In fiscal year 2008, the EEOC received 2,880 complaints of religious discrimination, up from 1,786 complaints received in 1998. In response to the substantial increase in religious discrimination claims, in July 2008 the EEOC revised its Compliance Manual and published Questions and Answers and Best Practices.
On Feb. 1, 2009, amendments to certain provisions of New York law went into effect that will have a profound effect on the manner in which New York employers review job applications, especially from applicants who have a record of criminal offenses.
The DOL issued its first major overhaul of the FMLA in November. These final regulations, which became effective Jan. 16, 2009, include provisions addressing military leave entitlements created in early 2008 by the National Defense Authorization Act ("NDAA"). The new regulations also update and clarify employer and employee rights and responsibilities under the FMLA. The following are the key changes and suggested steps employers should take to comply.
In the event litigation occurs, previously ignored boilerplate provisions may well determine who maintains leverage throughout the case and, ultimately, who prevails. This article discusses the applicable general principles and drafting considerations for some of the most frequently litigated boilerplate provisions.
Michael Robinson, a senior vice president of a leading crisis communications firm, Levick Strategic Communications, discusses the new business and communications challenges posed by the economic downturn and the role of corporate counsel in preventing and managing crises.
Here is a list of some things that in-house counsel may find surprising about the terms and conditions of the grant that a business might hope to receive under the Recovery Act. This list is especially critical for grant neophytes, particularly for-profit companies making their first foray into the grants world.
During the economic downturn, a wealth of economic opportunities may seem like easy money. However, it is important that experienced and new grantees understand that these grants are a far cry from free money. Below is a rundown of some things that counsel may find surprising about the terms and conditions of the grant that a business might hope to receive under the Recovery Act.
The validity of business method patents may be the lifeblood of an e-commerce enterprise. After all, nearly every successful Web site or Web-based service has at its core some intellectual property. Here we consider the enactment of the new local patent rules for the District of New Jersey, which became effective Jan. 1 and how they reflect on New Jersey as a suitable venue for patent suits.
On June 4, the FTC announced a proposed consent agreement with Sears Holdings Management Corporation. The government makes note that the settlement is not final and does not include any finding of wrongdoing by SHMC, but that the working settlement sends a strong signal that the FTC will subject online tracking of consumer behavior to a stringent standard of disclosure.
Anyone with even the most remote connection to e-commerce cannot have overlooked the recent explosion of social media as a form of marketing and business development. Of course, as with anything else online, problems have come with that popularity.
