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Business Law Guide

Questions & Answers to Get You Started

  1. Incorporating a business in Canada
  2. Incorporating a business in the United States
  3. Incorporating a business internationally
  4. Bank regulations for Canada
  5. Bank regulations for the United States
  6. Bank regulations internationally
  7. Labour laws in Canada
  8. Labour laws in the United States
  9. Labour laws internationally
  10. Registering a patent in Canada
  11. Registering a patent in the United States
  12. Registering a patent internationally
  13. Tax law in Canada
  14. Tax law in the United States
  15. Tax law internationally
  16. Importing and exporting - Canada
  17. Importing and exporting - United States
  18. Importing and exporting - Internationally
  19. Statutes and regulations in Canada
  20. Statutes, bills and regulations in the United States
  21. Statutes and regulations internationally
  22. Insider trading in Canada
  23. Insider trading in the United States
  24. Insider trading internationally
  25. Mergers and acquisitions in Canada
  26. Mergers and acquisitions in the United States
  27. Court cases in Canada
  28. Court cases in the United States
  29. Court cases internationally

1. INCORPORATION OF A BUSINESS - CANADA:

How do I incorporate a business in Canada?

For Canadian rules/regulations, please go to:

  1. Corporations Canada Guide to Federal Incorporation
  2. To review the fees go to Incorporate a Business

How do I find out how to incorporate a business in Ontario?

  1. Go to Incorporating - Government of Ontario
  2. Follow the rules of Provincial Incorporation

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2. INCORPORATION OF A BUSINESS - UNITED STATES:

How do I incorporate a business in the United States?

For American rules/regulations, please visit:

  1. Go to SBA.gov
  2. Choose the state in which you'd like to incorporate your business

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3. INCORPORATION OF A BUSINESS - INTERNATIONAL:

How do I incorporate a business in a foreign country?

For information/regulations, try the EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. Go to EIU and next click on the "Country Commerce" reports
  2. Choose the country in which you'd like to incorporate in
  3. Choose either HMTL or PDF version
  4. Go down to "Organizing an Investment" section
  5. Click on "Establishing a Local Company" or "Establishing a Local Branch"

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4. BANKING REGULATIONS - CANADA:

Where do I find banking regulations for Canada?

All banking rules and procedures are discussed in the Bank Act.

There is also a Bank of Canada Act available as well as the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act.

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5. BANKING REGULATIONS - UNITED STATES:

Where do I find federal banking regulations for the United States?

First, there is the Federal Deposit Insurance Act regulated by the FDIC. FDIC also has rules and regulations.

There is also the federal Bank Holding Company Act as well as the Federal Reserve Act. Additionally, there is a list of the Federal Reserve regulations.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (who administrates U.S. national banks) has a Legal and Regulatory section. They also have a great guide on the U.S. national banking system.

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6. BANKING REGULATIONS - INTERNATIONAL:

Where do I find international banking regulations?

For banks within the European Union, try European Central Bank.

Try the Economist Intelligence Unit:

  1. Go to Economist Intelligence Unit, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject
  2. Choose the "Country Finance" reports
  3. Select the country of interest
  4. The reports are completed yearly and are in either HTML or PDF format
  5. Click on the "Banks" tab and then the "Bank Regulators" subtab

Try the International Monetary Fund:

  1. Go to the IMF, which is in section C, #10 of our databases by subject
  2. Choose the country of interest
  3. In the left side column a central bank will be listed with a URL

Listing of international central banks:

  1. Go to the Bank for International Settlements
  2. Click on the "Central Bank Hub" tab on the top of the screen
  3. Click on "Central Bank websites"

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7. LABOUR LAWS - CANADA:

Where can I find the labour laws for Canada?

The Labour Law Code is available in its entirety via Department of Justice and CanLii.

Also available: Employment Standards Legislation.

Where can I find labour laws for Ontario?

The government of Ontario also has a Labour Relations Act available, as well as an Employment Standards Act.

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8. LABOUR LAWS - UNITED STATES:

Where can I find the labour laws for the United States?

The Department of Labor has created a very helpful Compliance Assistance Employment Law guide.

Also available important labour forms a business would need to complete.

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9. LABOUR LAWS - INTERNATIONAL:

For labour laws by country, please see the Labour category on WorldLii.

Using GLIN:

  1. Choose the letter "L" for labour
  2. Click on Labour
  3. Make sure you have checked Labour off and click the Search button

From the search results, you can choose your "Jurisdiction"

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10. PATENTS - CANADA:

Where do I find information on how to register a patent in Canada?

  1. To find out the fees, legislation and forms involved in registering a new patent try the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
  2. Go to EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject. Go to "Country Commerce" and click on Canada. Under the Licensing tab there is information on Intellectual Property including patents.

Where do I find information on patents registered in Canada?

1. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office has a Canadian Patents Database available to the public. They also publish a Canadian Patent Office Record, which is updated every week with new patents.

2. Try Scopus, which is in section H, #2 of our databases by subject.
- Conduct a search in Scopus for the type of patent you are interested in (i.e. hand washing soap).
- Once you have completed the search, click on the "Patents" tab at the top of the page

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11. PATENTS - UNITED STATES

Where do I find information on how to register a patent in the United States?

  1. The United States Patent and Trademark Office have a great FAQ on how to register a patent as well as fees and licensing information.
  2. Go to EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject. Go to "Country Commerce" and click on United States. Under the Licensing tab there is information on Intellectual Property including patents.

Where do I find information on patents registered in the United States?

  1. Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark database of registered patents.
  2. Try Scopus, which is in section H, #2 of our databases by subject. Conduct a search in Scopus for the type of patent you are interested in (i.e. hand washing soap). Once you have completed the search, at the top of the page there should be a "Patents" tab with all of the patents including those search terms.

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12. PATENTS - INTERNATIONAL:

Where do I find information on how to register a patent in a foreign country?

  1. For countries in the European Union, try the European Patent Office's guide on how to apply for a European patent.
  2. For other countries, try the World Intellectual Property Organization FAQ.
  3. Also try EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject. Go to "Country Commerce" and click on the country of interest. Under the Licensing tab there is information on Intellectual Property including patents.

Where do I find information on patents registered in a foreign country?

  1. For countries in the European Union, try the free resources recommended by the European Patent Office.
  2. Try Scopus, which is in section H, #2 of our databases by subject. Conduct a search in Scopus for the type of patent you are interested in (i.e. hand washing soap). Once you have completed the search, at the top of the page there should be a "Patents" tab with all of the patents including those search terms. For a specific region, checkmark the specific region of interest under "Patent Office" on the top left side and then click on the "Limit To" button.
  3. Try LexisNexis, which is in section A, #7 of our databases by subject. Click on the "Sources" tab on the top left of the screen then click the "Find Sources" tab below. In the keyword search box type in "patents". A list of sources with patent information will appear. Checkmark the ones of interest and then click the red "OK - Continue" button on the right side of the screen. You will be redirected to the main LexisNexis page again and from there you can conduct your search for patents.

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13. TAX LAW - CANADA:

Where can I find information on business taxation in Canada?

The Canada Revenue Agency has a section for businesses on the duties expected by the government.

Also consult the Introduction to Federal Income Taxation in Canada available in print at Business, Law, and Weldon libraries.

Also try the EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject.

  1. Click on "Country Finance"
  2. Next, choose Canada
  3. Choose either HTML or PDF format to view
  4. Tax information is under "Taxation and Investment Incentives"

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14. TAX LAW - UNITED STATES:

Where can I find information on business taxation in the United States?

The Internal Revenue Agency has a very detailed website on business taxation and what is expected by the government.

Also try the EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject.

  1. Click on "Country Finance"
  2. Next, choose United States
  3. Choose either HTML or PDF format to view
  4. Tax information is under "Taxation and Investment Incentives"

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15. TAX LAW - INTERNATIONAL:

Where can I find information on business taxation in foreign countries?

For counties in the European Union, try their Taxation and Customs Union website.

For other countries, try the EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject.

  1. Click on "Country Finance"
  2. Choose your country of interest
  3. Choose either HTML or PDF format to view
  4. Tax information is under "Taxation and Investment Incentives"

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16. IMPORT/EXPORT - CANADA:

Where do I find the import/export rules and regulations for Canada?

Canada Border Services Agency controls both imports and exports to and from Canada. They have created a checklist for Exporting Commercial Goods as well as a Canadian Export Classification system to help determine your proper classification (via StatsCan).

For importing rules and regulations, check the Importing Goods into Canada section of the CBSA.

Industry Canada also has a Trade and Investment Guide to Canadian Import/Export.

How do I find out what is imported to and exported from Canada?

Industry Canada has created a great source called Trade Data Online with statistics on goods exported or imported to and from Canada to over 200 countries.

How do I find out which companies are importing to Canada?

Use the Canadian Importers Database by Industry Canada.

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17. IMPORT/EXPORT - UNITED STATES:

Where do I find the import/export rules and regulations for the United States?

For importing information, go to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection guide to Importing into the U.S.

To export from the United States, the U.S. government has created an entire exporting website with a great guide on Exporting 101.

Try the UCF International Trade Library links, available by industry.

How do I find out what is imported to and exported from the United States?

Try Foreign Trade Statistics by the U.S. census, which shows traded goods by country and product.

Also try the Import Statistics by the U.S. census bureau detailing varying imports.

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18. IMPORT/EXPORT - INTERNATIONAL:

Where do I find the import/export rules and regulations for foreign countries?

For countries in the European Union, try their Trade Facilitation: Taxation and Customs Union site.

For other countries, try the EIU, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. Click on "Country Commerce"
  2. Choose your country of interest
  3. Choose either HTML or PDF format to view
  4. Import/export information is under the "Foreign Trade" section

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19. STATUTES & REGULATIONS - CANADA:

How do I find statutes, regulations and acts federally and provincially?

For provincial acts try LexisNexis, which is in section A, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. At the top of the screen, click the "Legal" tab
  2. Click "Canadian Legislation" on the left panel
  3. In the search box, type the name of the act, statute or regulation if you know it. If not, type in the search term you are interested in (i.e. alcohol or liquor)
  4. Under "Sources" please select either Alberta, British Columbia or Ontario Statutes/Regulations
  5. Under "Jurisdiction" please select which province
  6. Return to the top of the screen and click the Search button

For Ontario statutes and regulations:

  1. Go to e-Laws by ServiceOntario
  2. Click "Search or Browse Current Consolidated Law"

For Bills & Lawmaking in Ontario:

  1. Go to Legislative Assembly of Ontario
  2. Choose either "Bills from Current Session" or "Bills from Previous Parliament"

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20. STATUTES & REGULATIONS - UNITED STATES:

Where can I find bills, regulations and acts in the United States?

Try WorldLii:

  1. Go to WorldLii
  2. Click on "All Countries" under Global on the left hand column
  3. Next, choose United States
  4. Choose either "Legislation" or "Regulatory Law"

Also take a look at the Code of Federal Regulations created by Cornell University Law School.

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21. STATUTES & REGULATIONS - INTERNATIONAL:

Where can I find statutes, regulations and acts in foreign countries?

For countries within the European Union, try the EUR-Lex: European Union Law website.

Also try WorldLii:

  1. Go to WorldLii
  2. Click on "All Countries" under Global on the left hand column
  3. Next, choose your country of interest
  4. Click "Legislation"
  5. Various bills, acts and other legislation will be available

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22. INSIDER TRADING - CANADA:

Where can I find information on insider trading in Canada?

Try the Insider Trading guide created by the Library of Parliament

Try the System for Electronic Disclosure by Insiders (SEDI).

Where can I find journal articles or newspaper articles on insider trading in the Canada?

Try ProQuest, which is in section A, #8 of our databases by subject:

  1. In the first search box type in "insider trading" and select "Subject" from the drop down menu
  2. In the second search box type in "Canada" and select "Location" (you can also use a province as a location)

Try Factiva, which is in section A, #5 of our databases by subject:

  1. Click on the + symbol beside "Subject" and type in "insider" in the search box and hit Enter
  2. "Insider Dealing" should appear, click the triangle beside it and a code will appear in the top search menu
  3. After the code in the top search menu, type "AND canada"
  4. Click "Run Search"

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23. INSIDER TRADING - UNITED STATES:

Where can I find information on insider trading in the United States?

The Securities and Exchange Commission has a great Insider Trading info guide for the basics of insider trading in the U.S.

Where can I find journal articles or newspaper articles on insider trading in the United States?

Try ProQuest: which is in section A, #8 of our databases by subject:

  1. In the first search box type in "insider trading" and select "Subject" from the drop down menu
  2. In the second search box type in "United States" and select "Location" (you can also use a state as a location)

Try Factiva: which is in section A, #5 of our databases by subject:

  1. Click on the + symbol beside "Subject" and type in "insider" in the search box and hit Enter
  2. "Insider Dealing" should appear, click the triangle beside it and a code will appear in the top search menu
  3. After the code in the top search menu, type "AND united states"
  4. Click "Run Search"

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24. INSIDER TRADING - INTERNATIONAL:

Where can I find information on insider trading in foreign countries?

Try the International Organization of Securities Commissions' Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation document.

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25. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS - CANADA:

Where can I find out about company mergers and acquisitions in Canada?

Try FP Infomart, which is in section B, #6 of our databases by subject:

  1. Go to FP Infomart
  2. Click "Predecessor & Defunct"
  3. Type in your company name
  4. If your company is found, click on the company name

Try the Bloomberg terminal (available in the Business Library, not remotely):

  1. On the terminal type in "MA"
  2. Hit the green "Go" button

Again, try FP Infomart, which is in section B, #6 of our databases by subject:

  1. Go to FP Infomart
  2. Click on "Mergers & Acquisitions"
  3. Type in your company name
  4. If your company is found, click on the company name

Also try article searches for the company using ProQuest, Factiva or LexisNexis, which are all in section A #5, 7, and 8 of our databases by subject.

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26. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS - UNITED STATES:

Where can I find out about company mergers and acquisitions in the United States?

Try Mergent, which is in section B, #13 of our databases by subject:

  1. Go to Mergent and click the Enter button
  2. In section #1, type in your company's name and hit Search
  3. From the list of companies, choose the one of interest
  4. At the top of the screen beneath the tabs in green, click "History"
  5. Within the company history, mergers and acquisitions will be discussed

Try Hoover's Company Records, which is in section B, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. Go to Hoover's (via LexisNexis)
  2. In the first search box type the name of your company and in the drop down menu click on "Company/Org"
  3. Run your search
  4. Click on the company name of interest
  5. Click on the "Subsidiaries & Affiliates" tab on the left column for companies that have been developed or acquired by the company

Try the Bloomberg terminal (available in the Business Library, not remotely):

  1. On the terminal type in "MA"
  2. Hit the green "Go" button

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27. COURT CASES - CANADA:

How do I find court cases or legal proceedings involving a business/corporation/executive?

For court cases in Canada, use LexisNexis Legal which is in section A, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. At the top of the screen, click the "Legal" tab
  2. Click "Canadian Court Cases" on the left side panel
  3. In the search box, type in the name of the company or person
  4. If you know when a specific case occurred, click "Specify Date"
  5. If you know that the case was in Ontario, please check off Ontario in the "Jurisdiction" section
  6. If you know the was an Appeal, in Superior court or Provincial, please select one in the "Court" section
  7. Return to the top of the screen and click the Search button

For provincial court cases, use CanLii:

  1. Go to CanLii
  2. Choose which province you would like to search on the left side panel
  3. Put in the search terms you are interested in
  4. Make sure you select the "Scope" that is appropriate (i.e. Legislation, Courts or Boards & Tribunals)

How do I find a court case involving a company/person in London, Ontario?

Try LexisNexis, which is in section A, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. At the top of the screen, click the "Legal" tab
  2. Click "Canadian Court Cases" on the left side panel
  3. In the search box, type in the name of the company or person and then type AND London, Ontario
  4. If you know when a specific case occurred, click "Specify Date"
  5. If you know that the case was in Ontario, please check off Ontario in the "Jurisdiction" section
  6. If you know the was an Appeal, in Superior court or Provincial, please select one in the "Court" section
  7. Return to the top of the screen and click the Search button

For provincial court cases, use CanLII:

  1. Go to CanLII
  2. Choose which province you would like to search on the left side panel
  3. Put in the search terms you are interested in
  4. Make sure you select the "Scope" that is appropriate (i.e. Legislation, Courts or Boards & Tribunals)

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28. COURT CASES - UNITED STATES:

How do I find a court case involving a company/person in the United States?

Use LexisNexis, which is in section A, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. At the top of the screen, click the "Legal" tab
  2. Click on "Federal & State Cases" on the left side panel
  3. In the search box, type in the name of the company or person
  4. Under "Sources", if you know the state in which the case was held, please select that. If you do not know the state, please select "Federal & State Cases, Combined"
  5. If you know when a specific case occurred, click "Specify Date"
  6. Return to the top of the screen and click the Search button

Use the Global Legal Information Network:

  1. Go to GLIN
  2. Make sure "More Search Options" is expanded
  3. Choose your search terms
  4. Choose English as "Language" if you want proceedings only in English
  5. Choose a United States in "Jurisdiction"

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29. COURT CASES - INTERNATIONAL:

How do I find a court case involving a company/person in a foreign country?

Use LexisNexis, which is in section A, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. At the top of the screen, click the "Legal" tab
  2. Click "European Union, Commonwealth & Foreign Nations" on the left panel
  3. In the search box, type in the name of the company or person
  4. In the second search box, type the country you are interested in
  5. Under "Sources", if the country in which you know the case held is there, please select it
  6. If you know when a specific case occurred, click "Specify Date"
  7. Return to the top of the screen and click the Search button

Use WorldLII:

  1. Go to WorldLII
  2. Enter your search terms
  3. Select a country

Use the Global Legal Information Network:

  1. Go to GLIN
  2. Make sure "More Search Options" is expanded
  3. Choose your search terms
  4. Choose English as "Language" if you want proceedings only in English
  5. Choose a country in "Jurisdiction"

Use the Economist Intelligence Unit, which is in section C, #7 of our databases by subject:

  1. Choose the "Country Commerce" reports
  2. Select the country of interest
  3. The reports are completed yearly and are in either HTML or PDF format
  4. Reports include descriptions of the legal aspects of organizing an investment, licensing regulations, taxation regulations, and other aspects of business in a country.

Still need assistance? Please come into the C.B. "Bud" Johnston Library and ask for help or contact us by phone, email or chat!

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Prepared by Alie Visser. February 2009 for the C.B. "Bud" Johnston Library. Updated January 2011.