The following are some basic corporate forms you might want to consider filing: Articles of Incorporation; Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws; Operating Agreement, Limited Liability Company; Partnership Agreement; and Stock Purchase/Stock Sale Agreements. You’ll also want to file certain documents with the Secretary of State’s Office. These include:
1. Articles of Incorporation – This document must be filed within 30 days of incorporation. It contains information about the corporation’s purpose, officers, directors, capitalization, etc.
2. Certificate of Incorporation – Issued upon filing articles of incorporation, this certificate certifies that the corporation has been formed under state law and provides additional information such as the corporation’s address, date of formation, and expiration date.
3. Bylaws – Issued by the board of directors, these provide rules regarding how the corporation operates and governs itself. They usually contain provisions related to voting procedures, meetings, compensation, dissolution, etc.
4. Operating Agreement – Issued by the Board of Directors, this agreement outlines the responsibilities of each member of the organization. It defines roles and duties, including those of the president, secretary, treasurer, members, shareholders, managers, employees, agents, representatives, consultants, auditors, attorneys, and others.
5. Limited Liability Company – This form allows individuals to set up a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC is similar to a corporation in that it has a separate legal identity, but unlike a corporation, an LLC does not require perpetual existence.
6. Partnership Agreement – This document establishes the partnership and sets forth the rights and obligations of partners. A partnership agreement is required for partnerships incorporated in California.
The old adage says it best: “A picture speaks a thousand words.” But what about a video? A video can tell you everything you want to know about a company without having to read anything else. In fact, according to HubSpot, 90% of consumers trust videos over text. So why aren’t companies taking advantage of this trend and creating videos for their businesses?
Here are five reasons why you should start making videos today:
1. Video helps build trust. When people see a video, they don’t just hear what you say; they see how you say it. This makes them feel like they’re getting to know you better — and they’ll likely trust you more because of it.
2. Videos help make your product/service memorable. People remember things that are interesting, funny, or surprising. And nothing beats a good story. If you can combine those three elements into one video, you’ve got yourself a winner.
3. Videos increase conversions. One study found that adding a video to your landing page increased conversion rates by 37%. Why? Because people want to watch something before giving up their personal data. They want to learn more about your business and what you offer, rather than simply providing it to them.
4. Videos improve rankings. Search engines love videos. They rank them much higher than plain text articles, photos, and even infographics.
5. Videos convert. You probably already know that people spend more time watching videos online than reading web pages. What you might not realize is that people actually spend twice as long watching a video as they do reading a webpage. Now imagine how many times that happens over the course of a day.
How can Nebraska Secretary of State help my business?
Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale recently announced his support for a bill that would allow businesses to register their trademarks online. This move makes sense since the state of Nebraska is home to some of the country’s largest brands like Omaha Steaks, Kwik Trip, and Heartland Bank.
In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of all jobs in Nebraska are tied to agriculture. And, according to the National Association of Secretaries of State, Nebraska ranks third in the nation regarding agricultural employment.
So, if you run a small business, you may be wondering how you can benefit from registering your trademark online. Here are four reasons why you should consider doing so:
1. Registering Trademarks Online Makes Sense for Small Businesses
Small businesses typically operate on tight budgets. But, registering your trademark online doesn’t require a large upfront investment. Instead, it costs only $25 per application and allows you to update your information whenever necessary.
This is especially helpful if you plan to expand your business or change your name. For instance, if you decide to open a second location, you won’t have to spend money updating your registration every time you make changes.
2. Registering Trademark Online Helps Protect Your Brand Identity
Registering your trademark online also protects your brand identity. When you apply for a federal trademark, you must provide evidence that your mark is distinctive and non-confusing.
For example, if you choose to register your company name, you must prove that your name is different from similar names used by others. Similarly, if you choose to protect your logo, you must demonstrate that it’s original and distinguishable from similar logos used by others.
You can register your trademark online in just minutes. All you need to do is visit the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), enter basic information about your business, upload supporting documents, and submit your application. Once your application is complete, the USPTO will mail you a receipt confirming its approval.
Once you receive the confirmation, you can print out a registration certificate and attach it to your business records.
4. Registering Trademark Through TEAS Allows You To Update Information Easily
If you ever need to update your trademark information, simply log back onto TEAS and make the required updates. You can even add additional pages to your application if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file an LLC in Nebraska?
An LLC is a type of business entity that allows you to form your own company. It’s also known as a “limited liability company,” and the process of filing for one can be done online or through a local attorney. The cost of forming an LLC varies depending on where you live and what state you want to incorporate in.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
