Startups Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on startups for australian businesses.

How To File A Patent In Australia
Innovating is exciting - and protecting what you’ve created is just as important. If your business has developed a new product, process or piece of technology, learning how to file a patent...

Can A Trust Be A Company Director In Australia?
If you’re setting up (or tidying up) your business structure, it’s common to ask whether a trust can sit “in the driver’s seat” as a director of your company. This is an...

What Is a Virtual Lawyer and How Can It Help Your Small Business?
Running a small business in Australia is fast-paced. You’re juggling customers, cash flow and growth - and you still need to stay on top of contracts, employment issues, privacy, and compliance. That’s...

Term Sheets: What To Include And How They Work
Whether you’re raising capital, bringing in a co-founder, or selling part of your business, you’ll likely hear one phrase early in the process: “let’s draft a term sheet.” Term sheets are the...
Sweet Equity In Australia: How To Use It Without Losing Control
Offering “sweet equity” can be a smart way to bring top talent or strategic partners into your business without paying big cash salaries upfront. Done well, it aligns incentives and rewards the...

What Is an Office Holder in Australia?
If you run a company (or you’re about to set one up), you’ll quickly come across the term “office holder.” Understanding what an office holder is - and the responsibilities that come...

SAFE Shares In Australia: How They Work And When To Use Them
Raising your first round of funding is exciting - but it can also be confusing, especially when investors ask for “SAFE shares.” Here’s the key point up front: in Australia, a SAFE...

Deed of Indemnity Sample: Key Inclusions and Use in Australia
Indemnities pop up everywhere in business - from supplier contracts and reseller deals, to director protections and client service terms. If you’re looking for a deed of indemnity sample you can adapt...

Honest Concurrent Use In Australia: What It Means And How It Works
If you’ve tried to register your brand as a trade mark in Australia and the examiner has flagged a conflict with an earlier mark, you’re not alone. It’s a common speed bump...

Non-Disclosure Agreement Template (Word) In Australia
Sharing an idea, pitch deck or client list can unlock opportunities - but it can also put your competitive edge at risk if that information is misused. That’s where a Non‑Disclosure Agreement...

Effective Negotiation Strategies For Small Businesses
Whether you’re locking in a supplier, closing a client deal, or renewing a commercial lease, effective negotiation can make or break your margins. For Australian small businesses, it’s not just about “winning”...

What Happens to Shares When a Company Is Bought Out in Australia?
If you’re running a company in Australia and a buyer wants to “buy you out”, one of your first questions is likely: what actually happens to the shares? Whether you’re selling your...

Do You Need Nominee Director Services in Australia?
Expanding into Australia or setting up a new company can move quickly - until you hit the resident director requirement. That’s often when business owners start looking at nominee director services as...

How To Create A New Contract In Australia
Rolling out a new contract is a smart way to protect your business, set clear expectations, and reduce the risk of disputes. Whether you’re onboarding customers, engaging suppliers, or hiring your first...

Foreign Trusts In Australia: Tax Obligations And Compliance
Working with an overseas investor? Planning to expand globally? Or thinking about using an offshore structure in your group? If a foreign trust is anywhere in the picture, it’s worth understanding how...

Free Statement of Work Template (Word): Use It Safely in Australia
Grabbing a free Statement of Work (SOW) template in Word can feel like a quick win when you’re trying to lock down the scope, timing and price for a project. But for...

What Is a Company Trust and How Does It Work?
Thinking about using a trust for your business, but not sure how a “company trust” fits in? You’re not alone. Many Australian businesses combine a company and a trust to manage risk,...

Legal Basics For SMEs In Australia
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) power Australia’s economy. If you’re running one, you already know how much grit it takes to grow, hire, and keep customers happy while staying compliant. The good...

What Does “Associate” Mean Under the Corporations Act?
If you’re running or growing a company in Australia, you’ll eventually come across the term “associate” in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). It looks simple, but the legal meaning is broader than...

Share Application Form: How To Issue Shares In Australia
Raising capital for your company can be exciting - but it also needs to be done properly. If you’re bringing in a new investor or allocating shares to a co-founder, you’ll likely...

What Is an Ltd Company in Australia?
Thinking about moving your business to a “Ltd company” in Australia, or starting one from scratch? You’re not alone. As your business grows, choosing the right structure becomes one of the most...

Mutual Confidentiality Agreements in Australia: Key Points
Sharing ideas is how deals get done - but it’s also how sensitive information can accidentally leak. If you’re partnering with another business, exploring a joint venture, or simply comparing notes before...

What Does a Board Observer Do?
As your business grows and you start working with investors, accelerators or strategic partners, you might be asked to offer a “board observer” seat. It sounds straightforward - an observer simply “observes,”...

Why Start a Business in Australia and What to Do Next
Starting a business in Australia is a big decision - and a brave one. It’s exciting to imagine your brand on a shopfront, your first online sale, or the moment a happy...
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