Name, Image, Likeness
A State Law Approach to Student Athlete Name, Image, and Likeness Rights: A Guide for Interpreting Each States’ Legislation

The purpose of this article is to update and summarize the existing and differing state legislation currently in place regarding student athletes’ name, image, and likeness rights.


Funding & Capital Raising
Advisor Exclusions

There are some specific exclusions from the SEC and Texas state rule for what constitutes an Investment Adviser.


Funding & Capital Raising
Buying What You Are Selling

Unless there is an exemption, an Investment Company needs to file with the SEC and make certain disclosures to investors.


Funding & Capital Raising
The Advice You Give

Generally, any time you are giving advice you need to register. Attorneys, accountants, psychologists, etc. There is no difference when you are giving advice on securities. 


Blockchain
Blockchain Breakfast Summer Series, Part 1: Weird Use Cases

This Tuesday, Vela Wood hosted the first of its three-part “Blockchain Breakfast” series. James Johnson joined us to “get weird with blockchain.” James is the co-founder and CMO of Oaken Innovations, a blockchain software company focused on automotive mobility applications.


Blockchain
This is Howey. Do it.

Earlier this month, the SEC posted guidance and a No-Action letter to Turnkey Jets, giving more insight into the particular way the Howey test is applied to tokens.


Blockchain
Wyoming: Move Over, Delaware!

Wyoming’s 2019 legislative session just wrapped up, and as of close the state has signed 13 blockchain-friendly laws into effect. These laws are a strong play to attract blockchain businesses and development to the state of Wyoming.


Funding & Capital Raising
Restricted Equity v. Options & 83(b) Elections

Recently formed companies often issue restricted equity to stakeholders, but once the companies close a funding round or achieve significant revenue, restricted equity is inappropriate. Instead, the company needs an option plan and to issue options. This blog will answer, […]


Funding & Capital Raising
Incentive Stock Options v. Non-Qualified Stock Options

For cash-starved startups, compensating employees with options can be a great way for founders to motivate the employees to increase the company’s worth, and to remain with the company. However, the differing vehicles to issue options can be confusing. Often, […]


VW Abroad
Bringing Startup Culture To Law In Brazil

A Q&A with our 2018 YLAI Fellow Fabio Cendão, an attorney and entrepreneur from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, regarding his fellowship, his work in Brazil, and his time at Vela Wood and in Dallas.