Assistant Professor. University of Wyoming College of Business.

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University of Wyoming

MGT 4910
Special Topic: Business Law for Entrepreneurs
Mondays & Wednesdays 12:45-2:00 p.m., Engineering Bldg. 3112
Fall 2009


Required Text: Bagley & Dauchy, The Entrepreneur's Guide to Business Law, 3rd Edition (2008).


Course Description: This course will focus on the various legal issues confronted by entrepreneurs, particularly related to new ventures


Prerequisites: MGT 1040 (Legal Environment of Business or its equivalent) and junior standing.


This Course will substitute for:

  • MGT 4340 (Law for Managers) for Business Administration and Management majors; and

  • Any Elective Course in the Entrepreneurship Minor.


Topics Covered:

Leaving Your Employer

Understanding contractual restrictions that may be in place that limit an entrepreneur’s ability to start a business that competes with a present employer

Deciding Whether to Incorporate

A review of the various forms of businesses; their advantages and disadvantages

Structuring the Ownership

Understanding the degree of ownership and control within the organization

Forming and Working with the Board

Understanding the factors involved in forming an effective board of directors

Raising Money and Securities Regulation

A review of the various sources of capital and the laws and regulations associated with raising capital

Contracts and Leases

A review of basic contract law, with an emphasis on the needs of entrepreneurs

E-Commerce and Sales of Goods and Services

Entrepreneurial issues associated with the sale of goods and services, including a discussion of e-commerce issues

Marshalling Human Resources

Understanding legal restrictions for pre-hiring, hiring, and terminating employees, as well as working with independent contractors

Operational Liabilities and Insurance

Understanding the various ways a business may be liable to others for its conduct and operations, and how to insure against such liabilities

Creditors Rights and Bankruptcy

Understanding credit obligations, defaults, foreclosures, and bankruptcy

Intellectual Property and Cyberlaw

Understanding intellectual property rights, particularly related to e-commerce

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