What We’re Talking About
Flight Crews Deserve More than Peanuts
Flight crews often work long runs, frequently without rest breaks. Then, they are often asked to pull another run with only minimal time between shifts. Airlines are failing to pay for overtime, actual hours worked, and waiting time penalties and do not provide accurate wage statements for flight crews who are based in certain states, particularly California, or do more of their work there than any other state.
Hopper: The Most Hated Travel App on the Internet?
Travelers are drawn to Hopper’s claims of lower rates and flash sale price freezes, but when plans change, it becomes clear to consumers that this business was built on false advertising and forced arbitration. We aim to hold this company accountable.
Mariah Carey and the “Christmas Queen” Controversy
All Mariah Carey wants for Christmas is a new trademark, and singers Darlene Love and Elizabeth Chan are fighting back.
Don’t Get Swindled by Solar
Solar companies have made it their practice to deceive homeowners about the true costs of installing solar panels on their homes. They’ve provided substandard installation, and they have left homeowners with increased utility costs and damaged homes, all while pressing them to sign unconscionable contracts that leave consumers feeling helpless.
Justice for Camp Lejeune
This week, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was passed and will soon be enacted into law. The legislation creates a landmark remedy for individuals, particularly veterans and their family members, who resided, worked, or were exposed to latent disease by the water supply at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
An Open Letter from a Lawyer Who Knows Better
New Mandate Causes Mask Confusion
Russia Allows Companies to Steal Intellectual Property from Unfriendly Nations
Russia has effectively legalized intellectual property theft from anyone affiliated with countries “unfriendly” to it, declaring that unauthorized use will not be compensated.
The Cost of Staying Safe
As winter storm Uri swept across the south central US last February, Oklahomans scrambled to prepare. To keep the heat running, Oklahoma Natural Gas made a last-minute decision to purchase fuel from the expensive “spot market” at nearly 600 times the usual price. Now, a year later and battling more ice, officials say Oklahoma residents have to foot the entire $1.37 billion dollar bill, a plan approved by the state’s three-member utility regulator, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
A Major Win Against Forced Arbitration
Last week, a bill called the “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act”, was passed with a large bipartisan vote by the House of Representatives. The bill gives individuals a choice between going to court or going to arbitration to resolve allegations in cases related to sexual harassment or assault. The measure is also retroactive — invalidating any existing forced arbitration clauses in ongoing cases that could make it difficult for any survivors to litigate cases against their employers.
How Taylor Swift’s Re-Recordings Expose the Pitfalls of Intellectual Property Law in the Music Industry
By now you’ve probably heard about mega-star Taylor Swift re-recording her old albums. At the end of 2021, Swift released Red (Taylor’s Version), a re-recording of her 2012 album, Red. This followed the April release of “Taylor’s Version” of her 2008 album, Fearless. Now why would a globally-known music artist take the time to re-record her already-recorded music? The answer can be found in the incredibly complex world of intellectual property law – and the issues that led to Swift’s undertaking are not only affecting artists of her stature.
Nike Sues Lululemon
Well, the year 2022 has only just begun, but there’s already a new legal battle between two fitness giants. According to court documents, Nike Inc. is accusing Lululemon Athletica Inc. of patent infringement related to its in-home Mirror fitness device and other apps. The complaint, filed in a U.S. District Court in Manhattan, alleges that Lululemon infringed on six of Nike’s patents.
Vaccines: Beware of Bad Bills
The last thing Americans need to be concerned with mid-pandemic, is getting billed for what they believe is doing the right thing. If you find yourself being billed for a “free” vaccine, you are not alone. Read more here.
How to Protect Your Bright Ideas
When picturing your favorite brands, odds are excellent that your first thoughts will include signature logo images or slogans, such as the arrow from A to Z that Amazon uses. The reason you instantly think of these identifiers is because companies created a distinct trademark (or just “mark”), and then used it consistently across all their marketing. Formalizing a product or service with a registered mark not only offers necessary legal protection, but it also provides businesses with a surefire visual tool to connect with consumers.
Here’s what you need to know about trademarks and how they can help your business.