LAWS17-573: Start-Up Law

Description

Start-Up Law is an elective subject in postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Law in which undergraduate students may be permitted to enrol. This subject examines the possible legal issues arising in the lifecycle of a typical emerging growth (ie new technology) start-up venture from inception to securing financing and implementing expansion plans. This course studies the legal issues, typical documentation, and skills needed by an advisor to start-up ventures. It covers the theoretical framework and the legal aspects of start-up ventures and provides exposure to legal professionals who have worked with start-ups, successful software tech/biotech/fintech companies, venture capital, and angel investors. There will be transnational and global comparisons of the legal and business environments for start-up ventures.

Subject details

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of: (a) the start-up ecosystem in Australia and how this compares with other countries; (b) the relevant skills that professional advisors will need to counsel start-up ventures; (c) the types of legal structures for start-up ventures; including tax considerations, governance and management of start-up ventures; (d) the challenges that start-up ventures face in seeking funding, protecting intellectual property, recruiting and retaining talented employees, and expanding and developing sales channels and how those challenges can be addressed; and (e) the impact that key legal decisions and their implementation can have on start-up ventures.
2. Demonstrate the reasoning, research and communication skills to: (a) effectively provide solutions for problems and issues encountered by start-up ventures and explain those solutions coherently in both written and oral form; (b) correctly apply legal theory and principles to real-world scenarios; (c) critique, reflect upon and evaluate the impact of various laws and policies on start-up ecosystems around the world; and (d) design appropriate strategies to help clients formulate and implement their start-up venture plans.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply the above knowledge and skills: (a) with creativity and initiative to new situations; and (b) with high level personal autonomy and accountability.

Enrolment requirements

Subject outlines

• May 2021 [Mixed (Face-to-Face)]
• September 2019 [Mixed (Face-to-Face)]
• September 2018 [Intensive]
• September 2017 [Mixed Mode*]

Subject dates