Corporate Law
Definition, State Laws, Publications, Organizations
Corporations are taxable entities, which shields the individual owners or shareholders from personal liability for the liabilities and debts of the corporation, with some limited exceptions – such as unpaid taxes.
Corporations are often used in tax structuring, as they are taxed at a lower rate than individuals. Until formally dissolved, a corporation has perpetual life; the termination or deaths of officials or stockholders does not alter the corporate structure. States have registration laws requiring corporations that incorporate in other states to request permission to do in-state business.
There are also federal laws relevant to corporations. Corporations in certain industries are subject to federal regulation and licensing, such as communications and public transportation. The Securities Act of 1933, which is federal law, regulates how corporate securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) are issued and sold.
Corporate law professionals are trained in the legal formation of corporations. These attorneys also construct joint ventures, licensing arrangements, mergers, acquisitions, and the countless other transactions entered into by corporations. Other areas of practice include business formations, securities law, venture capital financing, business agreements, internal forms, and business tax consultations. Visit us at Google+ Copyright HG.org
Corporate Law - US
- ABA - Model Business Corporations Act
The laws governing every aspect of a corporation exist within the Model Business Corporation Act. The law lays out in detail the steps required to form a corporation and the reasons for which a corporation may be formed. In addition, the MBCA describes various voting procedures for making decisions and provides insight on the rights of shareholders and directors. The code provides for the rules that govern mergers and acquisitions as well as the sale and issuance of stock. The act itself has 17 chapters and covers almost 200 pages.
- Corporate Law - Definition
Corporate law in the United States is a collection of 50 different systems of corporate law, or one law for each state. Two sources of law are, however particularly important. Firstly, the Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA), which is drafted by the American Bar Association was influential and adopted by twenty four states. Secondly, because, under the US Constitution, companies are free to incorporate in any state, regardless of whether they are doing any business there or have their headquarters there, states have competed on various rules to attract business, and many corporations found Delaware's laws and specialized courts attractive. More than half of US corporations are incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL), and Delaware corporate law is particularly influential.
- Corporations - Overview
A corporation is a legal entity created through the laws of its state of incorporation. Individual states have the power to promulgate laws relating to the creation, organization and dissolution of corporations. Many states follow the Model Business Corporation Act.
- Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL)
The Delaware General Corporation Law (Title 8, Chapter 1 of the Delaware Code) is the statute governing corporate law in the state of Delaware. Delaware is well known as a corporate haven. Over 50% of U.S. publicly-traded corporations and 60% of the Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in that state.
- Different Types of Corporations
Anyone who operates a business, alone or with others, may incorporate. This is also true for anyone or any group engaged in religious, civil, non-profit or charitable endeavors. You do not have to be a business giant to be able to have the financial and other benefits of operating a corporation. Given the right circumstances, the owner(s) of a business of any size can benefit from incorporating.
- Uniform Commercial Code
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a set of suggested laws relating to commercial transactions. The UCC was one of many uniform codes that grew out of a late nineteenth-century movement toward uniformity among state laws.
Division of Corporations by State
Organizations Related to Corporate Law
- National Corporate Research, Ltd. (NCR)
National Corporate Research, Ltd. ("NCR") is a professional registered agent company that has been providing nationwide statutory representation, corporate and secured transaction services since 1980. NCR also provides legislative and government agency research services and offers a variety of services for law librarians.
- NRAI Corporate Services
NRAI Corporate Services located in St. Louis opened its doors in 2006 as National Corporate Services with a veteran staff which have a combined 70 years of corporate transaction expertise. Our team of industry veterans knows what to do and how to do it. We serve major law firms and corporations across the county and our daily objective is to make your day easier. We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of personalized service while delivering quick turnarounds and a more cost-effective solution to your corporate, UCC and registered agent needs.
Publications Related to Corporate Law
- American Business Law Journal
The American Business Law Journal (ABLJ) is a quarterly law review published on behalf of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB). The journal explores the whole range of topics related to business and corporate law and is an essential resource for students, professors and all professionals in the field.
- Journal of Corporation Law
Articles cover corporate legal topics and development important to businesses, scholars and practicing lawyers.
Articles on HG.org Related to Corporate Law
- Tax Transformation from Business Tax to Value-Added Tax in ChinaThe State Administration of Taxation has issued the Provisional Measures of Applying the Exempt, Credit and Refund Method to Zero-rated Value-added Tax Services in Their Transformation from Business Tax to Value-added Tax under the Pilot Program (the “Provisional Measures”) on April 5th, 2012, which has retrospectively become into effective since January 1st, 2012.
- Economic Freedom in PolandIt is said that the most general polish law concerning the law of economic activity may be found in The Economic Freedom Act of 21st August 2004. Its importance lies in the general rule stipulating that “every business activity is allowed in Poland unless it is not literarily abandoned, restricted or limited by a statute.”
- Capital Gains Tax in CyprusCapital Gains Tax (“CGT”) is a tax imposed on capital gains made by companies and individuals in Cyprus. - Application - It is applied to any gain that is attributable to: a) the disposal of immovable property located in the Republic; and b) the sale of shares in a company that owns immovable property in the Republic provided that the relevant company is not listed on a recognized stock exchange.
- An Introduction to Personal and Business Income Tax in CyprusIn a challenging financial climate, it has never been more important to comprehend the system of taxation in the jurisdictions in which you operate. One needs to be fully aware of the entire picture concerning applicable fiscal provisions and the advantages that one jurisdiction may present over another in order to make informed and correct choices about various venues for undertaking international business.
- New Detailed Rules Regulating Value-added Tax and Business Tax of ChinaThe new Detailed Rules of the Provisional Regulations on Value-added Tax of the People’s Republic of China (the “VAT Rules”) and the new Detailed Rules of the Provisional Regulations on Business Tax of the People’s Republic of China (the “Business Tax Rules”) were issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on October 28, 2011 and will become effective as of November 1, 2011.
- Legally Operating a Medical Marijuana Business in CaliforniaPursuant to California law, medical marijuana businesses legally are allowed to operate in the state. However, there are conflicts in the laws and confusion about what is and is not permitted. This article provides some general information on this unique area of business law and summarizes some of the major differences and similarities between these organizations and those in other industries.
- The Asheville Food Truck IndustryBusiness is booming in the Asheville food truck industry. It took a little while (about a year) for Asheville City Council to approve the downtown vending. But as of Friday, March 2 food truck owners have their own space in downtown Asheville. “The Lot” is what food truck owners are calling the parking lot located next to the bus station at 51 Coxe Ave.
- The JOBS Act – Key Provisions You Should KnowLast month, President Obama signed historic and far reaching legislation into law – the Jumpstart Our Business Start-ups Act (the “JOBS Act”). The broad impact of the JOBS Act effects companies – whether private or public, domestic or foreign – as well as capital raises, the IPO market, and more.
- Recognized Incorporated Cell Companies - MaltaOn the 17th April 2012, the Companies Act (Recognized Incorporated Cell Companies) Regulations were incorporated into Maltese law by virtue of L.N. 119 of 2012. The said Regulations are supplemented by the MFSA Investment Services Rules for Recognized Incorporated Cell Companies (“RICC”) and Incorporated Cells which have been integrated into the existing MFSA investment services regulatory framework.
- Stepping Up on Corporate Governance of Listed Issuers in Hong KongIn line with the trend towards higher level of corporate governance and more accountability of listed issuers and their directors in many other countries, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) released its Consultation Conclusions on Review of the Corporate Governance Code (“Code”) and Associated Listing Rules (the “Conclusions”) on 28 October 2011.
- All Business and Industry Law Articles
Articles written by attorneys and experts worldwide discussing legal aspects related to Business and Industry including: agency and distributorship, agency law, business and industry, business formation, business law, commercial law, contracts, corporate governance, corporate law, e-commerce, food and beverages law, franchising, industrial and manufacturing, joint ventures, legal economics, marketing law, mergers and acquisitions, offshore services, privatization law, retail, shareholders rights and utilities.

