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12/18/2009 SEC Adopts New Public Company Disclosure Requirements About Risk, Corporate Governance and Compensation
The Securities and Exchange Commission believes that public company investors are increasingly concerned about corporate accountability. To enhance investors' ability to make informed voting and investment decisions, and help them evaluate company leadership, on December 16, 2009, the SEC adopted rules requiring new disclosures about risk, corporate governance and compensation. more
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8/7/2009 Executive Compensation Alert: 2009 Update on Stock Options in India
This is an overview of some of the legal and strategic issues related to a U.S. parent company granting stock options to employees of its Indian subsidiary, including consideration of exchange controls, securities laws and tax burdens. more
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8/5/2009 Executive Compensation Alert: House Passes Executive Compensation Bill
On August 3, the House, led by Representative Barney Frank, passed the Corporate and Financial Institution Compensation Fairness Act of 2009 (H.R. 3269), which applies to public companies and would (i) give shareholders a "say on pay" by providing a nonbinding, advisory vote on the company's pay practices for top executives... more more
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7/27/2009 Corporate and Securities Update: Compensation and Corporate Governance Disclosure Update
In a July 10 release, the SEC published proposed rules to expand the level of disclosure in proxy statements, primarily in the areas of executive compensation and corporate governance... more
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7/2/2009 Corporate and Securities Update: Major Corporate Governance Proposals Are on the Way
On July 1 the Securities and Exchange Commission took action on three measures that affect public company compensation and governance more
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6/24/2009 Corporate Governance Reforms and Executive Compensation – The Perfect Storm
Over the next few months we are likely to witness the development of a "perfect storm" of corporate governance reforms and executive compensation changes at U.S. public companies. more
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6/17/2009 Federal Initiatives Affecting Corporate Law
In recent weeks, leading legislators and regulators have announced a series of initiatives arising, in one way or another, out of the recent economic crisis. more
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6/9/2009 Corporate and Securities Update: SEC Update—SEC Proposed Rules Would Make It Easier For Stockholders to Nominate Board Members; Compensation Disclosure Changes On The Way
The SEC announced that it will propose amendments to the proxy rules to facilitate the ability of stockholders to propose nominees for election to a board of directors. more
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2/18/2009 Corporate and Securities Alert: Delaware Supreme Court Confirms Officers' Fiduciary Duties and Refines the Application of the Common Law Doctrine of Shareholder Ratification
The Delaware Supreme Court's recent decision in Gantler vs. Stephens (Del. January 27, 2009) – where the Court issued a rare reversal of a Court of Chancery decision – contains several noteworthy holdings on core corporate governance principles... more
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1/21/2009 Securities Litigation Update—Must A Corporation Disclose Privileged Information To Avoid Prosecution, And If It Does So, Will It Be At The Mercy Of The Plaintiffs' Bar? – Recent Developments In DOJ Policy And Case Law
Many boards and executives of corporations subject to criminal and civil regulatory investigations have grappled with the highly charged decision of whether to provide the government with privileged communications and attorney work product.... more
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1/7/2009 Executive Compensation Alert: IRS Tax Notice For Incentive Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Section 6039 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") requires that by January 31, 2009, employers provide certain information to their employees (or former employees) who in 2008 either exercised "incentive stock options" ("ISOs") or transferred shares purchased under an "employee stock purchase plan" (an "ESPP").... more
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1/7/2009 Mergers and Acquisitions Alert: New HSR Thresholds for 2009
The dollar thresholds for pre-acquisition filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act will increase mid-February (exact date still pending), due to an annual adjustment mechanism that was created in the last round of amendments to the HSR Act... more
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12/8/2008 Securities Litigation Alert: Ninth Circuit Affirms District Court's Dismissal of Securities Class Action
On November 26, 2008, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a securities fraud lawsuit brought by Glazer Capital Management against InVision Technologies, Inc. and two of its executive officers.... more
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11/24/2008 Corporate and Securities Alert: FINRA Announces Changes to Analyst Rules
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, as part of its process of enacting a consolidated rulebook, announced proposed changes to its existing conflicts of interest rules regarding research analysts... more
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10/22/2008 Corporate and Securities Alert: M&A Development—Additional Guidance from the Delaware Chancery Court on MAE Clauses
Hexion v. Huntsman provides lessons on what constitutes a Material Adverse Effect and the meaning of "reasonable best efforts" and "knowing and intentional breach."... more
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10/2/2008 FASB to Reconsider Plan for Sweeping Changes to Contingent Liabilities Disclosures
On September 24, 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") decided to reconsider its previously-proposed amendments to FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies ("Statement 5"), and FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations... more
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8/11/2008 Corporate and Securities Alert: Auction Rate Securities—Recent Settlements with SEC and Other Regulators
On August 7 and 8, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced settlements with Citigroup Global Markets and UBS Securities and UBS Financial Services Inc.... more
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7/11/2008 SEC Extends Date of Auditor Attestation for Non-Accelerated Filers
On June 26, 2008, the SEC announced it extended the date for non-accelerated filers to include in Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-KSB the auditor attestation required under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. more
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3/24/2008 SOX Litigation-Hold Triggers — Public and Private Companies Susceptible to Criminal Prosecution for Obstruction of Justice
Years after passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, many companies still believe the Act applies uniquely to public companies. more
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2/18/2008 Corporate and Securities Alert: Delaware Supreme Court Confirms Officers' Fiduciary Duties and Refines the Application of the Common Law Doctrine of Shareholder Ratification
The Delaware Supreme Court's recent decision in Gantler vs. Stephens (Del. January 27, 2009) – where the Court issued a rare reversal of a Court of Chancery decision – contains several noteworthy holdings on core corporate governance principles... more
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1/30/2008 Corporate and Securities Alert: Securities and Exchange Commission Adopts Amendments to Rules 144 and 145
For the first time since 1997, the SEC has made significant amendments to Rules 144 and 145 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). more
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1/28/2008 Securities Litigation Alert: The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: The Next Corporate Scandal?
As the stock option backdating cases wind down, what will be the next corporate scandal to gain widespread notoriety? more
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1/16/2008 Corporate and Securities Alert: eProxy Rules Are Now Effective for Large Accelerated Filers
The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted an amendment to its proxy statement rules in July 2007 regarding electronic availability of proxy materials. more
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10/22/2007 Executive Compensation Alert: IRS Extends Section 409A Remedial Amendment Period to December 31, 2008
On October 22, 2007 the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") issued much anticipated guidance in the form of Notice 2007-86 that extends the remedial amendment period with the final regulations under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A ("Section 409A") from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008. more
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10/10/2007 Securities Litigation Alert: Stoneridge Investment Partners LLC v. Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
On October 9, 2007, the United States Supreme Court heard oral argument in Stoneridge Investment Partners, LLC v. Scientific-Atlanta, Inc., which centers on how wide a net plaintiffs may cast in securities class action suits. more
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9/4/2007 Securities Litigation Alert: Insider Trading Is Back
Most of the SEC enforcement actions brought this year against Wall Street professionals and corporate executives involve insider trading in advance of mergers and acquisitions. more
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7/23/2007 Tax Alert: IRS Targeting Backdating Issue
On July 11 the IRS released an internal Industry Director Directive memorandum dated June 15, 2007 (the "Directive"), which designates transactions involving backdated stock options as a "Tier I Issue" for IRS agents. more
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6/21/2007 Securities Litigation Alert: A Major Victory for Defendants in Securities Class Actions: Tellabs, Inc. v. Makor Issues & Rights, Ltd.
On June 21, 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision that provides welcome news to any public company, officer or director facing the prospect of a securities class action lawsuit. more
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6/20/2007 U.S. Supreme Court Reconciles Antitrust Law and Securities Regulation
On June 18, 2007, in Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC v. Billing, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an important decision about the relationship between the federal antitrust laws and the federal securities laws more
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5/30/2007 2007 Update on Granting Stock Options in India
This is an overview of some of the legal and strategic issues related to a U.S. parent company granting stock options to employees of its Indian subsidiary, including consideration of exchange controls, securities laws and tax burdens. more
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5/24/2007 Antitrust Alert: Beware of HSR Filing Requirements for Option Exercises or Vesting of Restricted Stock
This week the Federal Trade Commission obtained a $250,000 civil penalty against James Dondero, the operator of the Highland Capital hedge fund and a director of Motient Corporation, for making a late Hart-Scott-Rodino Act filing in connection with his 2005 exercise of options to acquire 10,000 Motient shares. more
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4/16/2007 Executive Compensation Alert: IRS Issues Final Regulations Under Section 409A
On April 10, 2007, the IRS issued final regulations under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Section 409A). more
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4/12/2007 Securities Litigation Alert: Northern District of California Dismisses Shareholder Derivative Stock Options Backdating Case: In re CNET Networks, Inc., Shareholder Derivative Litig.
In a detailed and thoughtful decision—and one that is certain to be cited frequently in the months ahead ? Judge William Alsup has dismissed a shareholder derivative complaint against various officers and directors of CNET Networks, Inc... more
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3/30/2007 Securities Litigation Alert: Tellabs, Inc. et al. v. Makor Issues & Rights, Ltd., et al.
On March 28, 2007, the United States Supreme Court heard oral argument in Tellabs, Inc., et al. v. Makor Issues & Rights, Ltd., et al., a case that promises to resolve a significant and long-standing disagreement among courts on interpretation of the requirement that plaintiffs in securities fraud actions plead a "strong inference" of scienter. more
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2/12/2007 Securities Litigation Alert: First Delaware Decisions on Option Grant Dating: Ryan v. Gifford and In re Tyson Foods, Inc. Consol. Shareholder Litig.
In two separate decisions issued on February 6, the Delaware Chancery Court weighed in for the first time on issues directly relating to the current wave of stock option matters. more
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2/12/2007 Tax Alert: IRS Program for Correcting Underwithholding of 409A Taxes on "Backdated Options"
The IRS has announced a voluntary correction program (the "Program") that employers can use to correct underwithholding of certain taxes incurred from the exercise in 2006 of "backdated options." more
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1/19/2007 2007 Update to Guide to Establishing a Subsidiary in China
As China's strength in the global economy continues to grow, businesses need to consider the prospect of establishing operations within its borders. more
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1/19/2007 2007 Update to Doing Business in China via the Cayman Islands
Many companies doing business in China are using a structure which includes a company formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands ("CI"). more
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1/16/2007 Corporate and Securities Law Update - New HSR Thresholds and Waiting Periods Effective February 2007
The dollar thresholds for pre-acquisition filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act will increase effective February 16 or 19, 2007 (depending on publication date), due to an annual adjustment mechanism that was created in the last round of amendments to the Act. more
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1/5/2007 Corporate and Securities Law Update - SEC Adopts FAS 123R Practice for Disclosure of Share-Based Executive Compensation
To close out 2006 the SEC has issued a welcome amendment of its Executive Compensation Disclosure Rules (adopted in July 2006) so that the calculation and reporting of the compensation from equity awards will be easier to compare with the values reported in the company's financial statements. more
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11/7/2006 Form 8-K Summary Chart
An at-a-glance chart that outlines the Form 8-K disclosure items, corresponding items from the prior Form 8-K, relation to safe harbor provisions and Form S-3 eligibility, updated. more
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11/7/2006 Form 8-K Reference Chart
A detailed reference chart that highlights event triggers and disclosure requirements for each section of the Form 8-K, updated. more
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10/5/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Extension of Required 409A Compliance Date
The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department issued Notice 2006-79 (the "Notice") on October 4, 2006. more
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8/22/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - SEC Adopts Sweeping Changes to Executive and Director Compensation Disclosure Rules
On July 26, 2006, the SEC adopted sweeping changes to its rules for disclosing compensation of executive officers and directors of public companies, information about related person transactions, director independence and other corporate governance matters. more
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5/2/2006 2006 Update to Granting Stock Options in India
This is an overview of the legal and strategic issues related to a U.S. parent company granting stock options to employees of its Indian subsidiary, including consideration of exchange controls, securities laws and obtaining possible tax benefits for an optionee. more
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4/17/2006 Comments on the SEC's Proposed Changes to Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure Requirements
The Release requests comment as to changes that could be made to the proposal to avoid boilerplate disclosure in the proposed Compensation Disclosure and Analysis. more
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3/10/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Determining Filing Deadlines for Periodic Reports
In December 2005, the SEC adopted new filing deadlines for Forms 10-K and 10-Q, creating three tiers of filing deadlines based upon the filing company’s market capitalization. more
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3/7/2006 Life Sciences Companies Face Special Disclosure Challenges
Life sciences companies face difficult disclosure issues because they operate in a particularly complex and financially sensitive regulatory environment. more
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2/14/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - SEC Rule Proposal Creates Current Action Items
As we described in previous alerts, the SEC has proposed sweeping new rules governing public company disclosure of executive and director compensation arrangements and related party transactions. more
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1/31/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - SEC Proposes New Rules for Executive Compensation Disclosure—The Details Emerge
The SEC has now made available the text of its rule proposals covering executive compensation and related party transaction disclosure. more
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1/24/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - M&A Development: SEC Proposes to Amend Tender Offer Best-Price Rule
In recent years cash mergers have been used more frequently than cash tender offers, in part due to concerns that target employment, severance or other compensatory arrangements might be deemed to violate the SEC's "best-price" rule, requiring that equal consideration be paid to all tendering security holders. more
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1/19/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Recent Developments in Majority Voting for Directors
Over the past year, the concept that majority votes should be required for the election of corporate directors has emerged as one of the top issues being focused upon by investors, public company boards and shareholder advisory firms. more
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1/18/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - SEC Proposes New Rules for Executive Compensation Disclosure
At its open meeting yesterday, January 17, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved for comment sweeping new rule proposals that would dramatically alter many public company disclosure practices. more
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1/9/2006 Corporate and Securities Law Update - New Compensation and Other Disclosure Requirements Expected
On Tuesday, January 17, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission will hold an open meeting to consider proposing major changes to public company disclosures of compensation and governance information. more
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9/30/2005 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Sweeping New Rules Apply to Securities Offerings by Technology and Life Science Companies
A major modernization of federal regulations that apply to registered securities offerings takes effect December 1, 2005. more
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9/30/2005 Executive Compensation and Benefits Update—Publication of IRC Section 409A Proposed Regulations
On September 29, 2005, the Treasury Department released the much anticipated Proposed Regulations to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Proposed Regulations"). more
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9/29/2005 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Good News for Potential IPOs
Late last week the SEC announced the extension of compliance dates for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 reports by non-accelerated filers until their first fiscal year ending after July 15, 2007. This is welcome news for smaller public companies. In addition, the announcement has special significance for private companies contemplating the possibility of an initial public offering within the next 15 months. more
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9/19/2005 Executive Compensation and Benefits Update - Now We Are Making Sense — Revised Grant Date Rulesfor Options
At a meeting earlier this year, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) announced that, pursuant to FAS Statement 123(R), the grant date of an option would not occur until the employee had been notified of the material terms of the option grant. more
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8/22/2005 Corporate and Securities Law Update - California Supreme Court Decision Reduces Risk of Personal Unpaid Wage Liability for Officers and Directors of Troubled Companies
The California Labor Code provides employees with a private right of action to recover unpaid wages against their employer. However, the relevant provisions of the Labor Code do not define who is an "employer." more
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8/18/2005 Executive Compensation and Benefits Update - New Accounting Valuation Rules for Option Grants—Definition of Grant Date
Under FAS Statement 123(R) options granted to employees are valued based on their fair value as of the "grant date" of the option. more
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8/10/2005 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Pre-Dispute Contractual Waivers of Trial by Jury Ruled Unenforceable under California Law
The Contract Language / The Decision / Arbitration Agreements / Practical Impact more
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8/4/2005 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Section 16 Update
On August 3, 2005, the SEC adopted long awaited amendments to Rules 16b-3 and 16b-7 under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. more
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5/25/2005 Corporate and Securities Law Update - Regulation FD Enforcement Actions
This memorandum summarizes the fact patterns of actions to present the application of Regulation FD in practical terms. more
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2/14/2005 Recent Trends In Securities Litigation: Perspectives From Plaintiffs And Regulators
The 2005 D&O Liability and Insurance Symposium in New York, sponsored by the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, featured a panel of top plaintiffs' lawyers, more
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2/1/2005 InVision Non-Prosecution Agreement with DOJ and Proposed Settlement with SEC Demonstrate Importance of Compliance with Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
On December 3, 2004, the U.S. Department of Justice entered into a non-prosecution agreement relating to a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigation of InVision Technologies, Inc. more
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11/30/2004 SEC Issues FAQ Release on Form 8-K Filings
The SEC Division of Corporation Finance issued a "Frequently Asked Questions" release on November 23, 2004, regarding the Current Report on Form 8-K rules that became effective August 23, 2004. more
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11/16/2004 Time to Consider Revising Compliance and Ethics Programs in Light of New Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Recent amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines applicable to organizations went into effect on November 1, 2004. more
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11/9/2004 M&A Development: Court Finds Financially Sophisticated Director Personally Liable for $77 Million
The price and process fairness of business combinations are increasingly challenged in litigation. more
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11/3/2004 Proposed New "Quiet Period" Rules, Shelf Registration Procedures
SEC Proposes Rule Changes to Ease "Quiet Period" Restrictions and Change shelf Registration Procedures. more
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8/6/2004 Final Regulations on ISOs and ESPPs
On August 2, 2004 the IRS published final regulations (the "Final Regulations") on incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") and purchase rights under 423 of the Code ("ISO" and "ESPP Right" respectively, and "SSOs" collectively). more
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8/5/2004 FAQ: Form 8-K Disclosure Requirements and Practical Implications for Technology Companies
Effective August 23, 2004, every public company must comply with new Form 8-K disclosure requirements. more
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5/20/2004 India Update: Stock Options for Employees of India Subsidiaries of U.S. Companies
In early May the Reserve Bank of India ("RBI") eliminated the requirement of granting options at a "concessional" price to employees in India subsidiaries of U.S. companies. more
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4/8/2004 Executive Compensation and Benefits
FASB Publishes Exposure Draft on Changes to Accounting Rules for Equity Compensation. more
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3/23/2004 SEC Adopts Final Rules Requiring Additional Form 8-K Disclosures and Accelerating the Filing Deadline
On March 11, 2004, the SEC approved new rules that significantly expand the number of events that public companies must report on Form 8-K and that shorten the filing deadline for most events to four business days after the event. more
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1/7/2004 SEC Interpretation: Commission Guidance Regarding Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued an interpretive release providing important reminders and specific new guidance regarding Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. more
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12/11/2003 NASDAQ Corporate Governance Standards for Listed Companies
On November 4, 2003, the SEC approved the final version of The NASDAQ Stock Market's corporate governance rule changes. more
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12/3/2003 SEC Issues New Rules on Board Nomination Processes and Stockholder Communications With Directors (Effective January 1, 2004)
Newly-adopted SEC rules require proxy statement disclosures from public companies about their director nomination process and their process for communications from security holders to the board of directors. more
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11/14/2003 SEC Issues Final Rule Regarding Issuer Stock Repurchases (Effective on December 17, 2003)
On November 10, 2003, the SEC adopted amendments to Rule 10b-18, the safe harbor for issuer repurchases, and adopted explicit disclosure requirements for issuer repurchases, whether or not conducted under Rule 10b-18. more
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10/27/2003 Overview of Stock Option Grants in China
This memorandum is an overview of the legal and strategic issues related to granting options in China, including understanding Chinese cultural views of employment and compensation, structuring option grants to comply with applicable Chinese exchange control and securities restrictions and the tax consequences of options to the optionee. more
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8/21/2003 SEC Rule Proposals would Require Disclosures about Director Nomination Processes and Shareholder Communications with Directors
On August 8, 2003, the SEC issued for comment proposed rules that would expand disclosures about director nomination processes and establish new disclosure requirements about security holders may communicate with directors. more
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7/8/2003 Shareholder Approval Required for Equity Compensation Plans
On June 30, 2003 the SEC approved new rules requiring any company listed on NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange to obtain shareholder approval before adopting any new equity compensation plan or materially amending to an equity compensation plan. more
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6/25/2003 NYSE to Implement Shareholder Approval Rules for Equity Compensation Plans
The NYSE has notified its listed companies that its new expanded rules for shareholder approval of equity compensation plans are expected to become effective June 30, 2003. more
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6/20/2003 SEC Final Rule: Internal Control Reports, Attestations and Certifications
On June 5, 2003 the SEC adopted rules implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires management of reporting companies to evaluate and report on internal control, and outside auditors to attest to these evaluations. more
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6/17/2003 Alert: Electronic Filing and Website Posting of Forms 3, 4 and 5 Required Starting June 30, 2003
On May 7, 2003, the SEC issued its final rule requiring electronic filing of all Section 16 reports by public company insiders and the posting of those reports on the public company's website. more
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6/16/2003 Delaware Court: Inadequate Process May Cost Disney Board Protection of Business Judgment Rule
In a surprise decision, Delaware's Court of Chancery has concluded that the shareholder derivative lawsuit against Walt Disney Co. and its directors (In Re Walt Disney Co. Derivative Litigation, Del. Ch. C.A. No. 15452, 5/28/03) can proceed on the claim that the board breached its fiduciary duties in approving a lucrative severance package of former CEO Michael Ovitz. more
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5/16/2003 M&A Development: Court Declares Certain Deal Protection Mechanisms Unenforceable
In Omnicare, Inc. vs. NCS Healthcare, Inc., the Supreme Court of Delaware effectively warns M&A deal makers that overreaching deal protection mechanisms may be unenforceable. more
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3/17/2003 SEC Issues Final Rule Regarding Disclosure of Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
On January 22, 2003, the SEC issued a final rule to implement Section 401(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and to codify earlier SEC statements regarding the transparency and quality of financial disclosure. more
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3/11/2003 SEC Issues Final Rule on Strengthening Auditor Independence
On January 28, 2003 the SEC issued a final rule implementing several sections of Title II of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding auditor independence. more
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2/7/2003 SEC Issues Final Rule Mandating Disclosure About Audit Committee Financial Experts
On January 15, 2003, the SEC adopted a final rule to implement Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, requiring public companies to disclose whether their audit committees include at least one member who is a financial expert and defining the term "financial expert." more
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2/4/2003 SEC Issues Final Rule on Furnishing Earnings Announcements to the SEC and on Using Pro Forma Financial Information Generally
(Effective March 28, 2003) On January 15, 2003, the SEC adopted a final rule designed to implement Section 401(b), and to begin to implement Section 409, of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. more
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11/13/2002 SEC Issues Rule Proposal on Filing of Earnings Announcements and Use of Pro Forma Financial Information
On November 5, 2002, the SEC issued a rule proposal designed to implement Section 401(b), and to begin to implement Section 409, of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. more
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11/12/2002 SEC Issues Rule Proposal on Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities
On November 4, 2002, the SEC issued a proposed rule to implement Section 401(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and to codify earlier SEC statements regarding the transparency and quality of financial disclosure. more
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10/30/2002 SEC Proposes New Rules To Implement Provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Regarding Service of Financial Experts on Audit Committees, Codes of Ethics and Internal Controls
On October 22, 2002, the SEC issued proposed rules to implement Sections 404, 406 and 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. more
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10/25/2002 California Changes Information Statement Disclosure Rules for Companies Incorporated in or Doing Business in California
On September 28, 2002, California adopted a new law known as the California Corporate Disclosure Act, which will change the disclosure requirements for information statements that are filed with the California Secretary of State by businesses that are incorporated in California and “foreign” corporations that are qualified to transact business in California. more
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9/13/2002 Faster Filings Required for Forms 10-K and 10-Q; New Disclosures Required About Website Posting of Reports
On September 5, 2002, the SEC published final rules that shorten the filing deadlines for Forms 10-K and 10-Q and require disclosure of whether these filings are being made available on company websites at the same time as they are filed with the SEC. more
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9/3/2002 New Rules Requiring Additional Certifications by CEO and CFO Under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act Are In Effect
On August 29, 2002, the SEC issued final rules requiring CEO and CFO certifications of annual and quarterly reports. more
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8/29/2002 New Rules Requiring Two-Day Filing of Forms 4 Are In Effect
On August 29, 2002, new rules went into effect requiring officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders of public companies to file Forms 4 with the SEC within two days of most transactions in company securities. more
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8/5/2002 Sweeping Governance Reforms Adopted for Public Companies: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
On July 30, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. This new law makes sweeping reforms in the laws governing public companies and their boards, audit committees, executive officers and others. more
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8/2/2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Requires Certification of August Forms 10-Q
As you know, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was signed into law on July 30, 2002. The Act contains two provisions requiring CEO and CFO certification of information included in SEC reports. more
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7/25/2002 Nasdaq Proposes New Corporate Governance Rules
On July 25, 2002, Nasdaq announced that its board of directors has approved wide-ranging corporate governance rule changes that it will submit to the SEC for approval. more
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7/16/2002 SEC Position Allows Stockholders to Make Stock Plan Proposals
On July 15, 2002, the SEC announced a change in its long-standing policy regarding stockholder proposals relating to equity compensation plans. more
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7/3/2002 SEC Orders Officer Certification of Reports
The SEC recently announced two actions designed to restore investor confidence in the accuracy of reports filed with the SEC – by requiring CEOs and CFOs to certify the accuracy of public company reports. more
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6/24/2002 SEC Proposes New Rules: New Form 8-K Disclosures and Accelerated Filing Deadlines
On June 17, 2002, the SEC proposed further changes to the public company disclosure regime. more
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6/19/2002 SEC Proposes New Rules: Officer Certification of Forms 10-Q and 10-K
On June 17, 2002, the SEC proposed additional changes in the public company disclosure regime. more
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6/10/2002 Weekly Employment Brief - June 10, 2002
News Alert: U.S. Supreme Court Allows Employers to Consider Job Danger to Applicant's Health in Refusing to Hire a Disabled Individual/HIV-Infected Dental Hygienist Ruled to be a "Direct Health Threat" to Patients: No ADA Protection more
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5/22/2002 SEC Proposes New Rules: MD&A Requirements Regarding Critical Accounting Policies
On May 10, 2002, the SEC proposed rules that would require new disclosures in Management's Discussion and Analysis related to critical accounting policies. more
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4/15/2002 SEC Proposes New Rules: Form 8-K Disclosure Of Management Transactions; Acceleration Of Periodic Filing Dates
On April 12, 2002, the SEC proposed major changes in the public company disclosure regime. more
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4/10/2002 Important Information Regarding New Proposed SEC Rules
On Thursday, April 11, the SEC will issue proposed rules relating to new disclosure obligations for public companies. more
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3/25/2002 Weekly Employment Brief - March 25, 2002
U.S. Supreme Court Invalidates FMLA Regulation That Penalized Employers For Failing To Give Notice/Employer Cannot Require Doctor's Certification after Every Sick Leave more
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3/18/2002 9th Circuit Decision in Vantive Case
Note Friday's 9th Circuit decision affirming a dismissal with prejudice of the Vantive securities class actions because they failed to plead the bases of fraud with particularity as required by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. more
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2/13/2002 SEC to Propose New Corporate Disclosure Rules
The SEC announced today that it plans to propose significant changes in the disclosure regime that applies to public companies. more
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2/1/2002 SEC Focus on MD&A Disclosure
The SEC has clearly signaled a heightened interest this year in Management's Discussion and Analysis disclosures by public companies. more
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1/15/2002 SEC Brings First Enforcement Action Related to Pro Forma Financial Disclosures; Best Practices for Pro Forma Disclosures
The SEC has announced its first enforcement action against an issuer for providing misleading pro forma earnings information. more
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9/20/2000 Frequently Asked Questions About Regulation FD
The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Regulation FD to eliminate selective disclosure of material non-public information by public companies to securities market professionals and to stockholders that are likely to use the information in buying and selling securities. more
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1/1/1996 The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
On December 22, 1995, the Senate overrode President Clinton's veto of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). more
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