The Bottom Line While parties to a contract may develop an understanding of their agreement based on discussions during contract negotiations, under New York law, a court should not consider evidence of that understanding if the ultimate agreement is unambiguous.As reaffirmed by the recent Continue Reading
Inline Links to Unlicensed Third-Party Content Now May Be Copyright Infringement
5th Edition: Trends in Marketing Communications Law For years, copyright attorneys throughout the country have relied on a decision from a Federal appellate court in the 9th Circuit (California and surrounding states) to advise clients that they may safely place on their websites unlicensed Continue Reading
Second Circuit Rules That Title VII Prohibits Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation
The Bottom Line The Zarda decision deepens the growing split between the circuit courts on the issue of whether discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited under federal law. It is now more likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately have to determine whether federal law should Continue Reading
Recent Cases Highlight “Digital Assets” As A New Frontier in Estate Planning and Litigation
The Bottom Line New York State's EPTL now includes a provision that clarifies how matters involving digital assets are handled in estate administration. The full scope of the Act’s implications has yet to play out, but digital assets will undoubtedly affect estate planning and litigation matters Continue Reading
NYC Expands Employee Rights to Request Temporary Work Schedule Changes and Use Paid Sick Time for “Safe Time” Purposes
The Bottom Line New York City employers should act quickly to ensure compliance with new laws that expand employee rights to request temporary schedule changes and use paid sick time for "safe time" purposes. At a minimum, employers should update employee handbooks to: Explain the procedures that Continue Reading
New York State Imposes New Legal Requirements for Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention
The Bottom Line New York State's budget legislation, expected to be signed into law shortly, contains several measures related to workplace sexual harassment that will impact nearly every employer in New York. To prepare for these changes, New York companies are advised to consult with counsel to Continue Reading
Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Goes Into Effect on April 1, 2018
The Bottom Line With the MPWFA's April 1, 2018 effective date quickly approaching, Massachusetts employers should review and revise their handbook policies, onboarding notices and HR practices to ensure that they comply with the law’s notice obligations and requirements to provide reasonable Continue Reading
Enhancing the Likelihood of Enforcement of a Forum Selection Clause in an Online Contract
The Bottom Line Companies that include a forum selection clause in an online contract should make sure that they reasonably communicate the forum selection clause to their customers and vendors. Best practices include: (i) providing on an uncluttered screen a direct hyperlink to the terms and Continue Reading
Take Compliance Seriously When Hiring Domestic Employees in New York
The Bottom Line The potential penalties and damages for failing to comply with the many legal requirements for hiring domestic staff serve as a reminder that, while employers may develop a great relationship with a domestic employee, things can always go sour later. When they do, the downside can Continue Reading
DOL Updates Test for Unpaid Interns and Students Under the FLSA
The Bottom Line The DOL will now rely on the "primary beneficiary" test when determining whether interns are eligible for minimum wage and overtime pay. This is good news for employers who want to establish internship programs without running afoul of the FLSA, and also gives employers more Continue Reading