Crowdfunding, whether through Patreon, Kickstarter, or another service, is a great way to engage fans and make sure that your project gets the funding it needs. But it also comes with unique legal challenges. Crowdfunded projects deserve the same lawyers that traditional projects get. The Law Firm of Dillon McCarthy is ready to help you through the unique process and legal challenges that crowdfunding brings.
+ Company Organization
Crowdfunding carries risk. Whether you are raising money toward a goal or giving backer rewards to those who have supported you the most, you open yourself up to legal liability when money gets involved. The best way to protect yourself is by forming a legal business that limits your liability. The exact type of business depends on a lot of factors and is something that you should talk to an attorney about to ensure that your needs are met.
+ Intellectual Property
You know that you are providing something of value; that's why you started crowdfunding in the first place. Make sure that valuable work is protected by hiring an attorney to protect it through intellectual property laws. Your protections increase if you register any original copyright, preserving your ability to sue if someone refuses to stop using your work as their own. You may also consider trademarking any product lines that you use to sell your work under.
+ Rights Enforcement
People steal protected works all the time, but the entitlement that goes along with it is even bigger in the world of crowdfunding and commission work. People post your work as their own or publicly post backer or patron only works all the time. This hurts your business and is disrespectful to those who have chosen to support you. The Law Firm of Dillon McCarthy can enforce your rights against those who want to steal your work, through DMCA Takedowns, cease-and-desist letters, and more.
+ Consumer Protection Compliance
If you have promised rewards to backers or patrons you may be legally required to provide those rewards. Hiring an attorney can help guarantee that you are only promising as much as you can provide. You do not want to get caught on the wrong end of federal or state consumer protection laws.
+ Securities
If you are offering return on investment in your product, rather than the more traditional Kickstarter like route, then there are many more things to consider, since you are selling a security. You should have an attorney to ensure that you are complying with SEC and state requirements.
+ Taxes
The finances of crowdfunded enterprises are complicated. The pre-sale of items or rewards may be subject to tax. The time to find out if this applies to you is before the tax authorities come after you.