Trademark Law

(Federal False Advertising and False Designation of Origin Claims)

"Mini" Tender Offers

Tender offers for less than five percent of the stock of a company have been labeled mini-tender offers. Such offers are subject to some regulation but are not subject to the full range of rules enacted to protect investors who own stock in a company for which a full tender offer is made. Thus, while a mini-tender offer may include a premium over market price for a selling shareholder, the lack of all of the protections provided for recipients of a full tender offer suggests a more cautious view of the merits of the mini-tender offer.

Record Retention Requirements for Securities Brokers and Dealers

Brokers and dealers engaging in securities transactions are required to maintain various records for varying periods under Securities and Exchange Commission rules. For example, "blotters" reflecting all purchases and sales of securities must be retained for six years. Copies of sale or purchase confirmations must be kept in an easily accessible place for two years and then for an additional year thereafter.

Ultra Vires Acts

In most states, the duty of obedience is recognized as one of the three fiduciary duties a director owes to the corporation. One component of the duty of obedience is that a director is prohibited from committing an ultra vires act. Ultra vires, translated from the Latin, means "beyond powers." An ultra vires act is beyond the scope of the powers bestowed on the corporation (and the director) by the corporate charter or bylaws. Thus, a director commits an ultra vires act when he acts without or beyond the authority vested in him by the corporation.

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.