2017 was a watershed year for the publicity of sexual harassment claims. Time Magazine even named its “Person of the Year” as the Silence Breakers. Business owners should expect those claims to become even more prominent in 2018 as the masses, not just celebrities, begin to break their silence as well. Just yesterday, I
Franchise Law
Protect Your Confidential Business Information
I often see cases involving the theft of confidential business information by former employees. Attorney Eric Roth has some helpful tips in a recent blog post on how to deal with the problem.
The main take away reminder in my opinion is to take action to protect your trade secrets BEFORE it becomes a problem.…
Iowa Governor Branstad to Cut $7.7 Million from Judiciary Budget
Governor Branstad announced his proposed budget yesterday with $110 million in cuts. This includes $7.7 million in budget cuts for the judiciary.
The budget cuts in the judiciary are alarming. Today, Chief Justice Mark Cady will give his state of the judiciary address. It will be interesting to hear his comments based upon the…
Best Lawyers in America® Recognition for Brick Gentry Lawyers
Several Brick Gentry lawyers were recently recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2016-2017.
See the full article here.
Rush Nigut was named one of the Best Lawyers in America® in three categories including:
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Firm receiving a Tier I rating);
- Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law
- Franchise
…
Important Reminder: Review Your Estate Plan
There is a really good article in the Des Moines Register today written by Frank Mokosak discussing how a periodic review of your estate plan will alert you to any necessary changes. It seems to come in waves in my legal practice but recently I have had a number of clients need to change…
Former Franchisee Defeats Non-Compete Claim
By Rush Nigut on
In a recent case decided against AAMCO, a former franchisee and his spouse defeated a non-compete claim. The Florida franchisee had sold his AAMCO franchise after 21 years and opened a new business more than 90 miles from his former franchise location. The non-compete prohibited the franchisee from opening up a competing business within…
Investigate Franchises Carefully Before Investing or Buying
By Rush Nigut on
In the Des Moines Register today there is an article about a food truck franchiser that allegedly got cross-wise with investors and franchisees. The article shows just how critical it is to perform due diligence when it relates to franchises (or any other business opportunity). I have a number of posts available I have…
How Do Presidential Candidates Stack Up on Small Business Issues?
I normally try to avoid political issues and discussion because really it does me no good. I am sure to tick someone off because I have clients who are on both sides of the aisle and some that are not political at all. But since the Iowa Caucuses enjoy first-in-the-nation status, I’ve decided to join…
Should Non-Compete Agreements Be Enforceable in Iowa?
People often mistakenly believe that non-compete agreements are not enforceable in Iowa. Sometimes people think that because Iowa is a “right to work” state that means non-competes are not valid or other times people may have “heard” non-competes aren’t valid. Neither is correct. Non-competes in Iowa are enforceable in Iowa under appropriate circumstances.
But recently…
2016 Brings 10th Anniversary of Rush on Business
This coming year will be the 10th anniversary of Rush on Business. When I first started the blog I wrote articles 5-6 times per week, worried about my search rankings constantly and did everything I could to get my articles linked with other blogs. I have been one of the fortunate ones in the blogging…