It is unlawful for a person to offer or sell a security in this state unless any of the following apply:
Wis. Stat. § 551.301
The above annotations refer to ch. 551, 2005 stats., repealed by 2007 Wis. Act 196.
Section 551.21(1) is violated through an offer to sell an unregistered security, even if no sale occurs. State v. Johnson, 2002 WI App 224, 257 Wis. 2d 736, 652 N.W.2d 642, 01-1092. When a certificate of stock was mailed to the plaintiff in Wisconsin, and extensive solicitation was conducted by the defendants in Wisconsin, there was an "offer" within former s. 551.02. (11) (b), 1969 stats. Since the securities were neither registered in Wisconsin nor exempt from registration, the plaintiff was entitled to rescind the transaction and recover the purchase price of the securities, plus costs. Hardtke v. Love Tree Corp., 386 F. Supp. 1085 (1975). Registration and reporting requirements for exempt transactions are discussed. Feitler v. Midas Associates, 418 F. Supp. 735 (1976).