Navigating reputational harm is a reality of the corporate world. Companies may face defamation lawsuits from former employees accusing the company of making false statements about the former employees. It is important for companies to understand the basic elements and defenses of defamation lawsuits in order to protect themselves.
Many early stage founders are focused on achieving profitability and overlook legal formalities. A failure to draft clear legal agreements on topics such as share ownership allocations among founders and the process for making company decisions can lead to conflicts and lawsuits among founders later on.
Apple's newest general counsel hire, Jennifer Newstead, has had a diverse career in senior government roles, private practice, and in-house. Her hiring is a reflection of the increased scope and complexity of in-house legal roles. Today, in-house lawyers are expected to have mastery of many areas of law and act as strategic business partners.
Companies will go to great lengths to protect their brand value. Trademark infringement involves the similar use of a trademark in a manner likely to confuse or deceive consumers. Courts will consider a variety of factors in their analysis, as demonstrated by famous trademark infringement cases involving companies such as Louis Vuitton and Starbucks.