Exclusivity

In a term sheet, there is commonly a requirement for temporary exclusivity that requires one or both parties to negotiate exclusively with the other for a limited time or under certain conditions so that the investment of resources and time into due diligence and negotiations intended to finalize the agreement does not get interrupted or wasted because of an interloping offer.

Certificate of Incorporation

The Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document that establishes a corporation as a legal entity and contains basic rules for governance of the corporation.

Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest is a situation in which a person is in a position to derive personal benefit from actions or decisions made in their official capacity.

Common Stock

Units of equity ownership in a corporation entitling their holder to a share of the corporation’s success through dividends and/or capital appreciation.

Bylaws

Formal rules adopted by a corporation that establish how it will be governed.

Corporate Veil

To “pierce the corporate veil” is to establish that there’s no legal separation between a company and the individuals involved. If a court “pierces the corporate veil”, stockholders may be held personally liable for the corporation’s obligations.

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