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The Rule 505 Exemption from Registration Requirements for Small Securities Offerings

Before selling shares of stock to the public, a company normally must file a detailed registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The usual registration statement must contain a prospectus with audited financial statements and other information required for review by Commission staff. However, several exemptions from registration requirements are available for stock offerings that are of lesser value or sold to restricted categories of purchasers.

Statutory Conflict of Interest Provisions

A majority of states have statutes that address director and officer conflicts of interests in corporate transactions. The conflict of interest provisions vary from state to state; however, most states have enacted some version of the conflict of interest provisions contained in the Revised Model Business Corporation Act.

"Persons" Subject to the Sherman Act

Sections 1 through 3 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C.S. §§ 1-3, provide for prison terms, fines and damages to be assessed against "persons" who enter into agreements in restraint of trade or who monopolize, attempt to monopolize or conspire to monopolize trade.

Basics of the Agency Relationship

Business often is conducted by agents who act for others. For example, insurance policies may be sold through agents. Agencies also exist in relationships between guardians and wards, employees and employers, estates and executors, and partners.

Investment Adviser Reporting Requirements

Investment advisers must file Form ADV with the Securities and Exchange Commission or with state offices for regulating securities. Investment advisers who manage $25 million or more in client assets must file the form and register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Advisers managing smaller amounts of assets must file Form ADV with state securities regulators.