We’re through the first quarter of the New Year and this is a good time to assess your business’ legal and operational health, clean up loose ends, and keep your company going strong throughout 2026. Consider the following:

IS YOUR BUSINESS UP TO DATE?

Oversights in registration, licensing, or intellectual property management (such as trademark registration) can lead to costly disruptions and unexpected surprises.

1. Business Registrations: Ensure your business is still in good standing with the Oklahoma Secretary of State. If your business is an LLC, don’t forget you must file an annual certificate each year to remain active. If you do business in another state, confirm you are also in good standing in those states to avoid penalties and liability. Note: in Oklahoma you cannot sue someone or defend against a lawsuit if your company is not in good standing.
2. Licenses and Permits: Business licensing and permitting regulations can be governed by local, state, and industry specific authorities. Confirm your pre-existing licenses and permits are current and reflect any changes in your operations.
3. Intellectual Property: Confirm renewal dates for any trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and software licenses you may have, and set reminders so nothing lapses. Evaluate new assets created over the prior year to ensure you have appropriate protections in place going forward.
4. Annual Meetings: Corporations should hold an annual meeting and document the minutes and resolutions. LLCs should also maintain periodic written records to reflect major business decisions.

IS YOUR BUSINESS GROWING?

1. Business Structure: Whether you have an LLC, corporation, or partnership, it’s good to evaluate whether your current business structure continues to support your goals, especially if you’ve grown or plan to. Ensure your company bylaws, operating agreements, shareholder or member agreements align with your ongoing needs and contact us to make any necessary updates.
2. Contracts: Review all written agreements, including employment, contractor, vendor, lease, and client agreements. Your employment agreements and policies need to comply with current federal and state law, including worker classification, confidentiality provisions, and handbook updates.

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

The above actions can help you maintain your liability protections and provide long term stability.