Entrepreneurs Learn about Legal Considerations During Day Three of E-Week

A panel of attorneys discussed what entrepreneurs should consider legally when starting a business during the third Lunch and Learn.  A partner from Eastman & Smith Ltd., Jim Rogers, reviewed the basic elements of the 1^st Stop Business Connection guidelines created by the Ohio Small Business Development Centers. These guidelines include setting up a business with a name and legal registration, protecting your personal assets, and filing for permits and licenses needed for selling products, especially when selling/serving food.

Tim Ault from the firm Malone, Ault & Farell, presented securities considerations when starting a business. Ault gave an overview of several laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the exemptions businesses might have so they don’t have to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The final panelist, Doug Miller, of Fraser Clemens Martin & Miller LLC, discussed the topic of protecting property through trademarks and patents that new businesses may want to consider.  He explained the different types of patents, along with the advantages and disadvantages.  

This lunch and learn’s panel moderator was Michael Slates, instructor in the department of finance at BGSU.

Later in the afternoon was a professional development seminar CLE approved for Ohio credit that attorneys could attend.  The program was entitled “Unexpected Legal Issues for Small Businesses.” Attendees could select from three sessions and speakers:

• Immigration Laws and Business Impact

Business and Immigration Law
Fadi V. Nahhas, Esq., Eastman & Smith Ltd.

• Trade Secrets Litigation – Protecting Your Competitive Advantages

Employment and Litigation Law
Barry W. Fissel, Esq., Eastman & Smith Ltd.

• Commercial Leases: Review of Commonly Overlooked Terms and Provisions

Commercial Real Estate Law
Scott A. Johnson, Esq., Eastman & Smith Ltd.

The final event for Day Three was the highly anticipated Hatch program held in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union where twelve student entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of six investors.