Methods for Protecting Shareholders

Owners of shares of a corporation have the right to vote for directors and to share proportionally in any distribution of corporate profits or, in the case of dissolution, in the distribution of corporate assets. There are several ways to protect these interests of shareholders. Such protection is especially important to shareholders of closely held corporations who may not be able to or do not wish to find a market for their shares.

Registration of a Public Offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission

A company that decides to sell its stock to the public must file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The registration statement is made public as it is filed. However, the company may not sell its securities described in the registration statement until staff of the Commission has declared that the registration statement is effective.

Qualification Examinations for Persons in the Securities Industry

Persons who wish to enter the securities industry to sell or trade securities must pass an initial examination in order to be eligible to register with a self-regulatory organization such as the New York or American Stock Exchanges or Nasdaq.

Trademark Law

(Federal False Advertising and False Designation of Origin Claims)

Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks Defined

Copyrights, patents, and trademarks can be among the most valuable assets of a business.