Business Law Attorney for Maryland (Montgomery and Prince Georges
Counties) and Washington DC Metropolitan Area 

Since 1985, Attorney Barbara Berschler has been advising businesses and individuals throughout Maryland about legal issues involved in starting 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) 962-8580, or by filling out a convenient online form. She is available with experienced legal representation in the areas of:

• Copyright, Trademark, & Intellectual Property
• Business Start-Up & Operation
• Contract Drafting & Negotiation
• Commercial Lease Negotiation
• Franchise Review & Negotiation
• Business Purchase or Sale

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:

• Copyright
• Domain Names
• Trademarks / Service Marks
• Trade Secrets
• Proprietary Information

It is important to have agreements in place with employees, independent contractors, and customers to be sure that others do not use the special ideas and materials of a business without permission. Attorney Berschler is very familiar with drafting and negotiating the kinds of licenses and agreements, including confidentiality, noncompete, nondisclosure and "works made for hire" agreements, which will look out for the best interests of her clients and lessen the chances of infringement. She can also advise you about identifying a strong trademark which makes it easier to protect.

For more information about registering, creating and protecting copyright, trademark and other forms of intellectual property, click here.

Business Start-Up & Operation

Lawyer Berschler advises those who are planning to operate a business as to the most appropriate business organization form to use.  This could be sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other legal form. Attorney Berschler will draft the necessary documents and counsel clients on the requirements of operating within the selected legal structure.

For more information about Corporations, LLCs and other business entities click here.

Contract Drafting & 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 it is necessary to develop your basic sales contract or to review 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. Ms. Berschler's considerable experience in contract drafting and negotiation makes her the right person for these tasks.

Commercial Lease Negotiation

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 had many years of experience in negotiating these documents. Invariably, her input will make your lease work more in your favor.

For more information on negotiating a commercial lease click here.

Franchise Review & Negotiation

Franchises offer the new entrepreneur an established business model. However, there are many obligations placed upon someone who considers going this route. Because this relationship establishes an added level of oversight by the franchisor and additional costs such as royalty, advertising, and training fees, the "Uniform Franchise Offering Circular" (UFOC) 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.

For more information on what is involved in franchising click here.

Buying or Selling your Business

Depending on the point your 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 and more likely achieving you objectives.

Call business law attorney Barbara I. Berschler today at (301) 962-8580, or fill out the online form. Attorney Berschler is committed to resolving your legal problems and helping your businesses succeed.

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