In today’s current economic climate businesses are finding it harder than ever to streamline operations, experience growth or to expand into other markets. Many issues arise around the legality of such manoeuvres and if one is ‘not well advised’ the next business move could be your last due to myriad of legal ramifications. The body of commercial law is dynamic and constantly evolving. Without the assistance of a specialist company and commerce law firm, it is near impossible to keep up to date with these changes and detailed knowledge on all the facets of commercial law that affect yourself, your business and its strategies.

In New Zealand, The Companies Act 1993 and associated legislation changes it brought, changed the governance documentation and statutory context within which companies operate. A concern for enterprise owners is the new responsibilities and potential liabilities that were legalised after the formation of the act, a trend that is continuing today. Since 1993 government agencies, such as The Ministry of Economic Development have constantly altered the status quo and requirements of businesses through the development of policies and direction in company and commerce law. In a prime example in 2005, the Ministry provided policy advice on the Business Reform Law Bills 2006, which aims to improve industry laws by revising several statutes at once. To date, over 200 changes to over 15 Acts of Parliament have been completed under this reform.

No matter what stage an enterprise is in, whether start-up, development or winding down, there are important legal guidelines that must be adhered to. A reputable law firm will be able to advise on such topics, including general trade / production advice, compliance with both New Zealand and international law, tax requirements, employment law, terms of trade and trademark, copyright and intellectual property. Those firms with much experience in company and commerce law will go further and be able to provide advice on company and corporate strategy, along with optimising enterprise structures.

When you pay to have your website designed you should double-check with your agency whether or not you will own copyright to the work. This should be outlined in your contract. If you do not discuss this with your designer they are unlikely to claim that they own copyright at a later stage, but they would certainly be entitled to. In the UK the creator of the copyright will own all of the work unless it was completed as a result of a work-for-hire agreement, or you have a contract with the designer that says otherwise. The same also applies if you use the services of a software developer, a writer, or even, potentially, a translator.

Atlanta business lawyers can be found through a referral service provided by Georgia State Bar Association, the county bar association and other professional law associations. Information is also available in the yellow pages or through search engines like Google and Yahoo on the Internet. You can check advertisements of law firms in magazines and newspapers. Friends and family members are also excellent sources of information.