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6 Replies Last post: Dec 27, 2007 3:48 AM by absxml

Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group

Dec 19, 2007 1:31 PM

Click to view absxml's profile Start-up absxml 3 posts since
Dec 19, 2007
Hi,

I along with three other people in the filed of IT and
Biotechnology want to work together to come up with a proposal. We do
not know what it will be at this point until we work together and do
some more research.
Basically this will be a research group focused on coming up with a
proposal for opportunities in Biotechnology field with IT solutions.

My question is what is the best legal structure or entity we should
form at this point. We will not be selling or providing service at this
point and main purpose will be to identify the opportunity and develop
a proposal and later look for funding it.

We need a kind of partnership stating that we will
have equal share and stake in what ever we come up with. Everyone will
be contributing their time and experience for research.

I was looking for something that will protect everyones vested interest and can be formed without much hassle and later when we can come up with something can incorporate it.

Would appreciate your advice and direction.

Thanks!
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Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
1. Re: Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group Dec 19, 2007 1:50 PM
Absxml, Welcome. You wrote
"My question is what is the best legal structure or entity we should
form at this point". .There are several types of business organizations.
You talked about a Partnership. O K A partnership exists when two or more people join together in the
operation and management of a business venture. A Formal partnership agreement is recommended.
Do you have a Lawyer??
In the partnership agreement you should have provisions "
We need a kind of partnership stating that we will
have equal share and stake in what ever we come up with. Everyone will be contributing their time and
experience for research.
You should also include when and how you might become a Corporation and who happens if a partner
leaves (for whatever reason)
Hope this helps, LUCKIEST
Click to view CorpCons08's profile Mogul CorpCons08 1,128 posts since
Nov 14, 2007
2. Re: Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group Dec 19, 2007 1:53 PM
You may qualify to become an LLP in your state. (Limited Liability Partnership)
Much like an LLC, it has both corporate and partnership characteristics.
Designated for professionals: attorneys, cpas, and the medical field.

CC08
Click to view absxml's profile Start-up absxml 3 posts since
Dec 19, 2007
3. Re: Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group Dec 19, 2007 2:50 PM
in response to: LUCKIEST
Thanks for all replies.

We do not have a lawyer. Where can I get a copy of a Formal partnership agreement?

-abs
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,935 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
4. Re: Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group Dec 19, 2007 4:35 PM
in response to: absxml
You can get a copy of a partnership agreement on line or at Staples, or a library.
You can also visit SCORE online and they can help FREE with the agreement.
You should have a lawyer review the final draft.
LUCKIEST
Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
5. Re: Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group Dec 20, 2007 1:10 AM

Another option would be NOT to form a business at this time. (Since you're really not engaging in the sale of anything for profit at this point, why go to the legal expense and tax/reporting hassle of having a business entity that may not even be the best legal structure once you ARE it in for profit?)

A simpler approach would be for each party to sign a joint venture agreement that identified the key participants, the project or venture you are undertaking, and the terms of the agreement (including each person's participation, how funds will be handled, how decisions will be made, how the agreement may be terminated, how disputes are to be resolved, etc.). You can download templates to use as a framework, add the details of your situation, and then have an attorney look it over to make any necessary minor adjustments. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Click to view absxml's profile Start-up absxml 3 posts since
Dec 19, 2007
6. Re: Need advice on best legal structure or entity for a research group Dec 27, 2007 3:48 AM
in response to: Lighthouse24
Thanks everyone!