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Business Law Newsletters

Business & Corporate Entities> Corporations> Directors & Officers> Compensation & Qualifications

(The Compensation Committee of Independent Directors for

Duty of Obedience

Most jurisdictions recognize that directors have three basic fiduciary duties: the duty of care, the duty of loyalty, and the duty of obedience. The duty of obedience requires a director to act in furtherance of the business organization’s goals and mission as stated in the articles of incorporation and bylaws.

Federal Trade Commission Competition and Consumer Protection Authority

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is given broad authority in the areas of competition and consumer protection law by Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C.S. § 45. Section 5 declares unlawful any “[u]nfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce,” and Section 5 gives the Commission authority to prevent use of unfair methods of competition and deceptive acts or practices.

Independent Director Requirements for Companies on the New York Stock Exchange

Independent directors must make up the majority of the board of directors of any company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, according to NYSE Rule 303A.01. The board of directors of each company on the Exchange is responsible for determining that each of the listed company’s independent directors meets criteria for independence.

Investment Clubs

Groups of individuals may form a partnership or other organization in which they pool investment resources and ideas. The extent to which a membership in the club might be considered a security and the extent to which members of the club participate in decisions of the club will affect application of federal securities laws to activities of the club and its members.