Free Resource

Startup Legal Checklists

Printable, no-signup checklists for the moments that matter most: incorporation, hiring, IP protection, and fundraising.

Version: v1.0 Last Reviewed: 27 July 2026 Scope: General guidance for Indian private companies; not jurisdiction-specific
Please note: These checklists are general educational reference lists, not a substitute for legal advice on your specific facts. Requirements vary by company type, sector, and state. For guidance specific to your business, please book a consultation.

Incorporation Checklist

  • Choose and reserve a company name (ROC name availability check)
  • Draft and file Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Obtain Certificate of Incorporation
  • Apply for PAN and TAN
  • Open a company bank account
  • Issue share certificates to initial shareholders
  • Appoint first auditor within statutory timelines
  • Register for GST if applicable to your business
  • Set up statutory registers (members, directors, charges)
  • File initial ROC forms (e.g., commencement of business, if applicable)

Hiring & Employment Checklist

  • Draft a standard employment agreement template
  • Include IP assignment clauses in every employment agreement
  • Include confidentiality and non-solicit clauses where appropriate
  • Register for PF/ESI if headcount thresholds are met
  • Set up an offer letter template consistent with the employment agreement
  • Define a probation and confirmation process
  • Establish a written leave and holiday policy
  • Set up a POSH (workplace harassment) policy and internal committee if required

IP Protection Checklist

  • Identify all IP created by founders prior to incorporation and assign it to the company
  • Include IP assignment clauses in every employee and contractor agreement
  • File trademark applications for your brand name and logo
  • Consider copyright registration for key original content or code, where valuable
  • Maintain a simple internal log of what IP exists and who created it
  • Use NDAs before sharing sensitive product or business information externally

Fundraising Documentation Checklist

  • Prepare a clean, up-to-date cap table before any investor conversation
  • Organise existing corporate records (MOA/AOA, registers, resolutions) into a single data room
  • Have your founders’ agreement and any prior investment documents ready for review
  • Confirm all IP assignments are complete before diligence begins
  • Have employment agreements and ESOP documentation (if any) organised and current
  • Identify and disclose any pending disputes, notices, or liabilities upfront
  • Have a lawyer review the term sheet before signing, even if it looks standard

Want a Real Review, Not Just a Self-Assessment?

An attorney can review your actual documents and tell you exactly where you stand.

Book a Consultation
Related Resources

More Free Tools for Founders

Startups & SMEs Hub → Startup Legal Health Check → Founder Agreement Checker → Investment Readiness Score → ESOP Readiness Assessment → Due Diligence Readiness Tool → Downloadable Checklists → Founder Playbook →