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California’s Wrongful Death Verdicts Reach Historic Heights in 2025

Farid Yaghoubtil December 16, 2025

California juries are delivering a clear message to negligent corporations and individuals: preventable deaths carry severe financial consequences. In 2025, the state has witnessed some of its largest wrongful death verdicts on record, with multimillion-dollar awards signaling a dramatic shift in how jurors value human life and corporate accountability. This shift reflects not just legal changes but a deeper cultural

When a Name Isn’t Just a Trademark

Z. Peter Sawicki and Amanda Prose December 8, 2025

Many assume that brand protection begins and ends with traditional trademark law. But some of the most powerful safeguards for names, symbols, and product designations exist completely outside of our trademark law statutes. For example, use of the terms Olympic, Swiss Made, Champagne, and Scotch Whisky are governed by specialized laws and international agreements that strictly regulate their use. Understanding

Intellectual Property In “The Subcontinent”

Z. Peter Sawicki and Amanda Prose November 14, 2025

The word “subcontinent” refers to a large landmass separated from Asia by some exceptionally large mountains to the North (the Himalayas) and by oceans on the other three sides of that landmass. The largest country within the subcontinent is India. It also includes the countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. When it comes to knowledge in the

Corporate Governance and Shareholder Disputes: Why Strong Governance Is Your Best Defense

Brandon M. Schwartz October 3, 2025

Shareholder disputes can be one of the most disruptive challenges a company faces. They can stall decision making, damage relationships and even lead to costly litigation. Whether you’re launching a startup, managing a growing business, or overseeing a mature corporation, understanding the role of corporate governance in preventing and resolving these disputes is essential. What Is Corporate Governance? Corporate governance

IP Rights and Frights

Z. Peter Sawicki and Amanda Prose October 2, 2025

NEWS FLASH: October is Intellectual Property (IP) Month! Of course, October is also known for Halloween. There is a spooky trail of patents showing that creativity and IP rights underlie Halloween’s most important traditions. While this holiday is an annual one, that should not deter a client from protecting its Halloween-related innovations via patent, trademark and/or copyright. Thousands of patents

Untangling the Complexities of Healthcare Lien Resolution

John Cattie September 29, 2025

For attorneys resolving bodily injury claims, securing a settlement, judgment or award is only half the battle. The next—and sometimes more challenging—step is resolving healthcare liens. These liens, which give lienholders the right to be reimbursed for medical expenses paid on behalf of an injured party, arise within a maze of laws, regulations and administrative hurdles. Why Lien Resolution Is

Working It Out: Resolving Wage & Hour Disputes Through Mediation

Mae Villanueva September 25, 2025

Despite the many legal protections for workers, wage and hour violations remain a widespread problem across multiple industries. Disputes that arise from these violations often lead to litigation, yet the vast majority of cases never make it to trial. Almost all cases settle out of court—but often only after a long, costly process that takes a toll on everyone involved.

What Arizona HOA Boards Need to Know as the Law Continues to Evolve

Quinten Cupps September 11, 2025

With approximately 2,249,000 Arizonans living in 892,800 homes in more than 10,100 community associations, as reported by the Community Associations Institute, community associations and their governing documents are top of mind. Some recent decisions in both the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals are forcing homeowners’ association (HOA) board members to look beyond the four corners of

Tradition Notwithstanding (for Out-of-the-Box Trademarks)

Z. Peter Sawicki and Amanda Prose September 2, 2025

From signature product features to distinctly recognizable colors, brands today are embracing (and protecting!) non-traditional trademarks to stand apart from the competition and to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape. A “traditional” trademark may consist of words, numbers, logos, or graphic designs applied to products or packaging, or used on advertisements for services. Slogans or taglines for a brand might have

When the Love is Gone: Small Business Divorce

Brandon M. Schwartz August 29, 2025

Business partnerships often begin with shared goals and mutual trust. Family members, friends, co-workers or a combination form the business to chase the American Dream. But as companies grow and evolve, so do the people behind them. Disputes among shareholders—especially in closely held corporations—can be emotionally charged and legally complex. When the love is gone, navigating a business divorce requires

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