Guides

GDPR applies if you offer goods/services to people in the EU or monitor their behavior — even from the US. Core duties: a lawful basis for processing, clear privacy notices, consent for non-essential cookies, data-subject rights handling, and breach notification.

Federal trademark registration runs through the USPTO: search existing marks, choose your class(es) of goods/services, file online ($250-$350 per class), then respond to any examiner actions. The process typically takes 8-14 months.

Trademarks protect brand identifiers (names, logos), copyrights protect creative works (automatic at creation, stronger when registered), and patents protect inventions. Most solopreneurs need a trademark eventually and copyright awareness immediately.

Mixing business and personal money invites three problems: it can pierce your LLC's liability protection, it makes taxes and audits painful, and it blinds you to your real margins. A dedicated account fixes all three for little or no cost.

By default, independent contractors own the copyright in what they create — not you. A valid work-for-hire clause (for qualifying work categories) or a backup IP assignment clause transfers ownership; smart contracts include both.

Every solopreneur needs a core set: a client services agreement, terms of service and privacy policy for your website, an independent contractor agreement for anyone you hire, and an NDA for sensitive conversations.

A home occupation permit is local permission to run a business from your residence. Many cities require one (typically $25-$250) and impose limits on signage, client visits, employees, and inventory storage.

A solid freelance contract nails down scope of work, payment terms and schedule, revision limits, IP ownership and transfer timing, termination/kill fees, and liability caps — in plain language both sides actually read.

Beyond a general license, online sellers often need industry permits: a seller's permit for taxable sales, cottage food licenses for homemade food, resale certificates for inventory, and federal/state registrations for regulated products.

If you collect any personal data (even analytics or an email form), you need a privacy policy under laws like CCPA and GDPR. Terms of service aren't legally required but cap your liability, set rules, and protect your content.

Most quiet, online home businesses are permitted in residential zones, but zoning codes, HOA covenants, and lease terms can restrict client traffic, signage, employees, and inventory. Check your municipal code and HOA rules before problems find you.

You'll receive a 1099-NEC from clients who paid you $600+ directly, and a 1099-K from payment platforms once you cross the reporting threshold. You must issue 1099-NECs to contractors you paid $600+ by January 31.