Business filing and licensing agencies provide solutions to help businesses comply with filing and licensing regulations. Procedures vary based on industry and location, but most businesses are required to obtain licenses and file reports with governmental agencies. Common services offered by these agencies include incorporation, registered agent enrollment, and the filing of annual reports. These services are typically designed for new businesses or organizations that are expanding or making changes to their company. Certain filings and licenses are only available directly from governmental agencies. In these cases, filing and licensing agencies will typically offer advice on where to access these services. Some businesses may choose to consult with legal services before making any filing or licensing decisions. In cases of encroachment where intellectual property (IP) conflicts arise, businesses may seek a resolution by working with intellectual property litigation services.
To qualify for inclusion in the Business Filing and Licensing category, a service provider must:
- Offer a distinct service that assists businesses with government filing or licensing requirements, such as incorporation, registered agent services, annual report filing, or licenses and permit applications
- Prepare, submit, manage, or facilitate business filings or government-issued licenses or permit applications or provide statutory registered agent representation, on behalf of clients, rather than merely offering advice, referrals, or self-service software
- Provide guidance or status updates regarding applicable filing requirements, documentation, deadlines, approvals, renewals, or completed submissions
