant business. However, despite your diligence, important issues may be overlooked. The consequences of missing anything may cost your business in penalties and litigation fees. Staying on top of everything can be overwhelming. However, a legal audit checks the legal health of your business. A qualified business law attorney behaves as a legal auditor to analyze any risks or gaps in liability that may exist for your company. Predetermining where these gaps and risks exist before they are exposed protects your company from consequences that may be difficult for your business to recover from. It’s common for a new business to take shortcuts while getting started. Unless these weaks spots are uncovered and upgraded, a successful business can fall prey to its past mistakes. Business Attorney Trevor Brewer What Is a Legal Audit? A legal audit focuses on a single aspect of your business and analyzes your legal position. A legal audit ensures that no hidden risks exist within your company. The problems a legal audit identifies are those that put your company at risk for penalties and litigation. While a legal audit performs an in-depth analysis of one area of your company, it is not so intrusive as to interfere with your company’s day-to-day operations. Possible topics addressed in a legal audit include the following: Choice and structure of business entity; Acts of the board of directors and supporting documentation; Intellectual property protection; Methods of marketing and distribution; Any pending and future litigation; Estate planning; Insurance coverage; Human resource practices, including hiring and firing; Employment agreements; Securities law compliance; Antitrust and related government regulations; Product liability;  Environmental law; and Sales and collection practices. Not all of these topics may be relevant to your business. A legal audit’s depth and complexity depend on the company’s size. Additionally, the type of business in which the company is engaged, the number of shareholders and employees it has, and whether the business is in a regulated industry also play a large factor in the legal audit’s scope. Why Should You Get a Legal Audit?  As a growing business, it’s essential to identify potential issues or liability before they become an actuality. The most significant benefit of a legal audit comes from discovering compliance issues before they cost your company in penalties or litigation. There are myriad risks that you may expose your company to by failing to get a legal audit. Accounting Risks Failure to maintain accurate accounting records for the business or mixing personal assets with those of the business increases liability risk for the company. For example, the commingling of personal assets may lead to a piercing of the corporate veil. Piercing the corporate veil eliminates the limited liability protection afforded to business owners and exposes them for personal liability for any litigation that may be pending. Compliance Risks Failure to obtain all required permits and licenses for your business leads to fines, penalties, and in some instances, closure of the company. You can also face penalties and liability for failing to comply with various state and federal laws governing things like data security, marketing, and safety standards. Human Resource Risks Failure to have employment handbooks, employment agreements, and general employment policies increases civil liability risk from past and present employees. Corporate Compliance Risks Failure of the board of directors to keep accurate records and minutes of decisions made in meetings subject the company to liability by shareholders and investors. Reporting Risks Failure to accurately report on company performance each quarter leaves the company open to possible default by investors and lenders. Who Should Get a Legal Audit Any business, even one that is just starting out, should consider a legal audit. Different businesses are vulnerable to various liabilities. The legal audit serves to identify these potential issues as they apply to your company’s specific circumstances. Even as a small business, a legal audit can provide the following benefits: Giving investors and lenders reason to have confidence in your company;  Achieving profitability or increase your profit margin by spotting operating inefficiencies and serious fraud issues;  Simplifying the tax process;  Avoiding liability; and  Helping you obtain specific business certifications that require legal audits. Gaining an annual picture of your business through a legal audit can increase productivity, boost revenue, and reduce unnecessary operating expenses. How Often Should I Get a Legal Audit Legal audits may be completed on many topics at one time or may progress in phases. A legal audit is often initiated when new management takes over and a company wants to make sure they start with a clean slate. A costly mistake may also trigger a legal audit. It’s wise to consider an annual legal audit for your business in the absence of these occurrences. The survival of any business requires preparation, organization, and responsiveness. A legal audit provides these protections for your business. Why Hire a Lawyer for a Legal Audit Just as you would hire an accountant to review your books or a tax expert to perform a tax audit, a qualified business lawyer should conduct the legal audit of your business. Additionally, an attorney can provide a clear, objective analysis of your company operations and legal procedures. The attorneys at BrewerLong assist businesses of all sizes. BrewerLong helps you build your company, grow an established business, or mitigate risks to your company through a legal audit. We provide a clear assessment of your business through multiple discussions. Our legal team knows that small businesses deserve and require the same legal representation as larger companies and corporations. We work closely with you to help your business achieve its envisioned goals and objectives. Seeking the counsel of a successful business lawyer for your legal audit could mean the difference between your business’s success and failure. Contact BrewerLong today to discuss the process for a legal audit and how it can benefit your business. 

When you start your LLC, it is unlikely that you envision yourself leaving the business. Similar to a marriage, you may expect a perfectly harmonious relationship for the foreseeable future. However, as time progresses, you may find your vision for the LLC has changed, or perhaps a member has found a more profitable opportunity they wish to pursue. The operating agreement for an LLC outlines the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of the LLC members. This agreement also provides a procedure for a member leaving the LLC. While the term “buyout agreement” implies a sale, this is not entirely accurate. In actuality, an LLC buyout agreement is an agreement between the members of an LLC about what will happen if a member wishes to leave. It is always prudent to have a buyout agreement in place. Business owners are often surprised that a LLC member does not automatically give up his or her LLC membership interest when the member leaves. An LLC membership interest is property, and you cannot take it away without an agreement. Business Attorney Trevor Brewer What Is an LLC Member Buyout Agreement? When you created your LLC, you probably also created an operating agreement. The operating agreement for your LLC provides information about day-to-day operations and the roles and responsibilities of all LLC members. The operating agreement may also contain a clause regarding withdrawal procedures that all LLC members must follow. A buyout clause in an operating agreement might also include information calculating compensation for departing members. If your operating agreement does not contain a buyout clause, you should draft a separate buyout agreement. Working through and completing a buyout agreement forces members to share their expectations when an LLC member leaves. Perhaps you will want to dissolve the LLC if a member leaves. Or perhaps you will want to give other members the opportunity to buy out their interest. Exploring and defining the terms of a buyout agreement may force LLC members to have real-life discussions about “what if” scenarios. Addressing these “what if” scenarios before they occur could save the LLC and relationships when an LLC member decides to leave. If your operating agreement does not address what happens when a member leaves and you don’t have a buyout agreement, Florida law will govern removal of members from the LLC The Florida Revised Limited Liability Act provides for the membership transfer of a Florida LLC. Under the Act, members may depart at any time. Additionally, it addresses how to forcibly remove a member if a dispute arises. The Act provides for removal in these situations by judicial order or unanimous vote by other LLC members.  What Should a Buyout Agreement Include? When drafting a buyout agreement, schedule a meeting with all the LLC members. If an LLC member is planning to exit the LLC, also include this person. At the meeting, discuss topics such as the valuation of the departing member’s interest, who can buy out a member and under what circumstances, and the terms of any purchase of the membership interest.  Value Determination One of the critical elements of any buyout agreement is the value determination of the LLC membership interests. LLC members may collectively determine the value of the LLC. Alternatively, they can agree to a method for calculating that value at the time of a member’s departure. For example, the members might agree that the fair value of the LLC should be determined by formal valuation provided by a professional business appraiser. A buyout agreement can then give the remaining members the right to buy back an LLC ownership interest for a predetermined price. Providing this language and information in an operating agreement simplifies the process if a member decides to leave the LLC. Once a value of membership interests is determined, LLC members must agree on the method of purchase. For example, members may require the purchase price to be paid in full at the time of departure or over a specified period of time. Triggering Events An operating agreement should also consider whether any triggering event will prompt the buyout of a member’s interest. The members of the LLC should agree on what happens after a triggering event occurs. There are several common types of triggering events. Bankruptcy Filing for bankruptcy could force an LLC member to sell their interest in the business. A buyout agreement could allow for the remaining members to buy the bankrupt member’s interest. Death If a member dies, their ownership interest in the LLC may pass to their heirs or spouse. Remaining LLC members may find themselves working with a person with whom they never intended to do business. You can utilize a buyout agreement to prepare for this “what if” event and determine an LLC path forward. Retirement/Resignation When a member plans to retire from the LLC, an agreement should be in place regarding their interest in the LLC. Determining how the retiring member’s interest will be divided or sold prevents any conflicts or disagreements between existing LLC members.  Divorce An LLC member may lose their interest in the LLC in a divorce proceeding. Including language providing a right of first refusal to existing LLC members prevents this scenario from occurring. Incapacity A buyout agreement can also address what to do if an LLC member becomes incapacitated due to injury or illness, including what will happen to their interest in the LLC. Forced Sales Forced sale language in an operating agreement provides that upon certain triggering events, such as when a member decides to retire, the remaining LLC members must buy the departing member’s interest. When such a provision is included in a buyout agreement, it will generally require the remaining members to purchase the interest within a predetermined period at a predetermined price. Why Should I Have a Buyout Agreement?  An LLC should always consider having a buyout agreement in case a member decides to leave the LLC. Including the language for a buyout in the operating agreement minimizes the possibility of a…

When you start your business partnership, you and your partner may have the same goals. However, unexpectedly, relationships may sour. Perhaps your partner undertook actions that undermined the company’s reputation and damaged business. In some situations, the only resolution to the conflict is suing your business partner. Consult with an experienced business lawyer to determine how to sue your business partner.  “Business relationships are often like marriages. It is oftentimes much easier to get into a business relationship with your partner than to get out of it.” Business & Litigation Attorney Michael Long There are various grounds for suing a business partner. The underlying purpose of partnership lawsuits is to remedy damage to the business caused by things like breach of contract, negligence,  abandonment, and more. Common Grounds for Suing a Business Partner There are many reasons you may need to sue a business partner. However, the following are some of the most common you may encounter. Breach of Partnership Agreement Business partners typically share in business decisions. However, if one business partner breaches a partnership agreement, its effects may be disastrous. If you sue your business partner for breach of a partnership agreement, various elements must exist for your claim. These elements include the following:  A valid, enforceable partnership agreement exists;  Your business partner has breached a term or terms of the contract; and You or your business has suffered damages resulting from the breach. If the above elements are present, a valid claim for breach of partnership agreement exists, and you may have grounds for suing your business partner. A strong partnership agreement provides clauses addressing courses of action regarding contract breaches. For example, the partnership agreement may provide your partner with a certain number of days to cure the breach. If included in your partnership agreement, and your partner fixes the breach, you may avoid a lawsuit. If your partner refuses to fix the breach, you may have grounds to sue a business partner.  Abandonment You may wonder whether you can sue your business partner for abandonment. Abandonment occurs when the business partner leaves the partnership. In some situations, the business partner may continue to collect a paycheck despite not actively working. Abandonment constitutes grounds for suing a business partner as it may be considered a breach of fiduciary duty. All partners owe the other a duty to place the interests of the business above their own. If a business partner abandons the partnership to pursue opportunities for themselves, this may constitute a breach of fiduciary duty.  Negligence A negligence claim might exist against your business partner if their actions harmed the partnership. The following elements must exist for a negligence claim:  Duty. Your business partner owes you and the partnership a duty of care. This duty of care requires business partners to make decisions in good faith.  Breach. Your business partner acted negligently when acting on behalf of the partnership.  Causation. The breach of duty caused harm to the partnership. Consult with a business law attorney to determine whether you have a negligence claim against your business partner.  Violation of Intellectual Property Rights A violation of intellectual property rights belonging to the partnership may also give you grounds to sue your business partner. A partnership agreement may provide that all copyrights, patents, and trademarks are the partnership’s property. However, if your business partner has used this intellectual property for personal gain, their misuse may give you grounds to sue them.  Criminal Activity by Your Business Partner Sometimes a business partner engages in criminal activity, such as fraud or theft. Criminal acts may include stealing money from the partnership or stealing money from a customer. These activities can both cost your business financially and undermine its reputation. Therefore, they can provide valid grounds to sue your business partner. Alternatives to Suing Your Business Partner  If you would prefer to explore options for settling disagreements outside of court, alternatives to a lawsuit exist.  Settlement You may consider negotiating with your business partner to determine terms of settlement to which you both agree. Settlement may mean the termination of your partnership and repayment of any losses by your business partner. Saving on litigation costs by pursuing avenues other than a lawsuit may serve your partnership’s best interests. Consult with an experienced business law attorney to explore possible terms of settlement for your situation.  Mediation Additionally, mediation may be another alternative to resolving conflicts. Rather than engaging in a lawsuit for months or even years, mediation may provide a more efficient result. However, mediation requires the cooperation of both parties. There is no point in engaging in the mediation process if neither party wishes to work with the other. If mediation is not an option, your best option moving forward is suing your business partner.  Arbitration Does your partnership agreement include an arbitration clause? An arbitration clause in your partnership agreement may apply to specific situations. Consult with a business law attorney to review your partnership agreement. If an arbitration clause applies to your situation, you may be able to avoid suing your business partner while still obtaining a legally binding resolution to your situation. Arbitration allows parties to settle their disputes out of court while obtaining legally enforceable decisions. Contact Us  Considering whether to sue your business partner is a difficult decision. A decision to sue will undoubtedly damage the relationship between you and your business partner. The attorneys at BrewerLong have over a decade of experience providing high-quality, tailored legal services to all clients. Hiring a lawyer to assess difficult business decisions mitigates the risk of legal disputes in the future. BrewerLong attorneys ensure each client receives personal attention and meaningful communication. Our team at BrewerLong possesses a thorough understanding of the time, energy, and effort it takes to run a business. We invest in the future of your business. Contact us today to discuss grounds for suing a business partner. 

If a relationship with a shareholder fails to work out, the removal of that shareholder from your business or corporation is possible. Complications may arise when undertaking the removal of a shareholder.  “Removing a shareholder from a corporation is often contentious. Even when a shareholder agreement can be removed, doing so can give rise to lawsuits.” Business & Litigation Attorney Michael Long Consult with an experienced business law attorney to determine whether the shareholder can be removed.   Review Shareholder Agreement  The most critical first step in planning for the removal of a shareholder is a review of your shareholder agreement. Your shareholder agreement may provide the proper procedure for the removal of a shareholder.  A shareholder agreement operates as a type of contract, providing guidelines for proper shareholder conduct. If a shareholder fails to adhere to conduct guidelines within a shareholder agreement, the removal of the shareholder for misconduct is easier.  It can be more difficult to remove a majority shareholder absent a shareholder agreement. Since a majority shareholder holds more than 50% of the voting rights of a company, whether a majority shareholder can be removed becomes substantially more difficult, if not impossible. Therefore, when attempting to remove a majority shareholder, provisions within a shareholder agreement may help. If a majority shareholder violates any rules of conduct within the shareholder agreement, basing the majority shareholder’s removal on that violation simplifies the removal process.  However, the involuntary removal of a shareholder opens up the possibility for future legal disputes.  Shareholder agreements also provide information about the number of issued shares, restrictions on transferring shares, rights of current shareholders to purchase shares, and details regarding the sale of shares.  Some shareholder agreements do not provide for proper removal procedures. If no shareholder agreement exists or there has been no violation of an existing shareholder agreement, consult with a business lawyer to determine removal options for your company.   If a shareholder is also an employee, you may wonder whether you can fire a minority shareholder. While it is possible to terminate a shareholder’s employment, carefully review your employment contract. Consult with an attorney to anticipate any potential legal issues with termination of employment.    Other Ways to Get Rid of a Troublesome Shareholder Available removal avenues may fail for various reasons. Perhaps you don’t have a shareholder agreement or can’t show that it was violated. Or maybe you have been unable to get sufficient support to vote out the shareholder. If you are unable to directly remove a shareholder, there are other options to encourage them to leave the company. Sell Shares One option to consider is negotiating with the minority shareholder to sell their shares. While you can technically force a shareholder out, negotiation prevents the opportunity for legal issues down the road. It is always possible to negotiate with the shareholder regarding the purchase of the minority shareholder’s stake. While it is common to discount sales of minority shares, presenting a reasonable offer may encourage the shareholder to accept.  It’s important not to engage in any activity constituting minority shareholder oppression. Minority shareholder oppression examples include the following: Withholding information from the shareholder;  Withholding profits or dividends;  Violating minority shareholder rights; and  Going against specific provisions in the shareholder agreement.  Pursuing any of these courses of action could result in legal action by the shareholder for this conduct. Permissible conduct which may encourage a minority shareholder to sell their shares includes: Termination of shareholder employment. If undertaking this avenue, carefully review termination procedures in your employment agreement. Reduction of shareholder authority. Voting to reduce the minority shareholder’s decision-making power may encourage the shareholder to sell their shares. While this conduct is generally permissible, consult with a business attorney to prevent any opportunity for future legal disputes down the road. Buyout Shareholder Even if the shareholder fails to violate terms of the shareholder agreement, removal may still be possible. For example, your shareholder agreement may provide for a buyout clause. A buyout clause allows for purchase of a minority share for an agreed-upon price. A buyout clause prevents minority shareholders who cannot be voted out from refusing to surrender their shares.  Contact Us When determining whether a majority or minority shareholder can be removed, consult with the qualified business attorneys at BrewerLong to guide you in the right direction. Despite the removal of a shareholder, ensure your company continues operations smoothly and without interruption. BrewerLong attorneys work to limit any opportunities for future legal disputes with removed shareholders. With over a decade of experience, the attorneys at BrewerLong work to create excellent experiences through helping, listening, and collaborating with all clients. Contact us today to discuss whether a shareholder can be removed from your company. 

Purchasing a new business can be an exciting prospect. However, it is also a complicated one. “The Asset Purchase Agreement is the most important tool for making sure a business buyer not only gets the assets to operate the business but also gets protection against undisclosed surprises that might affect the business’s value.” Business Attorney Trevor Brewer If you are considering a business purchase, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced mergers and acquisitions lawyer. They can advise you in seeking a business to purchase, negotiating the purchase agreement, and getting your business up and running. In the meantime, here are some basic things you should understand about Florida purchase agreements to buy a business. 1. What Is an Asset Purchase Agreement? An asset purchase agreement is a contract for the sale of a business or specific business assets. These are complex business agreements that can take time to negotiate and finalize. Typically, parties to a business asset purchase agreement in Florida engage attorneys to negotiate on their behalf. 2. What Does the Asset Purchase Process Look Like? When purchasing a new business, there are several steps to complete. Your purchase agreement will typically provide deadlines for completing each of these tasks. Purchase Agreement The first step is to negotiate your asset purchase agreement. This can involve several offers and counteroffers. Your attorney can help you negotiate the finer points of the agreement. We discuss many of these in further detail below.  Earnest Money Typically, the buyer will need to deliver earnest money immediately after signing the asset purchase agreement. Earnest money is typically 5–10% of the purchase price. But the parties can agree in the contract to any fixed amount or percentage. Seller Disclosures Soon after finalizing the agreement, the seller typically must provide disclosures regarding important aspects of the business, such as: Business assets and real property; Intellectual property rights; Stockholders; Subsidiaries; Employees and employee benefit policies; Insurance policies; Outstanding debts; Ongoing legal action; Permits and licenses; Past business performance; and Financial operations. Further, the seller must warrant that the representations are true. Due Diligence Next, the buyer has an opportunity to perform due diligence. This allows the buyer to investigate the claims and disclosures the seller has made. They also have the chance to ask any questions and perform physical inspections of property, equipment, and other assets. Financing If the buyer does not rescind the agreement after receiving the disclosures and completing due diligence, the sale can move forward. If the buyer will be financing the purchase, they will then have some period of time to obtain a loan commitment from their lender. Closing With financing secure, the parties can now schedule a time to close on the purchase agreement. At closing, the buyer will deliver the agreed funds to the buyer. The buyer will deliver any necessary documents, keys, and property to the seller. 3. What Are the Essential Terms of an Asset Purchase Agreement in Florida? Every asset purchase agreement in Florida should specify: The parties to the agreement; The purchase price; What assets are included in the sale; What assets are excluded from the sale; Representations and warranties; and The timeline for completing individual tasks as well as finalizing the agreement. You can find template agreements covering these essential items as well as some boilerplate terms to get you started. However, it’s important to tailor your agreement to your specific needs. Simply filling in the blanks on a generic asset purchase agreement is unlikely to sufficiently protect your interests. 4. What Things Should You Consider Including in Your Business Asset Purchase Agreement? There are a number of important issues you should consider addressing in your asset purchase agreement. Since each business is unique, the terms of your agreement should also be individually crafted to meet your needs. We discuss some common terms below, but your attorney can advise you of additional terms that might be important for you. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements If you are buying a business, you will likely want to include non-compete and non-solicitation agreements in the purchase contract. Non-compete agreements must be reasonably limited in time and scope. The agreement should specify: The type of business the seller is restrained from operating; The geographical area of the restriction; and The length of time that the restriction will continue. Florida law presumes that a non-compete restriction against a seller is reasonable if it lasts less than three years. But depending on the circumstances, restrictions lasting as long as seven years may be enforceable. Non-solicitation agreements are also important. They can be drafted to prevent a seller from poaching either your clients or your employees. Without comprehensive and clear non-compete and non-solicitation terms, there are many things the seller can do to undermine your new business. They could start a competing business down the street or lure away your prospective clients, which could ultimately spell the demise of your business. Escrow Hold Back Typically, an asset purchase agreement in Florida will include indemnification provisions. These require the seller to reimburse the buyer for any losses resulting from the seller’s previous operation of the business. For example, if the buyer has to settle a breach of contract claim based on events that occurred while the seller owned the business, the seller would be responsible for the costs of the settlement. When you negotiate your asset purchase agreement, you can request an escrow hold back. This type of provision requires part of the proceeds from the sale to remain in escrow for a particular period of time after the sale is final. If an indemnification claim arises, those funds are then available to compensate the buyer. It helps to guarantee payment from the seller on their indemnification obligations. Seller’s Continued Role in the Business You may want to include terms in your purchase contract relating to the seller’s continued involvement in the business.  In some cases, you may keep the seller on as an employee to operate the business. In that situation,…

One of the questions we are asked frequently is, Do I need an attorney for a trademark? The costs of starting a new business can sometimes feel overwhelming. You likely want to do as many things as possible yourself to save money. However, trying to tackle complicated tasks like registering a trademark on your own can be a big mistake. Even taking shortcuts like using an online legal service can leave you with inadequate protection for your intellectual property. While these approaches may save you money in the short term, it can cost you in the long run. “Doing the appropriate research and making the right decisions often make the difference between a successful trademark application and denial.” Business and Branding Attorney Ashley Brewer Before you use an online service like LegalZoom, consider scheduling an introductory phone call with one of our experienced trademark attorneys at BrewerLong. We can talk to you more about the benefits of using an attorney to file your trademark application. Then you can make a more informed decision about whether the services of a trademark attorney would be valuable to your business. Does an Attorney Have to Apply for a Trademark? A person does not have to be a lawyer to apply for a trademark. Anyone can file a trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, there is more to registering a trademark than simply filling out a form. You need to properly research, identify, and explain your trademark to give it adequate protection. Further, even after you get trademark approval, you will need to monitor your trademark to protect it from infringement. When you file a trademark without an attorney, your application may contain errors that will affect your trademark down the road. In some cases, these errors may mean that your application will be rejected. In other situations, you may not know there is a problem until you try to enforce your trademark later. A trademark attorney can help you avoid these types of errors so your trademark is properly protected. Do I Need a Trademark Attorney? It is always a good idea to hire an attorney to help you with your trademark. Because trademark applications can be complicated, applicants represented by attorneys are 50% more likely to obtain trademark approval than those who file their own trademark applications.  If the USPTO rejects your trademark application, you will need to revise it, refile it, and pay filing fees all over again. Your attorney can help you get it right the first time to avoid delays and extra fees. A lawyer can help you with all aspects of applying for and enforcing your trademark, including: Checking whether your proposed trademark has been registered by another company; Researching whether anyone else is already using your proposed trademark; Advising you on the strength of your trademark; Preparing and submitting your trademark application; Revising your application if necessary; Advising you on steps you need to take to maintain your trademark protection; Monitoring unauthorized use of your trademark; and Enforcing your trademark rights against infringement. Once you register a trademark, the protection it provides does not expire. Nevertheless, you can lose trademark protection by not properly enforcing your rights. The USPTO will not take any steps to enforce your trademark rights. Rather, you are responsible to monitor and enforce those rights. An attorney can advise you on how to do so in light of your individual circumstances. LegalZoom vs. Lawyer Online services such as LegalZoom can provide you basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they are no substitute for having a lawyer at your side.  Services like LegalZoom take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Their basic service gives you a step-by-step process, but still leaves you to prepare the application primarily on your own. And even their more advanced service gives you only basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with “minor roadblocks.” Indeed, LegalZoom’s disclaimer highlights the many limitations of their services. When you use LegalZoom, your communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. Additionally, LegalZoom “cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.” In other words, LegalZoom can get you the right forms and point you in the right direction. But they cannot tailor their services to your specific needs or help you with any serious complications that may arise. A trademark lawyer, on the other hand, can give you personalized service and advice. They will talk to you one on one about your specific needs and goals. They will thoroughly research your trademark to make sure it’s not already in use by someone else. And they can prepare an application that will adequately protect your trademark for the purposes you plan to use it. Further, having an attorney from the outset will make it easier to enforce your trademark against infringement. Your attorney can advise you on how to monitor your trademark. And if you need to file a lawsuit, your attorney will already understand your trademark and its background and be prepared to enforce your intellectual property rights. Getting Started with a Trademark Application If you are ready to start your trademark application, contact the knowledgeable trademark attorneys at BrewerLong. We are dedicated to helping entrepreneurs with all their business’s legal needs. We are prepared to help you protect your intellectual property rights, so you can focus on building your business. Call or contact us today to set up a phone consultation with one of our attorneys.

There are different reasons why an LLC, or limited liability company, would close. Sometimes members may wish to retire and have no desire to continue the LLC. Perhaps market growth has slowed significantly, and it is unprofitable to continue operating the LLC. Whatever the reason, correctly dissolving a state-registered entity like an LLC requires multiple steps. Failing to close an LLC properly may lead to unnecessary administrative costs and increased liability. Avoid confusion and a potential lawsuit by learning how to close an LLC in Florida.  The legal obligations of an LLC can continue for years after an LLC is dissolved, and in some cases the LLC’s members can wind up being responsible for those obligations. LLC members should take a thorough approach to dissolving and liquidating the LLC, to avoid costly surprises in the future. Business Attorney Trevor Brewer When Can You Dissolve an LLC? Typically, the operating agreement for your LLC dictate the circumstances where you can dissolve the LLC. In many cases, the operating agreement will require a vote among members in favor of dissolution.  If no operating agreement exists, Florida law allows you to dissolve an LLC by unanimous written consent of all members. Additionally, Florida law permits dissolution when the following occurs:  No member exists for the LLC for a period of 90 days or more; An entry of judicial dissolution; or The Department of State files a statement of administrative dissolution. You should preserve a record of all documents in the LLC official files. Steps to Close Down an LLC Officially dissolving an LLC requires you to complete critical tasks. Your LLC operating agreement should provide detailed rules on the procedure of dissolution. If you do not have an operating agreement, the dissolution procedure will be governed by the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. Typically, you should expect to complete the following steps. Agreement First, you should schedule a meeting of the members of the LLC to vote on dissolution. Different LLCs have different requirements for dissolution. Some LLC operating agreements require a unanimous vote. Other LLC operating agreements require a majority vote in favor of dissolution.  When reviewing your operating agreement, it’s essential to determine whether specific procedures exist regarding dissolution. The operating agreement may require advance notice of the meeting and a particular time for members to vote. Be sure to record the vote in the official minutes of the dissolution meeting. Give Notice Provide notice to all creditors and claimants of the LLC. Additionally, provide notice to any employees of the LLC. Notice provides creditors the opportunity to file any lawsuits against the LLC. Although not required in Florida, it does encourage a smoother dissolution process. Settling all creditors’ claims first allows for worry-free distribution of remaining assets to members.  In Florida, written notice to creditors must include the following information: Description of the claim that claimant may assert; Whether the LLC admits that it owes the debt; Mailing address;  Deadline for confirmation of the claim; and A statement that distributions from LLC will be made to members after the passing of the period without notice. There may be claimants unknown to the LLC. Filing or publishing your articles of dissolution ensures that these unknown claimants receive notice that the LLC is closing down.  Engage the services of a qualified business attorney to consult on how to provide proper notice to creditors for existing and future claims. The process can be complicated. You will want to take steps to ensure that you don’t miss any creditors and that you limit the liability of your members after completion of distributions. Financial Review Before distributing remaining LLC assets to members, review the LLC’s finances. Be sure to pay all outstanding debts and obligations of the LLC. Additionally, there may be bills and expenses in the future that are presently unknown to the LLC. Therefore, it’s important to reserve some LLC funds to cover these unforeseen expenses. The LLC must pay creditors before it can make distributions to members. If you distribute funds before paying creditors, members may be held personally liable to the LLC’s creditors. Taxes When you dissolve an LLC, you need to close all its tax accounts, including paying all tax obligations on the state and federal level. Additionally, if your LLC has employees, it’s essential that all payroll withholding and sales taxes are correct.  Filing a final tax return on the federal and state level must be completed before dissolving a Florida LLC. LLC members must also be prepared to show any gains and losses on their tax returns. Since LLCs operate as pass-through entities, members are personally responsible for paying these taxes. Once all these steps are complete, contact the IRS to close your EIN (employer identification number). Wrap Up Business Florida law provides that upon dissolution of an LLC in Florida, the LLC must cease operations in any other states where it conducted business. You also need to be sure to pay any remaining taxes in all those states. Each state requires different filing and fees to cease operations properly. The experienced team of business attorneys at BrewerLong is prepared to assist clients through this process. Dispose of Assets The final step in a Florida LLC dissolution is distribution. Once all creditor claims and tax obligations have been paid and closed, you can distribute any remaining assets. Distributions to LLC members should be made according to the terms of the operating agreement. Distribution will generally reflect each member’s interest in the LLC. File Paperwork Florida law requires a filing of the articles of dissolution with the Florida Secretary of State. These articles provide the following information: The name of the LLC; The date of dissolution; Whether dissolution was agreed upon by vote or written consent of members;  A statement that the LLC’s obligations, debts, and liabilities have been settled and paid; A statement that distribution of the LLC’s remaining assets to the remaining members of the LLC is complete; and A statement that the LLC has no…