Federal Securities Laws: Regulatory framework for equity compensation, including SEC regulations and disclosure requirements for advisors receiving equity as compensation
Internal Revenue Code: Tax implications for both advisor compensation and equity arrangements, including requirements for tax reporting and compliance
Federal IP Laws: Patent, Copyright, and Trade Secret protections, including the Defend Trade Secrets Act, governing intellectual property created or accessed during advisory relationship
Federal Employment Laws: Guidelines for proper classification of advisors vs. employees, including FLSA considerations and independent contractor regulations
State Contract Laws: State-specific requirements for contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation that affect the agreement's validity
Blue Sky Laws: State-specific securities regulations governing equity offerings and compensation within that particular state's jurisdiction
State Non-Compete Laws: State-specific restrictions and requirements for non-compete clauses, which vary significantly by jurisdiction
Trade Secret Protection: Federal and state requirements for protecting confidential information and trade secrets, including necessary clauses and enforcement mechanisms
JOBS Act Provisions: Regulations affecting startups' ability to raise capital and compensate advisors, including crowdfunding and disclosure requirements
Corporate Governance Requirements: Internal requirements including board approval processes, bylaw compliance, and potential fiduciary duties for advisors
Industry-Specific Regulations: Additional regulatory requirements specific to the startup's industry (e.g., healthcare, fintech, etc.) that may affect advisor relationships
