This episode’s main focus is talking about the legal nuances of starting a food business. Everything you’d like to know about NDA’s, patents, and copyright, it’s is all here.
But Abe Cohn also does a great job talking about the fun stuff like LLCs, stocks, and fiscal cliffs, you know, the fun stuff.
But another hidden gem in this interview is talking about networking. Whether you’re an introvert who has a grand invention or an extrovert with a grand vision, Abe gives multiple scenarios on how bright minds can meet each other. So maybe next time, you can use these tips to find your next cofounder.
About Abe
Abe Cohn is an Intellectual Property Lawyer at Cohn Legal Group, a specialty group of a larger law firm, designed specifically to provide a boutique and highly individualized experience for entrepreneurs and startups.
Though we cover legal here, what about technical? Well my friend Rachel has something for you.
Sponsor
People have been saying My Food Job Rocks is a great food business podcast. If you’re a food entrepreneur or want to become one, I highly suggest doing your research.
Luckily, my friend Rachel Zemser has the perfect resource for you. She has a book called the Food Business Toolkit that will help you understand everything about starting a food business from formulation to regulation. Use the code MYFOODJOBROCKS at the checkout for 10% off not only the book, but it also applies to an hour of consulting. As someone who’s started their own food business, acquiring knowledge is super important.
You can find the book here: https://alacarteconnections.com/shop/
Money will come and go, but you’ll always run out of time so it’s very important to get the knowledge necessary to move forward.
Show Notes
When someone asks what you do for a living, what do you tell them in a sentence or less?: I’m an Attorney for Intellectual property and startup law
Intellectual Property – At its core, it’s an idea. Not only recipes but logos and slogans (trademarks) and copyright law (screenplays, movies, songs, literary things)
Provisional Patents
Utility Patent
Design Patent
Copyright
Trade Secrets
Non-disclosure Agreement
When does an NDA take effect?
What are the options available for starting a company?
First, write down a narrative. Are you having cofounders? Are you raising? Do you have any proprietary technology?
Depending on what you write down, is what you should set up
LLC
C-Corp
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Board of Directors
If you’re going to a VC firm, just get a C-Corp
S-corp
Any other advice: Choose your cofounder wisely. Your cofounder needs to fill a need.
Fiscal Cliff
4 year vesting schedule with a 1 year cliff
Why does your Food Job Rock?: I get to work with these amazingly passionate people
Pilot Works
Kenny Lao
In Manhattan New York, you can hop place to place and meet people
Equinox Hot Tub Business Area
Book Recommendations: Oscar Wilde (Dorian Grey).
Entrepreneur Circle Scholarship ENDS SEPT 30
What would you do for a $1000?: Register my company and use the rest to cheaply make a logo. The rest, you need to hustle out.
Instagram: cohnlegalgroup