find answers for our most Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the information on this site constitute legal advice?

A: No. This website is for educational, and informational purposes only. Nothing on this site, or on our social media accounts is meant to be taken as legal advice, and TEIL Firms, LLC is not responsible for how any visitors to our site and respective social media utilize the information we provide.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The total cost of any services provided depends entirely on the scope of the service being provided. If you’re interested in the cost of a service, we recommend you book a consultation to determine the scope of the assistance you require HERE.

Q: How long have you been practicing?

A: TEIL’s attorneys have a collective 30+ years of experience in practicing law. Founding Attorney Demitrus Evans alone has practiced for over 23 years. Learn more about the team HERE.

Q: Where are you located?

A: TEIL Firms, LLC home office is located in the Western Suburbs in Hillside, Illinois. Our full address can be found HERE.

Q: What are the services you provide?

A: We work with business clients globally looking for support with their Intellectual Property, Corporate Contracts, International Trade Compliance, Portfolio Management, Licensing and more. Visit the link HERE to see how we can support your business in accomplishing its goals.

Q: Are there FREE resources available to me?

A: Absolutely! Take advantage of our FREE 15-Minute Consultation HERE, and check out our FREE Resources HERE.

Q: Do you practice in other areas besides Business & International Trade?

A: Our practice is primarily focused on providing exceptional legal services to firms of all sizes looking to expand their businesses, secure their contracts, and capitalize on their Intellectual Property.

Q: I have a company that’s using an image and words as a logo. Is this one Trademark, or two?

A: The answer depends entirely on how you are currently utilizing the mark and have used it in the past. If you frequently separate the image and wording on packaging, printed materials, and online, you may find it in your best interest to file each part of the mark separately.

On the other hand, if they remain separate files, but are always combined, you can combine and use them as one, but it is recommended that you decide how the mark will appear and use it consistently together - or separately.

Q: I have a contract that requires me to go to another country because I’m doing a lot of work there. Should I start a corporation in that country?

A: This depends on the type of contracts you need to create, your existing contacts, and the amount of taxes that your corporation will pay there. It also makes a difference if the profits will all be cycled back to the United States, or if some of the profits will be invested or stay in the country of origin.

You have some flexibility, but ultimately each cases requires an in-depth analysis. If you posses letters of intent or past agreements, we would be happy to review them and provide further analysis. We’re also happy to assist businesses in filing for International Trademarks via the Madrid Protocol to protect their interest in foreign transactions.

Q: I just received a subpoena for my company to go to court, but I’m no the agent. What do I do?

A: It depends entirely on your corporate structure. If you are a Corporation, when you filed your incorporation - you give the world notice on where and how to serve you. The person or attorney working against you must go through the correct channels. If you appear in court without opposing counsel going through proper channels - you essentially acquiesce and waive for your rights to argue against it. It is my expert opinion that if you are subpoenaed as a corporation that you do not appear. You will also require a litigation and response strategy to respond in a way that protects your personal assets, and your business assets.

Q: I’ve already read your book Profit From Your Intellect, but I don’t know if I need a Corporation, LLC, or S Corp. Do you form all of these kinds of businesses?

A: Absolutely! First, all corporations start out as C corps (unless it's a Nonprofit, in which case you’ll file NFP corporate articles). Filing is relatively easy, but not for everyone.

You’ll select different business structures for different benefits. If you want to offer stock at any point I suggest filing as a C Corp. If you are small enough and can take the "S Corp election" I think you should. Ultimately, it will save you on taxes. Additionally, your proceeds from sales in the corporation will pass through to personal taxes so you will not be double-taxed. This can also happen with an LLC , which combines C Corps and Sole Proprietorship for dual benefits. LLCs have members and not as many structural challenges like boards, etc. If you’re in need of help selecting and building a corporate structure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We specialize in Corporate law.

Q: I want to purchase a business. Do I need an attorney?

A: Depends on how savvy you are! Have you done this before? If not, hire a lawyer. If yes, decide what part of the merger or acquisition you complete and which parts the lawyer completes. The most important thing is to practice due diligence when looking through the documents, and fine print that has to do with the other company. I mean everything! It means reviewing every single shred of associated Intellectual Property. Sometimes the acquired business will think they own pieces of IP, and it’s part of the deal, but the protections have expired. When your attorney reviews your business acquisition, they’ll look at financials HR and everything else. It’s completely possible to complete a merger on your own with the right team, and information - but your best bet is to contract an attorney that specializes in Corporate law for the smoothest process.