Martensen IP is passionate about helping bring new technologies into the market. Much of that innovation depends on the efforts of small and emerging businesses to compete successfully and survive in a punishing environment. Operations in such businesses are fast-paced and consequential, with high-stakes legal decisions emerging on a daily basis.

However, most small and emerging businesses lack the resources to support a full-time general counsel or legal staff. Because of this, many either make legal decisions without advice or bring in expensive outside counsel with little knowledge of their business or their business needs. Because our clients frequently need daily legal support, we offer Martensen General Counsel Services.

Need Legal Support? Contact us today at (719) 417-8709 for General Counsel services tailored to your business needs.

How Does the Martensen General Counsel Services Program Work?

Under this program, Martensen IP offers a single discounted price for a set number of hours per month at a flat rate. Our attorneys pool their talents and experience to provide responsive assistance for those daily questions that call for legal expertise.

The program is flexible and responsive to your needs, with a custom number of available hours per month, and a custom duration ranging from month-to-month programs to plans that span three to six months.

Several of our other attorneys have prior general counsel experience and can assist your business with daily legal operations.

Under the Martensen General Counsel Services Program, businesses have access to our expertise, and we develop a deep familiarity with our clients’ operations so that we can provide them with the same timely and tailored legal advice they would get from an in-house attorney without the expensive overhead.

Types of Legal Support Provided Under the General Counsel Services

Martensen IP offers a range of legal services designed to support small and emerging businesses. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that businesses have the legal guidance they need to thrive.

• Contracts and Agreements: We help draft, review, and negotiate contracts to protect your business interests. Whether it’s supplier agreements, client contracts, or partnership deals, we ensure your contracts are clear and enforceable.
• IP Protection: Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is critical. We provide advice on patents, trademarks, and copyrights, helping your business secure its innovations and avoid costly infringement issues.
• Risk Management: Legal risks can threaten your business operations. Our attorneys assist in identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them, reducing the likelihood of future legal problems.
• Corporate Governance: Proper corporate governance is essential for smooth business operations. We offer guidance on structuring your business, making key decisions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Employment Law: Navigating employee relations and workplace policies is vital. We provide advice on labor laws, workplace disputes, and drafting employee agreements, ensuring you maintain a compliant and harmonious work environment.

The Importance of Preventative Legal Advice for Small Businesses

Preventative legal advice can save businesses from major headaches down the line. By addressing potential legal issues early on, businesses can avoid costly litigation and fines.

• Avoid Future Legal Problems: Early legal guidance helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major legal challenges.
• Protect Your Business: Ensuring contracts are in place, employees are properly managed, and IP is protected can avoid conflicts and protect your company’s assets.
• Reduce Financial and Operational Risks: A proactive approach to legal matters ensures smoother operations and reduces the risk of unexpected financial losses from legal disputes.

Cost-Effective Legal Solutions for Startups and Small Businesses

Small businesses often face budget constraints and cannot afford full-time in-house legal teams. Outsourcing general counsel services provides an affordable alternative while ensuring businesses get expert legal guidance.

• Outsource Legal Services: Instead of hiring full-time legal staff, you can rely on outsourced general counsel services, providing your business with expert advice without the high costs.
• Cost Comparison: The cost of maintaining an in-house legal team can be expensive. Outsourcing legal services is a cost-effective solution, offering flexibility and expertise without the overhead.
• Flexible Retainer Programs: With customizable retainer plans, businesses can choose the level of legal support they need each month, making it easier to manage legal expenses as your business grows.

Why Choose Martensen IP?

At Martensen IP, we take a comprehensive approach to understanding our clients' businesses, goals, and strengths. By fostering strong relationships, we develop legal strategies that enhance and amplify our clients’ businesses.
We provide practical advice that maximizes the value and impact of your budget. Our expertise includes navigating the challenges of software, electronics, and electro-mechanical device protection. With our experience in litigation, we know how to avoid pitfalls in transactional IP work, which enables us to provide you with legal strategies that better ensure that your patents, copyrights, and trademarks hold up in court.
For more information about Martensen IP, and why we’re the right choice for your business, read our clients’ testimonials.

FAQ - General Counsel Services for Small Businesses

What is a General Counsel and how can they help my business?

• A General Counsel (GC) is a legal advisor responsible for overseeing and managing the legal aspects of your business. They provide guidance on contracts, compliance, risk management, intellectual property, and other legal issues. For small businesses, a GC can offer proactive legal support to prevent legal problems before they arise.

How does outsourcing legal support benefit small businesses?

• Outsourcing legal support provides small businesses with access to high-quality legal services without the cost of maintaining an in-house legal team. It allows flexibility, tailored advice, and cost-effective solutions, ensuring that businesses get expert legal guidance when they need it most.

Can a General Counsel help with business disputes?

• Yes, a General Counsel can assist in resolving disputes that arise between your business and employees, suppliers, clients, or other third parties. They will work to settle disputes efficiently, protecting your business’s interests and avoiding prolonged legal battles.

What is the difference between General Counsel services and hiring a full-time in-house lawyer?

• General Counsel services are more cost-effective than hiring a full-time in-house lawyer because you only pay for the hours you need. Full-time lawyers can be more expensive and may not offer the same level of flexibility or industry-specific knowledge that outsourced General Counsel services provide.

How do I know if my business needs General Counsel services?

• If your business is growing and facing more complex legal issues—such as handling contracts, managing intellectual property, or dealing with compliance matters—it's a good idea to consider General Counsel services. Having a legal expert available on a consistent basis can prevent costly mistakes and streamline operations.

How can a General Counsel help with compliance and regulatory matters?

• A General Counsel helps ensure that your business is in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This includes reviewing and updating your business’s practices, policies, and documentation to meet legal requirements and avoid potential fines or penalties.

What industries can benefit most from General Counsel services?

• While any business can benefit from General Counsel services, industries like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail—where compliance, intellectual property protection, and contracts are central—particularly benefit from ongoing legal support.

Ready to Protect Your Business? Contact us at (719) 417-8709 now and schedule a consultation with our dedicated legal team.