If you have a great idea for a movie or product and want to pitch it to someone, how can you keep the idea from being stolen? Alternatively, if someone comes to you unsolicited with an idea, do you have to pay them for using it? Many people think you can copyright an idea and
If you’re in the entertainment business, you’ve probably come across various talent representatives, particularly agents and managers. While some may mistakenly view agents and managers as the same, there are several important distinctions between their roles. 1. Booking Gigs Agents represent talent in seeking and securing employment and help ensure the client gets paid. They
As the current coronavirus crisis unfolds, many employers are forced to consider laying off their staff, particularly those in the hospitality, wellness and event industries. Before you alert your team to the new reality, employers should determine whether they are covered by federal and state-level WARN laws. For background, Congress passed the WARN Act in the
The right to bring a claim arising from an employer’s violation of a labor and employment law is subject to time limits, known as statutes of limitations. The applicable statute of limitations varies depending on the type of claim and where the claim is brought. A complaint can be filed with a federal, state, or
As the coronavirus spreads, every business is likely thinking about how it will impact their ability to deliver or pay for goods and services. Pandemics such as COVID-19 may provide a valid reason for nonperformance of a contract, but it depends on the circumstances and the language of the force majeure clause. Force Majeure Clause
Restrictions placed on businesses, though necessary to encourage social distancing and curb the spread of the coronavirus, are impacting both employers and employees alike. Some businesses have been forced to close. Other business owners are voluntarily closing or scaling back operations and onsite work. Employees may find they have no job. They may be afraid
You, like many fellow business owners, may have confidential information or business “secrets” kept under lock and key. Secrets could be a family recipe for the next restaurant, a coding algorithm built over the years, client list developed in the business, manufacturing processes or data and research compiled within a company. But no matter how
Federal, state and many local laws prohibit discrimination against individuals based on their religious beliefs, in hiring, firing or any other terms and conditions of employment. Such laws apply to those who have sincerely held religious, ethical or moral beliefs, as well as atheists or agnostics. Discriminatory acts include any type of employment decision based
When a layoff occurs, one of the most common questions to arise is whether the employee is entitled to severance (or separation) pay. Employees may be anxious to get any compensation they can, while employers may be looking to limit their responsibility or offer severance packages on their own terms. The most important thing to
If someone sues you and you do not respond within the required timeframe, the court can enter a default judgment against you. This means that the court can award damages to a plaintiff, without you being heard. The plaintiff can then use this judgment to garnish your wages, levy your bank accounts, seize certain of
Recently, a wave of litigants in New York have commenced lawsuits, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), alleging that a company’s failure to provide Braille on gift cards violates the ADA. While businesses may be familiar with the basics of ADA compliance, this new litigation may come as a surprise. The ADA prohibits
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