Chapel Hill Startup Attorneys & Lawyers

Updated September 2, 2022:

What Is Cybersquatting?

Cybersquatting examples show Cybersquatting (a.k.a. domain squatting) is the act of registering, trafficking in or using a domain name in bad faith. Cybersquatters neglect the existence of a trademark to profit from others. In fact, domain names are cheap and are sold on a "first come, first served" basis. 

As the internet started becoming popular, internet users knew businesses would need a website. Some users started buying domains to create sites that looked like they were from reputable companies.

Example: A cybersquatter could buy Heinz.com if the company hadn't created a website yet, looking to sell the domain to Heinz at a later date for profit, or use the domain name to attract traffic and generate money through advertising.

If a business has a good reputation but no website, the company either pays the

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What is Tranche Investment?

Tranche investment lets venture capital and other investors split investments into parts. They can give money to businesses over time instead of all at once. Usually, a business getting a tranche investment will get prenegotiated payments as long as it achieves financial milestones decided by the investor. The word tranche comes from the French word for slice.

Structured Financing: What is it?

Structured financing is a broad term for the many ways businesses and banks can divide risky financial products, including loans. Businesses and banks often sell these new financial products to specialized third-party investors. These products often include insurance policies, mortgages, and other types of debt, including tranches. Tranching or tranche investment is a relatively

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Updated June 24, 2020:

A master service agreement is defined as a contract two parties enter into during a service transaction. This agreement details the expectations of both parties.

Master Service Agreement: What Is It?

A master service agreement is when two parties agree to a contract that will settle most details and expectations for both parties. It'll state what each group has to do to honor its end of the bargain. It'll also show which services apply in the master service agreement.

The goal of a master service agreement is to make the contract process faster. It also should make future contract agreements simpler. A master service agreement (MSA) is also called a service level agreement (SLA). It spells out:

• Confidentiality: The parties both agree they won't share any secrets of the company with outside parties.
• Delivery

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Updated June 28, 2020:

What Is a Due Diligence Checklist?

A due diligence checklist is an organized way to analyze a company that you are acquiring through sale, merger, or another method. By following this checklist, you can learn about a company's assets, liabilities, contracts, benefits, and potential problems. Due diligence checklists are usually arranged in a basic format. However, they can be changed to fit different industries.

A due diligence checklist is also used for:

• Preparing an audited financial statement or annual report
• A public or private financing transaction
• Major bank financing
• A joint venture
• An initial public offering (IPO)

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Updated June 30, 2020:

Registering a Company: What Is It?

Registering a company means taking the steps necessary to both form an entity for your business in a state and obtain the permits and licenses needed to operate the business.

Each step in registering a business requires that you consider your options, complete and file the necessary forms and then pay the filing and registration fees. Unless your business structure, ownership and activities are simple, you will need the advice of an accountant and a lawyer to register a company.

Steps for Registering a Company

1. Choose and Reserve a Company Name

You’ll need to choose a name for your company after searching the state’s database of names used by companies formed in the state and companies formed in other states that have qualified to do bu

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