Business Law in Buffalo, NY
Don’t settle for a lawyer in Buffalo, New York that lacks the experience and deep knowledge of commercial law that your business deserves. We can connect you with an experienced business law attorney to handle your case.
What Is Business Law?
Business law regulates the conduct of merchants, persons, and businesses who engage in commerce, trade, and sales. Business law is also commonly referred to as commercial law. It covers a broad area, such as real estate laws, safety laws, food laws, and environmental regulations.
New York State law prohibits the sale of goods produced or mined with child labor. Such a transaction is illegal provided that the seller knew, or should have known, that such goods were produced in this way. Keep in mind that a violation of this law constitutes a misdemeanor.
Staying abreast of current commercial laws can be extremely overwhelming, especially as you’re trying to run a business. Keeping an experienced Buffalo, New York business law attorney on retainer or at least a simple phone call away can help ensure your business remains compliant. Compliance issues can lead to costly damages, so a proactive approach is always best.
How a Qualified Buffalo, New York Business Law Attorney Can Help
Buffalo business laws are often associated with unique legal issues. One of the most substantial parts of business law is contract violations. When transactions occur between customers and businesses, this usually involves a contract. Still, some legal concerns and problems happen more often than others.. Here are some additional aspects of commercial law that a business attorney can help with:
- Starting a new business
- Protecting intellectual property
- Protecting trade secrets
- Terminating a business
- Transferring a business
- Tackling unfair competition
- Addressing consumer complaints
- Handling marketing and advertising disputes and violations
Costly commercial disputes often cover multiple areas of business law. This is why hiring experienced commercial law lawyers in Buffalo, NY is essential to the legal compliance and sustainability of your business.
Areas of Business Law
Specialized business attorneys in Buffalo offer their services to businesses in unique situations. Here are some of the many areas of business law that they tackle.
Organization
If you are developing your business in Buffalo, a lawyer can help you decide whether you list your company as a limited liability company or a corporation. They will also assist with the paperwork you need to file for your business.
Contracts
When you need to form contracts with your suppliers, clients, customers, and your employees, a business attorney will help you to prepare the necessary paperwork quickly and professionally. They also help you respond to any contracts that other organizations or people want your business to sign.
Licenses and Taxes
While the accountant that your business has will prepare and file the tax returns with your business, your Buffalo business attorney will also let you know how to register your business in New York for state tax identification and federal tax identification numbers. They also provide you with the knowledge that you need to understand any tax consequences and defend you in court, if necessary.
The New York State Division of Licensing Services oversees the licensure, registration, and regulation of 38 occupations throughout the state. For example, a real estate broker in Buffalo must obtain a license from the New York Department of State. Additionally, a business in Buffalo must obtain a valid business license from the City of Buffalo Office of Licenses.
Intellectual Property Rights
When an individual creates something, they have some automatic rights to their ideas. However, if someone steals the idea, they may have a difficult time proving the idea or creation was theirs, for starters. Attorneys can help with the process of protecting IP rights through trademarking and copyright. A business lawyer in Buffalo, NY can also help you seek reparations from companies that infringe on your IP rights or defend you against accusations.
Property Law
Physical properties also need protection. In Buffalo, New York in most instances, this refers to immovable property, such as real estate. Property law governs the use, sale, transfer, or rental of this type of property. Some business attorneys may include premises liability in this area, such as slip-and-fall accidents. Property law may cover moveable assets as well. Companies that rent products would fall into this category.
Consumer Protection
When most people picture Buffalo, NY businesses going to court, they imagine businesses or business people suing each other. This certainly happens quite often, but companies and consumers sue each other too. Consumers often sue companies for defective products or false advertising. Companies, in turn, may sue consumers for libel or slander.
The Consumer Protection Division of the New York Department of State will accept consumer complaints regarding marketplace grievances. Additionally, the CPD conducts child product safety testing campaigns to ensure compliance with New York State and federal safety standards. Furthermore, the CPD runs the Do Not Call Registry which allows consumers to register all their telephone numbers in one central database designed to limit telemarketing calls.
Lobbying
A qualified Buffalo, New York company and agents that lobby on its behalf can advocate for changes to laws. However, they must have a deep understanding of the following:
- What the current laws are
- How the current laws affect the business
- What changes might provide better opportunities for the business
This is an especially common hurdle in the world of tech and engineering. For instance, the tech and transportation industry have banded together to lobby governments to consider allowing autonomous vehicles on public roads for testing and eventual official use.
Professional lobbyists in Buffalo and across the state must register with the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). JCOPE promotes transparency of lobbying activities through oversight and disclosure of the activities and financial transactions of lobbyists and their clients. Under the New York Lobbying Act, all lobbying reports are available to the public.
There are many other types of business attorneys that your organization in Buffalo may benefit from using. If you’re not sure about what type of business attorney your company needs, use the form below to get connected with the best legal help in your area.
Work With an Experienced Buffalo, New York Business Law Lawyer
Hiring a business law attorney near you can help you to resolve many commercial issues that may emerge. In addition to this, commercial law attorneys in Buffalo can provide you with legal research, legal advice, and any other types of services that your business needs to protect itself or to fight a claim.
A commercial law attorney is also beneficial if your business needs to file a lawsuit or if you’re ever in a situation where you have to attend a court hearing. Additionally, a business law attorney in Buffalo, NY will help you determine the best course of action for your business if you are ever in violation of any laws.
Most importantly, a business attorney helps your Buffalo business stay out of trouble. Steering clear of legal disputes is almost always less costly than trying to find your way out of one. While it is not always possible to avoid business litigation, doing all you can to avoid one can go a long way to protecting your business.
Are you looking for a business attorney in , NY to defend your business interests? We can connect you with an experienced and passionate lawyer at no cost to you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across New York state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
Do you need help with another area of Buffalo, NY law? Check out the links below.