Art MacCord is a patent attorney with 40 years of experience. He keeps an eye on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office for new rules and practice tips of interest to intellectual property attorneys. Find his latest updates here:
NCBA IPL section Blog News Blasts for March 17, 2020
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Do you remember when China started the One Child Policy? While watching a documentary on the unintended tragic consequences of this policy, I started to wonder what may occur if the USA started a similar policy.
Imagine the Federal Bureau for Parental Licensing (FBPL). What if a person had to apply for a license from the FBPL? What kind of requirements and testing would be implemented? Would you be required to be physically and mentally healthy? Maybe an ink blot test? The MMPI-2 administered? Genetic testing? Would marriage or long-term committed relationship be a prerequisite?
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By Will Quick Chair, Litigation Section Pro Bono Committee
Our section membership has a strong tradition of supporting and participating in pro bono and community service activities—both those planned and sponsored by the NCBA and those that you undertake on your own or with other organizations. We are in unprecedented times with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and I am confident that each of you is doing your part.
Even in the best of times, however, over 1.5 Million North Carolinians struggle with hunger—of those nearly half a million are children. With public schools and many religious and nonprofit organizations that traditionally serve the food insecure in our communities being closed for indefinite periods, and government leaders calling for social distancing to help limit the spread of Coronavirus, that need is never more pressing than now.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule clarifying the joint employer standard took effect on March 16. The final rule, first announced on January 12, narrows the definition of joint employment and contains several practical examples of scenarios where joint employer status would or would not exist. The rule is a positive development for employers, as it should assist employers in structuring their relationships with suppliers, contractors, and staffing agencies.
Background
The new rule applies only to the DOL’s interpretation of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs federal minimum wage, overtime, hours worked, among other things. Under the FLSA, an entity can be considered a “joint employer” if it exercises sufficient control over the terms and conditions of another entity’s workers. The existence of a joint employer relationship is a frequently litigated issue in the FLSA context, as joint employers are jointly and severally liable for FLSA obligations, such as the failure to pay overtime.
We are in unprecedented times with COVID-19 (Coronavirus). It is now more important than ever that we help our neighbors and those who are not as fortunate. I am confident that each of you is doing your part.
Even in the best of times, however, over 1.5 Million North Carolinians struggle with hunger—of those, nearly half a million are children. With public schools and many religious and nonprofit organizations that traditionally serve the food insecure in our communities being closed for indefinite periods, and government leaders calling for social distancing to help limit the spread of Coronavirus, that need is never more pressing than now.
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We are in unprecedented times with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and many of us are wondering what we can do to help those without regular access to food. Even in the best of times, however, over 1.5 Million North Carolinians struggle with hunger—of those nearly half a million are children. With public schools and many religious and nonprofit organizations that traditionally serve the food insecure in our communities being closed for indefinite periods and government leaders calling for social distancing to help limit the spread of Coronavirus that need is never more pressing than now.
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Federal and State law have long-recognized that the public does not have unfettered access to public buildings. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted that “it is settled law that the First Amendment does not guarantee access to property simply because it is owned or controlled by the government.” Hemmati v. United States, 564 A.2d 739 (1989); see also USPS v. Greenburgh Civic Associations 453 U.S. 114 (1981). “The State, no less than a private owner of property, has power to preserve the property under its control for use to which it is lawfully dedicated.” Adderley v. Florida, 385 U.S. 39, 47, 17 L.Ed. 2d 149 (1966); see also Cox v. State of La., 379 U.S. 536, 554, 85 S. Ct. 453, 464, 13 L.Ed. 2d 471 (1965).
These long-standing precepts are being tested and challenged by a group of individuals, including so-called “First Amendment Auditors.” These are a loosely organized group of individuals whose agenda consists of variations on the following theme: the First Amendment authorizes any member of the public to enter into any government space and go anywhere within that space. Many of these individuals film all interactions with public officials, employees, and security and take actions that, in some instances, are clearly intended to provoke a negative response. These interactions are usually live-streamed or posted on social media after editing. As they travel from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is likely that your municipality or county will be visited by these individuals.
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COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created uncertainty in all areas including in our professional lives. The following are a few ethical considerations that litigators should keep in mind during this time.
COMMUNICATION: Make sure to update and timely respond to your clients. North Carolina Rule of Professional Conduct 1.4 governs communications between lawyers and their clients. Rule 1.4 requires, among other things, that lawyers keep their clients “reasonably informed about the status of the matter.” Clients with pending matters may be concerned about the impact of Chief Justice Beasley’s March 13, 2020 Order on their particular case. Lawyers with cases impacted by the Order should provide guidance to their clients on the current impact and potential impact of the matter. It is appropriate to tell your clients that things are in flux, but that you are monitoring developments.
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This is a post to provide the Section with some updates in light of the changes, postponements, and closures as a result of COVID-19/Coronavirus. This is an evolving situation that will have varying impacts on each of us. We encourage everyone to remain flexible. As additional information is disseminated, we will be sure to share it with you.
Due to concerns regarding safety and public gatherings, the Section’s social scheduled for April 23, 2020 at the Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game has been cancelled. There should be additional social events scheduled in the future, so stay tuned for those.
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The North Carolina Bar Association Administrative Law Division is proud to have had Judge Fred G. Morrison, Jr. as a member since 1966. Judge Morrison has been a stalwart of service to the state of North Carolina for fifty years. He has been recognized by Governor Roy Cooper and, most recently by Chief Justice Cheri Beasley for his five decades of civil service to our state. During that time, Judge Morrison has served our state as a board attorney with the City of Thomasville, legal counsel to the governor of North Carolina, and as an Administrative Law Judge, to name a few positions. He has been instrumental in not only helping to bring about positive change to prisons in North Carolina but also through his work with the Jaycees. Judge Morrison has had exceptional personal support from his wife, Carolyn, and is a proud Wake Forest School of Law Alumnus.
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