The defining feature of a nonprofit corporation is that it has no owners or shareholders. But although nonprofits have no owners, they are not limited to charitable activities; they operate businesses of all kinds, such as schools, hospitals, clubs and trade associations. In New Jersey, as in most other states, nonprofit corporations are governed by […]
Score One for #MeToo?
On January 31, 2019, the New Jersey Assembly approved Senate Bill 121. The vote was 64 in favor, four against. There were four abstentions. S 121 was approved in June 2018 by the New Jersey Senate, by a vote of 34 to one. The bill now goes to Governor Phil Murphy, who is expected to […]
Public Domain Day 2019
January 1, 2019 was a really big, red-letter kind of day for writers, composers, musicians, filmmakers and artists and creators of all kinds. Why? Because that’s the date on which works protected under the federal copyright laws prior to 1978 and published prior to January 1, 1923 enter the public domain. When a work enters […]
The Flag Rules
It’s finally Summer (the summer solstice is June 21), prime time for flying flags and displaying and using all sorts of flag-themed merchandise. In 1942, enacted rules, later codified in Title 4 of the U.S. Code, designed to prevent disrespect to the flag. About half of the states adopted similar rules. Herewith, a few of […]
Buying a Business? Insist on a Transition Services Agreement
If you are buying a business, a smooth and seamless transition to new ownership is key to maintaining cash flow and securing the foundation on which to increase market share, add customers and grow revenue. Often a buyer’s focus is on obtaining an agreement that bars a seller from competing with his former business, disclosing […]
Starting a Business? You Need an Attorney
The first step in establishing a business is to identify the type of entity best suited to your proposed new business. The four most common types of entity are (a) limited liability companies; (b) corporations; (c) partnerships; and (d) sole proprietorships. Insulation from Personal Liability Corporations and limited liability companies insulate owners from personal […]
Do You Need a “Business” Attorney
If you are in business, whether for yourself, or as the manager of a business, you need a business attorney; someone with expertise and experience in dealing with the issues faced on a daily basis by people who own and/or manage businesses. Do you have employees? If you do, you need someone who can […]
@#$%&!*! The Seven Dirty Words Can Now be Trademarks
Under the Trademark Act, the US Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) could prohibit the registration of trademarks that comprise derogatory or immoral or scandalous matter. The barrier to derogatory marks fell in June, when the Supreme Court struck down the refusal by the USPTO to register the mark THE SLANTS for a California rock band […]
Medical Marijuana: Tough Issues for Employers
New Jersey is one of 23 states (and the District of Columbia) that have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Note however, that possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and the conflict between federal and state laws raises complicated issues for employers. With regard to enforcement of federal drug […]
Beyond the Wall What Employers Need to Know About Immigration Enforcement
President Donald Trump’s January 27 executive order imposed a 90-day suspension on the entry into the United States of foreign nationals of Iran, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen; a 120-day suspension on the entry into the United States of any refugee from any country; and an indefinite ban on the entry into the […]
