Intellectual Property Law News and Views

04/06/2009

Will FTC Crack Down on Product Endorsements in Blogs?

The Federal Trade Commission is close to promulgating some new truth-in-advertising rules that hold companies responsible for posts about their brands in blogs and other online social media. Marketers both pay bloggers to mention their products and pay professional 'brand evangelists' to post favorable comments on sites. The Financial Times reports that the rule could empower the FTC to sue a company and a blogger over a false statement about a product if the blogger had received a product sample from the company. The advertising industry argues that such a rule could chill any favorable comment about products by intimidating bloggers. --Jeff B. Copeland, Content Product Manager

03/16/2009

Business.gov Launches Business Law Advisor

The U.S. Government's official informational site supporting the small business community, Business.gov, has launched a valuable new blog. Written by consultants supporting the government's Business Gateway program, their new offering, Business Law Advisor, is specifically dedicated to providing help with the often daunting process of staying compliant with business laws and regulations. Business.gov hosts a variety of similar resources, including written guides, downloadable forms, and active discussion forums. The new blog will draw on the newest, most popular, and most timely information from all of those sources, along with original commentary, reminders, and tips. Subject areas covered will include labor law, environmental regulations, licensing and permits, patents, trademarks, copyright, privacy, taxes, and workplace safety. An editorial calendar lists some of the topics to be tackled in the coming months. -- Jason Agard, Sr. Associate Editor

03/16/2009

Small Businesses Affected by Tax Law Changes for 2009

Every year brings changes to the federal income tax laws, and many of those changes can have effects -- positive or negative -- on small businesses. Fiscal year 2009 is, of course, no exception. Businesses can now pay over $200 a month in tax-free parking for employees, alongside a new $20 per month tax-free benefit to cover the cost of bicycle transport. The IRS has also lowered the standard mileage rates for the business use of vehicles to 55 cents per mile. Small business owners also now enjoy expanded opportunities for making tax-deductible investments in their retirement accounts. These are just a few of the many changes that have come into effect, with more likely on the way. For additional details and updates, visit the IRS's Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center and the 2009 Small Business Tax Center on Business.gov. -- Jason Agard, Sr. Associate Editor

03/16/2009

New Labor Law Posters Needed In Time for Summer

When Congress passed a federal minimum wage increase back in 2007, the legislation included a three-phased roll-out. The final stage occurs on July 24 of this year, with the federal minimum wage climbing to $7.25 per hour. Some states have their own minimum wage rate, and employers in those states are required to pay the greater of the two. Employers are also required to prominently display official labor and employment posters detailing the applicable federal and state labor laws. Federal agencies and state agencies provide posters at no cost to employers. The Business.gov Workplace Poster page has details. Particularly helpful are their links to the Department of Labor in each state. While Congress only alters the federal minimum wage every decade or so, individual state revisions tend to occur with more frequency. -- Jason Agard, Sr. Associate Editor

TRADEMARK REGISTRATION

Protecting a Business Name

FEATURED COMPANIES

PATENT LAW

Applying for a Patent

FEATURED COMPANIES

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Cashing in on Your Intellectual Property

FEATURED COMPANIES

Intellectual Property Law News and Views

Will FTC Crack Down on Product Endorsements in Blogs?

Business.gov Launches Business Law Advisor

Small Businesses Affected by Tax Law Changes for 2009

New Labor Law Posters Needed In Time for Summer