Businesses that support social causes can benefit from the insight and expertise of a dedicated small business attorney in Maryland. Through dedicated skills and knowledge, an attorney can work to ensure that your business is in compliance with the law and that your interests are protected, even if you plan to partner up with a nonprofit organization to advance autism awareness.
Every state has unique laws that could affect a small business that is supporting a cause or nonprofit organization. In Maryland, there is a law that requests a copy of the contract between a professional fund-raising organization and a charitable organization. Unless exempted, this law also applies to a small business owner who has an arrangement with a nonprofit organization through which he or she will be compensated for soliciting charitable contributions. There could also be rules about keeping the money raised after collecting donations for a certain cause.
A small business lawyer can assist in drafting an agreement that outlines any deal between a nonprofit and a for-profit business. For example, if a bakery plans to donate all profits from one special item to an autism organization, there should be a written partnership agreement that provides details about the arrangement. Unwritten agreements can be open to interpretation and may leave room for disagreement on how funds should be distributed or for what purposes.
If you plan to host an event to raise money for autism awareness, there are civil considerations in terms of building a space that keeps your guests safe. If a well-known autism advocate or expert is part of your event, you may want to ask whether he or she will sign a waiver and release form to protect your company in case the speaker unintentionally offends someone or makes a statement that could be misinterpreted or misconstrued. This can also apply if there is a vendor that is selling merchandise or promoting a cause at your event.
Intellectual property protection such as trademarks and patents could affect your business if you are creating an independent treatment program for autism that is unique or you are a filmmaker or blogger who tells stories about autism. A lawyer can also help you register your business name and file a DBA for a fictitious business name. Even social media accounts and websites may want to apply for intellectual property protection.
If your company hires individuals with autism, employment law considerations will come into play. You will want to provide an inclusive environment in which everyone is treated with respect and accepted. Layoffs, promotions and other employer actions should be free from discrimination. An attorney can help you avoid legal issues by creating a policy that is fostered by professional, proactive and respectful workplace culture.
Sending your autism awareness or cause-oriented business in a positive direction may involve different rules and regulations. The right legal counsel can help you to manage the risks that could otherwise arise during the course of running your business.