Tipper: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Definitions and Responsibilities

Definition & Meaning

A tipper is someone who shares confidential information about a corporation that is not publicly available. This information is often material, meaning it could influence an investor's decision to buy or sell stock. A tipper is in violation of their duties if they disclose this information for personal gain. The key factor in determining a breach is whether the tipper benefits, directly or indirectly, from sharing the information. If there is no personal gain involved, the tipper is not considered to have breached their duty to shareholders.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(hypothetical example) A corporate executive learns that their company is about to be acquired at a premium price. They share this information with a friend, who then buys stock in the company before the acquisition is publicly announced. The executive benefits from the increased stock price when the acquisition is finalized.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Tipper Person who discloses nonpublic, material information for personal gain.
Tippee Individual who receives the information from the tipper and may act on it.
Insider Trading Buying or selling a stock based on nonpublic information, which can involve both tippers and tippees.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you have received insider information or are involved in a situation where you might be a tipper, it is crucial to seek legal advice. Handling such matters can be complex, and professional guidance is recommended. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help you navigate related legal issues.

Quick facts

  • Tipper must disclose material, nonpublic information.
  • Personal gain is a key factor in determining breach.
  • Legal actions can be civil or criminal in nature.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A tipper is the person who discloses the insider information, while a tippee is the individual who receives and may act on that information.