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Every business in the cigar industry, whether it’s a tobacco farm or a lounge or an operation in the pipeline between the two, relies on its core team to keep things running smoothly. Who’s on your team? Does it include your suppliers, your insurance person, and your accountant? How about your lawyer?
Legal representation isn’t something you call on every day, but there are crucial moments in the life of a cigar business where it makes sense. Let’s take a look.
Example #1: Business Formation
One of the key times to retain the services of a cigar business attorney is while you’re deciding what business form your cigar business should take. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; finding the right business form depends on your business’ characteristics, such as its size, revenue, and ownership. A lawyer who understands the unique needs and culture of the cigar industry can help you find the business structure for your vision and prepare the documents you need to get it off the ground.
Example #2: Intellectual Property
If your cigar business relies on a distinct name, slogan, image, symbol, or process, then you should protect this intellectual property (IP). An attorney can help you through the IP registration process, ensuring your business’s IP rights and interests are protected to the fullest extent of the law. And in situations where someone infringes on those rights, your attorney can help you take the appropriate enforcement steps.
Example #3: Business Contracts
Another time that’s important to enlist the help of an attorney is when you’re negotiating a business contract. Perhaps you’re a cigar manufacturer planning to build another production facility. Or a cigar shop looking to open up a second location in a neighboring town. These and many other business moves you want to make will entail multiple contracts. Having an attorney on your side during negotiations will help ensure your interests are protected and that you get what you need from the agreement.
Example #4: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
You and your partners know what you’re doing when it comes to cigars and running a cigar business. And you’re probably pretty good at resolving the minor legal questions that come up now and then. But do you have the experience and resources to field the big questions where everything’s on the line?
For example, during the negotiations for a commercial lease for a cigar warehouse, are there any provisions requiring you to possess certain insurance policies, such as liability and property insurance? Or did you assume this was the landlord’s responsibility, only to learn later, after the lease is signed, that it’s yours? An attorney can review your documents and alert you to any sticking points before it’s too late.
These are just a few ways having legal representation can benefit your cigar business. To learn more about how a lawyer can help, contact Venerable Law at 813-680-4530 to schedule a free consultation.
