Legal for course creators: Do I need an LLC or corporation? (S4E108)

Legal for course creators: Do I need an LLC or corporation? (S4E108)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs October 14, 2019 Duration: 44:32

How do you know when it's time to form an LLC or corporation?

Learn why it's a good idea for course creators to form a corporate entity, and which entities work best for different types of businesses.

In this episode we'll cover:

  • Why it's critical to speak to both a lawyer AND a CPA when you're making the decision about the best legal entity for your business
  • What "liability protection" actually means, and how forming an entity helps you get it
  • How to safeguard your personal home, car, bank accounts, and other assets from things that might go wrong in your business
  • Higher risk course topics that may affect which entity you choose
  • Why adding a physical location or hiring employees may mean it's time to form an entity
  • Tax and insurance issues to consider when choosing which entity to form
  • Different types of entities and when it's a good idea to consider each one
  • A few steps you'll need to take to open your business bank account (and what order to do them in!)
  • What the "corporate veil" is and why you do NOT want a court to "pierce" it!

 

Key takeaway: Protecting your personal assets is the name of the game when it comes to forming a corporate entity, but consulting with a trusted advisor (or two!) can help you make the right choice for your business.

Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast108 for show notes.

BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms 

Resources

Corporate entity cheatsheet: www.awbfirm.com/podcast108

GDPR podcast episodes: www.awbfirm.com/podcast38, www.awbfirm.com/podcast39, www.awbfirm.com/podcast40

Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. 

To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes 

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
Podcast Episodes
Special: Covid-19 + your business (S5E131) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:25
This episode was recorded on March 17, 2020. Find all of our Coronavirus resources here: www.awbfirm.com/covid19 There's no denying it, we're all in the same uncharted waters as the global Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic…
Is your business course-ready? (S5E128) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
It seems like everyone is adding a digital course to their arsenal of offerings these days. With tools like plug-and-play platforms and even courses on how to create your course, it's easier than ever to start earning se…
Jasmine Star was SO embarrassed to tell me this (S5E127) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:41
Growing your Instagram following can be tricky business. If you've ever struggled with your IG account, you know my guest is an expert on the platform: Jasmine Star! Jasmine is a law school dropout, turned photographer,…
How FB groups can be BIG trouble (S5E126) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
If you've been paying attention to Facebook over the last couple of years, you'll know that FB is making a big push for users to engage in groups. So, not surprisingly, FB groups have been popping up everywhere, whether…
Avoid losing your FB ads account (S5E125) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:39
If you rely on Facebook or Instagram ads to make sales in your business, losing your ads account is probably one of your biggest nightmares. A shut-down account could cripple your next launch and have a serious effect on…
DON'T run Facebook ads until you listen to this episode (S5E124) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:03
Facebook ads can seem like a mystery - it's no wonder there are people who have made a whole career out of helping others set up ads that work. Whether you're a seasoned social media ad user, or you're just starting to t…