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A recent (and surprising) ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court may allow businesses to be sued in states where they have little connection. The Court ruled 5-4 to uphold a Pennsylvania law that requires a corporation to consent to the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania courts over them as a condition of registering to do business there. […]
Discrimination claims are determined by a three-step analysis. Usually, the third step in this analysis—pretext—is key. Despite the ways in which courts have outlined how pretext for discrimination can be proven, there are times when an employee’s evidence of pretext falls short. A recent case from the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is a […]
Many individuals—and all businesses—have intellectual property. This includes everything from names and brands, to inventions, software, and works of art. Too often those assets go unprotected. As companies prepare to develop and commercialize a product or idea, it’s important that they understand what is needed to strategically protect their assets. What Is Intellectual Property? Intellectual […]
In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a question about best practices for using employees’ photos. Q: Our company has just taken pictures of key employees for use on social media, brochures, and elsewhere. Are we required to get consent […]
The late, great Ray Charles is credited with having said that “music is powerful. As people listen to it, they can be affected.” Apparently, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Nevada employees) agrees with the Genius from Georgia, at least when it comes to music businesses allow to be […]
The 2023 Carlton Fields Class Action Survey has revealed a significant increase in the number of labor and employment class action lawsuits and the amount companies are spending to defend those lawsuits. That is sobering news for employers and raises questions about what the class action landscape may look like for employers in the future. Labor & […]
After a medical clinic employee reported harassment, she said she didn’t want her alleged harasser “approached about his behavior specifically directed towards [her].” As a result, the lower court determined the employer was excused from failing to address the conduct right away, especially since it did take prompt action once the harassment turned physical. On […]
Many HR professionals may relate to the “oh no, what now?” moment when they first learn an employment-related lawsuit has been filed. Although employers would prefer to avoid litigation entirely, it’s important for HR departments to have systems in place to assist with prelitigation and discovery needs. The litigation process can be separated into four […]
The Georgia Court of Appeals recently upheld a trial court’s dismissal of an employee’s claim that his employer failed to accommodate his disability, holding that Georgia state law provided him no legal remedy.
A factory worker sued her employer, alleging the company discriminated against her based on her race by allowing a hostile work environment to pervade its manufacturing plant. She also claimed it retaliated against her for accusing a coworker of tampering with her machine. Let’s take a look at how the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of […]