FTC Rule Bans Non-Compete Clauses for Non-Senior Employees Non-compete clauses have long been a contentious issue in employment agreements, with concerns raised about their potential to stifle competition and limit employee mobility. On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule addressing some of these concerns. The final rule is set to go into effect 120 days after Federal Register publication. In this article, we will address the key provisions of the FTC’s final rule, what it means for employers, executives, and non-executive employees, and potential legal ..read more

As Trump era estate tax cuts are likely coming to an end in 2025, wealthy business owners are increasingly utilizing Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) to significantly save the family taxes when they are gone. Understanding Family Limited Partnerships An FLP is a business holding company owned by two or more family members. Family members buy shares of the business and profit in proportion to the number of shares they own, which is outlined in the operating agreement. Types of Partners in FLPs Family Limited Partnerships consist of two distinct partner roles: General partners and Limited part ..read more

This month, the City of Columbus introduced a revolutionary proposal to modernize its 70-year-old zoning code. The initiative aims to address the city and the region’s rapid growth by strengthening housing, mobility, and affordability to foster and sustain the rise of this vital Midwest city. The Zoning Code Change Overview The zoning code proposal, led by Mayor Ginther, recommends creating six new mixed-use zones on 12,300 parcels of land along Columbus’ busiest streets. These parcels are projected to support the creation of 6,000 housing units. However, through market-driven parking strategi ..read more

The DOL has issued its final rule on overtime exempt workers, surpassing all expectations and setting a minimum salary threshold sixty-five percent (65%) higher than current thresholds in a two-step process. Last year, we delved into the DOL’s efforts in its proposed rule regarding white-collar overtime exemptions to raise the minimum salary threshold for such exemptions by over fifty percent (50%). Effective Salary Threshold Increases Effective July 1, 2024, exempt executive, administrative, and professional employees are required to be paid a minimum salary of $844 per week ($43,888 per yea ..read more

PLEASE SIT DOWN BEFORE READING THIS Is it actually possible that the United States Congress is on its way to enacting legislation that will potentially make regulatory compliance easier for businesses? Over the last half-a-dozen years, while the EU has enacted unified consumer data privacy and security laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (the GDPR), the United States federal government has been legislatively silent. The United States remains one of the only industrialized nations without a comprehensive national consumer data privacy and security law. State Privacy Laws To fil ..read more

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other products, recently filed a lawsuit in a California state court against a former vice president for allegedly taking confidential information from Meta to his new employer, an artificial intelligence company. This information purportedly included proprietary, highly sensitive, confidential, and non-public Meta information concerning Meta’s data centers, suppliers, vendors, and artificial-intelligence programs. Meta alleged in its lawsuit that the former employee signed multiple agreements obligating him to protect Meta’s ..read more

KJK Partner Susan Stone recently shared insights with CJN, shedding light on the nuanced approach to juvenile rehabilitation within the legal landscape. In her conversation with CJN, Susan delved into the distinctive procedures and terminology involved, underscoring the pivotal role of rehabilitation and restoration in juvenile defense strategies. “As criminal defense attorneys representing juveniles, it’s imperative to combat the ‘school-to-prison pipeline,” Stone emphasized. “It’s important to ensure that, given the circumstances, we set the juvenile on a productive path forward, one that a ..read more

Is the dripping wax seal of Maker’s Mark famous? What about the Texas Longhorn Football logo – surely that’s famous, isn’t it? While many would say those are famous and indelible American symbols, in the area of trademark law, specifically trademark dilution, there is no easy answer. Bulleit Brand whiskey was recently forced to address this issue when it comes to the distinct shape of their bottle. In the case of Diageo North America Inc. v. W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., the central argument revolves around whether Bulleit brand whiskey has attained the level of “fame” required under the Trade ..read more

As of April 1, 2024, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has implemented significant changes to its insurance coverage limits, particularly affecting trust accounts. These adjustments aim to simplify coverage rules while ensuring depositor protection. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your deposits are fully insured. Understanding the Changes The FDIC’s new requirements for deposit insurance, effective April 1, may lower coverage limits for bank customers with trust accounts. While intended to streamline insurance coverage rules, these changes could inadvertently push some ..read more

TV shows about lawyers are exciting, fast-paced and sexy. Not so much in real life. While entertaining, attorney TV shows do not reflect the reality of how litigation is conducted and can have a negative effect on what people expect when they deal with actual, real-world legal matters. To set the record straight, here are some myths and facts about real-world litigation. You probably won’t have your day in court. Most cases never see the inside of a courtroom. In fact, over 90% of cases settle before trial. There is a very good reason for this. Trials are unpredictable. You never know what a j ..read more