Democrat Legal & Partners
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Corporate, Commercial & Tax

Startup Advisory

Choosing a business structure, founder and investor agreements, compliance and protecting IP.

DLP's chamber: No. 548, A Block, High Court, Lucknow

What the law says

Early legal work for a startup usually covers choosing a structure (private limited company under the Companies Act, 2013, LLP under the LLP Act, 2008, or partnership), founders' agreements on equity, vesting and roles, employee and contractor agreements with confidentiality and IP assignment clauses, and protecting the brand and technology. Eligible entities can apply for DPIIT recognition under the Startup India scheme, which carries certain benefits. Raising investment involves term sheets, shareholders' agreements and compliance with company law and, for foreign investment, FEMA rules.

Consultation

Speak to the chamber.

Leave your name, number and a line about the matter. A member of the chamber will call or message you back during working hours.

Held in confidence. Used only to contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Company or LLP?

A private limited company is usually preferred where equity investment is planned; an LLP has lighter compliance but is less suited to raising equity. The choice depends on plans, tax and funding.

Why does a founders' agreement matter?

It records each founder's shareholding, vesting, roles, decision-making and what happens if a founder leaves, which avoids disputes later.

Who owns code written by employees or freelancers?

Work by employees in the course of employment generally belongs to the employer, but work by freelancers needs a written assignment. Put IP assignment clauses in every agreement.