North Carolina has become one of the most vibrant craft beer producing states in the country. The NC Beer Lawyer is proud to assist small craft breweries and brewpubs with anything, in the legal sense, a brewery may require in North Carolina- from start to finish. This service includes general counsel and representation (without keeping me on payroll as an employee!) in the following areas:
- Crowdfunding: If you’re using a crowdfunding platform to start your craft brewery, such asKickstarter, there may be some laws that you are unaware of. I can assist with the navigation of these laws as you form your brewery with the financial assistance of crowdfunding.
- Business Entity selection and formation: As with other business types, I can help you select the appropriate entity type for your brewery and assist you with forming the entity and establishing all of the necessary supporting documentation.
- Trademarks and Copyrights: I can help you to file and protect your brewery name and individual beer trademarks and copyrights. I can also assist breweries in other states regarding trademarks and copyrights, as these are matters of Federal Law.
- Trade Secrets: In the event you do not want to share your recipe for the perfect IPA with the world (and you do not want your employees/brewers to be sharing it either), I can help you create and implement an appropriate setup to protect your trade secrets.
- Basic Employment Law matters: I can assist with hiring agreements, nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements and other employment-related agreements.
- Lease Review and Negotiation: Looking to lease some real property or equipment for your new brewery or brewpub? I can help with the review, negotiation and drafting of leases.
- Contract Review, Negotiation and Closings: If you plan to buy real property and equipment for your new brewery or brewpub, I can help with that too, including the closing of the property.
- Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB): I offer consultations regarding the filing of appropriate applications with the appropriate governmental bodies.
I am happy to offer flat rate fees for most of the above services, and will provide a breakdown of fees up front, prior to commencing work, so you can budget with confidence.
