Al McGilvra, of McGilvra Engineering, talks when inventors should get engineers involved with their projects.

It was another packed meeting at the Jackson Inventors Network, April 23rd, at Jackson Community College. Al McGilvra of McGilvra Engineering kicked off the meeting with an explanation of why he requires inventors bringing a project to his firm to be more prepared. “Engineering is expensive,” he said. “Many times, inventors call me and they’re not ready. Also, make sure your invention is not covered by an existing patent.”

The evening’s main presenter, Brendon Beer, a Jackson, Mich., attorney and partner in the law firm of Abbott, Thomson, Mauldin & Beer, PLC,  spoke on Business Structure & Legal Issues , describing the various legal entities available to inventors and entrepreneurs. He noted, most of the business entities being formed today are Limited Liability Companies (LLC), although there is some demand for other types.

He covered these business entities: C Corp., S Corp., LLC, General Partnership, Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).  Beer’s legal practice is focused in the areas of business, corporate, contract, labor and employment and real estate law.  A large portion of his practice is devoted to litigation related to these areas of the law.  He is a graduate of Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  He is a frequent speaker with respect to the impact of labor and employment laws and their impact on small and medium size businesses.  Within his practice, Beer routinely assists individuals in choosing the appropriate corporate form for their business start-up.

Brendon Beer describes the various legal entities for inventors

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