After looking at your employees, you made the decision to let some of them go. You probably did not even think of this, but the age span of every worker laid off was a broad one. Some were in their thirties and one or two were in their fifties and sixties. You are...
Year: 2021
The End of 2021 Leaves Businesses with Familiar Uncertainties
As 2021, perhaps unbelievably, nears a close, the world is two years into COVID and a year into vaccination against the disease. While in some ways normalcy has returned, from sporting events to holiday gatherings, the uncertainty of the path forward remains...
California Changes the Law on Survival Actions
Beginning January 1, 2022, survival actions – a cause of action that allows a decedent’s personal representative or successor in interest to pursue recovery as if the decedent had survived – will change dramatically, allowing the decedent’s estate to recover damages...
Comparative negligence and claims against your business insurance
California businesses are subject to more regulations than companies in many other states. Protecting yourself from the many potential forms of liability and financial risk from doing business means carrying specialized business insurance. You probably already...
How to reduce the chance an employee claims unfair dismissal
You cannot stop a disgruntled former employee from suing for unfair dismissal. Yet, you can reduce the chance they will and have a solid defense ready in case they do. Firing someone may seem a simple decision, yet you need to tread with care. However useless you feel...
Why would the USPTO deny a trademark?
Operating a business successfully today requires a different approach than it did in past eras. While business intellectual property has existed for a long time, it encompasses much more these days than trademarks or copyrighted works. Branding has become a kind of...
What to do if you’re accused of copyright infringement
These days, everybody who has a business has a website, whether they’re big-name companies, emerging entrepreneurial stars, small mom-and-pop businesses or independent contractors. It’s all too easy, however, to make a mistake and violate someone’s intellectual...
Confusing Economic Signs Mean Continued Uncertainty for Businesses
As discussed previously on this blog, there is significant uncertainty for businesses, as we move into new phases of dealing with COVID. Along with a longer-term question around a possible automation boom, there are significant shorter term questions raised by...
How should you deal with false claims of discrimination in the workplace?
In this information age, most employees are somewhat knowledgeable about their rights in the workplace. And this is generally a great thing as employees can easily identify signs of discrimination and take immediate action to address the problem. Unfortunately, that...
California Bans Mandatory Arbitration in Employment Contracts
In 2019, California looked to be on the verge of prohibiting mandatory arbitration provisions in employment contracts. The law was part of several pieces of legislation responding to #MeToo but, like most laws, would have wider ranging implications. AB 51 was...
