Legal timeline for a successful web startup?
tptacek: I'm not a lawyer, but I have helped launch a couple companies:* Form an LLC now, so that your business operates under limited liability, as its own entity that can invoice and be invoiced, instead of out of your bank account. Cost: $200-300. You don't need a lawyer to do this in a one-person shop; just fill out the web form and give them your credit card number.* You want a business lawyer once you have multiple employees (whereupon you'll restructure the company, often to a C corp so you can issue equity) or before you sign your first complicated contract.* If you charge money, you probably have terms and conditions, and you probably want those reviewed before you publish them.* You don't need to do anything special to claim copyright in the US, or anywhere else the Berne Convention applies.* Nothing stops anyone from copying your idea and launching their own site except for a contract that they actually sign that prohibits them from doing so. When you launch, the clock starts ticking.* Regarding your next question: welcome to the Internets.