Okay so if I go ahead with ICO I would prefer security tokens over utility tokens as utility tokens don't suit my business model. But do security tokens like conventional equity shares offer ownership in the company to the holders? and how will they be different from equity shares if I anyway have to comply with the SEC regulations?
Well, here you do need a good lawyer and/or choose an ICO-friendly, flexible jurisdiction for your ICO. It is possible to find a really good scheme which will be 100% legal.