June 2008

Don’t forget that Iowa’s smoking ban in public places starts July 1, 2008.  If you are a business interested in learning more about compliance with the new law please visit the Iowa Department of Public Heath site at www.iowasmokefreeair.gov.

An informative Q & A concerning the smoking ban is available here.

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While discussing a franchise case recently an attorney working with me observed that the franchisor really didn’t agree to do anything for the franchisee in its franchise agreement.

Unfortunately most franchisees are under the mistaken belief that franchisors will provide all kinds of support.  When it doesn’t happen and the business relationship has fallen apart, the

Employers have an obligation to prevent sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplace.  Unfortunately some employers are under the mistaken belief that their sexual harassment policy adequately covers them.  Here are some common mistakes I have noticed while conducting employment compliance reviews:

  • The written policy against harassment doesn’t include an anti-retaliation provision for those employees who

Jonathan Frieden of the E-Commerce Law Blog offers some excellent advice that companies should refrain from copying another company’s Web site terms of use policy.  Jonathan says that even sophisticated companies are tempted to reduce legal expenses by copying such policies.

Iowa intellectual property attorney Brett Trout has also offered the same advice.  As Brett pointed out in

Nascar has been sued by a former technical inspector in the Nationwide series.  The African-American woman seeks at least $225 million in her claims for sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination and wrongful termination.  In the lawsuit, she alleged she was referred to as "Nappy Headed Mo" and "Queen Sheba," by co-workers, was often told she