ME311 - Business Law for Entrepreneurs
Course Description
When starting a new venture, understanding the relevant laws can make or break your success. This course covers the basics of business law for an entrepreneur. It reviews legal structures for a new venture, intellectual property, employment law, contracts, government regulation, and personal and real property.
How Will I Learn
This online course provides a mobile-friendly interface with audio-enabled lessons, allowing easy access to video content, real-world case studies, and interactive games & flashcards. Also included is an "Ask the Expert" feature, which submits your questions directly to an expert in the field you are studying. Questions are answered as quickly as possible and usually within 24 hours.
This course does not require any additional purchases of supplementary materials. Learners must achieve an average test score of at least 70% to meet the minimum successful completion requirement and qualify to receive IACET CEUs. Learners will have three attempts at all graded assessments.
What You Will Learn
Business Law for Entrepreneurs
- Understand basic legal terminology and the larger legal environment
- Identify and distinguish among the three basic legal structures of business organization
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship
- Understand the rules and liabilities involved in a partnership
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a corporation, and the steps necessary to incorporate
- Distinguish between a general partnership and a limited partnership or a limited liability partnership
- Explain the differences between S corporations and limited liability companies
- Identify the three major types of franchises and discuss the pros and cons of franchising
- Explain the major legal protections for intellectual property rights
- Define and distinguish between patents and copyrights
- Discuss the importance of trademarks
- List the criteria that define a trade secret
- Identify the areas of employment law that are most relevant to entrepreneurs
- Define the four legal elements involved in forming a contract
- Discuss the Statute of Frauds and the types of contracts to which it applies
- Explain Article 2 of the Universal Commercial Code and how it applies to sales contracts
- Understand the basics of tax law as it applies to a business
- Identify the major areas of federal regulation that apply to businesses
- Understand basic legal principles applying to personal property
- Understand basic legal principles applying to real property
- Identify the legal means for transferring ownership of real property
- Identify the three types of bankruptcy defined under federal law
Refund Policy
You may request a refund up to 7 days from the purchase date. The registration fee will only be refunded if less than 10% of the course has been completed. Completion percentage can be viewed on the Course Progress page from within the course.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Entrepreneurship Certificate : Entrepreneurship Certificate
English Proficiency Requirements
Continuing Education Programs
Continuing Education (CE) courses and programs offered online through LSU Online & Continuing Education typically include a combination of lecture and discussion as well as reading and writing assignments. You need an adequate command of English in all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) to participate in classes.
If English is not your native language, you must meet one of the English language proficiency requirements below to be successful in our CE programs. If you intend to register for a CE course or program, you can determine whether you meet English proficiency requirements by self-assessment prior to enrolling. We want to empower you, the learner, to progress successfully. Completing this self-assessment will enable you to make a good decision on whether you can complete one of our programs.
Intermediate English Skills
Most CE professional development courses and programs require at least intermediate English skills, which are equivalent to a B2 level of English language proficiency on the Self-Assessment Form. When assessing yourself, be sure to read through each of the categories under Column B2 to make sure you meet proficiency requirements.
Advanced English Skills
Online Distance Learning courses and microcreds are for-credit courses and might require more advanced English skills, equivalent to a C1 level on the Learner Self-Assessment Form. Be sure to read through each of the categories under Column C1 to make sure you meet proficiency requirements.