DC Court of Appeals Protects Net Neutrality

This week, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rules. The net neutrality rules in place prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking, disrupting, or diminishing internet traffic that may not be profitable. The rules effectively classify high-speed internet as a public utility, like water or… READ MORE

FTC Brings Claim for Falsely Representing Potential Employers

Lead generation is a common tool used by companies to expand their mailing lists, bring in more clients and increase revenue. There’s a general expectation, however, that a lead generator won’t hide behind a façade. Gigats.com gave the outward appearance of advertising available job opportunities – a listing included the job title, description of the… READ MORE

Stronger Trade Secret Protections In View

The House recently passed a bill that provides a federal remedy for the theft of company trade secrets. The bill passed easily with a 410-2 vote in favor, sending the bill on to receive President Obama’s signature. The Senate approved the bill with no objections on April 4 (87-0). Trade secrets are similar to patents,… READ MORE

European Parliament Agrees to New Data Protection Laws

On April 14 2016, the European Union’s parliament voted for massive reforms to their old and outdated data protection laws. The new laws will come into effect in April 2018, giving the member states two years to make changes to their current data protection laws and prepare for the more rigorous policing system that will… READ MORE

Misleading Alcohol Labels Lead to Lawsuits

Reading labels on various alcohol bottles can be a challenging process, and it looks as though it’s only going to get more difficult in coming years. Last year a federal judge dismissed several claims against Tito’s “Handmade” vodka. Now, craft distillers are taking a stand and voicing their opinion on the authenticity of the market and how “craft” may become a loosely defined term.

Multinational corporations, including the Whirlpool Corporation located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, often request (or demand) their employees sign non-compete agreements.   What is a non-compete agreement?   Non-compete agreements are a contract between an employer and employee. The contract typically restricts an employee’s ability to leave his or her current position to join a similar… READ MORE

You might not have noticed, but we are in the midst of an American beer renaissance.  Craft breweries are one of the fastest growing industries in the country, and the industry is expanding at a rate faster than any other time since Prohibition ended, especially in states like Michigan, where Michigan microbreweries have boomed.  At… READ MORE