California · Commercial Code

COM §8103: (a) A share or similar equity interest issued by a corporation, business trust, joint stock company, or similar entity is a security.

What this law says, in plain English

A share or similar equity interest issued by a corporation, business trust, joint stock company, or similar entity is classified as a security under this statute.

Read the full statutory text
(a) A share or similar equity interest issued by a corporation, business trust, joint stock company, or similar entity is a security. (b) An “investment company security” is a security. “Investment company security” means a share or similar equity interest issued by an entity that is registered as an investment company under the federal investment company laws, an interest in a unit investment trust that is so registered, or a face-amount certificate issued by a face-amount certificate company that is so registered. Investment company security does not include an insurance policy or endowment policy or annuity contract issued by an insurance company. (c) An interest in a partnership or limited liability company is not a security unless it is dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, its terms expressly provide that it is a security governed by this division, or it is an investment company security. However, an interest in a partnership or limited liability company is a financial asset if it is held in a securities account. (d) A writing that is a security certificate is governed by this division and not by Division 3 (commencing with Section 3101), even though it also meets the requirements of that division. However, a negotiable instrument governed by Division 3 (commencing with Section 3101) is a financial asset if it is held in a securities account. (e) An option or similar obligation issued by a clearing corporation to its participants is not a security, but is a financial asset. (f) A commodity contract, as defined in paragraph (15) of subdivision (a) of Section 9102, is not a security or a financial asset. (g) A document of title is not a financial asset unless subparagraph (C) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (a) of Section 8102 applies. (h) A controllable account, controllable electronic record, or controllable payment intangible is not a financial asset unless subparagraph (C) of paragraph (9) of subdivision (a) of Section 8102 applies.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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