Bethesda Business Law Attorney
Maryland and Washington, D.C., Business and Intellectual Property Lawyer
Since 1985, Bethesda business lawyer Barbara Berschler has been advising businesses and individuals throughout Maryland and the Washington, D.C., area about the legal issues involved in starting and operating a business, protecting intellectual property, and addressing contracts and other business agreements.
If success is important to your business, contact business law attorney Barbara I. Berschler today at 301-761-4097, or by filling out a convenient online form. She has extensive experience advising and representing clients in the areas of:
Copyright, Trademark, & Intellectual Property
The ultimate success of a business frequently can be tied to the steps that it takes to protect its intellectual property, such as:
It is important to have agreements in place with employees, independent contractors, and customers to be sure that others do not use the unique ideas and materials of a business without permission. Attorney Berschler is very familiar with drafting and negotiating licenses and agreements which protect her clients' best interests and lessen the chances of infringement, including confidentiality, noncompete, nondisclosure and "works made for hire" agreements.
Software Licensing
Many businesses require the use of a variety of different types of software to operate their businesses. Focusing her representation on those seeking to license software they wrote or to use software written by others, Ms. Berschler can draft, review, and negotiate appropriate software licenses for developers, programmers, engineers, as well as customers. In addition, she is exceptionally knowledgeable in questions regarding the incorporation of open source material in software applications and can fully explain the ramifications.
Business Law, Start-Up and Operation
As an experienced business lawyer, Barbara Berschler can effectively advise those who are planning to operate a business as to the most appropriate business organization form to use. This could be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or another legal form. Attorney Berschler will draft the necessary documents and counsel clients on the requirements of operating within the selected legal structure.
Buying or Selling your Business
Depending on the point you have reached in the growth of your business, you may wish either to sell it or to acquire a "going concern." In either case, the process not only involves the interests of the buyer and seller but also third parties, such as creditors, landlords and employees. Therefore, it is critical to have the right advisor on your team to guide you at every stage. Ms. Berschler fulfills this role by helping you avoid pitfalls while achieving your objectives.
Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Because one cannot operate a business without entering into contracts, it is essential to have the right person on your team to draft or review the many contracts you will be asked to sign. Whether you are developing your basic sales contract or reviewing a business proposal being offered to you, it is important to be sure that the language of the document accomplishes the goals you wish to attain and protects your interests. Ms. Berschler's considerable experience in contract drafting and negotiation makes her the right person for these tasks.
Social Media
Are you thinking about adopting a social media component to your company's marketing plan? Barbara Berschler can help you recognize the legal implications to adding social media to your business' marketing strategy. The kinds of issues to be considered concern questions of defamation, rights of publicity, gripe sites, and how to protect your company from other social media threats. She can also help your company define and develop its social media policy for employees.
Commercial Lease Negotiation
Commercial leases are a special kind of contract. The lease for your office, store, or warehouse is likely one of the most expensive and important contracts you will sign. Ms. Berschler has many years of experience in negotiating commercial leases. Invariably, her input will make your lease work more in your favor.
Franchise Review and Negotiation
Franchises offer the new entrepreneur an established business model. However, there are many obligations placed upon someone who considers going this route. Because the franchise relationship establishes an added level of oversight by the franchisor and additional costs such as royalty, advertising, and training fees, the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) provided by the franchisor is one document you want to understand fully. Ms. Berschler can review the franchising disclosure documents with you and help you decide whether this is the way to go.
Contact Ms. Berschler
Call business law attorney Barbara I. Berschler today at 301-761-4097, or fill out the online form. Attorney Berschler is committed to resolving your legal problems and helping your businesses succeed.
Attorney Barbara Berschler represents clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, including Rockville, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Baltimore, Columbia, Frederick, Upper Marlboro, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Arlington County and Loudoun County, as well as clients throughout the United States.
