Corporate and Business Law

1. Business Law
   1. Business Entities
      1. Sole Proprietorships
         1. Definition and structure
         2. Advantages
            1. Simplicity of formation
            2. Full control for the owner
            3. Direct taxation
         3. Disadvantages
            1. Unlimited personal liability
            2. Challenges in raising capital
            3. Limited lifespan
      2. Partnerships
         1. General Partnerships
            1. Formation and characteristics
            2. Joint and several liability
            3. Management structure
            4. Profit and loss sharing
         2. Limited Partnerships (LPs)
            1. Role of general vs. limited partners
            2. Formation requirements
            3. Liability differences
         3. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
            1. Legal framework and registration
            2. Liability protections for partners
            3. Professional partnerships
      3. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
         1. Formation process
         2. Operating agreements
         3. Taxation options
            1. Default tax treatment
            2. Election for corporate tax status
         4. Member vs. manager management
         5. Advantages and disadvantages
      4. Joint Ventures
         1. Definition and purpose
         2. Formation process
         3. Advantages
            1. Risk and cost sharing
            2. Access to new markets and resources
         4. Disadvantages
            1. Complex legal agreements
            2. Potential for conflicts
   2. Contract Law
      1. Elements of a Contract
         1. Offer
            1. Definition and requirements
            2. Termination of offer
         2. Acceptance
            1. Methods of acceptance
            2. Communication of acceptance
         3. Consideration
            1. Definition and significance
            2. Examples of valid consideration
            3. Promissory estoppel
      2. Types of Contracts
         1. Employment Contracts
            1. Terms and conditions
            2. Confidentiality clauses
            3. Non-compete agreements
         2. Sales Contracts
            1. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) overview
            2. Title and risk of loss
            3. Warranties
         3. Lease Agreements
            1. Types of leases (residential vs. commercial)
            2. Essential terms
            3. Tenant and landlord rights and obligations
      3. Breach of Contract
         1. Types of breach
            1. Material breach
            2. Minor breach
         2. Anticipatory breach
         3. Defenses against breach claims
            1. Impossibility
            2. Unconscionability
      4. Remedies
         1. Damages
            1. Compensatory damages
            2. Punitive damages
            3. Liquidated damages
         2. Specific Performance
            1. Situations warranting specific performance
            2. Limitations and enforceability
   3. Employment Law
      1. Employment Contracts
         1. Elements of a binding employment contract
         2. At-will employment doctrine
         3. Termination clauses
      2. Employee Rights and Protections
         1. Minimum wage and overtime regulations
         2. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
         3. Employee retirement benefits and protections
      3. Workplace Safety
         1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
         2. Employer responsibilities
         3. Employee rights to a safe workplace
      4. Discrimination and Harassment
         1. Identification of protected classes
         2. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines
         3. Employer liability and preventive measures
   4. Intellectual Property Law
      1. Patents
         1. Types of patents
            1. Utility patents
            2. Design patents
            3. Plant patents
         2. Patent application process and requirements
         3. Patent infringement and enforcement
      2. Trademarks
         1. Function of trademarks
         2. Trademark registration process
         3. Infringement and defenses
      3. Copyrights
         1. Definition and scope of protection
         2. Duration of copyrights
         3. Copyright infringement consequences
      4. Trade Secrets
         1. Definition and examples
         2. Legal protections and remedies
         3. Maintaining confidentiality
   5. Commercial Law
      1. Sales of Goods
         1. Contract for the sale of goods
         2. Implied warranties
      2. Commercial Transactions
         1. Secured transactions
            1. Security interests and collateral
            2. Perfection and priorities
         2. Negotiable instruments
            1. Types of negotiable instruments
            2. Endorsements and negotiation
      3. Consumer Protection
         1. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations
         2. Consumer rights and responsibilities
         3. Unfair trade practices
   6. Dispute Resolution
      1. Litigation
         1. Court system overview
         2. Civil procedure
         3. Trial process
      2. Arbitration
         1. Benefits and drawbacks
         2. Arbitration clauses
         3. Arbitration process steps
      3. Mediation
         1. Role and structure of mediation
         2. Benefits of mediation
         3. Enforceability of mediated agreements
   7. Bankruptcy Law
      1. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
         1. Eligibility and means test
         2. Liquidation process
         3. Dischargeable debts
      2. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
         1. Reorganization process
         2. Debtor-in-possession concept
         3. Plan of reorganization
      3. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
         1. Repayment plan structure
         2. Eligibility criteria
         3. Discharge process
      4. Reorganization and Liquidation
         1. Differences in approach
         2. Strategic considerations for businesses
         3. Impact on creditors and stakeholders