Welcome to the Dandridge Firm
The Dandridge Firm, PLC is a boutique law practice, with a focus on the unique areas of Non Profit Tax Exemption, Non Profit Law, and Trademark and Copyright Law. By concentrating in these very narrow areas of the law, we are better able to assist you in navigating the legal complexities facing your IRS tax exemption or intellectual property matter.
If you need assistance in preparing your 501(c) tax exemption application, or obtaining protection of your valuable business ideas by way of trademarks or copyrights, you are at the right place. Our staff is prepared to advocate for you, and to assist you in economically and effectively reaching your goals.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Guest Blogger Feature: Why Start a Business in Michigan Now?
The economy is in tatters and the Great Lake State’s confidence is sagging. Who in their right mind would want to start a business now?
Believe it or not, now may be a great time to start your own business. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, firms with fewer than 20 employees account for 90 percent of all U.S. firms and are responsible for 97 percent of all new jobs. And in 2007, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council ranked Michigan 6th "friendliest" state in which to do small business.
Further good news is that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to new business owners in the state of Michigan, whether you need a micro loan, business planning advice, or legal help. Start with the comprehensive web site at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (what we affectionately refer to as DLEG). The site has plenty of helpful free information. You can also try the new MI Business One Stop site (part of DLEG). It’s designed to be a more streamlined one-stop shop for entrepreneurs to find out information about licensing, permits, registering your business with the State, and more.
Tough times require creativity and innovation. In the midst of our economic challenges, the old way of "work hard, keep your head down, and get ahead" is no guarantee of lifetime monetary stability. Change and challenge are invigorating, and may awaken a passion to start a new career path as an entrepreneur. The desire to try new things, coupled with the freedom to chase your dreams, may be just the ticket to your new business success!
This Guest Blogger Feature was written by Meredith Sharp from Lansing, MI.
The Firm can assist you in starting up your new business. Please ContactUs@DandridgeLaw.com for more information regarding this post or our services.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
E-commerce: Trademark and Copyright Protections are Vital
Todays technology allows many traditional retail and business transactions to take place via the internet. Most businesses have logos and slogans associated with their business brand that are transmitted all over the planet. As e-business owners sink a lot of creative energy, time, money and resources into getting their logo and slogans produced and gaining brand recognition, it is imperative for these items to be protected against potential infringers. That being said, businesses that conduct e-commerce transactions through their websites with customers from two or more states should obtain federal trademark protection. Additionally, website development is a creative process that involves original works of authorship, which ultimately warrants copyright registration to protect against potential infringers.
E-business owners should take steps to protect their intellectual property (brand logos, slogans, and websites). The Firm may assist you in filing the requisite trademark and copyright registrations for your business. Please ContactUs@DandridgeLaw.com for more information regarding this post or our services. Labels: copyright, e-business, e-commerce, trademark
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Nonprofit Annual IRS Tax Return Due Soon!
Some nonprofit tax-exempt organizations wrongly assume that they are exempt from filing Annual Returns with the IRS. On the contrary, most small and all large tax-exempt organizations must submit IRS Annual Returns to maintain tax-exempt status, and to avoid fees and penalties. Small tax-exempt organizations (those normally with annual gross receipts up to $25,000) are required to file IRS Form 990-N. Large tax-exempt organizations (those normally with annual gross receipts over $25,000) are required to file IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. The return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of the organization's fiscal year. (For example, the 2008 return of an organization whose fiscal year ended on December 31, 2008, would be due May 15, 2009). The Firm can assist your nonprofit tax-exempt organization in filing its Annual Return. Please ContactUs@DandridgeLaw.com for more information regarding this post or our services. Labels: Nonprofit Annual Return, Nonprofit Tax Return
Monday, March 2, 2009
FREE BUSINESS FORMATION WORKSHOP
THE NEW ECONOMY: STARTING A BUSINESS AND CREATING YOUR OWN JOB 2009 is the year for change and through entrepreneurship we will recharge our sagging economy. Have you always wanted to start a business? Did you take a buy out? Have you been laid off? Take control of your career and your future by attending THE DANDRIDGE LAW FIRM's FREE BUSINESS FORMATION WORKSHOP Saturday, March 7, 2009 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Nandi's Knowledge Café 12511 Woodward Avenue Highland Park, MI 48203 Learn essential business legal planning basics for your new company. The Firm will also offer preparation and filing of required organizing documents. Don’t wait, start your own business now! Seats are limited. RSVP to Andre Dandridge at: Andre@DandridgeLaw.com or by phone at 517-256-1368. Labels: Business Start-up, New business entity
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Introduction
Click the image below to watch our introduction video (high speed internet required; opens in new window).

About this Blog
The writings on this blog represent the personal views of the author. The information contained in the blog portion of this site is provided only as information for education purposes, and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
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