📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

What Is the Easiest Way to Legally Protect My Business?

By Nina Kaufman

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I need to launch the legal, IP protections and business filings for my tiny film and music publishing.

So wise to recognize that your energies are better spent creating your content than handling the details of protecting it. Leave the "protecting" to the professionals (attorneys).

You don't need to form an S Corporation or LLC to file for copyright protection--you can do that under your own name. However, without knowing what you've created and how you intend to use it, it's hard to say what your first steps should be and what would make financial sense.

A website alone won't protect your IP, nor will the book necessarily protect anything that's not contained in it. Your best step would be to consult with a local IP attorney. That way, you can develop a sound strategy, time frame and budget for protecting your creative work the right way.

Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under her Ask The Business Lawyer brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes the Making It Legal blog.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Kevin O'Leary Says This Is a 'Huge Red Flag' When He's Looking at Resumes

The "Shark Tank" star took to X to share his opinions on job hopping — and how long you should really stay in a job.

Business News

The Met Museum, OpenAI Created an AI Chatbot With the Persona of a 1930s Socialite for a New Exhibit

The finale of the Costume Institute's latest fashion exhibit features a wedding dress worn 94 years ago by New York socialite Natalie Potter and an AI chatbot with her vibe.

Side Hustle

The Sweet Side Hustle She Started in an Old CVS Made $800,000 in One Year. Now She's Repeating the Success With Her Daughter — and They've Already Exceeded 8 Figures.

Mother-daughter team Elisabeth and Gina Galvin are taking their snack brand Stellar Snacks to new heights, literally — you've probably seen their products in-flight.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.