Industry Innovation and Infrastructure

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Consultation (4) Contracts (8) Corporate Governance (1) Data Privacy (1) Employment/Labor (1) Intellectual Property (6) Nonprofit Governance (4) Tax (1) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (6)

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Villgro Innovations Fund

Consultation on Establishing a Nonprofit in the U.S.

Summary:

Assist a non-profit incubating social enterprises in India by advising on considerations when establishing a non-profit in the U.S.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Villgro Innovations Foundation is a non-profit organization incubating innovation-based for-profit social enterprises in India working in agriculture, health, climate action and gender. To date, they have worked with over 350 early-stage social enterprises and impacted millions of lives.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Villgro Innovations Foundation (“Villgro”) is a nonprofit organization incubating innovation-based for-profit social enterprises in India working in agriculture, health, climate action and gender. One of their primary goals is to help facilitate greater access to capital for these innovators. However, as a non-profit in India, they are limited in their ability to operate and mobilize capital outside of the country, and there isn’t much flexibility to work in financing. After much consideration, they have decided it is in their best interest to establish a nonprofit/charity and/or hybrid entity in the United States or the UK. They are seeking a comprehensive consultation in the U.S. to discuss issues including: (i) what structure best fits their needs; (ii) registration requirements; (iii) whether this type of entity will allow them flexibility to deploy financial instruments (e.g., convertible notes); and (iv) any major administrative burdens they should consider (e.g., conflict of interest considerations). It would be helpful (although it is not necessary) if the firm also has a presence in the UK. The Villgro team would like to have a related consultation in the UK, to ultimately determine which jurisdiction is a better fit for the organization and their future plans.

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Kumbatia Seafood

Trademark Registration

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise working to conserve East Africa’s marine ecosystems while mobilizing fishing communities out of poverty by registering a trademark.

Referred by:

  • Friend of the Foundation
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Kumbatia Seafood is a world-class seafood wholesaler with a mission to conserve East Africa’s marine ecosystems while mobilizing its artisanal fishing communities out of poverty.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Life Below Water (conservation and sustainability), Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

Kumbatia has entered into a formal alliance agreement with Simple Life processors in Kenya in order to be able to process and export high-end seafood sourced from Kenya’s artisanal fishing communities to international markets. They have established a jointly owned Delaware corporation, and are seeking assistance registering a trademark for the new entity.

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Animation Nights New York

Review Terms & Conditions for Artists

Summary:

Assist an organization elevating creators by reviewing the terms and conditions artists agree to when submitting their work.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Animation Nights New York (ANNY) is a monthly screening event and annual festival based in NYC. They show high caliber animated short films, virtual reality animation experiences, and interactive games from all around the world. There is no project submission fee for artists and screening events are pay-what-you-will. The ANNY team is committed to elevating creators, supporting/enriching the community, and promoting critical thinking through curated art. In addition to Animation Nights, ANNY Exchange connects creators with opportunities to show their work.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

The ANNY team is seeking assistance reviewing the current terms that artists agree to when submitting their work. They would like to ensure that it accurately captures their needs, and provides them with the appropriate licenses to both display and share the work.

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Solid as Gold Consulting

Review Template Management and Distribution Contracts

Summary:

Assist a startup music and film production company that offers opportunities to minorities and refugees by reviewing their template Management and Distribution contracts.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Solid as Gold Consulting is a music and film production company with its own distribution technology. Importantly, they work across 60 countries and provide opportunities for minority and refugees groups to develop professional careers.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Solid as Gold Consulting is seeking assistance reviewing their template Management and Distribution agreements for use with artists. Both were drafted by the Harvard Law Clinic, and the Solid as Gold Consulting team is seeking a second set of eyes to ensure the contracts adequately cover their needs.

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