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The FTC Kills Noncompetes
FEATURED
April 30, 2024
The FTC Kills Noncompetes
By: George Calhoun
In a groundbreaking move that will reshape the workplace and many litigation practices nationwide, the FTC has issued a final rule that effectively bans all employee non-compete clauses. Approximately 30 million Americans currently work under a non-compete clause. All but a few applicable to senior executives will be void upon the effective date of the rule. After the rule is effective, no new non-compete clauses will be enforceable, even for senior executives. Noncompetition clauses have long been a contentious issue in the labor market. Employers claim that they protect intellectual property, trade secrets, and business interests. Employees find that such agreements limit worker mobility and suppress wages. According to FTC chairperson Lina Khan, “Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new…
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Ad-Tech Europe: The Moving Target Marking Targeted Advertising
April 26, 2024
Ad-Tech Europe: The Moving Target Marking Targeted Advertising
By: Nicole Kardell
The European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) recently published an opinion on the legality of pay-or-consent models for online platforms offering services in Europe. While the opinion is non-binding and limited to “large online platforms[1],” companies that offer platforms large and small in Europe should pay attention to the EDPB’s analysis—it will inform their future guidance for entities large and small. The upshot: Pay-or-consent models [for…
Social Media Networks’ Section 230 Immunity on the Chopping Block? New York Court Allows Claims to Proceed Stemming from Buffalo Shooting
April 1, 2024
Social Media Networks’ Section 230 Immunity on the Chopping Block? New York Court Allows Claims to Proceed Stemming from Buffalo Shooting
By: Michelle Cohen
Since 1996, Internet platforms and social media companies have relied on a federal law, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, to protect them from liability for civil law claims stemming from content on their platforms. As the influence of platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and others has grown, members of Congress, consumer groups, and other stakeholders have urged Congress to restrict or repeal…
New California Law Establishes Broad Protections for Children’s Online Privacy – Exceeding Federal Requirements
October 4, 2022
New California Law Establishes Broad Protections for Children’s Online Privacy – Exceeding Federal Requirements
By: Jake Gray
California made history in September as the first state to enact legislation that punishes technology companies for violations of minors’ privacy and for practices that jeopardize minors’ safety in an effort to prioritize “the privacy, safety, and well-being of children over commercial interests.” On September 15th, Governor Newsom signed The California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (“the Act“) into law. The legislation, which was passed by…
The FTC Weighs In: Online Services Must Be Diligent When Kids’ Privacy At Stake
March 9, 2022
The FTC Weighs In: Online Services Must Be Diligent When Kids’ Privacy At Stake
By: Nicole Kardell
WW International (f/k/a Weight Watchers) seems to be doing children a service: the company developed an online program tailored to address childhood weight issues. The program, offered by WW subsidiary Kurbo, has an app, youthful professional coaches, and many features that look promising both to attract and to retain program young subscribers. Plus, the program touts peer-reviewed published research demonstrating its success. With some 20…
Federal Court Dismisses Illegal Lottery Claims Against Omaze, Emphasizing Adequacy of Fundraiser’s Alternative Means of Sweepstakes Entry
February 25, 2022
Federal Court Dismisses Illegal Lottery Claims Against Omaze, Emphasizing Adequacy of Fundraiser’s Alternative Means of Sweepstakes Entry
By: Jacob Grubman
As covered in this blog, in most states, companies that offer sweepstakes entries with certain purchases must also allow free entry (often called “alternative means of entry” or “AMOE”). This requirement stems from the three elements that generally make up regulated gambling: (1) consideration, (2) prize, and (3) chance. Random-chance giveaways inherently meet the latter two factors. To avoid running afoul of the gambling laws,…
New Federal Court Decision Counsels “Clear and Conspicuous” Advertisement of Alternative Means of Sweepstakes Entry – Coinbase Suit Proceeds
January 12, 2022
New Federal Court Decision Counsels “Clear and Conspicuous” Advertisement of Alternative Means of Sweepstakes Entry – Coinbase Suit Proceeds
By: Jacob Grubman
Most states require that companies offering sweepstakes allow entry without requiring purchase or other consideration. This alternate means of entry, or “AMOE,” avoids liability under gambling and lottery statutes by removing the “consideration” element in state gambling and lottery laws. A recent decision in California federal court has shed new light on how sweepstakes operators must publicize these alternative means of entry (“AMOE”), underscoring…
Law Firms Champing at the Bit(coin)
December 10, 2021
Law Firms Champing at the Bit(coin)
By: James Trusty
Cryptocurrencies, such as the industry leaders Bitcoin and Ethereum, appear to be on the slow march towards popular acceptance as legitimate means of payment. As evidence of both legitimacy and the sluggishness of acceptance, several Bar Associations have weighed in with opinions on the ability of lawyers to accept cryptocurrencies as payment for legal services. The most recent moment of a Bar Association dipping a…
