Should you accept Venmo, PayPal & Zelle?
Many people are exchanging money these days with new, electronic payment options. Such methods can be convenient for businesses, too, but they have some pitfalls.
Business Law
Legal pitfalls of crowdfunding campaigns
You have the next big idea and need some cash to make it happen. Crowdfunding campaigns, such as Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, can be effective ways to get a boost, offering contributors a reward in exchange for a financial contribution to the future of your business. Before you jump in, it’s important to be aware that … Read more
Landmark decision allows suits against companies for collecting biometric data
In a ruling that’s expected to have widespread implications, the Illinois Supreme Court has held that consumers can sue companies for collecting biometric data, including facial scans or fingerprints, if the companies fail to disclose how the information will be used. The court unanimously said companies that gather people’s data improperly could be held liable … Read more
OSHA revises electronic record-keeping rule; Labor groups file suit
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has eliminated the requirement that employers electronically submit Forms 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) and 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report). OSHA published the revised rules in the Federal Register at the end of January. The rule still requires certain employers to submit Form 300A electronically … Read more
Can a business refuse service to same-sex couples?
After ruling in favor of a baker who refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving a florist who made a similar denial. The court sent the florist’s case back to a lower court.
Sales tax to hit online retailers
In June 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that online retailers can be required to collect sales taxes in states where they have no physical presence.
Beware pitfalls of cloud contracts
Think it’s just your business’ data being stored in the cloud these days? Think again. Some (or all) of the provisions of your contract with your cloud provider also may be “floating,” and can thus be changed at any time, often without notice to you.
Internet contracts must be apparent to be enforceable
If you do business using the internet, you want to ensure your internet contracts are enforceable. To do that, terms need to be presented in such a way that users have reasonable knowledge of them.
California’s new data privacy law and your business
In June, California passed a consumer privacy law that could soon affect many organizations in Illinois and elsewhere that are deemed to conduct business in California.
Companies facing web access lawsuits
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is no longer planning to issue regulations around website accessibility. Yet businesses around the country continue to face lawsuits claiming their websites are inaccessible to blind or low-vision users. In late 2017, the DOJ announced it was rescinding its advance notices of proposed rulemaking on the issue of website … Read more