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MOU Between Agencies Could Impact M&A Deals

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been struck between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Labor (DOL) and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) which will significantly strengthen the four agencies’ ability to investigate and evaluate the potential impact of proposed mergers and acquisitions on labor markets and jobs. See the full article here.

Categories: Department of Labor, Labor Relations, Mergers & Acquisitions, National Labor Relations Board

DOL Echoes Employee Benefits and Cybersecurity Best Practices

Data Breach Shredded DocumentsOn April 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) Employee Benefits Security Administration (“EBSA”) issued its first cybersecurity best practices guidance for retirement plans. The EBSA guidance was highly anticipated as the frequency and cost of data breaches affecting employee benefit plans continues to rise.  Read More ›

Categories: Alerts and Updates, Cybersecurity, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits, IT Contracts, Technology

Can AI-Generated Works be Copyrighted?

AI Intellectual PropertyWith the influx of generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools and applications becoming readily available online, it is increasingly important to assess whether AI-generated works can obtain intellectual property protection. Specifically, in light of AI apps being able to create paintings, photographs, and illustrations from minimal prompting from an end-user, the United States Copyright Office (the “Copyright Office”) has had to consider whether such works can be copyrighted and to what extent. Read More ›

Categories: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intellectual Property, Lawsuit, Licensing

Is it Time to Update and Restate Your Summary Plan Description?

Reviewing Employee Benefit PlanA Summary Plan Description, often referred to as an “SPD”, is a document intended to clearly describe and explain the important provisions of an employee benefit plan. The SPD must be written in such a way that the average employee will understand the benefits, rights and rules of the plan. Read More ›

Categories: Employee Benefits

AI Legal Issues That Can Impact Your Business

Many businesses are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in a variety of innovative ways to improve productivity and to save time and money. According to a 2023 Forbes article (forbes.com/advisor/business/software/ai-in-business/), 1 in 3 businesses plan to use ChatGPT to write their website content while 97% of business owners believe it will help their business. Read More ›

Categories: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intellectual Property, IT Contracts, Technology

The Corporate Transparency Act and its Impact on ESOPs

Figures Looking at OwnershipThe Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which became effective on January 1, 2024, requires that many businesses report a significant amount of information about the company and its “beneficial owners” to a federal database. This article outlines the general rule, exceptions to the rule, the definition of “beneficial owner” and the CTA’s implications for companies owned by Employee Stock Ownership Plans (“ESOPs”). Read More ›

Categories: Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), Employee Benefits, Employment, Technology

Under the Bridge – The Rise of Copyright Trolls in the Intellectual Property Space

Copyright Infringement NoticeThrough tactical litigation practices, copyright trolls rely on copyright law to allege infringement and threaten major statutory damages upon unsuspecting defendants. The term “copyright troll” is an unflattering nickname for someone who manipulates the intellectual property (“IP”) laws to force a “toll” by way of a settlement payout on market participants. Read More ›

Categories: Alerts and Updates, Billing/Payment, Compliance, Copyright, Intellectual Property, Lawsuit, Trademarks

The Importance of Adopting an E-Signature Policy for Your Business

Given the ever-changing landscape and increasing popularity of remote work, the use of electronic signatures (“e-signatures”) is on the rise. Business in general is going virtual, causing electronic transactions and online interactions to become more common. To accommodate this new digital environment, legislators have passed laws to permit the use of e-signatures to bind individuals to electronic agreements. In addition to keeping up with the evolution of online business, providing your organization with a reliable e-signature policy is pivotal to ensure clear reliance on and expectations for e-signatures. Read More ›

Categories: Alerts and Updates, Compliance, Contracts, E-Commerce, Technology

IRS Announces 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Retirement Plans and for Health and Welfare Benefit Plans

Saving for RetirementThis blog has been updated since November 8, 2022. The data below is current.

The IRS has announced the 2024 cost-of-living adjustments for retirement plan and health and welfare benefit plan limitations. The charts below set forth the applicable limitations. Read More ›

Categories: Employee Benefits, Retirement

Risks Make AI Workplace Policies a Requirement

Using AI to Write at WorkArtificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming an integral element in the operation of virtually every business and organization. Read More ›

Categories: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Digital Assets, Employment, Intellectual Property, Privacy, Technology