Corporate & Commercial, Small Business, Corporate Services
Momentum Team
Incorporation: Federal or Ontario? Updated ...

Some significant changes to Ontario corporate law and the launch of the new Ontario Business Registry has led the Momentum team to update our advice. Deciding between incorporation at the Federal level or the Provincial level is a key decision in the incorporation process. Updated considerations …

Incorporation: Federal or Ontario? Updated Advice
Megan Cornell
Legal Basics of Personal Real Estate ...

As of October 1, 2020, real estate agents in Ontario are able to form personal real estate corporations (PRECs). This allows agents the flexibility which many other professions have, to operate as corporations instead of sole proprietors. Although PRECs are now available, they are not required.

This can allow significant tax planning advantages for real estate salespeople or brokers. The sole purpose of the PREC is to receive compensation from a brokerage which is earned by a registered broker or salesperson. The PREC does not directly provide the services of a salesperson or broker.

Legal Basics of Personal Real Estate Corporations (PRECs)
Megan Cornell
Holiday Employment Rules

For many entrepreneurs the holidays are one of the most lucrative, but also stressful times of the year! More work for the business means that employees need to work more, at the same time that many employees as well as the business owner, are hoping to spend time with family!

During this time of year it is important to be mindful of Ontario employment rules and ensure that your business is not exposed to being offside of the Ontario Employment Standards Act. Here are some of the key points to keep in mind

Holiday Employment Rules
Megan Cornell
Canadian Trademark Changes - June 17, 2019: How ...

Trademark registrations are powerful tools for protecting brands, and now is the time to prioritize registering your trademarks in Canada. Canadian trademark law is undergoing a major shift on June 17, 2019, and among the changes are an increase in the fees for trademark registrations, but also new registration requirements that will make it easier to register marks in Canada. The period between now and June 17 is the sweet-spot where you can file a trademark application and get the best of both systems – lower fees and fewer registration requirements.

Canadian Trademark Changes - June 17, 2019: How to Protect Your Brand and Save Money
Cannabis, Corporate & Commercial, Employment (HR), Business Purchase, Small Business
Guest User
AGCO Retail Cannabis Regulations

With all the talk about retail cannabis in Ontario, a lot of small business owners are being left with more questions than when they started. For the folks who just want to know what it is going to take to get a store open, here is the article for you.

AGCO Retail Cannabis Regulations

Technology

How To Series: Get A Domain Name

So you’re a new business, and you’re interested in getting a trendy website up and running... What “domain names” are available? How do you get one? 

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit organization that is responsible for the global coordination of the Internet’s unique identifiers. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is a department of ICANN, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Domain Name System (DNS), including the root zone, top-level domains (e.g. “.com”). IANA provides a list of accredited domain name registries and links to their websites. 

Here are some ICANN-approved, domain name registries that we recommend:

What Steps Do You Need To Take?

  1. Search an ICANN-approved registry for the domain name that you are seeking.
  2. If your desired name is available, select it.
  3. Once you select your desired name, you are given a list of accredited domain name registrars, which will sell you the name.
  4. Go to one of these registrars’ websites, and pay for and register your domain name.

What Happens If Someone Has My Name?

ICANN provides a WHOIS Lookup service, which gives you the ability to look up any generic domains to find the registered owner. You can reach out to the owner and ask them to sell the domain name to you, if it does not appear to be in use.

If your favourite “.com” domain name is taken and purchasing the domain name is not an option (either you don’t have the funds to buy it or the owner doesn’t want to sell), then you can always consider opting for a country-code domain name (e.g. “.ca”) or one of the many generic, top-level domain names (gTLDs).

Keep in mind: some organizations purchase domain names, without any intention to use them, for the sole purpose of selling them at a later date – the more interested that you are, the higher the price of sale will become. ICANN is always adding new gTLDs. Consequently, they can provide a creative and cost-effective way around such situations.

Stay tuned for more information about gTLDs!