Startup Legal Checklist 

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Starting up is exciting—but it’s also legally complex. This checklist helps founders understand the basic legal groundwork needed to build a compliant, investor-ready business in India.

 

1. Incorporation & Founding Structure:

 

• Choose business structure (Private Limited, LLP, Partnership, etc.)

• Name availability check (MCA portal)

• Draft and file incorporation documents (SPICe+ Form)

• Obtain PAN, TAN, and GST registration

• Issue founder equity and define shareholding structure

• Draft Founders’ Agreement

 

2. Regulatory Registrations

 

• MSME registration (optional but useful)

• Shops & Establishments License

• Startup India DPIIT Registration

• Professional Tax / PF / ESI registrations (based on employee count)

• Import Export Code (IEC) if applicable

 

 

 3. Foundational Legal Documents

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• Founders’ Agreement

• Articles of Association (customized if needed)

• Employment Contracts / Offer Letters

• Confidentiality & IP Assignment Agreements (for employees & contractors)

• Standard NDAs (one-way and mutual)

• Vendor and Service Agreements

• Terms of Use and Privacy Policy (for website/app)

 

4. Intellectual Property (IP)

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• Trademark search and registration for brand name/logo

• Copyright registration for product designs, app UI, or original content

• Domain name ownership protection

• Consider patent filings for tech-heavy startups

 

5. Fundraising Readiness

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• Cap table creation and maintenance

• Shareholder Agreements / SAFE Notes / CCPS documentation

• Due diligence prep: financials, contracts, compliances

• FEMA compliance for foreign investment (FCGPR filing, etc.)

 

 6. Data Protection & Tech Compliance

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• Draft privacy policies compliant with Indian IT Act and global standards (GDPR, if needed)

• Implement basic cybersecurity protocols

• Review third-party software licenses

 

7. Ongoing Compliance

 

• Board meetings & resolutions (record keeping)

• Annual ROC filings and statutory audits

• Regular tax filings (TDS, GST, Income Tax)

• Employment law compliance (minimum wage, leave, maternity benefits)

• ESOP plan structuring and filings (if applicable)

 

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