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For the Public

Who Qualifies as a Whistleblower in Ohio?

Kristen Kraus August 17, 2017

While I regularly get calls from employees claiming to have been terminated for “whistleblowing,” I have found that most employees cannot meet the stringent requirements of the statute. The Ohio Whistleblower Protection Act prohibits employers from taking disciplinary or retaliatory action against an employee who reports criminal conduct. However, the act only applies to certain criminal violations and will only

The Disabled Are Consumers Too!

Marc Dann August 17, 2017

Aside from my brilliant legal mind, I have a couple of strengths that contribute mightily to my success as an attorney – my ability to admit that I don’t know something and my willingness to consult with people who possess the knowledge I lack. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by young, smart attorneys who are more than willing to fill the holes

Spotting Class Actions And What to do When You Catch One!

Frank Bartela August 17, 2017

As we discussed last month, each of your clients (whether businesses or individuals) are also consumers. They are subjected to marketing representations by retailers, they purchase products and contract with service providers. Unfortunately, they face an increasing risk of being the victim of unlawful activity at the hands of others in the marketplace. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the

Federal Career Offender Laws: Harsh Consequences for a Life of Crime

Eric Nemecek August 17, 2017

The United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.) provide significantly enhanced penalties for individuals who are deemed “career offenders.” These defendants typically receive increased offense levels and criminal history categories, which ultimately result in expansive penalty ranges that can– or in some cases must – be imposed. Although the career offender requirements may appear relatively straight-forward, subtle nuances within the language and

Are LGBTQ Protections Coming To A Workplace Near You?

James Patrick August 17, 2017

Is the writing on the wall for an extension of Title VII protections to LGBTQ employees? In a recent landmark decision, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals became the first federal court of appeals in the nation to rule sexual orientation claims are actionable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although not binding on courts (or

‘America First’ – Brands & Products Labels

Z. Peter Sawicki and James L. Young July 29, 2017

The Stars and Stripes – America’s Brand On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, establishing the format for our current U.S. flag: thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, and an array of white stars on a blue field. Each nation’s flag is an important symbol for that country’s citizens. It embodies a common heritage and

Parental Relocation: Reasonable Purpose & Burden of Proof

Francis King July 20, 2017

A particularly difficult post-divorce problem arises when one parent wishes to relocate with a child to another state. In March of this year, the Tennessee Supreme Court rendered an important decision on this subject, Aragon v. Aragon, 513 S.W.3rd 47 (March 16, 2017). In Aragon, the parenting plan order entered at the time of the divorce provided that the parents

Establishing Protection for Software and Software-Based Technologies

Grant Ford July 20, 2017

Clients and potential clients often mistakenly believe that software can’t be patented or that copyright is the only option. However, software is often eligible for multiple forms of intellectual property protection. Patents, copyrights and trade secrets each provide varying scopes of protection and enforcement, and a proper protection strategy should weigh the benefits of each. Patents are designed to protect

The New Administration’s Policies on Immigration: Tactical Fear

Alan Diamante July 11, 2017

While this administration has yet to construct a physical barrier between the United States and Mexico, it is building a metaphysical wall of fear via its executive orders and actions by the Department of Homeland Security. The paradigmatic shift in immigration policy expresses that most immigrants are not welcome in the United States. The executive branch has sought to deport

For the Public

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