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FTC Announces Settlement with Chegg for $7.5 Million over its Cancellation Practices

The FTC has recently announced that it has reached a settlement with Ed Tech provider Chegg, a Silicon Valley-based business, for $7.5 million over its cancellation practices. The Complaint charged that Chegg violated ROSCA, 15 U.S.C Sections 8401-8405 by failing to provide simple mechanisms for consumers to cancel their subscriptions. According to the Complaint, Chegg provided two methods for cancellation: the main Chegg website and a customer service line. The Complaint alleged that the website cancellation link was difficult to find and only worked on a PC browser, and that the cancellation link itself did not actually cancel the subscription, it took customers to pages that encouraged them to accept a discount in lieu of cancellation or pause the subscription for three months in lieu of cancellation, and even if the customer found the button to continue cancelling, this did not cancel the subscription, it took the customer to a survey about why they were cancelling. Once the customer provided a reason for the cancellation, the customer still could not cancel, the customer would be directed to a page explaining all the consequences of a cancellation, and only if the customer reached the bottom of that page would the customer be able to see a button that actually cancelled the subscription, provided that the customer was using a PC browser. According to the Complaint, the cancellation button on the final page did not work on a mobile browser until July 2024. There were similar problems on Chegg’s other websites. For those customers who utilized customer service to request to cancel, the Complaint alleged that those customers were often still charged even after they requested cancellation. The FTC alleged that since 2020, Chegg had charged nearly 200,000 customers after they had requested cancellation. Section 4 of ROSCA, 15 U.S.C. Section 8403 prohibits charging consumers for a good or service through a negative option feature unless the seller (a) clearly and conspicuously discloses all material terms of the transaction before obtaining the consumer’s billing information; (b) obtains the consumer’s express informed consent before making the charge; and (c) provides simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges. The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”) defines a negative option feature as: “in an offer or agreement to sell or provide any goods or services, a provision under which the consumer’s silence or failure to take an affirmative action to reject goods or services or to cancel the agreement is interpreted by the seller as acceptance of the offer.” The FTC’s Order requires Chegg to provide a simple mechanism for a consumer to cancel the negative option feature, avoid being charged or charged an increased amount for the good or service, and immediately stop recurring charges. Also, the FTC Order provides that the simple mechanism must be at least as easy to use as the mechanism the consumer used to consent to the negative option feature, and that the “simple cancellation mechanism must be easy to find when the consumer seeks to cancel.” Also, for cancellation by phone, the cancellation must be made promptly “via a telephone number that is (a) answered by Defendant or records messages, (b) available during Defendant’s normal business hours, (c) not more costly to use than the telephone call the consumer used to consent to the negative option feature, and (d) easy to find and clearly displayed on the Defendant’s websites.” What is the lesson SaaS and software companies should learn from the FTC’s enforcement action against Chegg? The lesson to be learned from the Chegg matter is that compliance requires more than just good contract terms: compliance requires good practices. In the case of cancellation, federal law requires simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges, and that includes making the simple cancellation mechanism easy to find. The sales strategy of discouraging cancellation by offering discounts and other options besides cancellation is not going to meet the FTC’s scrutiny. Also, cancellation by phone needs to be easy and straightforward as well as effective. Do your company’s cancellation practices in effect meet current federal and state requirements? To consult with a SaaS and tech contracts attorney with expertise in these regulations, schedule a consultation today at this link.

FTC Secures Order Against Match Group for $14 Million Over Subscription

The FTC has recently announced that it has secured a $14 million order against Match Group on a variety of claims, including misleading users about guarantees and making it difficult for customer to cancel subscriptions.

While Match Group businesses are a unique class of dating app businesses, the facts of this case resulting in the $14 million order are still relevant for software and SaaS companies to consider.

The FTC’s complaint in this matter alleged the following:

customers were deceptively induced to subscribe with the promise of a free six-month subscription “if they did not meet someone special” without adequately disclosing the onerous requirements they had to meet before the company would honor the guarantee;
customer accounts were unfairly suspended if they successfully filed a billing dispute, and Match group kept their money without providing the paid-for services; and
the Match Group made it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions.

In addition to making the payment of $14 million to the FTC, the Match Group was required by the terms of the FTC Order to:

clearly and conspicuously disclose that consumers registering for a “six-month guarantee” must, to the extent applicable, (a) secure and maintain a public profile with a primary photo approved by Defendants within the first seven days of purchase; (b) message five unique subscribers per month, and (c) use the progress page to redeem the free six months during the final week of the initial six-month subscription period;
clearly and conspicuously disclose any material restrictions, limitations or conditions to purchase, receive, or use a “six-month guarantee” or any similar guarantee; and
provide a simple mechanism for the customer to stop recurring charges from being placed on his/her credit card, debit card, bank account or other financial account.

In addition, the FTC Order “permanently restrained and enjoined [Match Group] from retaliating, threatening to take, or taking any adverse action against a customer who threatens to file or files a billing dispute with their financial institution or with any law enforcement or consumer protection agency by denying to such consumers access to and use of paid-for goods and services”. The FTC, however, also stated that nothing was to preclude the Match group from suspending a customer’s service during a billing dispute; suspending or termination customer’s service if a refund has been issued; or keeping a customer’s account active but not visible to other users until the customer seeks to make the account visible again.

What lessons should software and SaaS companies learn from the Match enforcement action?

First and foremost, material terms for discounts, refunds, or free offers need to be clearly and conspicuously disclosed up front, before a customer’s payment information is collected. Far too often, companies just list these types of terms on a billing schedule or web page without ever explaining in detail how the special offer will work, but that level of detail is not going to be sufficient to meet FTC requirements.

Secondly, recurring subscription charges need to be easy to cancel.

Finally, customers who dispute recurring subscription charges cannot be retaliated against.

Does your company work on a subscription model? If yes, have you had your customer terms and/or agreements recently reviewed to confirm its compliance with FTC regulations, as well as new state regulations? Schedule a consultation today with a software and technology attorney who has expertise in subscriptions at this link.

FTC Sues LA Fitness Over Recurring Membership Practices

The FTC recently sued nationwide gym chain LA Fitness over its recurring membership and cancellation practices, based on alleged violations of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), 15 U.S.C. Section 45(a) and Section 4 of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (“ROSCA”).

Although this case involves a gym membership rather than a SaaS subscription, given the recent enforcement priority of the FTC on subscriptions, the facts and circumstances of the case are still relevant to SaaS and software companies.

In this case, the FTC alleged that LA Fitness enrolled customers in monthly memberships with negative option features, either via a website or at the gym. However, once customers became members, they were required to cancel the membership in one of two ways: either by submitting a difficult-to-access form in person at the gym to a particular manager and wait for that manager to process the cancellation, or by mailing the same difficult-to-access-form via registered or certified mail at the member’s expense.

The FTC particularly noted that most gym services were accessed exclusively through an app but LA Fitness did not make the cancellation form available through the same app: it was only available through the website. Also, according to the FTC, customers could not access or download the form without first logging into the website, and they couldn’t submit the form in person without first accessing a printer to print the form. Then, according to the FTC, if customers complied with all these steps, cancellations were only accepted by the gym locations between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. M-F, even though the locations were generally open 19 hours a day/7 days a week, and then cancellation requests were only accepted by a single employee: the Operations Manager, despite employing multiple other employees at each location. Finally, according to the FTC, to further frustrate cancellations, the Operations Manager was often not available to accept the cancellation, and never followed up, despite LA Fitness promising he would do so.

According to the FTC, the mail cancellation procedures often worked no better, and that customers often sent multiple cancellation forms to LA Fitness but could never obtain a cancellation.

In addition, the FTC alleged that the LA Fitness often signed customers up for additional services with recurring charges such as towel service or childcare using the same membership contract but imposed “different and inconsistent cancellation” procedures. According to the FTC, LA Fitness failed to disclose that the additional services were “separate negative option programs, distinct from their base membership, which. . . could be [canceled] independently.” FTC alleged that LA Fitness further frustrated the cancellation process by not allowing customers to cancel all the services at once: the gym required that each service had to be cancelled by a separate form. Consequently, even where consumers were able to cancel one recurring membership, they were often still billed for another.

The FTC further alleged that customers who complied with the restrictive cancellation procedures were often still billed for their memberships, and that the FTC had received tens of thousands of customer reports on these problems. According to the FTC, even when the customers cancelled their cards to escape the charges, LA Fitness would manage to bill the same charges to replacement cards.

The FTC complaint alleged that LA Fitness’s cancellation practices constitute “unfair acts or practices in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 45(a), (n).”

Also, the FTC complaint alleged that its practices violate Section 4 of ROSCA, 15 U.S.C. Section 8404(a) by [failing] “to clearly and conspicuously disclose all material terms of the transaction” in connection with a negative option feature “before obtaining the consumer’s billing information, including a. the method of cancellation; and b. that their add-on services and amenities are separate negative option programs that are subject to separate cancellation requirements.”

Finally, the FTC complaint alleged that the practices in not “providing simple mechanisms for a consumer to stop recurring charges” constitute a violation of Section 4 of ROSCA, 15 U.S.C. Section 8403(3).

What are the lessons to be learned by software and SaaS companies from the LA Fitness case?

Well, first and foremost, the LA Fitness case highlights the risks of relying on what the FTC refers to as a “negative option feature.” The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”) defines “negative option feature” as “an offer or agreement to sell or provide any goods or services, a provision under which the consumer’s silence or failure to take an affirmative action to reject goods or services or to cancel the agreement is interpreted by the seller as acceptance of the offer.” The best practice is to avoid utilizing negative option features altogether.

However, if your company elects to utilize a negative option feature notwithstanding the risk, you are required to do the following:

clearly and conspicuously disclose all material terms of the transaction before obtaining the consumer’s billing information;
obtain the consumer’s express informed consent before making the charge; and
provide simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges.

Third, to the extent you have multiple negative option features, each with different terms and cancellation policies, the material terms need to each be clearly and conspicuously disclosed before obtaining the consumer billing information, and the consumer’s express informed consent needs to be obtained before making the charge.

Then, fourth, you need to timely process cancellations upon receipt.

Does your company utilize a subscription or membership agreement? Are your terms compliant with the FTC Act, ROSCA, and other state regulations governing subscriptions or memberships? Schedule a consultation with a subscription law attorney today at this link.

Santa Clara County Settles HelloFresh Subscription Suit

Santa Clara County just recently announced that it has obtained a $7.5 million settlement in a consumer protection lawsuit against HelloFresh over its subscription and advertising practices.

The case was filed as a civil matter in Santa Clara County and was led by the Santa Clara County and Los Angeles County district attorney’s offices for the California Automatic Renewal Task Force, which also includes the district attorney’s offices of San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties, as well as the Santa Monica City’s Attorney’s.

While HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery company rather than a software or SaaS company, it operates on a subscription model, which makes the recent action noteworthy to the software and SaaS communities.

According to Santa Clara County’s published press release, the complaint alleged that HelloFresh did not clearly and conspicuously disclose the required subscription terms before enrolling consumers in automatic renewal product subscriptions, obtain consumer’s affirmative consent, provide consumers with the proper post-purchase acknowledgement, or offer an easy-to-use-mechanism for cancellation, all of which were violations of California’s Automatic Renewal Law as well as its False Advertising Law.

The settlement requires HelloFresh to pay $6.38 million in civil penalties, $120,000 in investigative costs, and $1 million in restitution to eligible California consumers. The DA’s office will receive $1,063,334 of the $6.38 million in civil penalties.

What are the lessons to be learned by software and SaaS companies from the HelloFresh case?

First and foremost, software and SaaS companies need to know that California counties are actively enforcing California laws on subscriptions–not just the California state government. There is a California Automatic Renewal Task Force comprised of multiple counties that is selecting subscription cases to pursue.

Second, the key issues flagged by Santa Clara County in prompting them to purse this case was “misleading consumers” and “making it difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions.” In particular, Santa Clara County cited failure to disclose the material terms and conditions for “advertised free meals”, “surprise gifts,” and “free shipping offers.” In other words, not being completely transparent about the terms of items consumers were offered, and then the subsequent trouble those consumers encountered with cancelling subscriptions were the issues prompting Santa Clara County to pursue litigation against HelloFresh.

Third and finally, the specific compliance obligations that were not met in this case, in violation of California law were as follows:

clear and conspicuous disclosure of subscription terms before enrolling consumers in automatic renewal subscriptions;
procuring consumers’ affirmative consent to the subscriptions;
providing consumers with the required post-purchase acknowledgement containing the material terms of the subscription; and
providing an easy-to-use mechanism to cancel the subscription.

If your company utilizes a subscription model in its business and has not recently updated your subscription to comply with the updated California regulations on subscriptions, it may be worthwhile to have your terms or contract reviewed by a lawyer with expertise in this field. To schedule a initial consultation with an attorney, please make an appointment at this link.

FTC Settles with Amazon over Deceptive Subscriptions

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has just obtained a $2.5 billion settlement against Amazon over its “deceptive” subscription practices. To view the announcement by the FTC click here. Amazon will be required to pay a $1 billion civil penalty, provide $1.5 billion in refunds back to affected consumers, and cease its unlawful enrollment and cancellation practices.

Consumer subscriptions have become a recent focus for the FTC as well as other state regulatory agencies around the country over enrollment, auto-renewal and cancellation practices, which state and federal governments have deemed to be deceptive and unfair. In the case of Amazon, the FTC alleged that “the evidence showed that Amazon used sophisticated subscription traps designed to manipulate consumers into enrolling in Prime and then made it exceedingly hard for consumers to end their subscription.”

The FTC alleged that Amazon had violated Section 5 (a) of the FTC Act, 15 USC Section 45(a) prohibiting “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in/or affecting commerce” when it charged customers for subscriptions without their express consent.

Also, the FTC alleged that Amazon had violated the Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act (“ROSCA”), 15 USC Sections 18401-05, by charging consumers through a negative option feature without (a) clearly and conspicuously disclosing all the material terms of the transaction before obtaining the consumer’s billing information, (b) obtaining the consumer’s express informed consent before making the charge, and (c) providing simple mechanisms to stop recurring charges. The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”) defines a negative option feature to constitute “an offer or agreement to sell or provide any goods or services. . . under which the consumer’s silence or failure to take an affirmative action to reject goods or services or cancel the agreement is interpreted by the seller as acceptance of the offer.”

The FTC’s settlement with Amazon requires Amazon to stop these subscription practices and make the following changes:

1) Include a clear and conspicuous button for customers to decline Prime. In particular, Amazon can no longer have a button that says “No, I don’t want free shipping.”

2) Include clear and conspicuous disclosures about all material terms of Prime during the Prime enrollment process, such as the cost, the date and frequency of charges to consumers, whether the subscription auto-renews, and cancellation procedures.

3) Creating an easy way for consumers to cancel Prime, using the same method that consumers used to sign up. The process cannot be difficult, costly, or time-consuming and must be available using the same method that consumers used to sign up; and

4) pay for an independent, third-party supervisor to monitor Amazon’s compliance with the consumer redress distribution process.

What do software companies utilizing the subscription model need to know about the Amazon case?

First and foremost, if your software company is utilizing the subscription business model, you need to comply both with the FTC Act and with ROSCA. This means that you need to obtain express consent from customers to enter into the subscription, and before you charge your customer, you need to (a) clearly and conspicuously disclose the material terms of the transaction before obtaining billing information from the customer, (b) obtain express informed consent from the customer before making the charge, (c) provide a simple mechanism to stop recurring charges. You also need a clear and conspicuous button for your customers to decline the subscription (that identifies itself as a button to cancel the subscription); you need to describe clearly the cost, date and frequency of charges, whether the subscription auto-renews, and the cancellation procedures. Finally, you need to create an easy method for consumers to cancel the subscription, using the same method the customers used to sign up. The process cannot be difficult, costly, or time-consuming.

These requirements apply to consumer-focused subscriptions; however, it is my position that these requirements should be viewed as best practices for the industry, even where the customers are businesses, and that businesses should adhere to the requirements as well.

Has your software company obtained a recent review of its subscription practices and subscription terms by a SaaS and software contracts lawyer? Schedule a new client consultation today at this link.

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The Art of Thriving: How Coca-Cola Masters the French Market

In the highly sophisticated and culturally rich landscape of France, a global brand cannot simply rely on its international reputation to succeed. It must adapt, integrate, and resonate with local sensibilities. For Coca-Cola, a name synonymous with global pop culture, its sales strategy in France is a testament to this principle. It’s a carefully orchestrated blend of respecting local traditions, responding to consumer trends, and leveraging its immense brand power. From the bustling bistros of Paris to the expansive hypermarkets of the suburbs, Coca-Cola’s presence is a masterclass in localized market penetration and sustained growth.

A Tailored Product Portfolio for the French Palate

The foundation of Coca-Cola’s success in France lies in its strategic product portfolio, which is meticulously designed to cater to the discerning French consumer. The French market is characterized by a growing focus on health and wellness, a trend that Coca-Cola has not ignored. While the iconic classic Coca-Cola remains a powerful seller, the company has heavily promoted and diversified its no-sugar and low-sugar alternatives. Products like Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke are given significant shelf space and marketing support, directly addressing the national conversation around sugar consumption and the government’s sugar tax. This proactive approach ensures the brand remains relevant and responsible in a health-conscious society.

Beyond the flagship sodas, the Coca-Cola Company in France is a sprawling beverage giant that includes a wide array of brands. The portfolio features popular soft drinks like Fanta and Sprite, as well as a growing presence in the juice and tea categories with brands such as Minute Maid, Fuze Tea, and Honest Tea. This multi-brand strategy gives Coca-Cola a dominant position on supermarket shelves and in beverage aisles, allowing it to compete across a multitude of consumer needs and taste preferences. The company also pays close attention to packaging formats, offering everything from classic glass bottles favored in cafes and restaurants, to sleek, small-sized cans and multi-packs for at-home consumption. This variety ensures that a refreshing Coca-Cola is always available in a format that suits the specific occasion, a crucial element of the French “savoir-vivre,” or art of living.

The Two-Pronged Distribution and Retail Strategy

France’s retail landscape is unique, with a strong presence of large hypermarkets and supermarkets, but also a vibrant network of smaller convenience stores, cafes, and bakeries. Coca-Cola’s distribution model is expertly designed to dominate both the “off-premise” and “on-premise” channels.

In the off-premise channel, which includes major retailers like Carrefour, Auchan, and E.Leclerc, Coca-Cola leverages its brand power to secure prime shelf space and prominent in-store displays. The company collaborates closely with these retail giants on joint marketing campaigns and promotional events, from seasonal discounts to limited-edition products. This ensures that Coca-Cola products are highly visible and accessible to millions of consumers doing their weekly grocery shop. The company’s logistics and supply chain are finely tuned to ensure consistent product availability, minimizing out-of-stock situations and maximizing sales volume.

In the on-premise channel, the strategy is less about volume and more about brand experience. Coca-Cola has invested heavily in partnerships with cafes, bars, and restaurants, recognizing that these social spaces are crucial for shaping consumer perceptions. The iconic red refrigerators, branded parasols, and stylish glassware are a common sight, reinforcing the brand’s association with moments of conviviality, relaxation, and shared pleasure. By being present in these social hubs, Coca-Cola becomes an integral part of the dining and leisure experience, building deep-seated brand loyalty and emotional connection. The presence of a Coca-Cola in a café is more than a sale; it is a brand statement.

Marketing: Weaving Coca-Cola into French Cultural DNA

Effective marketing for Coca-Cola in France goes far beyond simple advertising; it’s about becoming an integral part of the cultural fabric. The brand has mastered the art of creating an emotional connection with consumers by aligning its campaigns with local values and traditions. Instead of a generic global message, marketing in France often emphasizes moments of sharing, family gatherings, and the simple joys of life. The brand connects itself to the “savoir-vivre” concept, positioning a Coca-Cola as the perfect accompaniment to a shared meal or a break with friends.

The company also strategically sponsors major French sporting and cultural events, such as the legendary Tour de France and the world-renowned Roland-Garros tennis tournament. These partnerships provide massive visibility and embed the Coca-Cola brand into positive national experiences. The “Holidays Are Coming” Christmas campaign, a global phenomenon, has also become a beloved tradition in France, heralding the arrival of the festive season. In the digital space, Coca-Cola uses social media and collaborations with local influencers to engage a younger audience, creating viral content and localized campaigns that resonate with Gen Z and millennial consumers. This combination of traditional and modern marketing ensures that Coca-Cola‘s message is fresh and relevant, while still tapping into the timeless appeal of its brand.

Embracing Sustainability and Social Responsibility

In a country where consumers are increasingly concerned with environmental issues, Coca-Cola has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts in France. The company has invested heavily in initiatives to increase the use of recycled plastic (rPET) in its bottles and has set ambitious targets to ensure all of its packaging is fully recyclable. They have also partnered with local recycling organizations and launched public awareness campaigns to encourage proper waste disposal. This commitment to environmental responsibility is more than a marketing tactic; it’s a critical component of maintaining consumer trust and loyalty. By demonstrating a genuine effort to reduce its environmental footprint, Coca-Cola strengthens its position as a responsible corporate citizen. This focus on sustainability reinforces the brand’s long-term viability and ensures it remains a respected and cherished part of the French consumer’s life.

The Enduring Appeal of Coca-Cola

In conclusion, Coca-Cola’s sales policy in France is a compelling example of a global brand’s ability to thrive in a specific and demanding market. It succeeds by offering a diversified product line that caters to local health trends, maintaining a robust, dual-channel distribution network for ubiquitous availability, and crafting a nuanced marketing strategy that resonates deeply with French cultural values. The company’s proactive stance on sustainability further solidifies its position as a brand that is both globally iconic and locally relevant. This masterful blend of global power and local sensitivity ensures that the enduring appeal of Coca-Cola will continue to refresh and delight French consumers for many years to come.

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California Passes New Click to Cancel Law for Subscriptions

California has just passed a new “click to cancel” law that will apply to consumer subscriptions, along with memberships and other autorenewing or continuous service arrangements with consumers.

AB 2863 amends California’s existing autorenewal law to add additional protections for consumers with respect to autorenewing or continuous billing charges.

The “click to cancel” law will apply to all software, SaaS, technology, Internet, and service businesses that provide subscription or membership-based services on a continuous or autorenewing basis.

Text of AB 2863

To view the full text of AB 2863, please click here. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2025, applies to all contracts entered into, amended, or extended after that date.

New Requirements for Consumer Subscriptions

Under the new California law, it will now be unlawful for companies who have made an autorenewal or continuous service offer to a consumer in the state to do any of the following:

Fail to present the terms of the offer in a clear and conspicuous manner in visual proximity to the request for consent of the offer, which includes if there is a free gift or trial, a clear and conspicuous explanation of the price that will be charged when the trial ends;
Charge the consumer’s credit or debt card or any third party account for the automatic renewal or continuous service without first obtaining affirmative consent from the consumer to the automatic renewal or continuous service agreement;
Fail to provide an acknowledgement that includes the automatic renewal offer terms or continuous service offer terms, cancellation policy, and information regarding how to cancel in a manner that the consumer can retain, and if the offer contained a free gift or trial, the acknowledgement must include a disclosure of how to cancel and must permit the consumer to cancel before the consumer pays for the goods or services;
Fail to obtain express affirmative consent from a consumer to the automatic renewal or continuous service offer terms;
Include terms in a contract that interfere with, detract from, contradict, or otherwise undermine the ability of consumers to provide their affirmative consent to automatic renewal or continuous service terms;
Fail to maintain verification of consumer’s affirmative consent for at least three years, or one year after the contract is terminated, whichever is longer;
Misrepresent expressly or by implication a material fact related to the transaction;
Fail to provide consumer with a notice, before confirming the consumer’s billing information that clearly and conspicuously states:
- The service will automatically renew unless the consumer cancels;
- The length and any additional terms of the renewal period;
- The amount or range of costs consumer will be charged and the frequency of those charges, unless consumer stops the charges;
- One or more methods which consumer can cancel the autorenewal or service;
- If sent electronically, the notice must include a link that directs consumer to the cancellation process, or another electronic method that directs the consumer to cancellation; and
- Contact information for the business.

New Requirements for Gifts and Trials

In addition, companies offering free gifts or trials at promotional or discount prices that last for more than 31 days in conjunction with an automatic renewal or continuous service offer will now be mandated to provide the same kind of clear and conspicuous notice no less than 3 days before and no more than 21 days before the expiration of the gift or trial. The only exception to this requirement is in cases of contracts that are not electronic, where the business has not collected or maintained the consumer’s valid email address, phone number, or other means of notifying the consumer electronically. “Free gifts” for the purpose of this law does not apply to a gift that is different than the subscribed product or service.

New Requirements for Contracts or Offers with Initial Term of One Year or Longer

If the contract or service offer was for an initial term of one year or longer, companies will now be required to provide the specified notice at no less than 15 days and no more than 45 days before the offer renews.

Online “Click to Cancel” Requirement

Companies that sign-up or subscribe consumers online will be required to provide one of two methods to allow consumers to cancel at will by either (a) a prominent link or button within the customer account or profile or within device or user settings, or (b) an immediately accessible termination email formatted and provided by the business that a consumer can email to the business without any additional requirement.

Direct Billing Requirement

Companies that direct bill consumers on an automatic renewal or continuous offer basis will be required to provide a toll-free telephone number, email address, and postal address or “another cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use mechanism for cancellation” that is described in the acknowledgement. If a telephone number is provided as the mechanism for termination, the software or SaaS company will be required to answer calls promptly during normal business hours without obstructing or delaying the ability to cancel. If a voice mail is left by the consumer requesting cancellation, the company shall be required to either process the requested cancellation in one business day or call the customer back regarding the request within one business day.

Customer Retention Offer Requirement

Companies will still be permitted to make customer retention offers, provided that they must first clearly and conspicuously inform the consumer that they may complete the cancellation process at any time by stating they want to “cancel” or similar words to that effect. Once the consumer states their intention to “cancel” or uses similar words, the company must promptly process the cancellation without obstruction or delay. Companies making online customer retention offers will be required to display a simultaneous, prominently and proximately located and continuously displayed direct link or button labeled “click to cancel” alongside the offer. Once the consumer clicks on the button, the business is required to promptly process the cancellation.

Requirement for Material Term Changes

Companies who materially change terms that have already been accepted by a consumer in the state will be required to provide to the consumer a clear and conspicuous notice of the material change and to provide information on how to cancel. If the change involves a fee that was already accepted, the company will be required to provide at least 7 days (and no more than 30 days) prior clear and conspicuous notice of the fee change and information on how to cancel.

Requirement for Annual Reminder

Companies will be required to send an annual reminder to consumers who have entered into annual automatic renewal agreements or continuous service agreements in the same medium that the agreement was activated or in the same medium by which the consumer is interacting with the business. If the medium was in-person or voice-based then the company may submit the reminder via telephone, mail, or another internet-based communication. The notice is required to disclose the product or service to which the agreement applies; the frequency and amount of charges; and the means to cancel.

Implications of Requirements

While these new rules apply only to automatic renewal agreements and continuous service agreements with consumers, they may be applied to small businesses in cases where the businesses are run by sole proprietors. Also, they may be applied in other contexts to businesses on public policy grounds, where the terms of service or contract terms in effect are not at least as good as what is required now by law in the case of consumers.

What does this mean for Software, SaaS, Technology, and Internet Companies Who Work on a Recurring or Ongoing Basis?

Companies working on a recurring or ongoing basis need to start reviewing and updating their contracts and terms of service, as well as their practices and procedures, before the January 1, 2025 effective date of this new law. Most consumer-facing software, technology, and Internet companies will be directly affected, and tech companies targeting a business customer base will also be impacted to some degree.

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Why Your Company Should Review Key Customer Contracts in a Sluggish Economy

Is Cutting Your Company’s Contract in Your Customer’s Business Strategy?

It has become increasingly clear over the past few months that businesses are in a cost-cutting mode, as the economy has become more and more sluggish. While your tech company is likely focusing on its own cost-cutting strategy, have you stopped to consider whether your most significant customers might be doing the same? Is it possible those key customers may be focusing on how to cut the cost of their contract with your business? Could they be talking to one of your competitors? Could they be building their own proprietary product to replace the cost of your product?

A sluggish economy is the perfect occasion to audit and review your key customer contracts for weaknesses that might allow your customer to walk out the door as a cost-cutting move.

You might wonder why you should spend any resources on contracts when business is already sluggish: isn’t this exactly the time when you should be reducing legal expenses, along with all your other cost-cutting efforts?

Well, no, actually. While, it has been my experience that this is in fact what most tech companies do; however, I have been practicing now for 26 years and had the occasion to see a lot of sluggish economies, and given that experience, I would argue that it is exactly the wrong move to make in a sluggish economy. Why would I say this?

Imagine this: it is two months in the future. Over the last 30 days, all of your key customers have stopped paying on their contracts with you and have advised you that they are suspending performance. You are confident that they are just cutting costs and have no grounds to terminate the relationship. You pull out the executed contracts and send them to your tech attorney to review for the first time, confident that he or she will confirm your assessment. However, instead of confirming your position, your tech attorney tells that the signed contracts were poorly drafted and that the customers may have had valid grounds to terminate.

In this scenario, if you had known there was something you could do to interrupt this chain of events and shore up the customer relationships before they collapsed, would it have been worthwhile to do it? Presumably, yes. If the customers were your truly your key customers, you probably had a lot riding on the continuation of those relationships.

If the fact pattern seems far-fetched, I’ve actually seen it play out many times during sluggish economies. The larger and more expensive the contract, the more at risk it is for termination in a sluggish economy. If you are confident it won’t happen to your company, consider what kind of representation you had for the drafting and negotiation of that contract? Did you work with experienced tech counsel who had advised other tech companies through multiple bad economies, and involve that counsel at every stage of the negotiation and drafting process and then implement all of his or her recommendations? Or did you cut a few corners in getting your deal done? Perhaps handled a lot of the negotiation and drafting without counsel, or relied on less experienced counsel that was more affordable? If you are like many tech companies, you probably cut at least a few corners–perhaps you even cut a lot of corners–and the contracts executed by you and your key customers are full of holes.

What would truly be the impact to your software company of a complete loss of your three largest customers? Your six largest customers? Your ten largest customers? How fast could you really recover in a sluggish economy?

If the prospect of this kind of business loss fills you with terror, then this is precisely why you should revisit your significant contracts now.

So, what is it that you can do to shore up your key client relationships now? Well, skilled software counsel can evaluate those contracts and identify the potential liabilities and then work with you to develop a strategy to renegotiate them. By taking the opportunity to renegotiate a weak contract before the contract terminates, you can extend the term of the relationship, fix the legal problems in the contract, and keep the customer happy in the first place by giving the customer a concession that the customer really wants in exchange for the longer relationship term that carries the relationship through the down economy.

Isn’t this a better outcome than losing a key customer altogether over a vulnerability in your contract that is exploited in a cost-cutting effort?

If your tech company has not had its key tech contracts evaluated recently by an experienced tech lawyer, schedule a consultation with me today at https://calendly.com/kristieprinz. Let’s identify the vulnerabilities in your key contracts before a key customer exploits the vulnerabilities as a cost-cutting move and resolve potential problems in the relationships before they arise and become the reason you lose those relationships.

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The Unfiltered Truth: The Undeniable Facts of Smoking

In the landscape of public health, few issues have been as thoroughly researched, debated, and legislated as tobacco smoking. Yet, despite decades of public awareness campaigns and overwhelming scientific consensus, millions of people worldwide continue to light up every day. This persistence is a testament to the powerful nature of nicotine addiction and the sophisticated marketing of the tobacco industry. To move beyond the debate, it is essential to look at the cold, hard facts. Smoking is not a lifestyle choice; it is a global health crisis and a powerful addiction that systematically destroys the human body. The unfiltered truth is that cigarette smoking is the single leading cause of preventable death and disease in the world.

A single cigarette is far more than just shredded tobacco leaves wrapped in paper. It is a highly engineered drug-delivery system. When lit, it becomes a chemical factory, producing over 7,000 chemicals in its smoke. At least 250 of these are known to be harmful, and more than 70 are confirmed carcinogens—substances that directly cause cancer. Consumers are often familiar with “tar” and “nicotine,” but the list of toxins is far more sinister. Cigarette smoke contains formaldehyde, an embalming fluid; arsenic, a heavy metal poison; cyanide, a chemical used in gas chambers; and carbon monoxide, a toxic gas found in car exhaust. Every puff introduces this chemical cocktail into the lungs, where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to every organ in the body.

The consequences of this systemic chemical assault are devastating and widespread. The most well-known impact is on the respiratory system. Smoking paralyzes and destroys the cilia, the tiny hair-like structures in the airways that are responsible for cleaning out toxins and mucus. This damage leads to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, debilitating conditions collectively known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Most critically, the carcinogens in the smoke directly damage the DNA of lung cells, leading to mutations that cause lung cancer, a disease for which smoking is the cause in approximately 90% of cases.

However, the damage extends far beyond the lungs. The cardiovascular system is a primary target. Chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lining of the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis—a buildup of fatty plaque that narrows and hardens the arteries. Smoking also increases blood pressure, raises heart rate, and makes the blood stickier and more prone to clotting. This deadly combination dramatically increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, making them a leading cause of death among smokers.

Cancer is not confined to the lungs. As the carcinogens travel through the bloodstream, they can initiate cancer in virtually any part of the body. Smoking is a major cause of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and cervix. The body’s ability to fight these diseases is also compromised, as smoking weakens the immune system, making it less effective at killing cancer cells.

At the core of this destructive habit is the science of addiction. Nicotine is an incredibly addictive substance, often compared to heroin or cocaine in its power to create dependency. When inhaled, it reaches the brain in under ten seconds, triggering a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The brain quickly adapts, craving this chemical stimulation to feel “normal.” When a smoker tries to quit, they experience powerful withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, depression, and intense cravings. This is not a failure of willpower; it is a physiological and psychological dependency that makes quitting incredibly difficult without support.

The facts of smoking do not end with the smoker. Secondhand smoke—the smoke exhaled by a smoker and the smoke from the burning tip of the cigarette—is a Class A carcinogen. There is no risk-free level of exposure. In non-smokers, it causes the same diseases, including lung cancer and heart disease. Children are especially vulnerable, with exposure increasing their risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), severe asthma attacks, and respiratory infections. A lesser-known but equally dangerous fact is “thirdhand smoke,” the toxic residue of nicotine and other chemicals that clings to surfaces like clothes, furniture, walls, and car interiors long after the smoke has cleared. This residue can be absorbed or ingested, posing a significant risk to infants and children who touch or mouth these surfaces.

In conclusion, the scientific evidence is clear, comprehensive, and irrefutable. Cigarette smoking is a multi-organ assault fueled by a powerful addiction. It damages everything from cellular DNA to major organ systems and harms not only the user but everyone around them. The good news, however, is that the body has a remarkable capacity to heal. The health benefits of quitting begin within minutes of the last cigarette and continue for years, dramatically reducing the risk of premature death. Understanding the unfiltered facts is the first step toward making the most important health decision a smoker can ever make: the decision to quit.

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FTC Announces Settlement with Twitter Over Deceptive Use of Account Security Data

The Federal and Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced today a settlement with Twitter, Inc. (“Twitter”) in which Twitter agreed to pay $150 million for its alleged misuse of user account security data, specifically email addresses and phone numbers, for advertising purposes. The government alleged that the misuse of account data was in violation of a 2011 FTC Order against Twitter, which prohibited the company from misrepresenting the extent to which it maintains and protects the security, privacy, confidentiality, or integrity of any nonpublic consumer information. The government alleged that the misuse of consumer data also violated the EU-US Privacy Shield, and the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield.

The FTC press release is attached here. The complaint is attached here, and the stipulated order is attached here.

In addition to the paying a $150 million fine, the government announced that Twitter has agreed to the following:

Twitter will not profit from deceptively collected data;

Users will have other options to multi-factor authentication such as apps or security keys that do not require the provision of phone numbers;
Notify all users that Twitter misused the phone numbers and emails collected for targeted advertising and to provide users with information about Twitter’s privacy and security controls;
Implement and maintain a comprehensive privacy and information security program which requires an assessment of the potential privacy and security requirements of new products;
Limit employee access to users’ personal data; and
Notify the FTC if it experiences a data breach.

With this enforcement action against Twitter, the FTC is clearly making a statement to businesses that they need to truthfully disclose the purposes for which data used for advertising purposes is collected, and that failure to disclose this information will have potential federal regulatory consequences.

WHAT COMPANIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LEGAL RISKS OF BUSINESS BLOGGING

What Companies Need to Know About the Legal Risks of Business Blogging

~~Price: 75.00~~ Special: Free Viewing Click here to view Companies are increasingly launching blogs to advertise and promote their businesses. While the benefits of adopting a business blog can be extensive, companies may also face legal consequences if they start posting to a blog without first having a good understanding of the legal issues they may encounter through their activities. This program is designed to educate companies on what they need to know about the legal risks of business blogging. The speaker for this event is Kristie Prinz, the Managing Principal of the intellectual property and e-commerce boutique firm, The Prinz Law Office, located in Los Gatos, CA. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker on blog law issues and recently completed work on a monograph titled “Managing the Risks of Employee Blogging,” which is scheduled to be published by the Science and Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Ms. Prinz is also an avid blogger, currently running two legal blogs, the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA and California State Bar’s Business Sections and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Additionally, Ms. Prinz has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com, is the author of The California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog; and is a frequent speaker on intellectual property and ecommerce issues. Ms. Prinz’s media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IPO 360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: approximately 54 minutes

SECRETS TO LAUNCHING AN EFFECTIVE BLOG TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

Secrets to Launching an Effective Blog to Promote Your Business

~~Price: $35~~. Special: Free Viewing Click here to view Have you heard stories about how other businesses have launched blogs to promote their businesses? Are you interested in launching a blog to promote your business as well? This program will share some of the secrets to launching an effective business blog, addressing such issues as:

Choosing the best name and subject for a business blog;
Selecting the best domain name for a business blog;
Finding the right voice for a business blog;
Targeting the right audience;
Choosing the right platform and host;
Developing the right blog design and layout for a business blog;
Maximizing the SEO value of a business blog;
Finding the best content for a business blog; and
Advertising and promoting a business blog.

The speaker for this program is Kristie Prinz, who is the Managing Principal of Prinz Law Management Consulting. Ms. Prinz is an avid blogger who recently launched the new Start-up Law Firm Blog and has two other legal blogs, the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker on blog-related issues, and recently completed a monograph titled “Managing the Risks of Employee Blogging,” which is scheduled to be published by the Science and Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Her consulting practice advises small law firms on a variety of business issues such as building a web presence, blogging issues, small firm advertising and promotion, law firm technology, financing the law firm, and business development. When she is not consulting, Ms. Prinz practices law and is the Managing Principal for The Prinz Law Office, an IP boutique law firm in Silicon Valley, CA. Her practice includes the drafting and negotiation of intellectual property licenses and related agreements in the high technology and life sciences industries, as well as advising clients across a range of issues in the intellectual property and e-commerce areas. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and the VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA’s Business Section and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Licensing Executives Society. In addition, Ms. Prinz has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com, and is a frequent speaker on intellectual property and e-commerce issues. Ms. Prinz’s media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s Marketplace, IPO 360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law.

WHAT EVERY SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

What Every Small Business Needs to Know About Intellectual Property

~~Price: $25~~. Special: Free Viewing Click here to view If your small business is not in the life sciences or high technology industry, then you may think that your company has no intellectual property that you should be concerned about. However, the reality is that most small businesses today have intellectual property, regardless of the industry that they are in. This program was created to educate small businesses on what types of intellectual property they may have in their business and some of the issues that they need to be aware of. Program highlights include explaining what constitutes a copyrightable work, common copyright issues that arise for small businesses, how to ensure that you own the rights in design materials that you have developed, and how to protect your business ideas and plans. The program is primarily intended for business owners who have a “low tech” business and are not regularly dealing with intellectual property issues in their company, so no prior knowledge of intellectual property is assumed. The speaker for this event is Kristie Prinz, the Managing Principal of the intellectual property and e-commerce boutique law firm, The Prinz Law Office, located in Silicon Valley, CA, who has extensive experience in working with entrepreneurs, start-up companies, and small businesses in the Silicon Valley. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker and media contributor on intellectual property-related issues. Her media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IP360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. She also authors the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog, and has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA and California State Bar’s Business Sections and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Ms. Prinz previously served as chair of the ABA’s Copyright Licensing Subcommittee for the Intellectual Property Law Section, and has served multiple terms on the Copyright Law and Corporate IP Management Committees for the Intellectual Property Owners Association. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: approximately 33 minutes.

SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ONLINE NETWORKING: AN INTRODUCTION TO HOW SMALL FIRMS CAN MAKE THE MOST OF THE TOOLS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET

Social and Professional Online Networking: An Introduction to How Small Firms Can Make the Most of the Tools Available on the Internet

Price: $15.00 Click here to view The Web is increasingly being used not only for social purposes but also for business purposes. This program addresses how small law firms and solo practitioners can utilize the Internet and social media to develop and build their practices. This webinar is based on a presentation, which was first featured by The Prinz Law Office Founder and Managing Principal Kristie Prinz at the ABA Business Section Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on April 16, 2009. The program explores how Ms. Prinz has used the Internet to build The Prinz Law Office, and provides some tips on how small firms can begin to build a presence on the Internet. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker on blog and Internet law issues and recently completed work on a monograph titled “Managing the Risks of Employee Blogging,” which is scheduled to be published by the Science and Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Ms. Prinz is also an avid blogger, currently running two legal blogs, the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA and California State Bar’s Business Sections and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Additionally, Ms. Prinz has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com, is the author of The California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog; and is a frequent speaker on intellectual property and ecommerce issues. Ms. Prinz’s media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IPO 360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: approximately 21 minutes.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS

What You Need to Know About Nondisclosure Agreements

~~Price: $45~~. Special: Free Viewing Click here to view Nondisclosure agreements are perhaps the most overlooked agreements at any business. However, companies overlook these agreements at their own peril. This presentation examines what you really need to be considering in these agreements. Program highlights include an overview of the elements that should be in a well-drafted nondisclosure agreement and some of the tricks and traps that businesses often fall into in negotiating these agreements. This webinar is based on a program, which was first presented to several clients in 2008 and 2009 in order to educate them on the issues involving nondisclosure agreements. The program is designed to educate businesses on the important aspects of a nondisclosure agreement and to inform them about some of the issues that they need to watch out for in these types of agreements. The speaker for this event is Kristie Prinz, the Managing Principal of the intellectual property and e-commerce boutique law firm, The Prinz Law Office, located in Silicon Valley, CA, who has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting nondisclosure agreements for high tech and life sciences clients. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker and media contributor on intellectual property-related issues. Her media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IP360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. She also authors the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog, and has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA and California State Bar’s Business Sections and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Ms. Prinz previously served as chair of the ABA’s Copyright Licensing Subcommittee for the Intellectual Property Law Section, and has served multiple terms on the Copyright Law and Corporate IP Management Committees for the Intellectual Property Owners Association. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: approximately 26 minutes.

EMPLOYEE BLOGS AND WEBSITES: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANY FROM THE LEGAL RISK OF WORKERS GOING ONLINE

Employee Blogs and Websites: How to Protect Your Company from the Legal Risk of Workers Going Online

~~Price: $45~~. Special: Free Viewing Click here to view Given the popularity of blogging, an increasing number of workers are actively engaged in social media. While employers can benefit from employee blogging, it also can create new risks for businesses. This webinar was first presented by The Prinz Law Office Founder Kristie Prinz on July 15, 2008 for American Features Syndicate. The response was so overwhelming that American Features Syndicate asked Kristie to repeat the program again on August 1, 2008. The program is designed to educate companies on the legal risks from employee blogging and to provide them with some best practices to manage those risk. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker on blog law issues and recently completed work on a monograph titled “Managing the Risks of Employee Blogging,” which is scheduled to be published by the Science and Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Ms. Prinz is also an avid blogger, currently running two legal blogs, the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA and California State Bar’s Business Sections and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Additionally, Ms. Prinz has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com, is the author of The California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog; and is a frequent speaker on intellectual property and ecommerce issues. Ms. Prinz’s media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IPO 360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: 40 minutes.

LEVERAGING AN IP PORTFOLIO IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTNERING RELATIONSHIPS

Leveraging an IP Portfolio in the Development of Partnering Relationships

~~Price: $25~~. Special: Free Viewing

Click here to view How do you leverage an intellectual property portfolio and develop the relationships that will enable you to successfully commercialize your IP? This presentation looks at the process of how to take the IP that you have developed and build the partnering relationships required to create a revenue stream for your organization. This webinar was based on a presentation, which was first featured by The Prinz Law Office Founder and Managing Principal Kristie Prinz on June 10, 2008 at the Ninth Annual Beyond Genome: Tools to Therapies Conference in San Francisco, CA. The program was designed to examine the process of how businesses can commercialize intellectual property through partnering relationships. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker and media contributor on intellectual property-related issues. Her media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IP360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. She also authors the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog, and has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where serves as a Committee Chair for the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as the Director of Life Sciences/Biotechnology. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Ms. Prinz previously served as chair of the ABA’s Copyright Licensing Subcommittee for the Intellectual Property Law Section, and has served multiple terms on the Copyright Law and Corporate IP Management Committees for the Intellectual Property Owners Association. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: 18 minutes.

DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS IN BLOG LAW

~~Price: $45~~ Special: Free Viewing

Click here to view New legal issues continue to emerge in the area of blog law as an increasing number of people take up blogging for either personal or business purposes. This program explores the latest legal issues to develop in blog law, and makes some predictions about where blog law is heading in the future. This webinar is based on a teleconference, which was first presented on July 7, 2009 by The Prinz Law Office Founder and Managing Principal Kristie Prinz to the California Bar’s Business Section, E-Commerce Sub-Committee of the Cyberspace Committee. Ms. Prinz is a frequent speaker on blog law issues and recently completed work on a monograph titled “Managing the Risks of Employee Blogging,” which is scheduled to be published by the Science and Technology Law Section of the American Bar Association. Ms. Prinz is an avid blogger herself, currently running two legal blogs, the California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is an active member of the American Bar Association, where she serves as Chair of both the Programs and VOIP Committees of the Science and Technology Section. She is also active in the Cyberspace Committee of the ABA and California State Bar’s Business Sections and in the Silicon Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she recently finished a three-year term as a member of the board of directors. Her other activities include currently serving on the Advisory Board for the Silicon Valley Chapter of Licensing Executives Society. Additionally, Ms. Prinz has been a regular contributor to the “Ask the Lawyer” column on intellectual property law for Lawyers.com, is the author of The California Biotech Law Blog and the Silicon Valley IP Licensing Law Blog; and is a frequent speaker on intellectual property and ecommerce issues. Ms. Prinz’s media interviews and appearances include Dow Jones, CNN Radio, American Public Radio’s “Marketplace,” IPO 360, California Lawyer, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, and Sky Radio. Ms. Prinz graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Political Science and Spanish from Furman University, and she is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Time: 28 minutes.

Kristie Prinz Explains Why Not to Use the Term “SaaS License”

Kristie Prinz Discusses What Constitutes Digital Health

Kristie Prinz Introduces Digital Health Contracts

Kristie Prinz Introduces the Silicon Valley Software Law Blog

Kristie Prinz Discusses Enterprise SaaS Contracts

NEGOTIATING CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENTS IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

INTRODUCTION TO NEGOTIATING & DRAFTING SAAS AGREEMENTS

Best Practices for Negotiating Master Services Agreements in an Uncertain Economy

Date & Time: April 6, 2020, 10-11:30 a.m. PST Price: $125 Early Bird, $150 General Admission, $175 Last Minute & On-Demand Register on Eventbrite With the rapidly developing changes affecting businesses due to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus infection, and the widespread fear of the potential economic fallout, what are some of the best practices your business should be implementing immediately in negotiating master service agreements with customers and service providers? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Negotiating Master Services Agreements in an Uncertain Economy” which will provide an overview on how companies should approach the negotiation of master service agreements (“MSAs”) in the current economic climate, and steps you can be taking to protect your business in uncertain times. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What terms should be in a well-drafted MSA?
What special concerns do you need to address in uncertain times?
What steps can you take to protect your company against the risks of doing business in uncertain times?

Silicon Valley Tech Transactions Lawyer Kristie Prinz will be presenting this webinar. Ms. Prinz is a technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage and mid-market technology companies for more than 21 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized speaker, media contributor, and author on software, technology, and intellectual property-related issues. She publishes the Silicon Valley Software Law Blog and the new Silicon Valley Privacy Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for in-house counsel and attorneys, as well as IT professionals, consultants, and other businesspeople working in the technology industry. Register on Eventbrite

BEST PRACTICES FOR NEGOTIATING SAAS AGREEMENTS IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

Best Practices for Negotiating SaaS Agreements in an Uncertain Economy

Date & Time: December 8, 2020, 10-11:30 a.m. PST Price: $150 General Admission, $175 Last Minute & On-Demand Register on Eventbrite With the continued economic uncertainty resulting from COVID-19 and ongoing disruptions to large sectors of the worldwide economy, what are the current best practices to adopt in the negotiation of SaaS agreements? Silicon Valley SaaS lawyer Kristie Prinz will present a webinar on December 8, 2020 at 10 a.m. PST on “Best Practices for Negotiating SaaS Agreements in an Uncertain Economy.” The program will provide an overview on how companies should approach the negotiation of SaaS agreements in the current economic climate, and steps you can take to better protect your business in the negotiation process. At this webinar you will learn the following: What are some of the key considerations you should be addressing in your SaaS negotiations in an uncertain economy? What are the best practices for successfully addressing those concerns? What steps can you take to better protect your company in SaaS negotiations? Ms. Prinz is a SaaS, software and technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage, small, and mid-market software companies for more than 20 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized speaker, media contributor, and author of the Silicon Valley Software Law Blog. Ms. Prinz has developed particular expertise in the fields of SaaS and digital health transactions. She graduated from Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. To register, please click here

SECRETS TO DEVELOPING A BLOG THAT EFFECTIVELY MARKETS YOUR LAW PRACTICE

BEST PRACTICES FOR NEGOTIATING SAAS AGREEMENTS IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

Best Practices for Negotiating SaaS Agreements in an Uncertain Economy

Date & Time: April 20, 2020, 10-11:30 a.m. PST Price: $125 Early Bird, $150 General Admission, $175 Last Minute & On-Demand Register on Eventbrite With the rapidly developing changes affecting businesses due to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus infection, and the widespread fear of the potential economic fallout, what are some of the best practices your business should be implementing immediately in negotiating SaaS agreements with customers? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Negotiating SaaS Agreements in an Uncertain Economy” which will provide an overview on how companies should approach the negotiation of SaaS agreements in the current economic climate, and steps you can be taking to protect your business in uncertain times. At this webinar you will learn the following:

What terms should be in a well-drafted SaaS contract?
What special concerns do you need to address in uncertain times?
What steps can you take to better protect your company against the risks of doing business with customers in uncertain times?

Silicon Valley SaaS Lawyer Kristie Prinz will be presenting this webinar. Ms. Prinz is a SaaS, software and technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage, small, and mid-market software companies for more than 20 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized speaker, media contributor, and author of the Silicon Valley Software Law Blog and the new Silicon Valley Privacy Law Blog. Ms. Prinz has developed particular expertise in the fields of SaaS and digital health transactions. She graduated from Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for in-house counsel and attorneys, as well as salespeople, founders, and other executives working with SaaS companies.

THE INTERSECTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND LEGAL PRACTICE: ADDRESSING CURRENT TECHNOLOGY ISSUES WITHOUT ALLOWING THEM TO OVERWHELM YOUR PRACTICE

The Intersection of Technology and Legal Practice: Addressing Current Technology Issues without Allowing Them to Overwhelm Your Practice

Date & Time: April 17, 2020, 10-11:15 PST Price: $99 Early Bird, $125 General Admission, $150 Last Minute & On-Demand Register Silicon Valley Technology Lawyer Kristie Prinz will present a webinar on April 17, 2020 at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST on “The Intersection of Technology and Legal Practice: Addressing Current Technology Issues without Allowing Them to Overwhelm Your Practice,” which will provide an overview for lawyers and law firms who are not technology law practitioners on best practices to manage the use of technology in their legal practice. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What you need to know before starting a website or software development project;
Best practices for managing hosting and maintenance relationships;
Best practices for retaining and managing technology vendors; and
Recent legal developments impacting law practices.

Silicon Valley Technology Lawyer Kristie Prinz will be presenting this webinar. Ms. Prinz is a SaaS, software and technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage, small, and mid-market software companies for more than 21 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized legal speaker, media contributor, and author of the Silicon Valley Software Law Blog and the soon-to-be-launched Silicon Valley Privacy Law Blog. In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Prinz serves a consultant to law firms and law firms on technology, Internet, marketing and advertising, professional development, and public speaking-related issues. Ms. Prinz graduated from Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for small to mid-sized law firms and lawyers who are trying to manage the use of technology in their law practices without getting completely overwhelmed by it.

BEST PRACTICES FOR NEGOTIATING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

Best Practices for Negotiating Development Agreements in an Uncertain Economy

Date & Time: April 13, 2020, 10-11:30 a.m. PST Price: $125 Early Bird, $150 General Admission, $175 Last Minute & On-Demand Register on Eventbrite With the rapidly developing changes affecting businesses due to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus infection, and the widespread fear of the potential economic fallout, what are some of the best practices your business should be implementing immediately in negotiating software, website, and technology development agreements? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Negotiating Development Agreements in an Uncertain Economy” which will provide an overview on how companies should approach the negotiation of development agreements in the current economic climate, and steps you can be taking to protect your business in uncertain times. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What terms should be in a well-drafted development agreement?
What special concerns do you need to address in uncertain times?
What steps can you take to protect your company against the risks of entering into development transactions in uncertain times?

Silicon Valley Tech Transactions Lawyer Kristie Prinz will be presenting this webinar. Ms. Prinz is a technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage and mid-market technology companies for more than 21 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized speaker, media contributor, and author on software, technology, and intellectual property-related issues. She publishes the Silicon Valley Software Law Blog and the new Silicon Valley Privacy Law Blog. Ms. Prinz is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for in-house counsel and attorneys, as well as developers, consultants, and other businesspeople purchasing or performing development services.

BEST PRACTICES FOR NEGOTIATING MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENTS IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMY

Best Practices for Negotiating Master Services Agreements in an Uncertain Economy

What terms should be in a well-drafted MSA?
What special concerns do you need to address in uncertain times?
What steps can you take to protect your company against the risks of doing business in uncertain times?

BEST PRACTICES FOR NEGOTIATING SAAS CONTRACTS & MANAGING SAAS CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS IMPACTING THE SOFTWARE INDUSTRY 2019

BEST PRACTICES FOR NEGOTIATING SAAS CONTRACTS & MANAGING SAAS CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

BEST PRACTICES FOR DRAFTING MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENTS & MANAGING THE SERVICE RELATIONSHIP

Best Practices for Drafting Master Service Agreements & Managing the Service Relationship

Time: Friday, March 8, 2019, 10-11 a.m. PST Early Bird Price: $125, General Admission Price: $150, On-Demand Price: $175 Register on Eventbrite View On-Demand Are your customers signing a master services agreement which is actually protecting your business? What should you be doing after agreement is signed to manage the customer relationship? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Drafting Master Services Agreements & Managing the Service Relationship” which will provide an overview on how companies should be drafting master service agreements (“MSAs”) and what steps they should be taking to manage the relationship after the agreement is signed. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What terms should be in a well-drafted MSA?
What drafting problems do you typically find in a MSA?
What do companies need to know about managing the service relationship after the contract is signed?

Silicon Valley Tech Transactions Lawyer Kristie Prinz will be presenting this webinar. Ms. Prinz is a technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage and mid-market technology companies for more than 20 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized speaker, media contributor, and author on software, technology, and intellectual property-related issues. Ms. Prinz is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for in-house counsel and attorneys, as well as IT professionals and other businesspeople working in the technology industry.

BEST PRACTICES FOR DRAFTING SAAS CONTRACTS & MANAGING SAAS CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts & Managing SaaS Customer Relationships

Date & Time: February 19, 2019, 10-11:00 PST Price: $125 Early Bird, $150 General Admission, $175 On-Demand Register on Eventbrite Watch On-Demand What terms should be included in a well-written SaaS contract? How do you know if your SaaS contract is really protecting your business? What should you be doing after the SaaS contract is signed to manage the SaaS customer relationship? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts & Managing SaaS Customer Relationships” which will provide an overview of how SaaS companies should be drafting customer agreements and what steps they should be taking to manage the SaaS customer relationship after the agreement is signed. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What terms should be an in a well-drafted SaaS customer contract?
How do SaaS companies overcome common negotiating hurdles over terms?
What are the common drafting problems with SaaS customer contracts?
What do SaaS companies need to know about managing the customer relationship after the contract is signed?

Silicon Valley Software Lawyer Kristie Prinz will be presenting this webinar. Ms. Prinz is a software and technology transactions attorney in Silicon Valley who has been representing early stage and mid-market technology companies for more than 20 years. Ms. Prinz is a nationally-recognized speaker, media contributor, and author on software, technology, and intellectual property-related issues. Ms. Prinz has developed particular expertise in the fields of SaaS and digital health transactions. Ms. Prinz is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for in-house counsel and attorneys, as well as salespeople, founders, and other executives working with SaaS companies.

Silicon Valley SaaS Attorney Kristie Prinz to Speak on “Negotiating SaaS Contracts: Drafting Key Contract Provisions, Protecting Customer and Vendor Interests

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BEST PRACTICES FOR DRAFTING SAAS CONTRACTS THAT REDUCE THE CUSTOMER SALES CYCLE AND AVOID DISPUTES

Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle and Avoid Disputes

Date & Time: Thursday, March 29, 2018, 10-11:30 PST Price: $199 Register on Eventbrite Are your SaaS customers really signing an agreement that is effective for your business? How do you know if your SaaS contract is not just ineffective but is actually negatively impacting your business? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle & Avoid Disputes” which will explore these topics of concern for SaaS companies. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What makes an effective SaaS customer contract?
What terms should SaaS customers expect?
Common challenges with customer negotiations.
What drafting problems frequently result in stalled contract negotiations? Customer disputes?
How can better drafting close deals faster? Avoid subsequent customer disputes?

The speaker for this webinar will be Prinz Law Office founder and SaaS lawyer Kristie Prinz. Ms. Prinz’s practice focuses on advising early stage and small to mid-sized businesses on the negotiation and drafting of complex commercial transactions in the software, hardware, Internet, health technology fields of practice, as well as other related high tech and life sciences fields. Ms. Prinz is a regular speaker, media contributor, and author on technology law, intellectual property and entrepreneurship issues. Ms. Prinz has developed particular expertise in advising SaaS companies in negotiating and drafting their customer agreements. Ms. Prinz is a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School and is licensed to practice in the states of California and Georgia. This program is intended for anyone working at or launching a SaaS company. Having a law degree is not a pre-requisite for attendance.

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Silicon Valley SaaS Lawyer Kristie Prinz to Speak on “Negotiating SaaS Agreements: Drafting Key Contract Provisions, Protecting Customer and Vendor Interests”

BEST PRACTICES FOR DRAFTING SAAS CONTRACTS THAT REDUCE THE CUSTOMER SALES CYCLE & AVOID DISPUTES

Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle & Avoid Disputes

Date & Time: March 24, 2017, 10-11:30 PST General Admission Price: $199 Register on Eventbrite Are your SaaS customers really signing an agreement that is effective for your business? How do you know if your SaaS contract is not just ineffective but is actually negatively impacting your business? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle & Avoid Disputes” which will explore these topics of concern for SaaS companies. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What makes an effective SaaS customer contract?
What terms should SaaS customers expect?
Common challenges with customer negotiations.
What drafting problems frequently result in stalled contract negotiations? Customer disputes?
How can better drafting close deals faster? Avoid subsequent customer disputes?

Silicon Valley Software Lawyer Kristie Prinz to Speak on “Negotiating SaaS Agreements: Drafting Key Contract Provisions, Protecting Customer and Vendor Interests”

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BEST PRACTICES FOR DRAFTING SAAS CONTRACTS THAT REDUCE THE CUSTOMER SALES CYCLE & AVOID DISPUTES

Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle & Avoid Disputes

Date & Time: October 26, 2017, 10-11:30 PST General Admission Price: $199; On-Demand Price: $199 View On-Demand Are your SaaS customers really signing an agreement that is effective for your business? How do you know if your SaaS contract is not just ineffective but is actually negatively impacting your business? The Prinz Law Office is sponsoring a webinar on “Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle & Avoid Disputes” which will explore these topics of concern for SaaS companies. At this webinar, you will learn the following:

What makes an effective SaaS customer contract?
What terms should SaaS customers expect?
Common challenges with customer negotiations.
What drafting problems frequently result in stalled contract negotiations? Customer disputes?
How can better drafting close deals faster? Avoid subsequent customer disputes?

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Silicon Valley SaaS Lawyer Kristie Prinz to Speak at Upcoming Webinar on “Best Practices for Drafting SaaS Contracts that Reduce the Customer Sales Cycle & Avoid Disputes”

Silicon Valley Lawyer Kristie Prinz to Speak at Upcoming Webinar on “Negotiating Software as a Service Agreements”

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Why You Should Consult with an Exit Planner Before Considering a Proposal to Buy Your Business or its Core Assets

As a transactional firm in the technology and health tech space, the firm often gets retained by clients to engage in negotiations regarding the sale of a company or its core IP assets to a third party after the client has been approached by a third party with a purchase offer. In many of these cases, the offer was completely unexpected but the client is adamant that it wants to close the deal. However, when the firm then proceeds to ask the client directly what it is looking to accomplish with the deal, the client is often unable to answer the question beyond merely stating that it wants to accept whatever is on the table. If you are a business owner or entrepreneur in a similar situation, you would be wise as a first step before you ever sit down with the potential buyer and engage in that first conversation to invest the money in a professional valuation in order to get a clear understanding of what your business or assets to be included in a proposed sale might actually be worth on the open market. If you are hesitant to spend money on such a valuation, consider this: would you buy a house in California, for example, where houses are quite expensive, without having a clear idea of what the house is worth? Maybe in a market where houses are only worth $100k that would not give you pause for consideration, but when you are talking about paying out a few million dollars on what would be considered a “starter” home in another state: would you really do that without knowing the value of the house you were buying on the open market? As a second step, you would be wise to consult a professional business exit planner on all the issues surrounding exiting your business. This article by a professional exit planner gives an excellent perspective on the value that an exit planner can bring to the table before you start engaging in negotiations with a prospective buyer:

Can The Investment Capital You Have Support The Post-Exit Lifestyle You Want?

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Negotiating Your First Big Deal as a Start-Up or Entrepreneur? How to Pick the Right Lawyer to Get it Closed

If you are a start-up or entrepreneur and are on the verge of landing your first big business deal, you may be wrestling with the idea of hiring a lawyer for the first time to assist you on negotiating and reviewing your important business contract. It may be tempting to call the firm you are most familiar with as a first resource and not spend time looking for the right fit, as time is precious and you have a deal to close as soon as possible. But is that really a good idea? What should you really be looking for in an attorney? Skillset and expertise are obviously very important, as you want to be working with an attorney or firm that has the knowledge and experience to provide the advice you require. To start a search, you can frequently get a good idea about your options on the Internet where you can read about various professionals and their backgrounds, years in practice, and other expertise. Availability is really important too, as you want someone who you can actually reach by phone to discuss your questions and issues as they arise. Not every lawyer is actually available when you need to speak with him or her. Moreover, not every lawyer is going to truly be approachable by telephone either. You want to have some you are comfortable with to discuss your concerns and to feel like that person really has your best interests at heart. When you are starting out you will likely have numerous questions and you want to feel like you can raise any question you have and that you will get a good answer to your question when you raise it. You also want someone who is going to be able to provide some legal planning assistance, so that you are putting some thought into how you draft and negotiate your contracts, how you approach legal issues, and how you think ahead to save on legal costs long-term. The least budget-effective way to manage your legal expenses is to handle them without any sort of planning or thought on streamlining and managing your legal needs early-on. The bottom line is that you want someone who is on your team and invested in your success.

What should be your other considerations? This article by Ventureburn provides some excellent additional insights on how to choose the right lawyer or law firm at an early business stage:

7 Things Startups Should Look for in an Attorney

Congress Introduces Bill to Include Women in Draft: What Should be Next Steps?

A bill was introduced in Congress today requiring women to register for the draft.

If you have been following the issue of including women in the draft, the debate over the issue really began when the decision was made to officially allow women to serve in combat. The media publicized over the last few days comments by various military generals making statements to the effect that women should now be included in the draft, and those statements were now followed by a bill being introduced in Congress to make including women in the draft a reality.

As anyone who knows me well might suspect, I have always been a big advocate for women’s rights in the workplace. I grew up and started my career in the very traditional Southeast before relocating out West to the much more liberal California, and there is no question that there is a very distinct difference in how the workplace views women in the South vs. how the workplace views women in the more liberal West Coast. It was incredibly frustrating as a young lawyer starting my career to always be confused with the lawyer’s secretary, regardless of how impeccably I dressed, and to have to run through my qualifications to speak with a client every time I was introduced to a new firm client. And that was just the beginning of the long list of issues I had to deal with in the Southern workplace. As much as I appreciate my Southern roots, I am grateful for the professional opportunities California has afforded me. I have had the opportunity to achieve career milestones on the West Coast that would never have been available to me in the South.

In light of my background, I’ve always felt that a male-only draft was problematic on a variety of levels. I absolutely felt like women should be included in any draft just like women have been doing in Israel for many years. But now that the question is in front of us, we have to decide as a society if the Israeli model should be adopted here or if, alternatively, we should consider eliminating the draft altogether. Obviously the idea of the young beauty pageant winner getting killed in combat after being drafted during wartime may be difficult for certain sectors of the American public to accept. But we have already seen instances of young female teachers being slaughtered in the classroom protecting their students so perhaps we as a society are already prepared for dealing with that eventuality.

This is the link to the story:

Bill Would Require Women to Register in the Draft