# Startup Legal Timeline

> SKILL 80: Startup Legal Timeline

- Skill: `nickgallick/startup-legal-timeline` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nickgallick/startup-legal-timeline`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nickgallick/startup-legal-timeline/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: nickgallick (https://skillmd.com/u/nickgallick)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nickgallick/startup-legal-timeline

---

# SKILL 80: Startup Legal Timeline

## Purpose
The complete legal roadmap from idea to launch to scale. Know what legal work happens in what sequence, what triggers what, and what can be deferred.

## Month 0 — Idea Phase
- Counsel produces Legal Vetting Report (SKILL 69): regulatory classification, jurisdiction scan, comparable products, risk matrix, recommended structure, go/no-go
- Decision: build / modify / kill
- If build: select entity type and jurisdiction (SKILL 70)
- Domain name search and registration (before announcing anything)
- Initial trademark search (before investing in brand)

## Month 1 — Formation
- **Entity formation**: file with state (Delaware C-Corp: $89; Iowa LLC: $50)
- **EIN**: IRS Form SS-4 online (same day)
- **Operating agreement / bylaws**: adopt at formation
- **IP assignment agreements**: founders sign at formation
- **Founder equity grants**: board resolution + stock purchase agreements + 83(b) elections (file within 30 days of grant)
- **Bank account**: Mercury as primary, Relay as backup
- **Trademark application**: file with USPTO ($250–350 per class)
- **Domains and social handles**: secure immediately

## Month 2 — Legal Foundation
- **Gaming attorney**: engage for skill-based competition legal opinion (budget: $15–25K)
- **Crypto regulatory attorney**: engage for prediction market/token analysis (budget: $25–50K)
- **TOS / privacy policy / risk disclosures**: drafting begins (attorney-reviewed, budget: $10–20K)
- **Accounting system**: QuickBooks or Xero configured
- **Contractor agreements**: signed before any external developer writes a line of code
- **Open source license audit**: run npx license-checker on any existing codebase

## Month 3 — Build Phase (Legal Support)
- **Legal opinions begin arriving**: review and brief Nick on findings; adjust product design if needed
- **State-by-state compliance analysis**: begin with Iowa, then CA/NY/TX/WA
- **KYC/AML program**: draft written policies; designate BSA officer (even if it's Nick)
- **If raising**: prepare SAFE documents; begin investor conversations under 506(b) (no public announcements)
- **Anthropic enterprise agreement**: contact Anthropic sales; get written approval for use case

## Month 4 — Pre-Launch Legal
- **Legal opinions**: received and reviewed (gaming, regulatory, money transmission)
- **State registrations**: Iowa DIA, other Tier 2 states (from SKILL 54)
- **FinCEN MSB registration**: if applicable (file Form 107)
- **Accessibility audit**: axe browser extension + Lighthouse scan; fix critical issues
- **Security audit**: basic penetration test of any web-facing product
- **DMCA agent**: register with Copyright Office ($6 online)
- **Insurance**: general liability, cyber, E&O — bind policies

## Month 5 — Launch Preparation
- **Pre-Launch Legal Certification** (SKILL 75): go through every item
- **All legal documents finalized and deployed**: TOS, privacy policy, market rules, fee schedule, risk disclosures — all live on platform
- **Compliance calendar**: all filing deadlines, renewal dates, SAR trigger procedures
- **KYC/AML system tested**: verify age verification, geo-blocking, OFAC screening
- **Crisis communications templates**: pre-drafted for each emergency type
- **If fundraising**: Form D filed within 15 days of first SAFE closing; Iowa notice filed

## Month 6 — LAUNCH
- **Go live with Tier 1 states** (from SKILL 54): states with no special registration requirements
- **Counsel monitors**: all launch marketing for FTC compliance before publication
- **30-day post-launch compliance review**: first check on how the platform is actually operating vs. how it was designed to operate
- **Surveillance system verified**: manipulation detection running; first reports reviewed

## Months 7–12 — Growth Phase
- **Additional state registrations**: Tier 2 states as user base grows into them (6-month milestone)
- **Quarterly compliance reviews**: regulatory updates, AG actions, CFTC/SEC releases
- **Regulatory engagement**: LabCFTC meeting, CFTC Innovation Office, Iowa AG briefing
- **409A valuation**: if issuing stock options to employees (required before first grant)
- **Fundraising preparation**: data room complete, pitch deck reviewed, Form D ready
- **First regulatory reporting cycle**: Iowa annual report, 1099-MISC for prize winners, tax filings

## Year 2+ — Scale Phase
- **Token launch** (if applicable): engage securities counsel for SAFT/token warrant structure; offshore entity analysis
- **International expansion**: jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis; MiCA compliance for EU
- **Additional insurance**: as TVL and revenue grow, increase coverage limits
- **Board formation**: establish formal board of directors; adopt D&O insurance
- **CFTC DCM consideration**: if prediction market volume reaches scale where registration makes strategic sense
- **Lobbying / advocacy**: if regulatory clarity is needed; Iowa Innovation and Digital Competition Act (SKILL 52)
- **Exit preparation**: acquirer diligence readiness; IPO-quality financial statements; data room audit

## Legal Cost Summary by Phase

| Phase | Legal Spend | Primary Items |
|-------|------------|--------------|
| Month 0–1 | $2–5K | Formation, trademark filing, basic agreements |
| Month 2–4 | $50–100K | Gaming opinion, regulatory opinions, TOS/privacy docs |
| Month 5–6 | $10–20K | State registrations, compliance infrastructure, insurance |
| Month 7–12 | $24–60K/yr | Ongoing retainer, state registrations, tax filings |
| Year 2+ | $50–200K/yr | Token launch, international, scale compliance |

**Year 1 total**: $86–185K (from SKILL 53 budget breakdown)

---
*This is legal research and intelligence, not legal advice. Consult qualified legal counsel before taking action.*