Jason Adelstone

Jason Adelstone is a seasoned business lawyer, international policy advisor, and problem solver. Based in Denver, Colorado, he provides domestic and international legal counsel to a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, corporations, religious organizations, and federal and international cannabis operators. His practice spans corporate law, international policy, and cannabis regulatory compliance, helping clients navigate the complexities of the global cannabis industry and beyond.

A stressed man sits at a laptop surrounded by documents, folders labeled “Closed” and “Denied,” IRS forms, bills, and symbols of financial and legal issues—highlighting common US LLC formation mistakes. Text reads “DIY LLC Mistakes.”.

Why Foreign Companies Should Not DIY a U.S. LLC

Why Foreign Companies Should Not DIY a U.S. LLC Your first American customer sends you a $50,000 purchase order. They need your ACH details by Friday. You formed a $699 LLC online and now you cannot open a U.S. bank account, or you cannot open one fast enough to keep the deal. This is not

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How to Form a Foreign-Owned U.S. Limited Liability Company That Avoids Bank Rejections, 5472 Penalties, and State Registration Traps

Forming a Foreign-Owned U.S. LLC that Avoids the $25,000 Form 5472 Penalty and Bank Account Rejections Despite all the geopolitical issues swirling around the United States (or perhaps because of them), our law firm has never been busier helping foreign companies establish a business here. We have also never been busier helping companies that tried

A sign stating "FDA 54% of vapes illegal" with a crossed-out vape icon and "Vape import compliance: What importers must know" at the bottom.

FDA Declares 54% of Vapes Illegal: What Importers Must Know Now

FDA Declares 54% of Vapes Illegal: What Importers Must Know Now According to the FDA, 54% of vape products currently sold in the United States are unauthorized and illegally distributed. On September 30, 2025, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary issued a public notice titled Encouraging Retailers to Stop Selling Illegal Vapes, announcing that the agency

Infographic summarizing Delaware's 2025 corporate law update, highlighting changes for registered agents, correction certificates, disclosure requirements, and ratification authority.

Delaware’s New Requirements for LLCs, Corporations & Partnerships

New Delaware Requirements for LLCs, Corporations & Partnerships Delaware has long been the premier jurisdiction for U.S. business incorporation. It is known for its robust legal framework and favorable court system. But with the 2025 updates to Delaware corporate law, businesses that are incorporated in Delaware—or maintain a Delaware entity registration—must adapt to a number

A chef and a businessperson shake hands outside a restaurant, with scales of justice and a world map in the background; text reads "How to use legal counsel when expanding internationally.

So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas – Part 6: How to Use Legal Counsel When Expanding Internationally

How to Use Legal Counsel When Expanding Internationally International restaurant expansion is a high-stakes leap that will put every part of your business to the test: operations, supply chains, culture, finance, intellectual property, and above all, the law. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of new markets and emerging culinary scenes, but

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Six Part Series: So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas – Part 5: Local Legal Challenges

Country-Specific Legal Challenges in Restaurant Expansion Understanding How Real-World Law Shapes Global Success Expanding your restaurant internationally tests every part of your business—from operations and supply chains to culture, finance, and, of course, the law. International expansion is more than translating your brand or replicating your menu. As lawyers with decades of experience in cross-border

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So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas – Part 4 of 6: Intellectual Property Considerations

Expanding Your Restaurant Internationally: Intellectual Property Considerations It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new markets and emerging culinary scenes, but international expansion requires far more than translating your brand or replicating your menu abroad. It demands that you navigate unfamiliar legal systems, mitigate new risks, structure smartly, and ensure your intellectual

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So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas – Part 3 of 6: Employment, Data Privacy, and Consumer Protection

Employment, Data Privacy, and Consumer Protection Expanding your restaurant internationally isn’t just a growth strategy—it’s a transformative leap that touches every part of your business: operations, supply chains, culture, finance, and, critically, the law. The excitement of new markets and culinary landscapes is real—but success abroad demands far more than translating your brand or replicating

Illustration with icons of a government building, checklist, dollar sign, and food shield, highlighting regulatory, licensing, and financial requirements.

So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas – Part 2 of 6: Regulatory, Licensing, and Financial Requirements

Regulatory, Licensing, and Financial Requirements Expanding your restaurant internationally is more than a growth strategy—it’s a major leap that tests every part of your business. From operations and supply chains to culture, finance, and law, every element will create new challenges. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of new markets and emerging

Infographic about choosing the right legal framework for expanding a restaurant overseas, highlighting subsidiary, branch, and franchise options.

So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas – A Six Part Series

So You Want to Take Your Restaurant(s) Overseas  Choosing the Right Legal Framework for Going Global Expanding your restaurant internationally is more than a growth strategy—it’s a major leap that tests every part of your business, from operations and supply chains to culture, finance, and of course, law. It’s easy to get swept up in