ABSTRACT
Many comic artists form a creative services company for the sole purpose of offering their artistic services to a publisher. Other comic creators form their own publishing companies to hold all the IP rights in their works (don’t worry, you can still call yourself a publishing company even if you are ultimately trying to interest a bigger publishing company in acquiring your book). Heck, you might want to think even bigger, and form an entertainment company for the purpose of exploiting your comic books properties in print, games, and movies. No matter the purpose of your company, the first step is often to create a business entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. There are many advantages to setting up a business entity:
You can divide the financial risk among several people. The members, partners, or shareholders of a business share in the company’s profits and losses.
Your company is considered a legal person and as such can enter into contracts, bring lawsuits, and hold intellectual property rights (such as the copyright to a comic book).
You can separate your personal finances from the company’s finances.
You may die someday, but your company doesn’t have to. Some kinds of businesses can last forever, and ownership of those companies, such as shares or membership interests, can be passed down from generation to generation.
