Author Archives: Christina Ge
A-B-C – EASY AS 1-2-3
California employers need to have their heads up: California is in the middle of a huge re-balancing of the rights between employers and workers. Guided by the idea that employees are most companies’ best asset, California is cracking down on tactics that abuse worker’s rights. That includes traditional practices like using independent contractors. California is […]
A Copyright Farewell to Justice John Paul Stevens
The Forrest Gump of the Supreme Court, former Justice John Paul Stevens, died on July 16, 2019, at the age of 99. Entitling him as “Forrest Gump” is to honor him, as being around some of the most significant events of the 20th Century. He met Amelia Earhart. He received from Charles Lindbergh a caged […]
Close v. Sotheby’s Inc.: A Major Change in Artists’ Royalty Rights in California
In the 2018 case Close v. Sotheby’s Inc., 894F.3d1061 (9th Cir.2018), the United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit held that the California Resale Royalties Act (“CRRA”), first made effective January 1st, 1977, is preempted by the 1976 Federal Copyright Act. California’s adoption of the The California Resale Royalties Act granted California artists an unwaivable […]
Boilerplate Protects Your Business
Do you know the term “boilerplate language?” Some people don’t. The legal term “boilerplate,” is used for terms used again and again. It derives from the sturdiness and protection of the metal plate for boilers. When boilers didn’t have enough boilerplate, they exploded and disaster ensued, like the Sultana disaster, left. Small business owners need […]
Protecting Your Trade Secrets Starts with Knowing What They Are
Small business owners are the hardest-working people around. They are usually either the ones who unlock the door in the morning, or the one to lock up at night – or both. But keys and doors only protect so much: are your most valuable assets — your trade secrets — protected 24 hours a […]
Startups and Trademarks
You and your friends have discussed, with increasing enthusiasm, your idea for a new business. Maybe you want to produce an app, or maybe a restaurant pairing different cuisines. You know what you are going to do, and how you are going to do it, but you also know that you will be cash-strapped, with […]
Credit Card Surcharges Will Soon Be Legal in California
By: Andrew K Jacobson A group of California small businesses have successfully challenged California’s long-time ban on credit card surcharges. However, for the moment, they are the only ones to benefit. Credit cards are great for cash flow, but they cause headaches for small businesses. People rely upon them for even the smallest transactions – […]
21st Century Law
August 10, 2017. By: Andrew K Jacobson The California Supreme Court will be deciding if it will lower the admissions standards for the State Bar. California currently has one of the highest admission requirements in the country. Deans from law schools in the state want the cut score (the minimum passing score on the bar […]
