Internal Revenue Code: Federal tax law governing independent contractor vs. employee classification, crucial for establishing proper consulting relationship
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law establishing wage, hour, and employment standards, relevant for ensuring proper contractor classification
Federal Trade Secrets Act: Federal legislation protecting trade secrets, essential for confidentiality provisions in consulting agreements
Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA): Federal law providing additional trade secret protections and remedies, important for intellectual property protection
Sherman Antitrust Act: Federal antitrust law affecting the scope and enforceability of non-compete provisions in consulting agreements
Copyright Act: Federal law governing intellectual property rights, crucial for determining ownership of works created during consulting engagement
Patent Act: Federal law governing patent rights, relevant if consulting services involve patentable innovations or inventions
State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and remedies
State Labor Laws: State-specific employment and contractor regulations that may affect consulting relationships
State Trade Secret Laws: State-specific protections for trade secrets that complement federal regulations
State Non-Compete Laws: State-specific regulations governing the enforceability and scope of non-compete agreements
Contract Formation Requirements: Common law principles regarding offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent to create binding agreements
Good Faith and Fair Dealing: Common law doctrine requiring parties to act honestly and fairly in contract performance
IRS Independent Contractor Guidelines: Federal tax guidelines determining proper classification of independent contractors versus employees
State Licensing Requirements: State-specific professional licensing requirements that may apply to certain consulting services
