Patent Basics
So you just had a Eureka moment and your epiphany is going to make you millions as soon as it hits shelves. Learn more about patent basics in this short video including:
Categories: Intellectual Property, Patents
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What's in a Name: Selecting a Name for Your Business
Why is a business name so important? A name is everything, it is your business's identity. When you select your business name, from a legal perspective, you need to come up with a unique name, a name that does not infringe on others rights. Unique names are the easiest to protect. Learn more about protecting you business name in the video below:
Categories: Intellectual Property, Trademarks
Why You Should Register Your Copyrights: The Benefits of Registration Under The Copyright Act
A copyright is automatically created upon the completion of an original work of authorship that is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. While an automatic copyright protects that work, a formal registration of copyrighted materials within three months of release to the general public provides extra benefits that can prove extremely valuable to the owner. These benefits serve to not only protect the copyrighted work, but also to provide additional remedies for the author in the event of infringement. Registering a copyright is as simple as submitting an application to the United States Copyright Office with a minimal filing fee and a copy of the copyrighted material. Then, once the work is registered, the benefits begin immediately. Read More ›
Categories: Copyright, Intellectual Property
U.S. Supreme Court Addresses Criminal Liability For Facebook Threats
Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal law that prohibits sending threats over the internet requires some level of intention by the sender. The ruling leaves some issues open but is significant for those who engage in hyperbole online. Read More ›
Categories: Social Media
Free Speech on Social Media: FTC Updates its Guidance on Social Media Endorsements
Social media is a great tool for companies to build their brands. Many have moved from nearly invisible to viral superstar status, thanks to a well-timed Tweet, Facebook post or clever YouTube video. But with this power comes risks.
One tried and true marketing tactic - both in social and traditional media - is leveraging the power of endorsements. If others are happily using or consuming a product it must be worthwhile, right? While the law and regulatory framework regarding social media promotion is still evolving, social media endorsement is an area that has recently received additional scrutiny from government regulators. Read More ›
Categories: Social Media
Fraudulent Kickstarter Campaign Leads to First-of-its-Kind FTC Legal Action
A drink cooler that doubles as a blender and stereo system. A card game called “Exploding Kittens” for “people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” A motion picture starring Kristen Bell. These are a few of the inventions and initiatives that have received the most funding on Kickstarter, the popular crowdfunding site.
Kickstarter is an online platform that allows project creators to seek financial backing. If people like a project, they can pledge money to make it happen. Funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing - a project must meet its funding goal to receive any money at all.
I have previously written about the tax implications of Kickstarter campaigns here.
While there’s always a risk that a project won’t make it from concept to completion, most backers have an expectation that their monetary pledge will be used in good faith and for its intended purpose. Read More ›
Categories: Crowdfunding, Venture Capital/Funding
The Department of Justice Issues Recommendations for Preparing for Cybersecurity Threats
The recently formed Cybersecurity Unit of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) recently issued guidance regarding best practices for organizations to protect against and respond to cybersecurity risks. The guidance, titled “Best Practices for Victim Response and Reporting of Cyber Incidents,” was drafted with smaller organizations in mind, but has relevance to larger ones as well.
What to Do in Advance of a Breach
The DOJ urges organizations to prepare an incident response plan before a breach occurs, and recommends that an organization do the following: Read More ›
Categories: Cybersecurity, News
Virtual Currency Startup Slapped with $700,000 Fine by U.S. Treasury
You’ve likely heard of Bitcoin, the virtual currency that has made headlines over the last couple of years for its increasing popularity and wild swings in value. However, you may not have taken notice of other, lesser-known virtual currencies being developed by startup technology companies. But the U.S. Department of Treasury is watching closely.
Ripple Labs, which manages its own cryptocurrency called XRP, and which has raised over $34 million in venture capital from investors, was recently slapped with a first-of-its-kind $700,000 penalty by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The fine comes as a result of a settlement with FinCEN and stems from violations of regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act and for failure to register with FinCEN despite operating a money service business. The company is also being penalized for not implementing an anti-money laundering program. Read More ›
Categories: Venture Capital/Funding
Crowdfunding 101
What is crowdfunding? Is it legal? Learn the response to these questions and much more in this short video clip:
Categories: Crowdfunding, Venture Capital/Funding
Will You Read My Script?
Practicing entertainment law, I am repeatedly asked to read different film scripts or book manuscripts. Sometimes I agree, but I always preface my review with a specific conversation. Here is my initial answer to the question, "Will you read my script?"
Categories: Intellectual Property
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