Key Facts

Choose the right legal form: the choice influences liability, taxes and administrative expenses. Seek professional advice.
Conclude a watertight partnership agreement: Regulates important points such as management and profit distribution to avoid trouble later on.
Protect your intellectual property: Secure ideas with patents, trademarks and copyrights. Non-disclosure agreements are also important.
Be careful with contracts: Pay attention to clear wording and fair conditions in order to be protected in the event of a dispute.
Take data protection and IT security seriously: comply with GDPR requirements and ensure technical security so as not to lose your trust.
Additional legal topics: These tips are basic building blocks, but find out more about relevant legal aspects for startups.
Recommend podcast: Listen to my podcast for detailed information on legal pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Do you have a brilliant business idea and want to get your start-up off the ground? That’s great! But have you thought about the legal aspects? Don’t worry, with these 5 tips you’ll be on the safe side:

1. choose the right legal form
Whether a GmbH, UG or GbR – the choice of legal form has far-reaching consequences for liability, taxes and administrative costs. Inform yourself thoroughly and seek professional advice if in doubt.

2. conclude a watertight partnership agreement
The partnership agreement regulates the rules of the game between the founders. Take the time to clearly regulate important points such as management, profit distribution and exit scenarios. Believe me, this will save you a lot of trouble later on!

3. protect your intellectual property
Your ideas and developments are your most valuable assets. Protect them with patents, trademarks and copyrights. Non-disclosure agreements with employees and partners are also a must.

4. be careful with contracts
From employment contracts to investor deals – every contract needs to be carefully considered. Pay attention to clear wording, fair conditions and proper documentation. This can be decisive in the event of a dispute.

5. take data protection and IT security seriously
As a digital startup, you are particularly reliant on the trust of your users. Make sure that you comply with the GDPR requirements and are technically up to date. Data breaches can not only be expensive, they can also cost you your reputation.

Of course, there are many other legal topics that are relevant for start-ups. But with these basics, you’re already well equipped. If you want to delve deeper, listen to my podcast. In the current episode Legal basics for startup founders – How to start on the safe side! I talk in detail about the legal pitfalls of founding a company and how to avoid them[1].

Do you still have questions or need support? Get in touch for a non-binding initial consultation. My team and I will help you to legally secure your startup so that you can concentrate on the essentials: building your business and getting it off the ground!

I wish you every success on your founding journey and stay healthy.

Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.