20 common legal issues that small businesses may encounter:
- Choosing the right business structure (e.g. sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
- Complying with zoning and other land use regulations
- Obtaining necessary licenses and permits
- Protecting intellectual property (e.g. trademarks, copyrights)
- Entering into contracts with customers, vendors, and partners
- Managing employee relations and complying with employment laws
- Ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws
- Dealing with disputes and legal claims
- Handling transactions and exchanges of money
- Managing taxes and tax compliance
- Protecting the business’s data and information
- Dealing with mergers, acquisitions, and business sales
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
- Protecting the business’s physical assets (e.g. through insurance)
- Ensuring that the business is following environmental regulations
- Protecting the business’s reputation
- Dealing with data breaches and cybersecurity issues
- Ensuring that the business is following advertising and marketing regulations
- Handling disputes with suppliers and other business partners
- Complying with regulations specific to the industry in which the business operates