Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Jayaram Law ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://jayaramlaw.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [content for innovators](https://jayaramlaw.com/content-for-innovators/) - [Firm Ground: Welcome to the Team](https://jayaramlaw.com/firm-ground-welcome-to-the-team-2/) - Veda Samhitha Kanduri, Product & Strategy Associate Veda joined Jayaram as Product & Strategy Manager to help spearhead the development and launch of Jayaram’s first two tech products—Take Care and Thanks Mom. With 4+ years of product management experience driving AI-powered SaaS solutions from conception to launch, she brings proven expertise in user-centric product development - [Liner Notes: Summer Playlist](https://jayaramlaw.com/liner-notes-summer-playlist/) - We’re a firm of music lovers here at Jayaram. We’ve always got a playlist going in our Miami and New York studios, and Slack discussions of weekend plans often include at least one show or music lesson. But there’s something about a summer playlist that hits different—the mix of nostalgic favorites and new hits that - [The Sound Bar: Jay Shanker](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-sound-bar-jay-shanker/) - In the heart of Oklahoma City’s Downtown Automobile Alley entertainment district sits a loft-like hideaway for recorded music enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs alike. The SoundBar, the city’s premier vinyl listening bar, opened in 2023, offering a unique fusion of nostalgic audio listening experiences and contemporary nightlife. It’s also the brainchild and evening retreat of Jayaram’s - [Hours: Karl Cyprien](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-karl-cyprien/) - As Vice President of Daniel Arsham Studio, Karl Cyprien is always on the move. His work spearheading collaborations for the internationally recognized contemporary artist has him traveling to Europe and Asia an average of 4-10 days every month. He’s become an expert at adapting to ever-shifting schedules and fighting jet lag (pro tips: adjust your - [Take Care: Good Looking Out](https://jayaramlaw.com/take-care-good-looking-out/) - In 2023, we began thinking seriously about how tech was reshaping creative work. The possibilities and questions were staggering. A friend came to mind—a wildly talented digital artist always experimenting with new tools. Who owned the work he was making? What could others do with it? We wanted to show up for him—as lawyers, but - [jayaram.xyz Tech Update](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-xyz-tech-update/) - Jayaram is a law firm that helps the most creative people and brands bring bold, iconic ideas to life—the kind that push culture forward. Along the way, our legal advice has organically grown to include creative, marketing, finance, tech and ops insights. With immersive studios in NYC and Miami, we also create space for culture-first, - [In Conversation with Gabriela Noelle](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-with-gabriela-noelle/) - Gabriela Noelle is a Miami-based artist and designer whose work blurs the boundaries between art, design, and play. Known for her vibrant, interactive, and nostalgia-infused creations, Noelle crafts imaginative pieces that invite engagement and exploration. Her work transforms everyday spaces into whimsical environments, encouraging a sense of wonder and connection. With a multidisciplinary approach, Noelle - [Getting Real About Lawyers and AI Tech?](https://jayaramlaw.com/getting-real-about-lawyers-and-ai-tech/) - Data and Trust, They're Problems. The team asked me to share some thoughts on AI in the legal world. Makes sense—we now have a tech company delivering legal services as software to solve big, important problems and the momentum of recent tech adoption is undeniable. In 2024, investors poured nearly $5 billion into legaltech — - [Fair Use or Foul Play? The High-Stakes Fight Over AI Training Data](https://jayaramlaw.com/fair-use-or-foul-play-the-high-stakes-fight-over-ai-training-data/) - AI versus IP. This battle of acronyms has heated up in our federal courts over the last 18-24 months. And this summer we have seen a pair of rulings that start to resolve some big issues, while creating new ones. The two cases I referenced above are all about how AI companies use copyrighted - [A Word from Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek-6/) - Sum- Sum- Summertime. It captures the mood right now — and it’s also a nod to the late, great Brian Wilson, the American pop visionary whose lush, layered songs reshaped music history. From Pet Sounds to Good Vibrations, his influence echoes through everyone who followed: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Frank Ocean, the list goes - [In Conversation with Vic Garcia](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-with-vic-garcia/) - It’s Vic Garcia’s World, and he wants us all living in it. In a former life, the Miami-based Garcia was a business student in Boston creating simple pen and marker drawings on copy paper, with no aspirations of professionally pursuing art. Those drawings quickly grew into an entire universe of unique characters, and his creations, - [In Conversation with Larry Warsh](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-larry-warsh/) - A Larry Warsh has always been a collector. Coming from a family of enthusiasts, he honed his instincts in the dynamic arts scene of 1980s New York, amassing art, sketchbooks, and journals from the likes of Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Over the years, his wide-ranging collection has notably grown to include works - [Playing Favorites: Cortney Lederer­ of CNL Projects](https://jayaramlaw.com/playing-favorites-cortney-lederer-of-cnl-projects/) - You can see evidence of Cortney Lederer’s work all over Chicago, from the Magnificent Mile to skyscraper lobbies to park districts around the city. Lederer, the owner of arts consultancy CNL Projects, has made it her mission to give artists and organizations the platform to produce impactful art experiences—many of them in the public art - [Liner Notes: Favorite Album Artwork](https://jayaramlaw.com/liner-notes-favorite-album-artwork/) - Is there any more perfect marriage than that of a flawless record and an iconic album cover? Far from just LP delivery vehicles, album covers have become a medium for musicians to further express their vision, often in collaboration with some of the world’s most famous visual artists. From the Velvet Underground’s banana à la - [Firm Ground: Welcome to the Team](https://jayaramlaw.com/firm-ground-welcome-to-the-team/) - Dani AudettePartner Dani Audette, who leads Jayaram’s litigation practice, has nearly 20 years of experience devising smart, strategic and proactive litigation strategies for clients. She’s also an entrepreneur and founder of Audette Law, a business and IP law firm for women CEOs, founders and creators. Before that, she spent 15 years as a litigator at - [Playing Favorites: Artists at Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/artists-at-jayaram/) - It’s no secret that we’re passionate about the arts at Jayaram. From our client list to the custom works in our studio spaces, we’re surrounded by (and inspired by) creativity on a daily basis — and that extends to our team members. Learn more about just a few of our favorite artists from the Jayaram - [Speaking Of: Nicolau Vergueiro / Jaé Joseph](https://jayaramlaw.com/nicolau-vergueiro-jae-joseph/) - When Jayaram approached artist Nicolau Vergueiro and cultural producer Jaé Joseph to create an exhibition for our Miami studio, the two had never met. But they quickly realized that they had a lot in common: both grew up in art-loving families; both were informed by the experience of living in cross-cultural households; and both were - [Speaking Of: Ezequiel Pini](https://jayaramlaw.com/ezequiel-pini/) - Walking into Jayaram’s Miami studio, it’s impossible to miss the 40-foot Artbox LED screen that dominates one wall of the space. It’s a unique piece, made exponentially more so by its display of mesmerizing, custom-made digital artwork by Ezequiel Pini, a.k.a Six N. Five, an award-winning Argentinian digital artist and designer based in Barcelona. Over - [The Intersection of Intellectual Property and Elections in the United States by Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-intersection-of-intellectual-property-and-elections-in-the-united-states/) - Intellectual property law occasionally strays into the vivid and volatile world of electoral politics. This collision is never dull, sometimes comedic, often contentious, and invariably significant. Take, for instance, a recent incident when Elon Musk shared an AI-generated video that manipulated Vice President Kamala Harris’ voice to make it seem like she was calling President - [In Conversation with Jessica Santiago](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-with-jessica-santiago/) - ArtRepublic exists at the intersection between historic and cutting-edge. The curatorial platform draws on Renaissance-era ideas of art patronage, combined with digital public art, NFTs and AI technology. Helming it all is CEO and founder Jessica Santiago, who talked to us about her journey to the art world and her commitment to promoting wellness through - [In Conversation with Lucas Capozzi-Shanks](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-with-lucas-capozzi-shanks/) - Combine a love for soccer, an eye for vintage fashion and a decade of agency experience and you have Lucas Capozzi-Shanks, founder of the sportswear-focused brand studio Scenes NY. There, Capozzi-Shanks and his team curate an array of soccer vintage and ephemera, which they use as inspiration for their own original designs. In - [In Conversation with Flavin Judd](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-with-flavin-judd/) - A B Donald Judd is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, known for his use of space, color and his belief in the importance of permanent art installations. This is reflected in his establishment of spaces at 101 Spring Street in Soho and in Marfa, Texas. Beyond his painting and works - [TI015 — A Word from Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek-15/) - Fifteen years ago, I started Jayaram Law in my Chicago apartment, with nothing but love for the practice of law and the belief in a different kind of firm. I knew I wanted to work with visionaries and disruptors, and I knew that getting there would take a community of lawyers who believed in authenticity - [The Initial B2B Debt Collection Letter](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-initial-b2b-debt-collection-letter/) - In our recent article titled Five-Step Process To Dealing With Non-Paying Clients, one of the steps discussed sending a letter to your business debtor. Preparing a timely letter can mean the difference between receiving payments due or not. So here are some steps for creating an effective b2b initial collection letter: 1. Be brief –Only - [B2B Collections Refresher Part 2: Cash Flow](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-refresher-part-2-cash-flow/) - In our previous article we reviewed the basics of accounts receivable management, using past articles as a refresher. In this second part of a five-part series on B2B collections we’re going to cover the basics of cash flow, referencing two of our more recent articles to highlight some strategies for preventing unnecessary financial loss. In - [Jayaram Law’s 2019 Highlights and Trends](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-laws-2019-highlights-and-trends/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com As we look over 2019, several themes emerge for Jayaram Law: growth, fine tuning and spreading our message. Each manifested itself in a number of ways, both for us internally and for our clients. Here is a rundown, with a few highlights and some projections, of how each played out this year. GROWTH - [Data Privacy Coming to a State Near You by Aaron Ogunro](https://jayaramlaw.com/data-privacy-coming-to-a-state-near-you-by-aaron-ogunro/) - At the beginning of this year, California became the most prominent state to pass a comprehensive consumer privacy law known as the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA). The CCPA imposes new obligations on qualified businesses, such as creating and updating privacy notices on websites and giving consumers access, deletion, and opt-out rights related - [IP Concerns for Content Platforms](https://jayaramlaw.com/ip-concerns-for-content-platforms/) - March 27, 2018 wendy@jayaramlaw.com Platforms such as Etsy, Spotify, SoundCloud, and media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and HuffingtonPost currently face a very delicate balancing act between, on the one hand, keeping material that is either prohibited by law or against the goals of the platform, off the site; and on the other hand, - [B2B Collections Refresher Part 3: Communication](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-refresher-part-3-communication/) - So far we’ve covered accounts receivable management (part 1) and cash flow (part 2). This third part of our five-part series on B2B collections is possibly the most important. Why? Because communication is the foundation upon which all aspects of accounts receivable management stand – or fall. You’ve heard our mantra before: your invoices (accounts - [B2B Collections Refresher Part 1: Accounts Receivable Management](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-refresher-part-1-accounts-receivable-management/) - Over the past few months we’ve covered a lot of ground on business to business (B2B) collections. So we feel it’s time for a refresher. To accomplish this we’re presenting this 5-part series that will recap past articles we’ve written on a wide spectrum of accounts receivable subjects. In this first part we’re going to - [Copyright protection tips: Things to keep in mind](https://jayaramlaw.com/copyright-protection-tips-things-to-keep-in-mind/) - As a creative professional, it’s important to have a clear understanding of copyright law. Unfortunately, the word “clear” and copyright law don’t typically go together hand-in-hand. With so much confusion, it’s easy to make mistakes that put your work at risk. However, there are some copyright tips you can follow to give you peace of - [B2B Collections Refresher Part 4: Handling Collections](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-refresher-part-4-handling-collections/) - We’ve written quite a bulk of articles that cover the issue of how to handle your collections. In this fourth part of our five-part series on B2B collections we’re going to review some of the highlights from past articles that have discussed how to perform collections tasks as well as pursue other options to help - [Marie Berry Joins Jayaram as Chief Marketing Officer](https://jayaramlaw.com/marie-berry-joins-jayaram-as-chief-marketing-officer/) - Jayaram is proud to announce that marketing executive and two-time founder Marie Berry has joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer. Berry brings a wealth of experience gained from working with international brands as well as emerging startups, most recently serving as CMO & Operating Partner at global early-stage venture fund TheVentureCity. Her expertise in - [Hours: Carolina Garcia Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-carolina-garcia-jayaram/) - 6:00 AM For years, I’ve woken up naturally around 6am. It’s a blessing because I haven’t used an alarm in over 15 years and I believe the body should wake up naturally, but it can be a curse when I get to sleep late as no matter what, my body wakes at this time. Getting - [Neighborhood Favorites](https://jayaramlaw.com/neighborhood-favorites/) - Sanyuu WestKona CoffeeForeignerPlanta QueenMiluPatent PendingVerōnika Jayaram Law’s New York studio is conveniently located 21st Street between 5th and 6th avenue. We’re central to some of New York’s most vibrant and diverse culinary scenes tucked within NoMad, the Garment District, Chelsea, and the Flatiron District—to name a few. In the spirit of highlighting just some of - [Vivek Jayaram x Alex Mustonen](https://jayaramlaw.com/vivek-jayaram-x-alex-mustonen/) - “It feels like the rules have changed,or there are no more rules about what works or doesn’t from a standpoint of workspace.” VJ So, Alex, we’ve known each other since the earliest days of Snarkitecture. Do you remember how the firm got started? AM Yeah, I have a pretty clear memory of walking down the - [Snarkitecture x Supper](https://jayaramlaw.com/snarkitecture-x-supper/) - Alexander Buckeridge Firstly, it’s cool to be sharing space again, having both been under the same roof — you working for Daniel Arsham Studio and me at Snarkitecture. Can you share your transition from working at Daniel Arsham Studio to co-founding Supper? Austin Snyder Funny how it comes full circle! I’ve been super fortunate to - [Architecting Pillars of Collaboration](https://jayaramlaw.com/remembering-making-miami-2/) - As lawyers representing creators, we constantly strive to match our approach to legal issues with our clients’ goals and desired outcomes. Doing so requires a keen understanding of the distinct manner in which each client approaches their business, art, and professional and creative identity. This concept is exemplified through the type of collaboration the lawyers - [A Word from Alex Mustonen](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-alex-mustonen/) - I never thought I’d work in Manhattan again. That was my feeling in 2008 when Daniel and I started Snarkitecture from a raw warehouse space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I thought the same thing in 2015 when we moved our studio into a bigger, “nicer” warehouse space on the waterfront in Long Island City. And in - [Welcome to the JL Team](https://jayaramlaw.com/welcome-to-the-jl-team/) - Cristina Scarano Based in Miami for over 20 years, Cristina attended the University of Miami School of Law and built her career as in-house counsel at leading media, entertainment and tech companies. She lives in the Brickell area with her husband and two young boys. “I chose Jayaram because of the firm’s innovative and business-minded - [What’s on Our Playlist? The Sounds of a Shared Studio](https://jayaramlaw.com/whats-on-our-playlist-the-sounds-of-a-shared-studio/) - In the vibrant heart of New York City, where the rhythm of the streets matches the pulse of innovation, there’s a shared studio space that defies convention. At 54 W 21st St., within the dynamic intersection of law and design, diverse backgrounds converge to create, collaborate, and craft the future of their respective fields. And - [In Conversation with Alexander Buckeridge on Miami](https://jayaramlaw.com/in-conversation-with-alexander-buckeridge-on-miami/) - NO Thank you for sitting down with me today, Alexander. I’ve appreciated our friendship and being part of your creative process. Perhaps we might start at the beginning. We’d love to learn a little bit about you growing up in Ireland. What was your family like? What were the early experiences that led you to - [Clarisse Empaynado x Kelly Caputo](https://jayaramlaw.com/clarisse-empaynado-x-kelly-caputo/) - KC Tell us about our role at Snarkitecture! How long have you been there, and what is your role for this particular project? CE Hi, my name is Clarisse Empaynado. I am a Filipino designer and ceramic artist. I began my journey with Snarkitecture in 2019, and despite the pandemic, we are still here, years - [Home, It’s Where I Want to Be](https://jayaramlaw.com/home-its-where-i-want-to-be/) - When the world shut down in March of 2020, discussions around the Future of Work exploded. Will we ever go back to a physical office?Can we live anywhere?Can we work from everywhere? While we talked about these things at Jayaram, we didn’t dwell on them much. Maybe that’s because since the very beginning of our - [Welcome Shanita!](https://jayaramlaw.com/welcome-shanita/) - We’re so happy to welcome Shanita Nicholas to the Jayaram family. Formerly a Booz Allen consultant and lawyer at Simpson Thacher and Kirkland & Ellis, Shanita joins our M&A and Financing team. Check out Shanita’s Sip & Sonder coffee brand and coffeehouses which she co-founded in L.A., with physical and digital spaces centered around the - [Remembering Making Miami](https://jayaramlaw.com/remembering-making-miami/) - “Last Thanksgiving weekend, Vivek and Carolina García Jayaram, a husband-and-wife duo of lawyers ingrained in Miami’s arts scene, were hanging out with friends who had recently moved to Miami when one person asked a perplexing question: “Was there anything even here before we all got here?” “That got us both thinking about the time that - [HOURS: Vaz Rajan](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-vaz-rajan/) - I hail from Adyar, a quiet suburb in the south of Madras, as it was known then (a name I stubbornly prefer over ‘Chennai’) and I spent my salad years in sunny Sydney, Australia. At the age of 21, armed with a head full of dreams and a tourist visa (the audacity!), I set foot - [Carlos Betancourt / Katerina Llanes](https://jayaramlaw.com/carlos-betancourt-katerina-llanes/) - An excerpt from Making Miami, telling the story of the artists who helped shape the city we love. Richard Haas mural on Fontainebleau Hotel KL So lovely to see you. CB Same here. KL We’re going to talk today about your experience in Miami, in the art scene from the 1980s to the present. CB - [John Belcaster / Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/john-belcaster-vivek-jayaram/) - This year, we teamed up with our pals at MSCHF and had Mark Scepi and Stomping Ground Customs give the “Super Normal” Kicks the dope ombré treatment. VJ Man, good to see you. Happy New Year! JB Happy New Year. I should be wearing the Jayaram hat that you sent me, my replacement hat, you - [Jesús Montero / Morgan Dufault](https://jayaramlaw.com/jesus-montero-morgan-dufault/) - MORGAN Please take a moment to introduce yourself and describe the inspirations that led you to create MAGNO MONTERO. JESÚS My name is Jesús Montero, a Venezuelan architect based in Barcelona. Although architecture has always played an important role in my creative journey, I have always dreamed of creating fashion. That desire, combined with my - [Becca McCharen / Katerina Llanes](https://jayaramlaw.com/becca-mccharen-katerina-llanes/) - “I hope to offer viewers opportunities to tap into their own climate optimism as well as archiving moments where my queer community feels safe, held and joyful.” — Becca McCharen KL Hi Becca! Happy New Year!! Tell us a little about you, your swimwear brand Chromat, and how you started in fashion? BM Hiiii my - [Alex Simorré / Noah Ornstein](https://jayaramlaw.com/alex-simorre-noah-ornstein/) - “[Digital art] not only strengthens the connection between artists and art connoisseurs but also enables real-time communication.” — Alex Simorré NO You’ve just launched Load Barcelona. For those who don’t know, it’s a first-of-its-kind, immersive digital art gallery in Barcelona featuring globally renowned artists and showcasing your state-of-the-art, screen technology and proprietary Spotify-like software for - [Film + Fashion by Julia Broder](https://jayaramlaw.com/film-fashion-by-julia-broder/) - Karl Lagerfeld, the inarguable beau idéal of couture, once said, “Art is Art. Fashion is Fashion.” It’s curious how a designer, whose own body of work incorporated numerous artistic influences, could promote such a contradictory attitude. To Karl – fashion was only ever an applied art. The clothes maintain a functional purpose irrespective of any - [Quiet Luxury by Sam Kilb](https://jayaramlaw.com/quiet-luxury-by-sam-kilb/) - "It’s important to seek federal trademark and copyright registrations to secure rights and stop the rampant copycat industry from eroding carefully crafted goodwill." Over the past several seasons, the fashion industry witnessed the rise of “quiet luxury”—a style that emphasizes understated elegance and minimalism over ostentatious branding. This trend poses a unique challenge for fashion - [The Degree of Care in Luxury Wares by Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-degree-of-care-in-luxury-wares-by-vivek-jayaram/) - “Know your client, know the brand, and know the audience.” Trademark infringement cases are largely about consumer confusion. Did a defendant’s use of its mark confuse consumers into thinking they were some other brand, or possibly affiliated with another brand? These are generally the questions that a judge or jury ask when confronted by a - [A Word from Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek-5/) - Jayaram turns 15 this year! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everybody who supported us on this extraordinary journey. But rest assured—we’re just getting started! So, what am I most excited about heading into 2024? There’s so much to talk about (I feel like there always is, and for those of you that know - [Liner Notes: 1989, Taylor Swift](https://jayaramlaw.com/liner-notes-1989-taylor-swift/) - A Look at the Albums that Make Us, Us Vivek’s Pick: 1989, Taylor Swift She’s everywhere. Her songs occupied the entire Billboard top 10 earlier this year. Globally. Her tour is set to gross over a billion dollars. She’s the most popular person in the NFL this season. And, maybe not as - [Welcome to Our New Team Members: Emma, Morgan & Christina](https://jayaramlaw.com/welcome-to-our-new-team-members-emma-morgan-christina/) - Emma Niou School Duke University; Duke University School of Law Previous McGuireWoods LLP Role Director, Legal Counsel Why JL? I joined Jayaram because of its integrity in operating in accordance with its stated values and mission - evident in the diversity of its people and clients, its efforts to continually build a firm culture - [XYZ with Noah Ornstein](https://jayaramlaw.com/xyz-with-noah-ornstein/) - For the last 15 years, Jayaram has evolved into the first stop for creatives, entrepreneurs, and the brands they run, for top tier legal service and guidance­—but they want more! They want us to deepen our relationships and become true strategic partners through the entire creative and corporate life cycle. How have we - [What’s Next in Web3?](https://jayaramlaw.com/whats-next-in-web3/) - “There was a point when NFTs felt like they could have gone to zero. The community is here to stay. We will see more art collectors, builders, and content creators being funded featuring digital collectibles. Now is the time to start thinking of how to reward your community, no cares about the algorithm anymore. The - [A Founding Father of le PÈRE](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-founding-father-of-le-pere/) - Danny O’Neill sits down with Abhi Janamanchi to discuss the past, present, and future of one of today’s most visually stimulating and authentic fashion brands. DO Can you intro yourself and what your role is at le PÈRE? AJ I’m Abhi Janamanchi, le PÈRE’s Brand Director and part of the founding - [FrankLY Speaking with Lemon Yellow](https://jayaramlaw.com/frankly-speaking-with-lemon-yellow/) - You know the brand, you use the advice, and you love this newspaper. But who are the creative geniuses behind the brand? Our founder, Vivek, interviews his old pals and creative partners in Jayaram, Erika Morales + Julian Martin, founders of Lemon Yellow. VJ How did we all meet, does anyone remember?!! - [HOURS: Jacqueline Schmidt](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-jacqueline-schmidt/) - What does a normal day look like for an innovator? Anything but normal. HOURS unpacks what a day in the life looks like for our most interesting clients and collaborators. Jacqueline is the Chief Creative Officer at Everyrealm, our pals who have been innovative solutions for avid social gamers. They also manage three venture-style - [Daniel Arsham & Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/daniel-arsham-vivek-jayaram/) - The following conversation between Daniel Arsham and Vivek Jayaram is an excerpt from Making Miami, a book documenting the exhibition and digital archive produced by Jayaram and the Knight Foundation and opening this December in Miami. "Before Basel, there weren’t the kind of parties and other things going on that we - [Best Films & Shows of the Year](https://jayaramlaw.com/best-films-shows-of-the-year/) - While Barbenheimer may have captured the zeitgeist of the Summer of 2023, our team watched several other movies and shows throughout the year that reaffirmed our love and support for the cinema - and the people who make this art possible. Kelly Caputo Yellowstone, Paramount Daisy Jones & The Six, Amazon Prime - [A Love Letter to Miami](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-love-letter-to-miami/) - This December, during Art Basel Miami Beach, Jayaram + The Knight Foundation will present, “Making Miami,” an art exhibition + permanent digital archive documenting the Miami artists who shaped the city a couple of decades ago. Exile books has published a book in connection with the digital archive. The introduction has been reprinted below. - [Best Album of the Year](https://jayaramlaw.com/best-album-of-the-year/) - 2023 was dominated by fierce, sonically diverse women. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé boost America’s economy with their unprecedented Summer tours. Supergroup boygenius is credited with the renasissance of the rock-concert. At Jayaram, we listened to all of them and then some. Here is a brief list compiling our team’s favorite albums of the year. - [Chat 2023: The Year AI Broke by Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/chat-2023-the-year-ai-broke-by-vivek-jayaram/) - It’s certainly an interesting time to be a copyright lawyer! The past two decades has brought us Napster, YouTube, social media, mobile app development, cryptocurrency, and powerful blockchain technology. But nothing – like, really, nothing – has the capacity to transform our lives quite like artificial intelligence. And in 2023, maybe no issue regarding AI - [Desperately Seeking Human by Julia Broder](https://jayaramlaw.com/desperately-seeking-human-by-julia-broder/) - Humans always feared the bogeyman. History contains innumerable examples of our dogged persistence to identify the “other”: the monsters responsible for wrecking the delicate balance of society. Those creatures taught us valuable truisms. If she’s a witch, she’ll float. Our tendency to point the finger isn’t exclusive to people either. In 1999, corporate and - [Letter vs. Spirit of the Law Dog Toys by Sam Kilb](https://jayaramlaw.com/letter-vs-spirit-of-the-law-dog-toys-by-sam-kilb/) - As part of its most recent, intellectual property-heavy term, the Supreme Court in June unanimously sided with Jack Daniel’s in a dispute with dog toy manufacturer VIP Products over a product design for a chew toy that mocked the famous Jack Daniel’s whiskey bottle. The holding cast doubt over the future of the expressive - [A Word from Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek-4/) - It’s been a full year since I wrote you all! Back then, we had just hired our CEO Noah Ornstein. With the help and guidance of Noah, and many others, we strengthened our foundation and are close to launching several new initiatives and business lines to re-affirm our decade-long tagline, “Lawyers for Innovators.” I’m excited - [Zupa Gotowa—Smacznego!](https://jayaramlaw.com/zupa-gotowa-smacznego/) - BY JULIA BRODER “When my mom cooks and shares these dishes with me, she passes on the traditions and cultural heritage she left behind in Poland. They live on in a new way with our family in America. These recipes serve to preserve our cultural identity. Now, when I make the Ambrozek’s Żurek, I play - [HOURS: Meet Victor + Lisa](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-meet-victor-lisa/) - What does a normal day look like for an innovator? Anything but normal. HOURS unpacks what a day in the life looks like for our most interesting clients and collaborators. Meet Victor Ving and Lisa Beggs, the duo behind your favorite handpainted mural agency, Greetings Tour. I will preface this by saying that Lisa and - [The Row: Ares House Makes IRL Debut at Art Basel Miami 2022](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-row-ares-house-makes-irl-debut-at-art-basel-miami-2022/) - As Art Basel Miami Beach took over the city for its 20th Anniversary in December, Jayaram returned on the heels of the previous year’s art-meets-tech poolside cabana party at the Goodtime Hotel. Once again, we found ourselves working with close friends, creative collaborators—and clients!—this time featuring an exhibition of otherworldly proportions called Ares House. Word - [They’re Just Like Us—Or Are They? An Interview With ChatGPT: The AI Taking the World by Storm](https://jayaramlaw.com/theyre-just-like-us-or-are-they-an-interview-with-chatgpt-the-ai-taking-the-world-by-storm/) - There’s no doubt you’ve either read or heard about the wildly popular content generator ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that have skyrocketed in popularity recently. Whether image-based platforms like MidJourney and Dall-E 2, or text-based tools like ChatGPT and Synthesia, it seems everyone in the world is racing to understand what the fuss - [ELEVATE](https://jayaramlaw.com/elevate/) - Recently we sat down with The Elevate Foundation’s Founder and Chairman, Joseph Deitch, and CEO Carolina Jayaram, to discuss the brief but impactful history of the organization, what makes it tick, and how they plan to conquer the world’s challenges by investing in the visionaries who make the good ‘go round’, whether they’re famous—or just not - [Liner Notes: Palak Patel](https://jayaramlaw.com/liner-notes-hilary-duffs-metamorphosis/) - A Look at the Albums that Make Us, Us:Hilary Duff’s Metamorphosis In the summer of 2003, hot off the heels of the success of the Lizzie McGuire Movie, Hilary Duff released Metamorphosis, her debut as an early 2000s pop icon. As soon as she announced the release, I knew it would be a cultural reset, - [Creativity in a Cowboy Hat: Jayaram's Newest Home on the Range](https://jayaramlaw.com/creativity-in-a-cowboy-hat-jayarams-newest-home-on-the-range/) - BY CARA DEHNERT “While the major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and even my beloved Chicago are experiencing a population exodus, OKC is growing. According to census data, from 2010-2020 OKC’s population increased 17.4%, and is now the 20th largest city in America.” After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2002, I quickly - [Who/What/When/Where @ EXPO CHICAGO](https://jayaramlaw.com/who-what-when-where-expo-chicago/) - EXPO CHICAGO, the region’s preeminent exposition of Contemporary Art, may be in the Midwest—but it is anything but provincial. With galleries and programs of all sizes coming in from all corners of the globe, and set in Chicago’s own melting pot of top-notch hospitality, citywide engagement and artistic rigor, there’s no way to not find - [ESG and Materiality: Setting Your Sustainability Goals by Focusing on What Matters](https://jayaramlaw.com/esg-and-materiality-setting-your-sustainability-goals-by-focusing-on-what-matters/) - BY ADAM COHEN Research now suggests that there is measurable financial reward for companies heeding the rising demand for the business world to account for the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact of its operations. Those that choose to embrace this opportunity will want to immediately set up and implement sustainable practices. However, before they - [Handling Differences in the Law when Responding to a Security Breach](https://jayaramlaw.com/handling-differences-in-the-law-when-responding-to-a-security-breach/) - BY HEIDI YERNBERG * Heidi is a partner at Jayaram Law and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) in the US context. We already know that our personal data is one of the most valuable assets we carry with us through life.So what exactly happens when the company you trusted with it has a - [You Won’t Let Those Robots Eat Me](https://jayaramlaw.com/you-wont-let-those-robots-eat-me-by-vivek-jayaram/) - BY VIVEK JAYARAM “How do you thank the idea that history is alive? This book simply would not exist if I had not read other books and encountered ideas in a kind of constant flux, a little like swimming in the ocean…books just don’t materialize from an author’s head, nor exclusively from research and creative - [A Word From Edwin Foster](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-edwin-foster/) - Graduation. “I want everyone who can hear me to raise your hand.” (*Awkward Pause*) “Now, raise it a little higher.” (Another *Awkward Pause*)“Now, ask yourself: Why didn’t you raise your hand that high the first time?” –The Valedictorian As a first-generation college graduate, commencement ceremonies are an especially enjoyable time for my family and me. - [LINER NOTES - Mghnon Martin](https://jayaramlaw.com/liner-notes-mghnon-martin-2/) - When I was small, my siblings and I lived with my grandparents. We had a small album player with only three “child approved” albums. Shortly before we moved to Illinois, my dad took my two sisters and I to a store and told us we could each pick out a CD. CDs were expensive and - [Happy Tenth Birthday to The Innovator!](https://jayaramlaw.com/happy-tenth-birthday-to-the-innovator/) - As we celebrate our tenth issue, we want to take a moment to thank all our contributors who have helped make this publication the special place that it has become. From conception, we wanted to create a unique and beautifully designed platform to share our Jayaram world with you. From interviews with friends of the - [Dynamo CEO: Leslie Davis](https://jayaramlaw.com/dynamo-ceo-leslie-davis/) - Diversity is in our DNA at Jayaram. So when NAMWOLF, the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms, hosted their annual meeting of the minds in October, we jumped at the chance to support them. Michelle Butler caught up with their fearless leader and CEO, Leslie Davis, to hear more about how she - [The ‘Rogers’ Rabbit Hole](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-rogers-rabbit-hole/) - BY VIVEK JAYARAM When Andy Warhol’s Estate presented arguments before the United States Supreme Court in September, in its soon to be legendary copyright fair use battle with photographer Linda Goldsmith, it felt like anyone with even a passing interest in intellectual property or art was paying attention. For decades, lawyers and artists alike have been - [Favorite Holiday Memories](https://jayaramlaw.com/favorite-holiday-memories/) - With the holidays in full force, we asked those nearest and dearest to us about their favorite holiday moments across the years. Wishing you and yours a joyous season as we round out the year’s end! Julia Broder My favorite holiday tradition is my family’s Christmas Eve Wigilia. It’s a traditional Polish vigil meal. - [HOURS: Jessica Ryan](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-jessica-ryan/) - What does a normal day look like for an innovator? Anything but normal. HOURS unpacks what a day in the life looks like for our most interesting clients and collaborators. Jessica Ryan Cofounder and CEO, All Together Now 7:10AM I realize I’m about to commit founder heresy here, but I come from - [Meet Arsh Shah, Our Resident MetaMentor](https://jayaramlaw.com/meet-arsh-shah-our-resident-metamentor/) - Jayaram has just introduced an exciting service to help clients navigate Web3. Known as MetaMentor, the program is designed for forward-thinking business leaders who are ready to strategize, develop tactics and implement Web3 technology to augment sales and fundraising efforts. In our search for the right change-maker, we found a Web3 expert with an infectious - [A Wellness-Oiled Machine](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-wellness-oiled-machine/) - BY KELLY CAPUTO The Tuesday morning train that I take into the office shows absolutely no signs that we spent the past two years, and are still experiencing, a global pandemic. It is absolutely packed to the brim with individuals on the way to their jobs in Manhattan; so much so, that all seats - [A Word From Shayna Freyman](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-shayna-freyman/) - BY SHAYNA FREYMAN Buddha said that “Right perspective is no perspective or all perspectives.” If we have no point of view, we are in a state of neutrality; and if we try to hold all perspectives, we view things holistically, empathetically, and infinitely. While these may seem like differing or opposing concepts, I think - [Notes on Digital Collecting](https://jayaramlaw.com/notes-on-digital-collecting/) - BY ANDREW NICOTRA REILLY Twenty twenty-two has proven to be a highly economically volatile year, and the NFT market has been no exception. In fact, the NFT market has seen a dramatic downturn from its previous high-water mark. Art collectors, however, should not shy away from dealing in digital artforms simply because the market - [The Sustainability Challenge; The Sustainability Opportunity](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-sustainability-challenge-the-sustainability-opportunity/) - BY ADAM COHEN Consensus is rapidly forming around the evident impact of climate change, the dislocations caused by deep societal fissures, and the critical need for resilient business leadership to confront them. Following suit, companies in all sectors are facing more pressure than ever from regulators and investors, big and small alike, to become - [Vibes and Visuals](https://jayaramlaw.com/vibes-and-visuals/) - by Teri Romkey As a former Studio and Special Projects Manager for Turner Prize winner Laure Prouvost, Teri Romkey brings an interdisciplinary approach to her work in Creative Development at Jayaram Law. But when she’s not scoping out our next special project or meeting with the newest wave of tech entrepreneurs coming into Miami, she’s - [LINER NOTES](https://jayaramlaw.com/liner-notes/) - A look at the albums that make us, us by Anthony Williams Picture this: imagine you’re good at something. No, you’re amazing at something and it can be anything: writing, singing, playing an instrument, or running a business. There was once upon a time where I was very good at playing with yo-yos. Yes, yo-yos. - [FIELD NOTES](https://jayaramlaw.com/field-notes/) - Meet our newest colleagues and hear firsthand why they chose the field they are in. SHAYNA FREYMAN Partner Write your own ticket. My dad said that phrase often—it was important to him that his three daughters have the power to set their own terms in life. But what would I make of that agency? - [Welcome (Back) Summer Associates](https://jayaramlaw.com/welcome-back-summer-associates/) - by Andrew Nicotra Rei and Harry Richardson Why did you choose Jayaram Law for the summer associate program? ANR My path to Jayaram Law actually began as I worked for a Jayayam Law startup client (as someone who eventually hoped to go to law school). I was always impressed and excited by the work that I - [HOURS : Kelly Caputo](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-kelly-caputo/) - We often are asked what a normal day looks like for our team. Normal is something most of us don’t know much about, but in our recurring column—HOURS—we unpack the daily routines of our colleagues. 6:00AM Somehow since the pandemic started, I’ve become an early riser and a morning person! I set my alarm for 6:00 - [Renaissance Man: Rengan Rajaratnam](https://jayaramlaw.com/renaissance-man-rengan-rajaratnam/) - Rengan Rajaratnam is one of those founders who has probably seen it all (or a lot of it!) and done a lot. Recently, we spoke with him about his well-traveled journeys, from working with traditional institutions to starting new ventures in digital wellness, as well as his work with the - [Meet Noah Ornstein, CEO](https://jayaramlaw.com/meet-noah-ornstein-ceo/) - Recently, Noah Ornstein joined our team as CEO, a position that we, as a fast-growing, fast-moving firm, saw as integral to scaling our success and to edifying the work we do on behalf of all of our clients.We spent some time with him discussing his background, some of his personal goals and achievements, what - [A Familiar Dessert](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-familiar-dessert/) - by Nina M. Moore When I was asked to write a piece for The Innovator on a favorite culinary moment, the request reminded me of when my heart was set on a caramel cake while I was pregnant with twins. On my quest to satisfy this craving, I ate a variety of caramel cakes from - [RecSpot Summer Spotlight](https://jayaramlaw.com/recspot-summer-spotlight/) - “What are your plans for this Summer?” Enter our client RecSpot, an app that’s aimed at becoming the go-to destination for exchanging and discovering your network’s recommendations. From finding your next favorite movies and television shows to the perfect restaurant for what you’re in the mood to eat; just the right hotel while traveling, the - [Suite Talk – Exploring the in’s and out’s, what if’s and but’s of C-Suite matters Crafting Legal Terms of Employment](https://jayaramlaw.com/suite-talk-exploring-the-ins-and-outs-what-ifs-and-buts-of-c-suite-matters-crafting-legal-terms-of-employment/) - by Wendy Heilbut &Erica Kerman Many, if not most, employer-employee relationships in the U.S. are “at-will,” meaning that the employment term is not for a set duration. Either party can end the relationship at any time for any lawful reason or for no reason. It’s a capitalist tradition as old as time! Conversely, if you - [I’ll Be Your Mirror](https://jayaramlaw.com/ill-be-your-mirror/) - by Vivek Jayaram In the October 2022-2023 term, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear what will likely be a landmark case on the fair use doctrine involving Andy Warhol, Prince, and a famous rock photographer named Lynn Goldsmith. The case will be heard at a time where the fuzzy parameters of the Copyright - [A Word From Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek-3/) - BY VIVEK JAYARAM, FOUNDER Friends, we have some news—big news. We’ve hired a CEO! Noah Ornstein joined the firm in June, and we could not be happier. Noah hails from Montreal, and—after immigrating to the United States and obtaining a JD/MBA at Columbia Law School/Business School in NYC—he landed in Chicago, where he - [An OpenSea of Fakes](https://jayaramlaw.com/an-opensea-of-fakes/) - BY VIVEK JAYARAM, FOUNDER How big is the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs)? In Q4 2021 alone, crypto collectors bought and sold $11 billion worth of NFTs—a figure roughly equivalent to what the entire contemporary art market sold during the same period. But even as the NFT market has exploded, it has also - [ASK THE FOUNDERS](https://jayaramlaw.com/ask-the-founders/) - We caught up with founders in our universe to chat about their recent accomplishments and planned goals for the future. Here’s what they had to say: Cameron Armstrong, Kitty and Vibe Kitty and Vibe is a Brooklyn-based swimsuit company reinventing swimsuit shopping through their revolutionary sizing metrics. Your “Biggest” Moment in 2021? At the - [Meet Publishing Powerhouse Spiegel & Grau](https://jayaramlaw.com/meet-publishing-powerhouse-spiegel-grau/) - INTERVIEW BY WENDY HEILBUT, PARTNER Managing partner, Wendy Heilbut, met acclaimed book publishers Julie Grau and Cindy Spiegel in the spring of 2020 during a time that felt precarious at best. Living in their confidence—and with tenacity and determination—they navigated the year’s journey and brought to life their new eponymous publishing house, grounded - [empowerHER](https://jayaramlaw.com/empowerher/) - INTERVIEW BY ERICA KERMAN, SENIOR ASSOCIATE It seems that nowadays, everyone could use a helping hand; but, especially those who are younger and most vulnerable. Jayaram Law’s Erica Kerman, who works closely with the organization empowerHER®, sat down recently with Founder and CEO Cara Belvin to discuss their mission to serve, support and uplift - [The Power of Words: Playlist for the Apocalypse](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-power-of-words-playlist-for-the-apocalypse/) - BY HEIDI YERNBERG, PARTNER As a law firm, we are ever focused on our words and speech. Through words, lawyers strive to communicate complexity in simple terms, craft winning arguments through persuasive speech, and document business arrangements with precise language. The legal writing process is different from creative writing, certainly, but it requires effort and - [You’re an Investor! and You’re an Investor! and You’re an Investor! Can We All Be Investors In Private Capital?](https://jayaramlaw.com/youre-an-investor-and-youre-an-investor-and-youre-an-investor-can-we-all-be-investors-in-private-capital/) - BY WENDY HEILBUT, PARTNER We love getting the call from an emerging company or startup client who is ready to embark on a fundraising round: this step shows growth, proof of concept, and drive toward expansion. Similarly, when we work with a new venture capital fund in its capital raising efforts, we enjoy fantasizing - [The MetaBirkin: To Be or Not to Be](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-metabirkin-to-be-or-not-to-be/) - BY VICTORIA MINNEMAN, ASSOCIATE Can you imagine owning the elusive Birkin bag? Starting at around $10,000, for most people this would be considered out of reach, out of budget—even out of this world—in terms of expense and extravagance. As a trademark attorney, I try to teach my daughter as much as I can about - [Suite Talk: Equity](https://jayaramlaw.com/suite-talk-equity/) - Exploring the in’s and out’s, what if’s, and but’s for C-Suite matters. BY ERICA KERMAN, SENIOR ASSOCIATE As an early-stage founder or executive, you may be asked for equity by employees, potential hires, advisors and others. Here are some pointers so you feel on top of the game in those conversations. 1. When and why - [A Word From Liz](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-liz-2/) - BY LIZ AUSTERMUEHLE, PARTNER As a parent, I am constantly adapting to my kids as they grow. Kids seem to change overnight, and what worked yesterday may not work today (and what might have worked with one child definitely does not work with the next!). As a working mom, integrating work and home life - [The Realities (and Art) of Fashion IP](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-realities-and-art-of-fashion-ip/) - BY ANDREW NICOTRA REILLY, SUMMER ASSOCIATE Fashion as an ‘artform’ and fashion as an ‘industry subject to legal protections’ exist as two somewhat inconsistent concepts. In the artistic context, the garment as worn can be considered secondary to the creative vision of the designer. Pyer Moss’ recent collection comes to mind. Kerby Jean-Raymond, the - [Copyrights at the Olympics](https://jayaramlaw.com/copyrights-at-the-olympics/) - BY PALAK PATEL SENIOR, ASSOCIATE The International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) is the governing body that manages most aspects of the Olympic Games, including the broadcast of any footage from the Olympic Games. In an effort to raise funds, the IOC sells its broadcast rights to various networks and these rights allow the networks to - [Outside Voices](https://jayaramlaw.com/outside-voices/) - Photograph by Teri Romkey BY HEIDI YERNBERG, PARTNER At Jayaram Law, we believe that our team members should take time to recharge and value their health. Finding work-life balance is a personal journey, but it’s important to step away from work to avoid feeling depleted and exhausted. It’s not only fun to have free - [HOURS: Liz](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-liz/) - We often are asked what a normal day looks like for our lawyers. Normal is something most of us don’t know much about, but in our recurring column—HOURS—we unpack the daily routines of our teammates. 3:30 AM Through some combination of third child syndrome and pandemic exhaustion, our youngest is somehow five-months old but - [High Stakes for Sweepstakes: Considerations for Proper Promotions](https://jayaramlaw.com/high-stakes-for-sweepstakes-considerations-for-proper-promotions/) - BY MICHELLE BUTLER, SENIOR ASSOCIATE AND SRINIDHI KRISHNAN, INTERN Companies have been using giveaways as a promotional tool for decades, but they have become increasingly popular as companies ramp up their digital marketing efforts. Running a giveaway online is much easier than administering a mail-in or in-person sweepstakes, and these online promotions can go a - [Q + A with Nicole McGraw](https://jayaramlaw.com/q-a-with-nicole-mcgraw/) - The world is abuzz with talk of the intersection of art, technology and digital culture. Read how collector, curator, and early adopter Nicole McGraw came to co-found Jupiter NFT Group, what the hype is all about, and what we should know about creating an entirely new market for artists and collectors. Jayaram Law Your line of work sounds - [Zahreen Ghaznavi in Conversation With Alexander Roque](https://jayaramlaw.com/zahreen-ghaznavi-in-conversation-with-alexander-roque/) - We’re always looking for the innovative, the bold, and the good in people. Recently, our client The Elevate Prize Foundation—known for their mission to "Make Good Famous"—distributed millions of dollars to 10 deserving and diverse social entrepreneurs working to solve pressing issues around the globe. Jayaram Law’s Zahreen Ghaznavi caught up with one such winner, - [HOURS: Heidi](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-heidi/) - We often are asked what a normal day looks like for our lawyers. Normal is something most of us don't know much about, but in our recurring column—HOURS—we unpack the daily routines of our teammates. 6:00 AM Rise and shine! I am quick to get up and start my day with coffee, spending the first - [Year in Review](https://jayaramlaw.com/year-in-review/) - JAN Jayaram Law client REEF Technology begins to change the proximity-as-a-service game after a $700 million financing round led by SoftBank FEB Kith opens its Paris flagship with a store designed by Snarkitecture MAR Longtime firm client Saggezza acquired by Goldman Sachs company, Infostretch, with Jayaram representing the sellers APR Jayaram Law obtains an injunction - [A Word From the Partners](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-the-partners/) - As we put the finishing touches on 2021, we (the executive committee of Jayaram Law) got together to discuss some of the year’s greatest joys, biggest challenges and what we’re most excited for in 2022. Perhaps this exercise will inspire you to do the same; we would love to hear what you come - [Art Basel Miami Beach 2021: A Carnivale for Creators](https://jayaramlaw.com/art-basel-miami-beach-2021-a-carnivale-for-creators/) - For nearly 20 years I have enjoyed attending Art Basel Miami Beach. The annual art fair–which began in 2002 as a satellite to the brand’s main fair in Basel, Switzerland–has become a convening of the world’s most creative people. While buying and selling contemporary art remains a focal point of the fair, the last decade - [Privacy Concerns in the Metaverse](https://jayaramlaw.com/privacy-concerns-in-the-metaverse/) - When ‘Meta’ Met Privacy On October 28th Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would be changing its name to Meta Platforms Inc., or Meta. The ultimate goal of Meta is the construction of the metaverse, a combination of multiple technologies to create a digital universe where people can live, work, travel, and communicate. - [Facebook Rebrands to META](https://jayaramlaw.com/facebook-rebrands-to-meta/) - In the last month, Facebook, Inc. announced its rebrand to Meta Platforms, Inc., doing business as Meta. The rebrand came at a curious time for Facebook. Leaked internal research from the company demonstrated that it was repeatedly made aware of its large role in the spread of misinformation and hate speech; but - [Reigning in the Metaverse: Congress Needs To Catch Up–Fast](https://jayaramlaw.com/reigning-in-the-metaverse-congress-needs-to-catch-up-fast/) - Last month, someone paid $650,000 for a yacht in the metaverse. It was the highest price ever paid for a NFT asset in The Sandbox, a digital environment not unlike The Sims. The yacht’s creator, Republic Realm, also develops and sells metaversal jet skis, speed boats, and even real estate, such as the - [What Inspired You In 2021?](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-inspired-you-in-2021/) - With 2021 in the rearview mirror, we at Jayaram Law have much to be thankful for and that we were inspired by in the last 12 months. Before we rush into the new year with all the excitement it deserves, we'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the events and - [5 On Their Top 5](https://jayaramlaw.com/5-on-their-top-5/) - From live concertos to RuPaul's Drag Race, Mare to the #FreeBritney movement—and everything in-between—these Jayaram Law colleagues have a thing or two to say about the best content they consumed this year. Drop us a note and tell us what your favorites were! Palak Patel #FreeBritney Movement Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead Mare of - [NFTs, I’mma Let You Finish, But…](https://jayaramlaw.com/nfts-imma-let-you-finish-but/) - As blockchain technology booms, it was only a matter of time until artists, musicians, and even social media platform founders—I am looking at you, Jack Dorsey—jumped on the bandwagon by introducing non-fungible tokens (or “NFTs”) to the world. You are probably wondering, what in the world is an NFT? Well, let's start at the - [To the Moon](https://jayaramlaw.com/to-the-moon/) - Art Basel Miami Beach is known worldwide as the cool sister-meets-party monster of the blue-chip art fair that also holds court in Hong Kong and originally Basel, Switzerland. For one week each December, the streets of Miami flood with the likes of artists, collectors, gallerists, curators, and crowds of cultural spectators and speculators. This year - [Meet Julia: A Path of Her Own Making](https://jayaramlaw.com/meet-julia-a-path-of-her-own-making/) - Palak Patel, Associate at Jayaram Law, gives a firsthand account of our newest “homegrown” rising talent at the firm. PALAK When Julia joined the firm a year and a half ago, she brought an enthusiastic attitude and a willingness to do whatever task is presented to her. While she started in an - [New Faces](https://jayaramlaw.com/new-faces/) - Get to know our new associates and paralegals as we put them to the test with some serious questions. Adam Cohen Associate Anthony Williams Corporate Paralegal Olivia Martinez Senior Trademark Paralegal Michael Nosanchuk Associate What’s your role and how did you get here? AC I am a corporate attorney counselling emerging - [The Comfort of Curry](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-comfort-of-curry/) - At the very beginning of the pandemic, people who mostly ate out or relied on a steady stream of takeout had to return to home cooking. While COVID-19 was raging outside and our collective stress was at an all-time high, we all still had to eat and suddenly had a lot - [A Freelance Creative’s Guide to Working with Lawyers](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-freelance-creatives-guide-to-working-with-lawyers/) - by Michelle Butler and Danny O’Neil Danny and Michelle are skilled entertainment attorneys that frequently represent and collaborate with top-tier artists, world-renowned brands, and cutting-edge technology companies across music, fashion, art and other creative industries. Please feel free to get in contact to start the conversation at danny@jayaramlaw.com or michelle.butler@jayaramlaw.com, and follow them: @oneillesquire and @michellelynnbutler - [Meet Chérie Schaible](https://jayaramlaw.com/meet-cherie-schaible/) - This Just In: Recently, Chérie has been recognized by Consulting Magazine as one of this year’s ‘Women Leaders in Consulting’ honorees for her outstanding leadership and character within the profession. Recipients are distinguished for making profound and measurable differences in the lives of colleagues, clients and future leaders within the consulting industry—and we - [Sneaker Law and How to Break the Simulation](https://jayaramlaw.com/sneaker-law-and-how-to-break-the-simulation/) - Most people know me as Kanye’s former head lawyer at YEEZY and the co-author of Sneaker Law: All You Need to Know About the Sneaker Business. I am also a law school professor, early-stage business advisor, husband, father, and now Counsel to Jayaram Law (more on all this later). I wear many - [The Not So New Concept of NFT IP](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-not-so-new-concept-of-nft-ip/) - "NFTs are a bold new medium that are breeding a new generation of collectors and artists. The resale royalty and blockchain component offer new tools for artists to protect and commercialize their work. From an IP perspective, however, the new medium shouldn’t create unusual problems not already seen in IP ecosystem at large." - [Fake It ‘Til You Make It](https://jayaramlaw.com/fake-it-til-you-make-it/) - "While there is no uniform approach to battle the anonymized innerworkings of counterfeit networks, the best practice is to first and foremost protect your brand’s IP rights." The counterfeit market has turned into a more lucrative industry than drug trafficking. With the rise of e-commerce, counterfeit and pirated goods now represent - [Getting into the Weeds of Cannabis Trademarks](https://jayaramlaw.com/getting-into-the-weeds-of-cannabis-trademarks/) - The cannabis industry is at an all-time high, with many states legalizing medical and recreational marijuana and brands saturating the marketplace with cannabis products in every corner. However, at the federal level, marijuana remains illegal under The Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). This disconnect between commercial reality and the current regulatory environment leaves brand owners in - [What Makes a Good Privacy Policy?](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-makes-a-good-privacy-policy/) - When a founder has scarce resources to spare, developing a comprehensive privacy program may not rank the highest on a priority list. It’s tempting to sink a few hundred dollars into a template privacy policy and throw it on your website and hope that’s sufficient. But that approach can be short-sighted. The data tells us - [HOURS — Wendy](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-wendy/) - 5:30 AM My Apple Watch buzzes and I wake up excited. I climb out of bed, careful not to disrupt my husband and tiptoe past my sleeping pandemic pup (now an eighteen-month old Rhodesian Ridgeback who has captured every heart in the house). I practice my best tracking steps (walk to the outside of - [Wendy on Becoming Our First Managing Partner](https://jayaramlaw.com/wendy-on-becoming-our-first-managing-partner/) - For each of Vivek, Heidi and my first flight in over a year, we battled our respective hometown airports and boarded airplanes bound for Arizona this past May. We converged on a hotel at the base of a mountain in Scottsdale and at our first gathering simply shared our one goal for the weekend. As - [A Word From Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek-2/) - “Sure, she’s interested in breaking things as much as the next disruptor; but she’s equally interested in fixing them, too. And that’s what she has done here over the past 4 years: recruited a majority female workforce; carried forward of culture that not only tolerates but celebrates its differences; and she represents legions of - [Welcome to Thinking™](https://jayaramlaw.com/welcome-to-thinking/) - A column where Jayaram leadership discuss their philosophy on practicing law. There are literally thousands of lawyers who practice in the same areas in which we practice. They advise founders, investors, and brands on things like intellectual property and corporate law. Like us, these lawyers put together deals, tactfully handle disputes, and advise their - [HOURS: Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/hours-vivek/) - We often are asked what a normal day looks like for our lawyers. Normal is something most of us don't know much about, but in this new column - HOURS - we unpack the daily routines of our teammates. 5:00: Wake up! I have been an early riser for as long as I can remember. I - [Refresh Miami: Maria Derchi Russo](https://jayaramlaw.com/refresh-miami-maria-derchi-russo/) - Maria Derchi has been a friend of the firm for years. Through her work with the University of Miami, Global Ecosystem Director at The Venture City, Executive Director of Refresh Miami, and now with Florida Funders, Maria has been a key connector to the firm's tropical network in Miami. We talked with Maria about #miamitech, Miami's - [COVID-19 Vaccines v. Intellectual Property Rights by Cassie Hightman](https://jayaramlaw.com/covid-19-vaccines-v-intellectual-property-rights-by-cassie-hightman/) - Cassie practices with our corporate team on deals, structure and general governance. Shoot her a note at cassie@jayaramlaw.com. Historically a defender of intellectual property protections, the US government shocked many when it announced its support of temporary patent waivers for COVID-19 vaccines at a World Trade Organization meeting on May 5, 2021. With the goal - [Meet Harry Clarke: Associate GC at Spotify by Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/meet-harry-clarke-associate-gc-at-spotify-by-vivek-jayaram/) - How people listen to music continues to evolve in the pandemic and post-pandemic world. I recently caught up with my old pal Harry Clarke, who clerked at the same time I did back in 2005 for a Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Since that time, we've worked - [Three Ways EdTech Has Changed Education for Good by Zahreen Ghaznavi](https://jayaramlaw.com/three-ways-edtech-has-changed-education-for-good-by-zahreen-ghaznavi/) - Zahreen is a litigator at Jayaram with a background in the education industry: working both as a teacher and as an attorney for an education organization. Shoot her a note at zahreen@jayaramlaw.com. As with so many industries, the Covid-19 pandemic completely disrupted the field of education, requiring K-12 districts and higher education institutions to rethink - [Hunt Club: Chris Bordeaux](https://jayaramlaw.com/hunt-club-chris-bordeaux/) - Wendy Heilbut sat down with Chris Bordeaux to discuss his new cutting edge talent acquisition platform and the importance of a network. Read on to understand how he is developing something new in a static industry and why he feels so excited about it. WH: So what’s the Hunt Club all about? What does it do? - [The Mishap of Mystery: Banksy Struggles to Protect His IP While Preserving His Anonymity by Danielle Maggiacomo and Srinidhi Krishnan](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-mishap-of-mystery-banksy-struggles-to-protect-his-ip-while-preserving-his-anonymity-by-danielle-maggiacomo/) - Danielle is an experienced trademark attorney and Counsel at Jayaram. Shoot her a note at dmaggiacomo@jayaramlaw.com. While the world wonders about his identity, Banksy’s graffiti art is no secret to any of us. Banksy rose to fame in Bristol during the 1990s, and shortly after gained international recognition. Whether or not Banksy was simply trying - [Waxing NFT with Kerry McLaney By Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/waxing-nft-with-kerry-mclaney-by-vivek-jayaram/) - The NFT market is exploding globally, and places like Miami—which has become a hub for both contemporary art and crypto enthusiasts over the past couple of decades —have given birth to dozens of NFT makers and entrepreneurs. We sat down with artist and blockchain entrepreneur Kerry McLaney to discuss NFT and its impact on the art world. - [Nike Sues Over 'Satan Shoes' by Palak V. Patel](https://jayaramlaw.com/nike-sues-over-satan-shoes-by-palak-v-patel/) - Palak is an associate in our litigation department, she's particularly excited about all things IP. Shoot her a note at palak@jayaramlaw.com. In March 2021, Lil Nas X released his latest song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” As an extension of the religious symbolism and iconography in his music video, Lil Nas X announced the - [New Faces: Q + A](https://jayaramlaw.com/new-faces-q-a/) - A: Winter or Summer? B: Phoebe Bridgers or Taylor Swift? C: Drake or Kanye? D: Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs? E: Audiobooks or paper books? Danny O'Neill: A: Summer!! B: Tay Tay C: Kanye all day! D: Tough one. Pulp Fiction E: Paper, when I have the time! Erica Kerman A: Winter B: T Swift C: Drake D: Pulp - [Q + A with Liz](https://jayaramlaw.com/q-a-with-liz/) - A touch more about who Liz is and what makes her an incredible partner. JL: Hi Liz, those pages about you have been great, but here’s where we cut loose a little. First up, an easy one, what’s the one movie you love more than any other – and why? LA: I’m not someone that generally rewatches movies, - [A Word From Liz](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-liz/) - Liz Austermuehle is our newest partner; she leads our litigation team. I started at Jayaram on March 2, 2020. Maybe at that point, some people anticipated Covid-19 and how it would impact our lives, but I certainly didn’t. I arrived at our office on my first day, and Vivek asked me to start drafting a motion - [The Good Stuff: Our Favorite Legal Characters](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-good-stuff-our-favorite-legal-characters/) - Julia + Palak Harvey Specter Vivek Clive Badger from The Fantastic Mr. Fox Liz Alicia Florrick from The Good Wife Cassie Olivia Pope from Scandal Kelly Elle Woods from Legally Blonde Andrew Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman from Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul Wendy Its a tie between the Vinny Gambini/ Mona Lisa Vito pair from My Cousin - [A Firm Grip: Andrew Flippo](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-firm-grip-andrew-flippo/) - Hi Andrew, very nice to meet you. So, what’s your story so far? How’s your career brought you to Jayaram? Hi! I’m from Atlanta originally and currently live in NYC (via Germany and Boston). After spending the bulk of my career in big law representing venture capital and other private investment funds in financings and - [Favorite Space: Purple Ant](https://jayaramlaw.com/favorite-space-purple-ant/) - First off, what’s the name all about? We have to know! I have been asked about our brand name Purple Ant more than a few times, and the truth is that there are three stories behind it:Moment of Inspiration – In my 22+ years of corporate life, I have had the privilege of working with - [A Firm Debate: Section 230](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-firm-debate-section-230/) - The SAFE TECH Act seeks to amend Section 230: Jayaram Law Debates the Issue The opinions presented in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the law firm, the moderator or the individuals taking each position. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 (hyperlink: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/230) provides sweeping immunity to platform providers against - [A Firm Grip: Meet Zahreen Ghaznavi & Lucien Carter](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-firm-grip-meet-zahreen-ghaznavi-lucien-carter/) - Zahreen Ghaznavi is a litigator in New York. She handles IP and commercial litigation for the firm’s clients. Education Columbia Law School, Yale University Former Gigs Success Academy Charter Schools, Kirkland & Ellis Area(s) of law you enjoy most Lucky for me, I enjoy IP litigation because the clients are cool and the problems are - [Updates to the Trademark and Copyright Laws in the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act](https://jayaramlaw.com/updates-to-the-trademark-and-copyright-laws-in-the-2021-consolidated-appropriations-act/) - On December 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “Act”). While much of the Act focuses on COVID-19 relief and other tax and appropriation provisions, included within the Act were important updates to the federal trademark and copyright laws. The Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 First, the Trademark Modernization - [A Word from Heidi](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-heidi/) - On the evening of March 11, 2020, Vivek, Wendy, and I found ourselves frantically exchanging texts about whether we should move our workforce to remote operations. After sharing some links on the latest data about this novel coronavirus, we decided there was no need to panic, but we should do a “pilot” and test our - [IP Considerations For Art-Fashion Collaborations](https://jayaramlaw.com/ip-considerations-for-art-fashion-collaborations/) - In the 1930s, Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde gowns and other couture creations, struck up a fast friendship with surrealist artist Salvador Dali. By then, Dali had generally well-received solo shows in Paris, London and New York's Museum of Modern Art and was already on his way to becoming an extraordinary - [Favorite Space: Steward](https://jayaramlaw.com/favorite-space-steward/) - Style statements, a sense of wellbeing, even cleaner air. Yes, plants rock. Unless of course, like us, you’re not sure what you’re doing with them or exactly where to put them. Enter Steward, a start-up that takes the angst out of plant parenting. They’ve married some smart tech with friendly guidance to create personalized plant - [Winter Reading Recommendations](https://jayaramlaw.com/winter-reading-recommendations/) - The Only Good Indians – Stephen Graham Jones Four Indigenous American teenagers defy the rules of their tribe and trespass onto hunting grounds reserved for elder members. This seemingly juvenile act turns out to be their death warrant, and the repercussions of their actions catch up to them as each is condemned to an unspeakable - [What Democracy Means to Us](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-democracy-means-to-us/) - Cassie: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people" (quoting Abraham Lincoln) Danielle: The government can't decide whose voice is worthy of being heard. Aaron: Democracy is a system of government that (1) should favor the majority but protect the minority and (2) allows individual people, whether through an elected representative or otherwise, - [Favorite Holiday Movies](https://jayaramlaw.com/favorite-holiday-movies/) - We Asked Jayaram Staff About a Host of Things From Favorite Holiday Movies to Their Interpretation of Democracy. Here's What They Had to Say... Aaron: Bad Santa Wendy: National Lampoon's Christmas Story Cassie: Home Alone Danielle: It's a Wonderful Life Julia: So hard to pick just one! It’s a tie between the 1978 animated short - [The Communications Decency Act](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-communications-decency-act/) - The Communications Decency Act, 47 U.S.C. § 230 (“Section 230”), has widely been regarded as a valuable tool to protecting the freedom of expression on the internet. Section 230 states that providers or users of a computer service will not be treated as the publisher of any speech or information provided on its platform. In - [The Current State of Trademarks in the Cannabis Industry; And Where Developments May Arise in the Year Ahead](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-current-state-of-trademarks-in-the-cannabis-industry-and-where-developments-may-arise-in-the-year-ahead/) - The legal landscape for cannabis businesses continues to evolve and is oftentimes highly ambiguous or even contradictory in practice. This is especially true for trademarks, which are largely governed by federal law. Cannabis remains “illegal” on the federal level despite various state laws legalizing its cultivation, sale, and use. That being said, our firm has - [Droit De Suite: The Absence of an Artist’s Resale Royalty in the United States](https://jayaramlaw.com/droit-de-suite-the-absence-of-an-artists-resale-royalty-in-the-united-states/) - The story is as old as the art market itself and familiar to anyone who collects art. An emerging artist catches the eye of a reputable collector who, along with other art world insiders, purchases the entire body of work at a relatively inexpensive price. Demand skyrockets, and the collector resells the work a couple - [Breaking and Entering in a Virtual World](https://jayaramlaw.com/breaking-and-entering-in-a-virtual-world/) - As a privacy and IT attorney, I fielded numerous calls at the beginning of the pandemic asking for advice on how to support a remote workforce. The biggest concern was whether security would be sufficient for remote operations. Perhaps this heightened sensitivity has paid off. So far in 2020, security breaches – the unauthorized exposure - [Design Miami/](https://jayaramlaw.com/on-our-radar-design-miami/) - A lot of things have had to be canned this year, Art Basel included, unfortunately, but the annual celebration of international contemporary design that is Design Miami/, took place November 27th to December 6th. Notching up its 16th edition, the fair returned to the Miami Design District – where it all started back in 2005. - [A Word from Wendy](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-wendy/) - As 2020 draws to a close, we will look back on the year as we do at the end of each year and reflect on its highs and lows. But 2020 has become its own hashtag- worthy term standing for so much more than just 365 days. It was a presidential election year in which - [The USPTO v. BOOKING.COM](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-uspto-v-booking-com/) - The USPTO v. BOOKING.COM decision and the future of consumer perception evidence for generic marks. The Supreme Court affirmed that a generic word combined with “.com” can be a valid trademark based on consumer perception. Now what? On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a generic word combined with ".com” can create a - [Google v. Oracle](https://jayaramlaw.com/google-v-oracle/) - Later this year, the United States Supreme Court will decide whether Google infringed on Oracle when it used Java Application Programming Interfaces (“API”) in creating its Android operating system. In other words, the highest court in the country is about to answer an extraordinarily important question that effects the lives of virtually anyone using a - [Heidi Echols is Elevated to Partner at Jayaram Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/heidi-echols-is-elevated-to-partner-at-jayaram-law/) - We are all thrilled to announce that Heidi Echols has been made partner at Jayaram Law. Heidi, who has been with the firm since Spring 2019, has been a key component to the firm's ongoing quarter over quarter growth. More importantly, she is a universally adored lawyer and mentor who has guided major companies through - [A Word from Vivek](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-word-from-vivek/) - At some point early in the last decade, I was introduced to a plumber named George from Los Angeles. He said he needed some help licensing a piece of film to a production team interested in using it in a documentary. George explained that on the evening of March 3, 1991, he was toying around with - [On Our Radar: Xaviera Simmons](https://jayaramlaw.com/on-our-radar-xaviera-simmons/) - [INTERVIEWER] You obtained your BFA in 2004 from Bard College and completed the Whitney Museum of American Art’s Independent Study Program in Studio Art in 2005. I think it's safe to say that you've been a prolific artist who has consistently been making work since at least that time. Technology, for better or for - [15 Records I Love](https://jayaramlaw.com/15-records-i-love/) - I really enjoy listening to music on vinyl. I don't, however, listen to just anything on a turntable. There are certain kinds of rhythm driven music that I prefer listening to only on vinyl. It's impossible to select my favorites. I don't even own many of my favorite LPs on vinyl. But it's easy to - [TikTok vs. Copyright Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/tiktok-vs-copyright-law/) - While many businesses have experienced COVID-19 related disruptions, there is one notable exception. Around March 2020, TikTok saw an exponential growth in users after many states issued shelter in place orders. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, the Beijing based company responsible for Musical.ly. It is a social media app that allows users to create short - [IP News: Not So Patently Obvious](https://jayaramlaw.com/ip-news-not-so-patently-obvious/) - In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, innovators have been volunteering their creativity to come up with ingenious new ways of combatting the spread of the disease. And top of the list of potential tech-based solutions is 3D printing. Long heralded as a cheaper, faster, and more accessible means of production, 3D printing offers a - [A Firm Grip: Liz Austermuehle](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-firm-grip-liz-austermuehle/) - What happens when you cross your curiosity with our openness and transparency? An insightful little interview with one of our team members, that’s what. Ok, Liz Austermuehle, let’s pretend for everyone at home that I don’t know you. This is literally, honestly the first time we’ve met. Please introduce yourself. I’m a litigator and a - [On Our Radar](https://jayaramlaw.com/on-our-radar/) - To quote the sociologist Raymond Williams, “culture is ordinary.” At least, it is for us (we love it!) But in extraordinary times, culture does extraordinary things. Like shifting itself online during the lockdown. While online art galleries and concerts are nothing new, the choice, scale, and quality of what’s on offer currently is. With some - [IP News: Led Zeppelin: Stairway to Heaven not partly stolen, court affirms](https://jayaramlaw.com/ip-news-led-zeppelin-stairway-to-heaven/) - Stairway To Hearings There’s a lawyer who’s sure all that glitters is (in fact) old…. And he’s buying another listen to what could be the longest running track in Led Zeppelin’s entire back catalogue. Namely, the “Stairway To Heaven” copyright saga. Now well into its third encore in the courts, the rock legends - [Favorite Space – Nigel Sylvester](https://jayaramlaw.com/favorite-space-nigel-sylvester/) - An interview with BMX supremo, genuine YouTube sensation and the guy we wish we were as cool as, Nigel Sylvester If you don’t know who Nigel Sylvester is, you’re about to get a lot cooler. So, nod knowingly and we’ll have you up to speed in no time. The human embodiment of a fire - [The Good Stuff — Sardine Can Design](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-good-stuff-sardine-can-design/) - In lieu of photographs of mouth-watering haute cuisine or top-down Instagram friendly snaps of our lunch, we thought you might enjoy something a little more relatable, but no less beautiful: canned food! Yep, it turns out that canned food is actually pretty delicious. Well, if not physically, then at least visually. In particular, sardine cans. - [Reading for the Quarantine by Julia Broder](https://jayaramlaw.com/reading-for-the-quarantine-by-julia-broder/) - As a self-identifying bibliophile and well-seasoned introvert, quarantine has offered a rare opportunity to make a serious dent in my growing stack of unread books. Here is a short offering of suggested reading for isolation. I also recommend contacting your local bookstore to see if they are still accepting online orders and purchasing any new - [The Pioneer's Paradox by Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-pioneers-paradox-by-vivek-jayaram/) - For founders, fundraising is one of the most exhausting and confusing jobs. And although there’s many ways to finance a company, most startups today will consider one of two options: a priced round or a non-priced round. A priced round is a true equity round where the Company and its investors agree on a price - [Employee Option Pool: The Basics by Cassie Hightman](https://jayaramlaw.com/employee-option-pool-the-basics-by-cassie-hightman/) - A question most founders will face is whether to set aside a percentage of their company’s stock to be reserved for employees. An employee option pool (also known as an equity pool or an incentive pool) is the number of shares a private company reserves from which it can grant stock options or restricted stock - [The Iditarod by Jackson Heilbut](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-iditarod/) - The Iditarod is one of the only sports that you can follow right now. Due to the coronavirus, most of the other pro sports were cancelled including the NBA, March Madness, and the MLB. Don't dismay! Following the Iditarod is extraordinarily exciting, fun, and pleasurable for your whole family. The Iditarod is a competitive dog - [WFH Tips!](https://jayaramlaw.com/wfh-tips/) - Remote work has been integrated into the fabric of our firm for a very long time. Here, our senior team has put together some of their favorite work from home tips for you! Heidi Echols: 1. Set up some routines - Set a start and stop time for work the same way you do when - [Why Some Venture Capitalists May Continue Investing During the Outbreak by Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/why-some-venture-capitalists-may-continue-investing-during-the-outbreak/) - Why are some VCs we know not panicking about the virus and its effects? Here are 3 reasons: 1.There’s a bunch of dry powder out there. As Pitchbook reported this week, American Venture Capital firms have raised over $100 billion in fund capital over the past two years. This is unprecedented and is money that - [Five Ways to Handle Data Privacy If Your Staff Is Working Remotely by Heidi Echols](https://jayaramlaw.com/five-ways-to-handle-data-privacy-if-your-staff-is-working-remotely/) - Chances are you or people close to you are working remotely to help contain COVID-19. Working away from the office and within the comfort of your own home is a great way to avoid crowds, distance yourself socially from co-workers, and continue to do the work you do. Small businesses and new organizations with fewer - [NYC Founders: The City is Offering Interest Free Loans by Wendy Heilbut](https://jayaramlaw.com/nyc-founders-the-city-is-offering-interest-free-loans/) - Few places in the United States have been as impacted by Covid-19 as New York City. Few places in the United States have been as impacted by Covid-19 as New York City. Given our firm’s presence in New York City, and our commitment to its entrepreneurial ecosystem, we were pleased to learn that on March - [Are Employers Liable for Infected Employees? By Larisa Kenen](https://jayaramlaw.com/are-employers-liable-for-infected-employees/) - Employers are requiring employees to work from home across the United States. This measure is implemented to protect the safety and well-being of employees. But this measure has also been implemented by employers to avoid liability under federal law. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (“Act” or “OSHA”), employers have a legal obligation to - [Greetings From a New America](https://jayaramlaw.com/greetings-from-a-new-america-2/) - Dear Friends and Colleagues, Yes - this is yet another email wishing you all a safe couple of weeks as the world confronts Covid-19. But it’s also an email that’s trying to offer a bit more. Inside this issue of THE INNOVATOR, we’re providing you with some practical tips and best practices for our new - [The Pioneer's Paradox: Why Valuation Caps Are Kind of Silly](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-pioneers-paradox-why-valuation-caps-are-kind-of-silly/) - For founders, fundraising is one of the most exhausting and confusing jobs. - [Why Did That Lawsuit Slide Into My DM? By Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/why-did-that-lawsuit-slide-into-my-dm/) - The idea of serving someone with a lawsuit by direct messaging them on a social media platform sounds laughable to most lawyers. But many courts are finally recognizing that due process is satisfied when serving someone through social media because, well, people check their social media messages more often than they check their actual mail. - [The battle to protect the beloved Baby Yoda](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-battle-to-protect-the-beloved-baby-yoda/) - With the launch of Disney’s new streaming service came the birth of the internet darling affectionately known as “Baby Yoda.” This unofficial moniker refers to character referred to as The Child in the popular “Star Wars” spinoff “The Mandalorian.” Out of a desire to maintain secrecy and surprise surrounding the project, Disney chose not to - [A Decade of Doing](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-decade-of-doing/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com A successful entrepreneur told me back in 2009, “if you can make it 10 years you can make it forever.” I really hope that’s true! At the start of this decade, Jayaram Law was barely four months old. It was just me, a laptop, and an unwritten but clear vision of what I - [99 Problems but Fair Use Ain’t One](https://jayaramlaw.com/99-problems-but-fair-use-aint-one/) - By Palak V Patel Palak@jayaramlaw.com In 2017, Jessica Chiha, through her company, The Little Homie, raised money through a kickstarter to publish “A B to Jay-Z,” a book that uses the name, image, and lyrics of various artists to teach the alphabet. Chiha features artists like Biggie Smalls, Outkast, and Snoop Dog. The book gained - [A Court for the “Creative Middle Class”](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-court-for-the-creative-middle-class/) - By Aaron Ogunro aaron@jayaramlaw.com In October, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would make recourse under U.S. copyright law more accessible. Currently, the only way to litigate copyright disputes is in federal court given its exclusive jurisdiction over copyright claims. The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2019, or CASE Act (the - [Best Books of 2019](https://jayaramlaw.com/best-books-of-2019/) - By Julia Broder julia@jayaramlaw.com 1. “On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong Ocean Vuong’s semi-autobiographical novel is not so much a departure from the author’s previous book of poems; it is a burst of artistic evolution. Written as a letter from a first-generation, queer son to his working-class, Vietnamese mother, it is neither a - [VARA: A Protection for Artists in the Gentrification Era](https://jayaramlaw.com/vara-a-protection-for-artists-in-the-gentrification-era/) - By Aaron Ogunro aaron@jayramlaw.com As cities change and grow, gentrification and the redevelopment of cities often lead to the removal and destruction of local artifacts, many of which are the products of local artists. Luckily, copyright law provides a recourse for artists whose works are subject to such treatment. In September, the U.S. District Court for - [Why Delaware?](https://jayaramlaw.com/why-delaware/) - By Cassie Hightman cassie@jayaramlaw.com More than 65% of businesses choose to form their corporation or limited liability company in the state of Delaware, and the state’s popularity only continues to grow. So you may ask yourself, why incorporate in Delaware? The State of Delaware has many incorporation advantages. For starters, Delaware is known as a - [When Does an Instagram Shout Out Become a Violation of IP Law?](https://jayaramlaw.com/when-does-an-instagram-shout-out-become-a-violation-of-ip-law/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com A few weeks ago I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I came across a post by Virgil Abloh, creative director for Louis Vuitton. Virgil is a force, and his posts – like his work – are attractive, thought-provoking, and effective. But this one caught my eye for a different - [Working While Mothering; Mothering While Working – Part 1: The Necessity of Paid Parental Leave](https://jayaramlaw.com/working-while-mothering-mothering-while-working-part-1-the-necessity-of-paid-parental-leave/) - The foremost authority on gender studies in the US, the Stanford Clayman Institute of Gender Research recently found that the average mother makes between 5% and 10% less than she would have if she hadn’t had children and that every child she delivers or adopts decreases her income by 4%. Compare that to similar research - [Welcome Heidi Yernberg Echols!](https://jayaramlaw.com/welcome-heidi-yernberg-echols/) - By James Griffith james@jayaramlaw.com One afternoon this past spring, I received a call out of the blue from my long-time friend Heidi Yernberg Echols. Heidi and I had met during the first week of law school at the University of Chicago, and we became quick friends. Over time, our families became very close, with our - [Client Spotlight: Ned McGregor – Filmscape Chicago](https://jayaramlaw.com/client-spotlight-ned-mcgregor-filmscape-chicago/) - 1. What is Filmscape? Filmscape Chicago is an educational event for the local film and television community. We bring together local film students, technicians, and filmmakers for two days of classes and networking. We also feature an expansive show floor, where more than fifty leading industry manufacturers and service providers show their latest tech. 2. - [Image Rights, Personality Rights and the Right of Publicity in The US and The EU](https://jayaramlaw.com/image-rights-personality-rights-and-the-right-of-publicity-in-the-us-and-the-eu/) - By Alec Schulman Introduction It is clear that our world has become dominated by the entertainment and sports markets.[1] As these markets have grown, so has the notoriety of individuals affiliated with them. Athletes, actors, models, and musicians who wish to commercialize their “personas” often choose to partner with corporate entities looking to create mutually - [Tinder v. Bumble](https://jayaramlaw.com/tinder-v-bumble/) - By Palak V. Patelpalak@jayaramlaw.com In this day and age, online dating has become the most popular way of meeting a significant other. Tinder, Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel, Hinge, etc. all have revolutionized the way people meet each other. The concept is simple: (1) users make a profile with a few pictures and a short description; - [3 Practice Areas Every Law Firm Should Be Thinking About](https://jayaramlaw.com/3-practice-areas-every-law-firm-should-be-thinking-about/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com A lot has changed in the 15 years I have been practicing law. And nearly as much has evolved since we started Jayaram Law 10 years ago. There are entire empirical studies on practice area trends, industry growth, and firm profitability. This post isn’t necessarily about any of those things. But - [Accessibility by Design – Bringing Your Website Into ADA Compliance](https://jayaramlaw.com/accessibility-by-design-bringing-your-website-into-ada-compliance/) - By Brett Manchel brett@jayaramlaw.com Today, ambitious plaintiffs’ attorneys are being retained by disabled clients who navigate to websites of local businesses and test them out to see if they are accessible via screen reading technology. Screen readers are one of the main ways legally blind people use the internet. Screen-readers can only work if they - [Client Spotlight: Patrice Poltzer – Patrice Poltzer Creative](https://jayaramlaw.com/client-spotlight-patrice-poltzer-patrice-poltzer-creative/) - 1. How did you get Patrice Poltzer Creative started? I was at the TODAY show for six years where I learned from the best in the business how to tell a story and captivate an audience, winning several awards while I was there. Because I came into my role as a TODAY show producer already - [Protecting Color](https://jayaramlaw.com/protecting-color/) - palak@jayaramlaw.com Cloud Gate, colloquially known as the Bean, is one of the most prominent symbols of Chicago. The artist, Anish Kapoor, has gained widespread recognition for designing the iconic Millennium Park sculpture. However, in art circles, Kapoor is known as a divisive figure due to his monopoly on the “blackest black” color. Kapoor is - [B*tch Better Have My Trademark](https://jayaramlaw.com/btch-better-have-my-trademark/) - By Doni Robinson doni@jayaramlaw.com Fans of Rihanna are likely aware of her tremendously successful makeup line, FENTY BEAUTY, which launched in in September 2017. Some may even be aware that the name itself came from the star’s last name – Robyn Rihanna Fenty. As any good brand owner does, Rihanna applied for several FENTY trademarks - [Beyond Balance](https://jayaramlaw.com/beyond-balance/) - By Julia Broder julia@jayaramlaw.com The phrase ‘work-life balance’ is slowly phasing out of the corporate lexicon as new research encourages employers to pursue holistic company policies regarding their employees’ wellness. Like the old model of “balance,” the new “effectiveness” model allows employees to prioritize their personal and professional time. Unlike the “balance” approach, it does not insinuate that employees must - [Supreme Court May Send Creator’s Claim To Davy Jones’ Locker](https://jayaramlaw.com/supreme-court-may-send-creators-claim-to-davy-jones-locker/) - By Alec Schulman alec@jayaramlaw.com Copyright. The Constitution. A sunken pirate ship. The Supreme Court. On Monday, June 3, 2019, the Supreme Court chose to hear a case involving a copyright infringement claim brought by a videographer against the state of North Carolina for publishing the plaintiff’s footage and photographs without the plaintiff’s permission. The subject - [Breaking the Glassdoor](https://jayaramlaw.com/breaking-the-glassdoor/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com It’s an inevitable scenario for most large companies: an employee signs a confidential separation agreement upon being terminated. The employee — irate — logs onto Glassdoor.com and airs her grievances (and the company’s dirty laundry) anonymously on the company’s Glassdoor page. The C-suite is fuming. They march into the GC’s office: - [The Importance of Service](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-importance-of-service/) - By Vivek Jayaramvivek@jayaramlaw.com Most of our clients are pretty smart and savvy. And even though some are cost-conscious, all of them are most interested in getting competent, focused legal advice. But I am not going to fool myself (or anyone else) into thinking that a client selects a law firm based upon the legal strategy - [The Lesser-Known Value of Diversity](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-lesser-known-value-of-diversity/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com During day-to-day functions in the workplace, it is easy to see that diversity is a plus. For example, it is great when a younger colleague is more familiar with a contemporary cultural reference, or a colleague who celebrates different holidays can remind us that clients sharing his faith won’t want to - [Momentum Generation Takes Home the Gold at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards](https://jayaramlaw.com/momentum-generation-takes-home-the-gold-at-the-new-york-festivals-tv-film-awards/) - Still from Momentum Generation, All Rise Films Congratulations to firm clients Jeff and Michael Zimbalist of All Rise Films, for their wins at the New York Festivals® TV & Film Awards last month! Their film Momentum Generation, which documents the emergent careers of a group of young surfers in the 1990s, took home the Gold - [Dracula Single Among NPR’s Favorite of 2018](https://jayaramlaw.com/dracula-single-among-nprs-favorite-of-2018/) - Last year, firm founder Vivek Jayaram co-founded a record label with longtime pal and Miami music industry vet Lauren Reskin and Las Nubes drummer Emile Milgrim. Dubbed Sweat Records Records (an obvious nod to Lauren’s legendary record store, Sweat Records), the label has aspirations to showcase contemporary music emerging the tropical potpourri that is Miami. - [The Last Resort Premieres on Netflix](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-last-resort-premieres-on-netflix/) - We’re proud to share that a new documentary, The Last Resort, produced and co-directed by firm client Dennis Scholl, premiered on Netflix earlier this year and is receiving wonderful reviews. The Last Resort leads viewers back to the bygone era of 1970s Miami Beach, from its boom as the hottest retirement spot for the Jewish - [Celebrities and Copyright Infringement](https://jayaramlaw.com/celebrities-and-copyright-infringement/) - By Palak V. Patel palak@jayaramlaw.com Gigi Hadid is a new generation influencer whose popularity is largely based on social media. With nearly fifty million followers on Instagram, each of her posts garner thousands of likes and comments in a matter of hours. Each post can have a significant impact on Hadid’s career. However, a single - [Vol. 8: Get Your Clients Comfortable With Your Team](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-8-get-your-clients-comfortable-with-your-team/) - By Vivek Jayaramvivek@jayaramlaw.com There is usually one reason why in-house clients hire a specific lawyer: they trust the lawyer to achieve a favorable outcome to their challenge. This is why clients don’t usually flippantly call the “best” firm in town and ask to speak with a lawyer. Clients usually think, rightfully so, that the right - [Merely Ornamental Refusals](https://jayaramlaw.com/merely-ornamental-refusals/) - By Doni Robinsondoni@jayaramlaw.com The USPTO will reject an application if the applied for mark is merely a decorative or ornamental feature, because it fails to identify the source of the goods. This refusal for merely ornamental marks is mostly seen in clothing trademarks, where an applicant attempts to submit an application for a slogan on - [Trademark Law in the Supreme Court: Resolving Two Circuit Court Splits – Licenses in Bankruptcy and Damages in Light of Intent](https://jayaramlaw.com/trademark-law-in-the-supreme-court-resolving-two-circuit-court-splits-licenses-in-bankruptcy-and-damages-in-light-of-intent/) - wendy@jayaramlaw.com The Supreme Court will rule on a trademark case it heard during this session regarding trademark licenses in bankruptcy and will soon decide if it will hear another trademark case regarding infringer’s intent when awarding damages. Mission Products Holdings Inc v. Tempnology LLC, argued February 20, 2019. In this case, the Supreme Court - [Fashion and the First Sale Doctrine](https://jayaramlaw.com/fashion-and-the-first-sale-doctrine/) - By Palak V. Patel palak@jayaramlaw.com Copyrights and trademarks have been one of the fastest changing areas of law. While most copyright and trademark law has expanded to provide stronger protection to holders, there is one notable exception. The First Sale Doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 109) allows individuals who knowingly purchased a copyrighted or trademarked work - [Vol 7: Three Kinds of Useful Information to Send Clients](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-7-three-kinds-of-useful-information-to-send-clients/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com Everybody appreciates thoughtful information sharing. Now, I’m not talking about material shared by those friends who flood your inbox with regular updates about their company’s progress, their favorite charity, or chain letters that promise doom if you fail to forward to every person you know. I’m talking about data that makes - [Vol. 6: Give Me the Feedback](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-6-give-me-the-feedback/) - By Vivek Jayaramvivek@jayaramlaw.com A lawyer I know had been representing a large, very well-known corporation for several years. He (and his firm) had been managing the client’s trademark portfolio on a worldwide basis. The client perceived that an error was made on a cease and desist letter, and my friend’s representation was terminated. Just - [Vol. 2: Providing Clients With Predictable Legal Fees](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-2-providing-clients-with-predictable-legal-fees/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com “It’s hard to say” is probably one of the more common answers in-house lawyers loathe to hear from us when they simply want to know how much an engagement is going to cost. Although there are many factors that drive how much time we must invest in a matter (especially in - [Vol. 5: Three Ways to Be a Better Advisor to Your Clients In-House](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-5-three-ways-to-be-a-better-advisor-to-your-clients-in-house/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com “That’s a business question” is a common response that lawyers provide clients all the time before moving on to the next issue on the agenda. And it must be extremely frustrating for in-house counsel to hear this from their outside counsel; someone who is supposed to be their counselor and advisor. - [Wendy Heilbut Named Partner of Jayaram Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/wendy-heilbut-named-partner-of-jayaram-law/) - — Chérie Schaible, General Counsel, Ankura Consulting “Working with Wendy has been very productive. Her attention to detail, care of her client and willingness to go above and beyond really made me and my cause feel valued and important. I would recommend to anyone.” — Rebecca Minkoff, Entrepreneur and Founder, Female Founder Collective “Both my co-founder and I - [Vol. 4: Why Diversity is So Important to Law Firms](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-4-why-diversity-is-so-important-to-law-firms/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com There are two main reasons why diversity is so critical to growing a successful business. First, inclusive work environments generally produce happier employees, which results in greater productivity, morale, and retention. Second, a business that is run by people with different points of view is more likely to succeed because a - [Firm News: Welcome Palak V. Patel!](https://jayaramlaw.com/firm-news-welcome-palak-v-patel/) - We would like to give a big hearty welcome to our newest hire, Palak V. Patel. In her short time here at Jayaram Law, Palak has worked on behalf of various clients in the areas of commercial and IP litigation, technology and internet law, music and entertainment law, and employment & labor law. In her - [Client Spotlight: Alli DiVincenzo – FlairGameWorld](https://jayaramlaw.com/client-spotlight-alli-divincenzo-flairgameworld/) - [Trademark FAQ & As: What is a Certification Mark?](https://jayaramlaw.com/trademark-faq-as-what-is-a-certification-mark/) - By Doni Robinsondoni@jayaramlaw.com A certification mark is a type of trademark used to show consumers that particular goods and/or services, or their providers, have met certain standards. A standard service mark (i.e. the more common type of trademark) serves to indicate source of particular goods and services; certification marks, however, are used on a - [Time is Up on Staying Blissfully Ignorant](https://jayaramlaw.com/time-is-up-on-staying-blissfully-ignorant/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com A trend started this summer: #MeToo Diligence. In addition to diligence on its financial health, leadership, and intellectual property assets, a target company’s workplace harassment is now also being evaluated before investment deals are finalized. The terms being added to many corporate documents are called a “Weinstein Clause” or the “#MeToo - [Is It Time to Review Your Data Security?](https://jayaramlaw.com/is-it-time-to-review-your-data-security/) - By Brett Manchel brett@jayaramlaw.com Marriott’s recently acquired brand, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC, suffered a massive data breach starting in 2014, but only first publicized in December, 2018. Marriott states that customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, dates of birth, and gender of around 500,000,000 guests are exposed, as well as - [Landmark Buildings as Intellectual Property](https://jayaramlaw.com/landmark-buildings-as-intellectual-property/) - palak@jayaramlaw.com The Willis Tower, Chrysler Building, and the Hollywood Sign are all some of the most famous landmarks in the United States. In addition to their status as one of the most visited sights in the world, they have another detail in common. These famous sights are also trademarked. Trademarks are indicators, through design, - [So You Think You Can (Steal a) Dance?](https://jayaramlaw.com/so-you-think-you-can-steal-a-dance/) - By Vivek Jayaramvivek@jayaramlaw.com Fortnite is the most popular video game in the world, earning in the neighborhood of $300 million a month. Leading the charge into the new billion-dollar frontier of esports – the moniker given to the world of competitive, organized video gaming – Fortnite is changing the way gaming industry professionals monetize - [Vol. 3: Three Strategies to More Effectively Communicate With Clients](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-3-three-strategies-to-more-effectively-communicate-with-clients/) - By Vivek Jayaramvivek@jayaramlaw.com Nearly every relationship we have in our lives turns on communication. If we communicate well with someone, the relationship will likely be successful. And we’ve all been in relationships where we just couldn’t seem to communicate well with the other person. Those relationships don’t last. In my experience, developing a successful relationship - [Vol. 1: Know The Business](https://jayaramlaw.com/vol-1-know-the-business/) - By Vivek Jayaramvivek@jayaramlaw.com A few years ago a client asked me to join them in a series of meetings to vet new patent prosecution counsel (our firm handles a lot of trademark and copyright matters, but at the time did not prosecute patents). Having already established a successful lifestyle brand, my clients had developed a - [Your Lawyer Should Understand You](https://jayaramlaw.com/your-lawyer-should-understand-you/) - wendy@jayaramlaw.com In my work mentoring companies through the incubators with which I am involved, I often get the question, “what should I look for when hiring a lawyer?” Let me first say, dear reader, hire me! But okay, if you don’t want to hire me, or perhaps your needs are outside my area of expertise, - [GM and the Graffiti Copyright Quandary](https://jayaramlaw.com/gm-and-the-graffiti-copyright-quandary/) - vivek@jayaramlaw.com The idea that graffiti is more of a crime than it is an artwork is dated. However, copyright law continues to struggle with the issue of protectability as it relates to graffiti. That said, a recent federal case seems to suggest that the courts are leaning towards finally accepting the notion that graffiti should - [Why You Should Register Your Copyright Immediately Upon Creation](https://jayaramlaw.com/why-you-should-register-your-copyright-immediately-upon-creation/) - johanna@jayaramlaw.com Since copyright protection is automatic from the moment you create your work, registration is not required. However, it is common knowledge that a copyright holder cannot bring an infringement action under the Copyright Act without first having filed an application or obtaining a registration.[1] A lesser-known fact is that if you fail to - [Phantom Marks – Registering Trademarks with Variable Elements](https://jayaramlaw.com/phantom-marks-registering-trademarks-with-variable-elements/) - By Doni Robinson doni@jayaramlaw.com A phantom mark is a mark which contains a variable element that changes depending on the use of the mark. Phantom marks may contain a date, a geographic location or a model number. Generally speaking, a phantom mark is not a registrable mark because phantom marks do not function as one - [Intellectual Property + Early-Stage Business Founders: What to Consider Now](https://jayaramlaw.com/intellectual-property-early-stage-business-founders-what-to-consider-now/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com Early-stage business founders have a lot to think about – from business development to technical infrastructure, from fundraising to employee management, and the list goes on . . . we work with a lot of our early- and growth-stage clients on another important area: intellectual property (or “IP”) protection needs. Each - [4 Fundraising Tips for Founders](https://jayaramlaw.com/4-fundraising-tips-for-founders/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com It’s been a busy first half of the year for many of our early stage clients who have sought and secured angel and VC funding from firms around the country (and the world). In reflecting on these successes and failures from Q1 and Q2 of 2018, here are four pieces - [Firm News: INTA](https://jayaramlaw.com/firm-news-inta/) - As a not-for-profit association, INTA’s role is to serve its members and society as a trusted and influential advocate for the economic and social value of brands. 2018–2021 Strategic Plan Headquartered in New York City, INTA also has offices in Brussels, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington D.C. and representatives in Geneva and New Delhi. The - [Trademark Fair Use: When Is It OK to Use Another’s Trademark?](https://jayaramlaw.com/trademark-fair-use-when-is-it-ok-to-use-anothers-trademark/) - doni@jayaramlaw.com A trademark serves to inform the public of the source of the goods or service associate with that mark. It follows that most unauthorized usage of a confusingly similar mark on competing goods and services would be considered infringement, since the public is likely to be mislead about the source of the goods - [Calendaring, email, phone, Slack, texts = ZEN?? 6 Time Savers to Try](https://jayaramlaw.com/calendaring-email-phone-slack-texts-zen-6-time-savers-to-try/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com I’ve been thinking about productivity and time management a lot lately. Many of my founder clients and I are juggling the demands of our day-to-day ‘head-down work’ with that of networking and growing a business. Launching the New York office Jayaram Law is such a joy, but time management is constantly - [The Guitar’s Dress](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-guitars-dress/) - vivek@jayaramlaw.com In a moment of weakness at this year’s International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting (“INTA”), I snuck off to one of Seattle’s many eclectic guitar shops and bought a Fender Thinline Telecaster that I have had my eyes on for some time now. Walking around the shop I noticed a number of guitars whose - [Common Law v. Registered Trademark Rights](https://jayaramlaw.com/common-law-v-registered-trademark-rights/) - doni@jayaramlaw.com What rights does a registration get me? And what happens if I don’t have a registration? Of course it goes without saying that obtaining a trademark registration in invaluable. But what exactly does that registration grant you? A trademark registration grants the owner the exclusive right to use a mark as it pertains - [The Blurred Lines of Sampling in Music, or, Can It Be All So Simple?](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-blurred-lines-of-sampling-in-music-or-can-it-be-all-so-simple/) - By Brett Manchel brett@jayaramlaw.com Trivia question: what do Cardi B and Barbra Streisand have in common? Besides both being successful women in the music industry in their own right, you might think not much. But how’s this for a history lesson: Start with the song The Way We Were (from the 1973 movie of - [Notes for Founders: Should You Use an NDA with Investors?](https://jayaramlaw.com/notes-for-founders-should-you-use-an-nda-with-investors/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com Here’s a scenario: You’ve come up with an incredible idea, sure to be a unicorn within record time. It’s the idea of the century! You’ve even made progress – built something technical, made in-roads with clients, gotten an A+ team of advisors, and brought on a co-founder. You’re finally ready - [IP & Legal Issues in Fashion Collabs](https://jayaramlaw.com/ip-legal-issues-in-fashion-collabs/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com The most sought after piece of men’s footwear this past year was undoubtedly Virgil Abloh’s Off-White collaboration with Nike, in which the then upstart designer (now Creative Director for Louis Vuitton) reimagined classic Nike sneakers in a way that has now become Off-White’s calling card: reimagining familiar pieces of clothing or - [Client Spotlight: Alex Mustonen, Snarkitecture](https://jayaramlaw.com/client-spotlight-alex-mustonen-snarkitecture/) - In this month’s Client Spotlight we talk with our longtime friend and client Alex Mustonen, co-Founder of Snarkitecture, one of the world’s most original design studios. Since 2013, our firm is grateful to have worked with Alex and his team on a number of exciting projects around the world, from the creation of “The Beach,” - [Inclusion Riders – Are They Legal?](https://jayaramlaw.com/inclusion-riders-are-they-legal/) - By Wendy Heilbut wendy@jayaramlaw.com On Oscar Sunday we collectively scratched our heads when Frances McDormand ended her Best Actress acceptance speech with the two words: “inclusion rider.” Early the next day, Merriam-Webster tweeted “’Inclusion’ is our top search for the night.” What is an inclusion rider and is it enforceable? Will these little clauses change - [Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums…and Trademark Attorney?](https://jayaramlaw.com/vocals-guitar-bass-drumsand-trademark-attorney/) - brett@jayaramlaw.com As anyone who’s ever recorded music or been on tour can tell you, putting together and album or a show takes a lot of people. Not to toot our own horn here, but if you want to keep performing under your chosen moniker, you might need some help from a trademark attorney. Band - [Protect your Brand with Amazon’s Trademark Registry Services](https://jayaramlaw.com/protect-your-brand-with-amazons-trademark-registry-services/) - doni@jayaramlaw.com Successfully obtaining a federal trademark is a crucial and imperative step necessary to protect your brand. However, if you’re a trademark owner selling your goods on Amazon, you should take advantage of Amazon’s ancillary protection mechanism. Amazon Brand Registry affords private sellers with registered trademarks a variety of protections. These protections include preventing counterfeits - [Are My Competitors Allowed to Use My Trademark as Part of an AdWords campaign?](https://jayaramlaw.com/are-my-competitors-allowed-to-use-my-trademark-as-part-of-an-adwords-campaign/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com When you type your company’s trademark into Google, you might see paid ads for some of your biggest competitors. If so, there’s a chance that your competitors are using your trademark as part of an overall AdWords campaign. The question is whether this trademark use in Google AdWords constitutes trademark infringement. - [Jayaram Law’s Subscription Based Fee Model For Startups](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-laws-subscription-based-fee-model-for-startups/) - By Johanna Hyman johanna@jayaramlaw.com It’s been about 10 years since law firms, like most everybody else, were forced to adjust to the new economy. The traditional hourly-rate model grew to become unsustainable, and unconventional pricing structures and new fee quickly gained popularity with entrepreneurs and other sophisticated purchasers of legal services. From the bootstrapped founder answering to a Board of Directors to a scaling software platform facing - [3 Common Misconceptions About Trademarks](https://jayaramlaw.com/3-common-misconceptions-about-trademarks/) - By Doni Robinson doni@jayaramlaw.com 1. A trademark is the same as a copyright THE TRUTH – Trademarks and copyrights are totally different in law and in practice. A copyright would be appropriate for a piece of artwork, while a trademark protects your brand as an identification of source. 2. Having a registered trademark means no - [How to Prove That Your Trademark is Distinctive](https://jayaramlaw.com/how-to-prove-that-your-trademark-is-distinctive/) - By Doni Robinson doni@jayaramlaw.com Any trademark lawyer will tell you that no company should develop a brand without first ensuring their name is entitled to trademark protection. It is ideal to have this discussion at the outset so clients can avoid the painstaking journey of either rebranding or being forced to exist in the marketplace - [Getting to know… Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/getting-to-know-vivek-jayaram/) - Photography by Anjali Pinto, www.anjalipinto.com Journalist Dan Hyman sat down with firm founder Vivek Jayaram recently to talk about creativity and innovation. 1. What initially led to you centering your firm’s practice on creative people and their ventures and those types who can’t help but think outside the box? As long as I can recall, - [Three Characteristics I’ve Seen in Successful Entrepreneurs](https://jayaramlaw.com/three-characteristics-ive-seen-in-successful-entrepreneurs/) - By Vivek Jayaram vivek@jayaramlaw.com Photography by Anjali Pinto, www.anjalipinto.com I’ve represented a lot of entrepreneurs and founders over time. But a few things are strikingly similar among the really successful ones. Here are three that come to mind: Think Fast. The top tier of entrepreneurs that I’ve worked with all have the ability to make - [A NY Court Reaffirmed the Importance and Value of Public Art – What that Means for Our Clients](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-ny-court-reaffirmed-the-importance-and-value-of-public-art-what-that-means-for-our-clients/) - By Brett A. Manchel brett@jayaramlaw.com If you’re a painter, filmmaker, photographer, or musician, copyright is essential to making your art your business. Copyright law protects your work and ensures you and your family can make a sustainable living. Valuing art for its worth to the public is nothing new – it was even on the - [Jayaram Law Successfully Defeats Motion For Preliminary Injunction In Federal Trademark Dispute Regarding Puerto Rican Pop Stars Menudo](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-successfully-defeats-motion-for-preliminary-injunction-in-federal-trademark-dispute-regarding-puerto-rican-pop-stars-menudo/) - Menudo International, LLC (the “Plaintiff”) filed a trademark infringement action on April 26, 2017 against In Miami Productions, LLC (“IMP”), a client of Jayaram Law. The Plaintiff sought immediate relief in the form of a preliminary injunction to preserve the status quo and to prevent irreparable harm pending a final determination on the merits of - [I Received a Cease and Desist Letter but I Have a Registered Trademark](https://jayaramlaw.com/i-received-a-cease-and-desist-letter-but-i-have-a-registered-trademark/) - Entrepreneurs and other early stage companies sometimes approach us after having received a cease and desist letter from a company claiming that their trademark rights have been infringed upon. On occasion, these clients are particularly surprised to receive such a letter because they have a registered trademark. Don’t be deceived: registered trademark holders can commit - [How Do I Select a Name for My New Business](https://jayaramlaw.com/how-do-i-select-a-name-for-my-new-business/) - Entrepreneurs and Innovators share at least one thing in common: the challenge of selecting a name for a new venture. In a digital world where seemingly every catchy word or phrased seems to be used by someone else, choosing an original, creative, valuable name for a new venture isn’t easy. When clients consult us regarding - [Infringement: An Important Concept in Trademark Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/infringement-an-important-concept-in-trademark-law/) - An important concept in trademark law is infringement and dilution. In the case of Pinterest v. Pintrips, the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the marks used by Pintrips –“Pintrips” or “Pin” neither diluted or infringed on the registered marks PIN and PINTEREST held by Pinterest. The two companies are - [The Likelihood of Confusion: Introduction](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-likelihood-of-confusion-introduction/) - If you are a trademark holder and you believe that someone is infringing upon your mark, you generally need to establish two components in Court to prove that an infringement occurred. First, you need to show that you indeed have a valid and enforceable trademark. And second, you need to convince a trier of fact - [Enforceability of Indian Trademarks in the United States](https://jayaramlaw.com/enforceability-of-indian-trademarks-in-the-united-states/) - Indian companies with valid, enforceable trademarks under Indian trademark law may be surprised to learn that their marks are not generally enforceable in the United States until they are used in commerce in America. Thankfully, for those Indian companies and trademark holders seeking to expand their business into the United States (and enforce their marks accordingly), - [Jayaram Law, Obtains Permanent Injunction on Behalf of Flats Chicago LLC in Trademark Infringement Action](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-ltd-obtains-permanent-injunction-on-behalf-of-flats-chicago-llc-in-trademark-infringement-action/) - Vivek Jayaram of the Jayaram Law, obtained a permanent injunction on behalf of the firm’s client, Flats Chicago, LLC (“Flats”), and against Three Corners Development, Inc. (“Three Corners”) in a trademark action filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. As alleged in the Complaint, Flats began using the trademark Flats - [Federal Judge Dismisses Counterclaims Asserted Against Slep-Tone Entertainment Corporation](https://jayaramlaw.com/federal-judge-dismisses-counterclaims-asserted-against-slep-tone-entertainment-corporation/) - On January 8, 2015, the Honorable Gary S. Feinerman of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois dismissed 9 counterclaims asserted against Slep-Tone Entertainment Corporation, a longstanding client of Jayaram Law. In Slep-Tone Entertainment Corporation v. John Coyne, Case No. 13-2298, Slep-Tone Entertainment sued Mr. Coyne, a Chicago-area karaoke jockey, for - [Jayaram Law Obtains Injunction and Prevails in Longstanding Jurisdictional Dispute in E.D. Mich.](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-obtains-injunction-and-prevails-in-longstanding-jurisdictional-dispute-in-e-d-mich/) - Vivek Jayaram of the Jayaram Law, represents the NRI Academy of Sciences, a medical college and public hospital in Hyderabad, India. In 2012, the firm filed a lawsuit in Federal Court against the Indo-American Health and Education Foundation (“IHEF”) and its President, Dr. Apparao Mukkamala (also a director of NRI), for converting funds belonging to - [Jayaram Law Prevails in Persuading Court to Uphold Critical Trademark Rights in Slep-Tone Anti-Piracy Case](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-prevails-in-persuading-court-to-uphold-critical-trademark-rights-in-slep-tone-anti-piracy-case/) - In a broad-based victory for trademark rights, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is allowing several lawsuits to proceed against defendants accused of profiting from pirated karaoke tracks. The most recent ruling, issued by Judge Gary Feinerman, rejected a motion to dismiss filed by the defendant and confirms the widely adopted - [Dowries and Distortions: Fighting False Accusations through International Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/dowries-and-distortions-fighting-false-accusations-through-international-law/) - India prohibits spousal exploitation, including dowry payments and harassment. But, these laws are often manipulated to extort innocent spouses and their families. For persons wrongly accused, expert legal advice can be the difference between a timely acquittal or a lengthy investigation involving police, the courts, and even Interpol. What is the law? India - [Pros And Cons Of Invoice Factoring](https://jayaramlaw.com/pros-and-cons-of-invoice-factoring/) - As we discussed in an earlier article, factoring is a business financing tool which helps accelerate cash flow while also alleviating administrative costs and other issues associated with collection activities. What happens is a factoring company buys your invoices (accounts receivables) for a lump sum, and at a discounted rate. You then have immediate cash, - [Enforcing Foreign Judgments in U.S. Courts Part I](https://jayaramlaw.com/enforcing-foreign-judgments-in-u-s-courts-part-i/) - Your company worked hard to litigate its case in India, where the court just granted you a favorable ruling against an American defendant. The gavel falls and the order is stamped. But, how do you enforce it? For a plaintiff, enforcing a judgment determines whether litigation produces moral vindication or tangible results. Where parties are - [Seeking Justice in the Correct Jurisdiction](https://jayaramlaw.com/seeking-justice-in-the-correct-jurisdiction/) - The United States judicial system is a web of state courts and federal courts, bankruptcy courts and tax courts, administrative courts and special appeals courts. Not every court can hear every type of case, and it is the plaintiff’s responsibility to file suit in the correct forum. If the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the - [First Steps for Defending a Lawsuit in the United States](https://jayaramlaw.com/first-steps-for-defending-a-lawsuit-in-the-united-states/) - Learning that a lawsuit has been filed against your company is never welcome news, especially when the case is proceeding in a foreign country. But, an Indian company sued in the United States has important rights that can potentially defeat the plaintiff’s case. The successful defendant will know the law, and object at the first - [Serving Process on an Indian Company: Know the Facts](https://jayaramlaw.com/serving-process-on-an-indian-company-know-the-facts/) - Executing service of process could be the difference between enforcing your rights or getting bogged down in expensive, time-consuming litigation. But you need a plan, especially if you are trying to proceed against an international party. No matter how strong your claim is on the merits, the case will collapse if process is served incorrectly. - [Jayaram Law Represents FilmOn in Critical Copyright Litigation](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-represents-filmon-in-critical-copyright-litigation/) - Jayaram Law, has filed a declaratory action in Federal Court in Chicago to declare it has not infringed the copyrights of a Chicago-based PBS licensee by retransmitting the station’s programs over the Internet. The case is the latest in hotly contested and closely followed copyright litigation between and among FilmOn, the networks, and Aereo, FilmOn’s - [Jayaram Law Turns Three](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-turns-three/) - Three years ago, Vivek Jayaram formed the Jayaram Law for the purpose of providing creative, energetic, and aggressive representation to businesses around the world. Since that time, the firm has grown to four lawyers, and has litigated cases in six states and provided legal advice to companies with an emphasis in technology around the world. - [Jayaram Law Obtains Seizure Order and Secures Preliminary Injunction in Copyright Matter](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-obtains-seizure-order-and-secures-preliminary-injunction-in-copyright-matter/) - On July 9, 2012, Jayaram Law filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement against defendants around the United States who, according to the complaint, have reproduced and distributed counterfeit versions of apparel designed and manufactured by Algierz, Inc., a Los Angeles based apparel designer and one of the Firm’s clients. That same evening, the Honorable Rebecca - [10 Questions for Your Startup Lawyer](https://jayaramlaw.com/10-questions-for-your-startup-lawyer/) - Jayaram Law, counsels startups from around the United States on a litany of issues and in a number of industries, including information technology, healthcare, real estate development, and employment verification, to name a few. The Firm’s approach to counseling startups is interdisciplinary, and draws from a broad base of transactional, litigation, and IP experience to - [JAYARAM LAW Obtains Dismissal in Adversary Litigation](https://jayaramlaw.com/jayaram-law-group-obtains-dismissal-in-adversary-litigation/) - On June 6, 2012, the Honorable Carol O. Doyle granted Jayaram Law ’s motion to dismiss certain directors and officers sued by the Trustee in fraudulent transfer litigation in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The Court also granted Mr. Jayaram’s motion for insufficient service of process upon one of - [Can I Collect On A Debt Owed To Me From Outside The U.S.?](https://jayaramlaw.com/can-i-collect-on-a-debt-owed-to-me-from-outside-the-u-s/) - In our most recent three articles we discussed how to enforce a judgment for debt owed to you in the United States. But what if your client operates out of a foreign country and has not paid what is owed to you? Are there any means at your disposal to enforced collection? Yes there are. - [Enforcing A Judgment Across State Lines](https://jayaramlaw.com/enforcing-a-judgment-across-state-lines/) - You’ve been awarded a judgment against your debtor for the collection of the debt. Knowing that it is now your responsibility to collect that debt, you contact a collections attorney to assist you in enforcing the judgment. But what happens if your debtor moves to another state or owns property elsewhere? The majority of U.S. - [B2B Debt Collection: How To Get Your Money Through Judgment Enforcement](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-debt-collection-how-to-get-your-money-through-judgment-enforcement/) - In our previous article we discussed some general points about the options available to you for enforcing a judgment and getting the money that is owed to you. In this article we will consider some specifics regarding those options. Liens on real property A lien is essentially a legal claim on property. You can turn - [B2B Debt Collection: Some Basics About Enforcing Judgments](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-debt-collection-some-basics-about-enforcing-judgments/) - If you’ve just won a court judgment against a client who owes you money, you may now be wondering exactly how you actually get the money. Once a court issues a judgment, that’s where its role essentially ends. The court does not get involved in the collection effort. That falls to you. State laws vary, - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 8: Enforcing Judgments Across State Lines](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-8-enforcing-judgments-across-state-lines/) - The majority of U.S. states have enacted what’s known as the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, which establishes standard procedures for going after a debtor’s assets or properties across state lines. Here’s the basic process: Determine what state and county the debtor has relocated to. File your judgment in that state and county by - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 7: Securing And Enforcing Judgments](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-7-securing-and-enforcing-judgments/) - If you’ve just won a court judgment against a client who owes you money, you may now be wondering exactly how you actually get the money. Once a court issues a judgment, that’s where its role essentially ends. The court does not get involved in the collection effort. That falls to you. One thing you - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 6: Hiring A Collections Attorney](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-6-hiring-a-collections-attorney/) - A time may come where you suddenly realize that you’re spending more time performing collections tasks than running your business. In such a case it might be worth your time and money to hire a professional collections attorney. The first instinct of many business owners who need help with collections is to go to a - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 5: Be Diligent In Performing Collections](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-5-be-diligent-in-performing-collections/) - Many business owners become sheepish when it comes to performing collections. Perhaps it’s because they don’t like confrontation. Or perhaps it’s because they don’t want to risk losing a customer – even a slow-paying one – by appearing to be on their backs about money. However, this kind of hesitance is bad for business. And - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 3: Cash Flow – Sharpening Your Billing Process](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-3-cash-flow-sharpening-your-billing-process/) - Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business, and it’s generated by product sales, accounts receivables collections, and the sales of assets. And the goal of good cash flow management is to be sure to have enough cash on hand in order to meet your financial obligations. Below are some basic yet key tips on - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 4: Cash Flow – Preventing Crisis](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-4-cash-flow-preventing-crisis/) - To maintain the cash flow that is vital to your business, you need to acquire clients who pay on time and in full. But this isn’t always going to be the case, especially in this current economic climate. It’s possible that you’ll encounter a more than average number of slow-paying clients. In response to this - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 2: Establishing Accounts Receivable Policies](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-2-establishing-accounts-receivable-policies/) - With your basic foundation set with a structured and well organized accounts receivable system, now it’s time to make sure you have strong accounts receivable policies with clearly defined transaction terms. The key to this is adhering to your policies consistently. Good organization requires that you have your policies and procedures in place before taking - [B2B Collections Core Essentials Part 1: Organizing Your Accounts Receivables](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-core-essentials-part-1-organizing-your-accounts-receivables/) - Over the past several months we’ve written extensively on four key areas of business-to-business debt collection: accounts receivable management, maintaining cash flow, performing collections, and obtaining and enforcing judgments. So to reinforce the fundamentals, and to provide a valuable consolidated resource for you, we present this eight-part series, “B2B Collections Core Essentials.” Organizing Your Accounts - [B2B Collections: Hiring An Attorney When Your Own Efforts Fail](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-hiring-an-attorney-when-your-own-efforts-fail/) - If your own efforts at communication fail to achieve results, hire an attorney who specializes in collections to send letters, emails, or even make calls to your customer. By taking this serious step you are demonstrating to your client that you take the matter very seriously, and that you are potentially willing to take all - [B2B Collections: The Importance Of Being Diligent And Proactive](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-the-importance-of-being-diligent-and-proactive/) - In our previous two articles we discussed the importance of communication in pursuing collections, as well as when you should hire a collections attorney. In this article we’ll briefly discuss why it’s critical to stay on top of your accounts and be diligently proactive when customers are past due in their payments. The task of - [B2B Collections: Ask Yourself These Questions…](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-ask-yourself-these-questions/) - The general theme of our past three articles has been “proactivity” in performing collections. In this article we’ll wrap up this theme by presenting a few questions you should ask yourself when encountering cash flow issues and/or customers who are past due on their invoices If you’re experiencing cash flow issues, here are the two - [B2B Collections: Communication Is Key](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-communication-is-key/) - Fundamentally, performing collections is an undertaking in communication. And when it comes to collections, how you communicate can either open avenues that encourage prompt payment, or build walls that will ensure you won’t see your money for a long time. This fact may seem like a no-brainer, however there are many business owners and accounts - [Cash Flow Tips Part 4: Loans, Sales, Payables and Investing](https://jayaramlaw.com/cash-flow-tips-part-4-loans-sales-payables-and-investing/) - Short term business loan Sometimes it’s necessary to take out a short term business loan in order to cover short term cash flow problems. Equity loans and revolving credit lines are a couple types of credit used in such circumstances. Increase your sales While increasing your sales may appear to increase your cash flow, this - [Cash Flow Tips Part 3: Firm Credit Policies](https://jayaramlaw.com/cash-flow-tips-part-3-firm-credit-policies/) - Part of setting yourself up for success with healthy cash flow requires establishing firm credit policies… and practicing them proactively and consistently. Before you offer your product or service, make it a regular practice to inform your potential customers of your credit terms. Such terms should include performing a check of your customer’s credit and - [Cash Flow Tips Part 2: Collecting Receivables](https://jayaramlaw.com/cash-flow-tips-part-2-collecting-receivables/) - You can do much to increase your cash flow by reexamining your billing, collections, and payables systems and performing necessary changes (both in attitude and procedures) to ensure all is functioning optimally. No matter whether you’re a large business, a small business or a solo entrepreneur, one of your most critical goals is to get - [Cash Flow Tips Part 1](https://jayaramlaw.com/cash-flow-tips-part-1/) - Cash flow is the lifeblood of every business, and it’s generated by product sales, accounts receivables collections, and the sales of assets. And the goal of good cash flow management is to be sure to have enough cash on hand in order to meet your financial obligations. In this four-part series of brief articles on - [Accounts Receivable: Best Practices Fundamentals Part 4](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-best-practices-fundamentals-part-4/) - In the previous three articles of this four-part series on Best Practices Fundamentals we examined accounts receivables management tips from three external sources. Now, in this final part of the series, let’s identify the core fundamentals that each of the sources had in common. Credit Policies Each of the three sources focused very intently on - [Accounts Receivable: Best Practices Fundamentals Part 3](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-best-practices-fundamentals-part-3/) - In this third article of our four-part series on Best Practices Fundamentals we’ll take a look at a third and final set of best practices tips from the website of Solid Growth Accounting Services. “10 Accounts Receivable Best Practices” Email Invoices — This will ensure your customers receive your invoices immediately, avoiding mail delays Shorten - [Accounts Receivable: Best Practices Fundamentals Part 2](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-best-practices-fundamentals-part-2/) - In this second article of our four-part series on Best Practices Fundamentals we’ll take a look at these tips from First Merchants Corporation. “A Well-Oiled Machine: How to Better Manage Your Accounts Receivable” Offer credit carefully — Before granting credit to a new customer, do a check of his or her credit history. Also, be - [Accounts Receivable Foundations: Organizing Your System](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-foundations-organizing-your-system/) - It goes without saying that having an organized accounting system is critical to ensuring the proper functioning of any business. And in particular, having an organized accounts receivable system is an essential element to maintaining steady cash flow and avoiding unnecessary collections headaches. In this and the next several articles we’re going to offer some - [Accounts Receivable: Best Practices Fundamentals Part 1](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-best-practices-fundamentals-part-1/) - When you do a Google search for “accounts receivable management” or “accounts receivable best practices” you’ll find numerous results from various sources giving their list of key techniques and strategies for how to best handle accounts receivable. In the first three articles of this four-part series of Best Practices Fundamentals we will examine three outside - [Accounts Receivable Management: Customer Service and Collections](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-management-customer-service-and-collections/) - As we’ve discussed in a number of past articles, customer service is perhaps one of the most vital components in conducting business successfully and to your best financial advantage. It is also a crucial element in performing collections. Customer Service When training in accounts receivable management it is important to include customer service training. It - [Accounts Receivable Management: Billing, Reporting, and Payment Processing](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-management-billing-reporting-and-payment-processing/) - In addition to possessing good attention to detail, an accounts receivable manager should also be highly organized and structured. Billing and Reporting AR managers should be trained in external and internal reporting. External reporting is made up of invoices and statements that facilitate repayment by informing customers of their outstanding account balances. There’s an internal - [Accounts Receivable Management: Account Reconciliation and Extending Credit](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-management-account-reconciliation-and-extending-credit/) - Attention to detail is an indispensable skill for an AR manager, and it is particularly useful in the troubleshooting and policy aspects pertaining to account reconciliation and credit extension. Account Reconciliation Where payments, finance charges, and balances are concerned, your customer’s records may differ from those of your company. It is your accounts receivable manager’s - [Accounts Receivable Management: Your AR Manager](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-management-your-ar-manager/) - Your accounts receivables (i.e., your invoices) are your company’s most important assets. They not only represent sales that have yet to be paid for, but your company’s financing or line of credit may be directly tied to their value. Getting training in accounts receivable management would go far in helping reduce customer payment delinquencies, and - [Accounts Receivable Foundations: Customer Service](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-foundations-customer-service/) - With your three main foundations in place – an organized accounting system, transaction policies, and an optimized billing process – perhaps the most important foundation is customer service. Many business owners don’t usually relate customer service with collections tasks. However, good customer service is a vital element to facilitating successful collections. Your company exists to - [Accounts Receivable Foundations: Establishing Policies](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivable-foundations-establishing-policies/) - Once you’ve established the foundation of organizing your accounting system, the next step is to establish transaction policies to ensure the system works most profitably for your business. Be sure your policies and procedures are in place before taking on customers. Once a customer comes your way, present the transaction terms. Make sure the terms - [Collections Help: Hire A Collections Attorney](https://jayaramlaw.com/collections-help-hire-a-collections-attorney/) - In recent articles we’ve discussed alternatives available to you should you find yourself spending more time performing collections tasks than running your business. Among those alternatives is hiring a professional collections attorney. Although many instinctively go to a collection agency first for help with collections, it is often the case that attorneys who specialize in - [Collections Help: Accounts Receivable Loan](https://jayaramlaw.com/collections-help-accounts-receivable-loan/) - In our previous article we discussed factoring your invoices as a means to help ease collections stress and obtain quick operating capital. However, factoring may not be an option for some businesses. For such businesses another option may be an accounts receivable loan. An accounts receivable loan is a secured short-term loan taken out in - [Collections Help: Factoring Your Invoices](https://jayaramlaw.com/collections-help-factoring-your-invoices/) - If you’re spending more time performing collections tasks than running your business, then it’s probably time to consider alternatives. One such alternative is factoring. It’s a business financing tool which helps accelerate cash flow while also alleviating administrative costs and other issues associated with collection activities. Here’s how it works: a factoring company buys your - [Collection Calls And Collection Letters](https://jayaramlaw.com/collection-calls-and-collection-letters/) - It goes without saying that communication is fundamental and vital to maintaining a profitable relationship with your clients. When it comes to retrieving money owed to you for products or services provided, basic to all businesses are collection calls and collection letters. In this article we’re offering a few tips on both. Tips on making - [Stop Financing Your Customers: Being Proactive In Collections](https://jayaramlaw.com/stop-financing-your-customers-being-proactive-in-collections/) - Have you ever seen that commercial about structured settlements where people energetically scream, “It’s my money, and I need it now?!!” Well you need to have that same energy and attitude when it comes to collecting from slow-paying or no-paying customers. It’s your money, and you deserve to get paid! But if you’re not proactive - [Non-Paying Customers: A Three Step Approach](https://jayaramlaw.com/non-paying-customers-a-three-step-approach/) - In our most recent posts we’ve been discussing approaches to collections when customers are slow-paying or non-paying. In this post we’ll briefly discuss a three step approach to dealing with non-paying customers. 1. Communication The most important thing you can do is communicate with your non-paying customer. Don’t just sit back and wait for them - [Going To Court: Securing Judgment Against The Owners Or Officers Of A Bankrupt Company](https://jayaramlaw.com/going-to-court-securing-judgment-against-the-owners-or-officers-of-a-bankrupt-company/) - After exhausting your efforts to collect money from a customer, it is the most unenviable thing to have to pursue the matter in court. In our most recent article on B2B collections we discussed how to collect money from a customer who has gone bankrupt. In this article we will expand on that theme by - [Going To Court: Collecting From A Customer Who Has Gone Bankrupt](https://jayaramlaw.com/going-to-court-collecting-from-a-customer-who-has-gone-bankrupt/) - In many of our most recent articles we’ve discussed best practices in how to manage your accounts receivables so as to avoid potential collections woes. It’s possible, though, that after diligently sending letters, making calls, and perhaps even hiring a collections attorney, there may be that one customer who never responds and never pays. And - [B2B Collections Refresher Part 5: Collections Attorneys](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-refresher-part-5-collections-attorneys/) - In the previous four articles of this five-part series on B2B collections we’ve covered accounts receivable management, cash flow, communications, and collections issues. In this fifth and final part of the series we’ll refresh you on the basics of when to hire a collections attorney, and the benefits you can gain from doing so. In - [Preventing Cash Flow Crisis](https://jayaramlaw.com/preventing-cash-flow-crisis/) - Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. This means that to maintain that life-giving cash flow, you need business clients who pay on time and in full. But this isn’t always going to be the case, especially considering the current economic climate. As such, it’s possible that you’ll encounter a more than average number - [B2B Collections: When To Hire The Services Of An Attorney](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-when-to-hire-the-services-of-an-attorney/) - There is no hard or fast rule regarding when to hire an attorney to handle your collections efforts. Since you, the business owner, are the one who is most aware (we hope) of the current state of your business and your accounts receivables, it is completely dependent on you to decide when it is the - [Collecting Receivables Before It’s Too Late](https://jayaramlaw.com/collecting-receivables-before-its-too-late/) - Collecting on past-due invoices can be a time-consuming and frustrating task, which is why many business owners put off collecting their receivables until they are 60 or even 90 days past due. Sometimes old receivables will even be written off as uncollected. But whether you delay your collection efforts or write off a receivable, the - [Cashflow Issues: Questions To Ask Yourself](https://jayaramlaw.com/cashflow-issues-questions-to-ask-yourself/) - If you’ve discovered that you’re having trouble meeting your company’s bills, and a certain set of rather particular business customers take up an inordinate amount of your time, then you need to start asking some questions regarding your cash flow. Especially if those demanding customers are typically unsatisfied and just happen to be the ones - [Setting Up Your Accounts Receivable System Part 3: The Invoice](https://jayaramlaw.com/setting-up-your-accounts-receivable-system-part-3-the-invoice/) - You now have a solid and organized accounts receivable system. You’ve established firm sales and credit policies. Now it’s time to create your invoice. Every invoice should include the following: The product or service sold A breakdown of expenses involved (if relevant) The amount due The due date Reflecting your organized accounting system and your - [Setting Up Your Accounts Receivable System Part 2: Establishing Policies](https://jayaramlaw.com/setting-up-your-accounts-receivable-system-part-2-establishing-policies/) - Even after you’ve set up a structured and well organized accounts receivable system, unless you have strong accounts receivable policies with clearly defined transaction terms, not to mention consistent adherence to those policies and terms, all that organization will be meaningless. The first step is to make sure your policies and procedures are in place - [Setting Up Your Accounts Receivable System Part 1: Getting Organized](https://jayaramlaw.com/setting-up-your-accounts-receivable-system-part-1-getting-organized/) - Having to ask your customers to pay their bills isn’t any fun. So that’s why having a professional and organized system of accounting will do much to relieve you of unnecessary collections woes. Establishing a solid accounts receivable system is vital because it sets you up for the future. In this first of a three-part - [Training For Accounts Receivable Management: Part 2](https://jayaramlaw.com/training-for-accounts-receivable-management-part-2/) - In the previous article in this two-part series on accounts receivable management training, we discussed the role of the AR manager in account reconciliation, credit extension, and customer service. In this article, we will discuss training in billing, payment processing, and collections. Billing and Reporting AR managers should be trained in external and internal reporting. - [Training For Accounts Receivable Management: Part 1](https://jayaramlaw.com/training-for-accounts-receivable-management-part-1/) - Your accounts receivables – in other words, your invoices – are among your most important assets. They represent sales that haven’t been paid for yet. Your company’s financing or line of credit may be directly tied to the value of your accounts receivables, a value which typically diminishes over time as the likelihood of collecting - [B2B Collections Strategies Part 3: Reducing Risk](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-strategies-part-3-reducing-risk/) - One of the best ways to deal with future trouble is to have a plan in place to avoid it altogether. Too many companies are so anxious to land a customer and begin supplying their product or service that they fail to analyze the credit history or financial position of the potential customer. If you - [B2B Collections Strategies Part 2: Accommodation And Communication](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-strategies-part-2-accommodation-and-communication/) - In some cases your customer may be experiencing legitimate issues that are adversely impacting their ability to pay in full and/or on time. In such circumstances, offering mutually advantageous accommodation can go a long way in securing full payment over time. It can also be the key to maintaining a good business relationship. Offer partial - [B2B Collections Strategies Part 1: Strengthening The Process](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-strategies-part-1-strengthening-the-process/) - In this three part series of B2B Collections Strategies we’ll discuss various approaches you can employ to make your accounts receivables management more efficient, and more effective. In this first part we’ll present some general guidelines on how to strengthen your customer relationship and the collections process from the get go. Meet your new customers - [B2B Collections Best Practices: Preventive Diligence](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-best-practices-preventive-diligence/) - Consider this motivating story from Inc.com: “Not a day goes by that Bob Fisher doesn’t thank his lucky stars for Nettie Morrison. But [on March 21, 2002] he was particularly grateful that she worked for him. That was the day that Foresight, Fisher’s 50-employee software company in Dublin, Ohio, received a $1,635 check from Enron. - [B2B Collections Best Practices: Acquiring Outside Assistance](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-best-practices-acquiring-outside-assistance/) - If you discover that you’re spending more time engaged in billing for and collecting money rather than doing what it is you originally got into business for, you might feel compelled to delegate accounts receivables responsibilities to an assistant. However, you may want to consider hiring the expert services of a financial professional. Here are - [B2B Collections Best Practices: Optimize Your Billing Process](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-best-practices-optimize-your-billing-process/) - Maintaining a strong and decisive billing process is essential to ensuring healthy cash flow and minimizing late payments from your business customers. Some simple yet critical steps to follow: 1. Monitor when an account opens, the timeline of work being done, and when precisely to send an invoice. Terms of payment should be abundantly clear - [B2B Collections Best Practices: Record Keeping](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-best-practices-record-keeping/) - If you’re wondering why many of our articles on best practices touch on such basic “no-brainers”, it’s because so many companies experience losses due to a failure to properly manage simple, commonsense business fundamentals. In this article we’ll briefly discuss the basics of record keeping: the accounts receivable ledger. Keep an accounts receivable (AR) ledger - [B2B Collections Best Practices: Upgrading Your Accounts Receivable System](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-best-practices-upgrading-your-accounts-receivable-system/) - It’s a fact of human living and interaction that the systems by which we operate need regular maintenance – or sometimes even replacement – in order to serve us more efficiently. This fact certainly applies to your accounts receivables system and processes. According to an informative article from Inc.com, “If you’re spending an hour a - [B2B Collections Worst Practices: How To Make Sure You Never See Your Money Again](https://jayaramlaw.com/b2b-collections-worst-practices-how-to-make-sure-you-never-see-your-money-again/) - Your customer is past due on their invoices. You want your money, and you have every right to contact your customer to collect that money. Well here are five ways to drive your customer up a wall and make sure you never see your money again: Pursue them daily with threatening phone calls and emails, - [Accounts Receivables Best Practices: Customer Service](https://jayaramlaw.com/accounts-receivables-best-practices-customer-service/) - We’ve mentioned it before, and we’ll mention it again: your accounts receivables – i.e., your invoices – are your most valuable asset. Proper handling of those assets through effective collection of money due to your company is key to maintaining cash flow and keeping your business afloat. A crucial element to the collections process is - [When To Hire A Lawyer Or Collection Agency To Collect Debt](https://jayaramlaw.com/when-to-hire-a-lawyer-or-collection-agency-to-collect-debt/) - If your phone calls and letters have failed to resolve a debt issue with a business client, it may be time to seek professional services. But should you go to a collection agency or hire an attorney who specializes in debt collection? Collection Agencies There are different types of collection agencies. Some are local, others - [Illinois Company Loses Case To Recover Monies From Bankrupt Debtor](https://jayaramlaw.com/illinois-company-loses-case-to-recover-monies-from-bankrupt-debtor/) - In some cases where a corporation goes bankrupt, it is possible to pierce the corporate veil in order to hold officers personally liable for the company’s debts owed to you. Sometimes, though, when a corporate debtor goes bankrupt, having a court find its officers personally liable can be a bit more complicated. One such case - [How To Make Business To Business (B2B) Collection Calls](https://jayaramlaw.com/how-to-make-business-to-business-b2b-collection-calls/) - In a recent article we discussed how to write a B2B initial collection letter, with an emphasis on maintaining open, professional, and consistent communication. In this article we continue on that theme with some helpful guidelines about how to make a business to business collection phone call. 1. Prepare a list of companies that are - [Collections And Accounts Receivable Loans](https://jayaramlaw.com/collections-and-accounts-receivable-loans/) - In a recent article we discussed invoice factoring as a way to help allay collections woes and quickly obtain operating capital. In certain circumstances, though, factoring may not be an option for businesses that have cash flow issues impacted by slow-paying or no-paying debtors. Another option for cash-strapped businesses is an accounts receivable loan. An - [Improving Your Receivables Collections](https://jayaramlaw.com/improving-your-receivables-collections/) - If you are not proactive in collecting your receivables from slow-paying or no-paying customers, then what you are in essence doing is financing them. And they can do a lot with the money they owe you while you wait to get paid. So how can you improve your receivables collections? It must start with a - [Obtain Capital And Eliminate Collections Woes By Factoring Your Receivables](https://jayaramlaw.com/obtain-capital-and-eliminate-collections-woes-by-factoring-your-receivables/) - What exactly is “factoring”? Factoring is a business financing tool which helps accelerate cash flow while also alleviating administrative costs and other issues associated with collection activities. Here’s how it works: a factoring company buys your invoices (accounts receivables) for a lump sum, and at a discounted rate. You then have immediate cash, and the - [Five-Step Process To Dealing With Non-Paying Clients](https://jayaramlaw.com/five-step-process-to-dealing-with-non-paying-clients/) - There are many joys and frustrations that come with owning and running a small business. But perhaps the one thing that brings the most frustration is collecting from business clients who owe you money. Here is a five step process to assist you in your collection endeavors: 1. Call the client Courteous and professional communication - [Blood From A Stone: Getting Payment From A Bankrupt Customer](https://jayaramlaw.com/blood-from-a-stone-getting-payment-from-a-bankrupt-customer/) - There’s an old saying that “the juice has to be worth the squeeze.” In the case of whether or not you should pursue monies owed to you from a company that’s gone bankrupt, it’s a saying worth taking to heart. Time is money. And if you’ve determined that it’s worth your time and effort to - [Piercing the Corporate Veil To Collect Money Owed](https://jayaramlaw.com/piercing-the-corporate-veil-to-collect-money-owed/) - When another business owes you money and you’ve exhausted all your collection options (such as offering payment arrangements, sending letters, even hiring a collection agency), what else can be done? What if the company closes its doors? Can its owners or officers be held personally liable for the debt that is owed to your business? - [Montana AG Files Lawsuit Over Unlawful Collection Charges](https://jayaramlaw.com/montana-ag-files-lawsuit-over-unlawful-collection-charges/) - Oklahoma-based National Credit Solutions (NCS) has been sued by Montana Attorney General (AG) Steve Bullock for allegedly engaging in unfair and deceptive business practices as it worked for movie rental chains Hollywood Video and Movie Gallery. Its parent company, Movie Gallery, Inc., had operated as many as 24 locations across Montana, but closed them in - [What the Fair Credit Reporting Act Means to Your Business](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-the-fair-credit-reporting-act-means-to-your-business/) - The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law regulating the collection, dissemination and use of consumer information, including data relating to a consumer’s credit. Along with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the pair comprise the basis of consumer credit rights in the United States. Their promulgations are enforced by Federal Trade - [Violations of Federal Law Alleged in Suit Against Lawyer, Two Others Engaged in Debt Collection](https://jayaramlaw.com/violations-of-federal-law-alleged-in-suit-against-lawyer-two-others-engaged-in-debt-collection/) - The New York Times reported on January 4, 2011, that a Second Circuit Judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against a debt-buying firm, a law firm engaged in debt collection litigation and a process server. The suit is based on a massive “sewer service” scheme devised and implemented by the three - [What Is The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act And Who Does It Apply To?](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-is-the-fair-debt-collection-practices-act-and-who-does-it-apply-to/) - The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law designed to control how debt collectors and attorneys seek to collect debts owed to their clients. It is extremely important for you to know the FDCPA only applies to consumer debt. That means it does not apply to the collection of commercial business debts. - [Man Pleads Guilty For Overseeing Illegal Collection Agency](https://jayaramlaw.com/man-pleads-guilty-for-overseeing-illegal-collection-agency/) - A Buffalo man pled guilty recently to felony charges of mail fraud and tax evasion in connection with an illegal collections business he is accused of running. According to the complaint filed against Neil G. Wieczkowski, 42, he employed scare tactics when he called people to erroneously tell them they owed money. He is also - [Understanding Bankruptcy’s ‘Automatic Stay’](https://jayaramlaw.com/understanding-bankruptcys-automatic-stay/) - When individuals or businesses file bankruptcy, something invisible yet incredibly resilient occurs. It serves to deflect the attempts by creditors and bill collectors to collect money owed by a debtor for services rendered or goods received. An important aspect of bankruptcy law is known as the ‘automatic stay.’ The ‘stay’ basically acts like Teflon against - [Use Email as Part of Your Collections Strategy](https://jayaramlaw.com/use-email-as-part-of-your-collections-strategy/) - Email is one of the most effective methods used by sales and marketing to obtain new customers, increase sales and maintain customer satisfaction. It can also be used by savvy companies to assist in collection efforts. Here are some ways you can use email as part of your collections strategy: Invoice alert – when an - [What to do if your customer stops paying](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-to-do-if-your-customer-stops-paying/) - Giving credit to customers is a necessary part of almost every business, and with credit comes the business of collections. Being a creditor is no problem if customers pay on time – but what happens when a customer stops paying on time or altogether? Your first step in granting a new customer credit is to - [Tips to Protect Your Business from Customer Bankruptcies](https://jayaramlaw.com/tips-to-protect-your-business-from-customer-bankruptcies/) - Here are some tips from a Chicago business debt collection attorney on what companies can do to protect themselves from customer bankruptcies: Require credit applications – require customers to provide you with a detailed credit application in writing that has been signed by an officer of the company. Check credit history – always check a - [What to do if your business is in financial trouble](https://jayaramlaw.com/what-to-do-if-your-business-is-in-financial-trouble/) - If your business is suffering from the ongoing economic malaise, the first thing you should do is realize you are not alone. Thousands of small businesses are suffering and scrambling to do whatever it takes to stay afloat. However, you don’t want to do anything that will jeopardize your future or your family to keep - [How to Check a Business Customer’s Credit](https://jayaramlaw.com/how-to-check-a-business-customers-credit/) - It’s been said that, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Ensuring that a business you plan to extend credit to is worthy and able to repay it is key to running a successful enterprise. Here are some key ways to check a business customer’s credit: Credit reports – credit reports reveal key - [The Top Five Reasons Small Businesses Fail](https://jayaramlaw.com/the-top-five-reasons-small-businesses-fail/) - The Small Business Administration (SBA) statistics show that approximately 45,000 businesses close every month. And the top five reasons why small businesses fail include: Revenue loss – a declining customer base, bad economy and slow or non-paying customers all contribute to revenue loss. Lack of working capital – businesses with balance sheets that cannot support more than - [Enforcing Judgments Across State Lines](https://jayaramlaw.com/enforcing-judgments-across-state-lines/) - If your company has obtained a judgment for unpaid business debts and the debtor moves to another state, you are entitled to enforce that judgment based on the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act. This act enables creditors to enforce a judgment in cases where a debtor’s assets may reside in another state, or if - [Does Your Company Need a Business Debt Collection Attorney?](https://jayaramlaw.com/does-your-company-need-a-business-debt-collection-attorney/) - Here are some tips from a Chicago business debt collection attorney on how to tell if your company could benefit from the services of a business debt collection lawyer: If your company does not have sufficient personnel to handle the load of uncollected debt; If your company does not want to add staff or overhead - [Google Modifies European Book Plans](https://jayaramlaw.com/google-modifies-european-book-plans/) - THE BBC REPORTS: Google has offered concessions to European publishers who are concerned about the Internet giant’s plans to put books into a massive online library. Material which is out of print in the US, but still available for sale elsewhere, will not be added to Google Books, unless consent is granted. Google has already - [Supreme Court Opens Up to C-SPAN](https://jayaramlaw.com/supreme-court-opens-up-to-c-span/) - A new justice joining the Supreme Court is something of a mixed blessing, it turns out. While Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. called it “an exciting part of life at the Court,” Justice Clarence Thomas noted, “You have to start all over; the chemistry is different,” and Justice Anthony Kennedy added, “It’s stressful for - [Unit of Louis Vuitton Wins Trademark Lawsuit](https://jayaramlaw.com/unit-of-louis-vuitton-wins-trademark-lawsuit/) - NEW YORK (AP) — Louis Vuitton Malletier SA, a unit of French luxury goods maker LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, said Monday that a federal jury in California awarded it $32.4 million in damages in a copyright infringement lawsuit against businesses that hosted Web sites selling counterfeit consumer products. Louis Vuitton Malletier filed the lawsuit - [Social Networking Sites Carry Ethics Traps and Reminders](https://jayaramlaw.com/social-networking-sites-carry-ethics-traps-and-reminders/) - By Tiffany M. Williams, Litigation News Associate Editor, ABA– August 27, 2009 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and MySpace are among the top social media websites that have transformed electronic communications and social interactions culturally. Inevitably, these communication techniques have also affected litigation practice and are brimming with ethical traps. A recent advisory ethics opinion in Pennsylvania is a reminder to - [New Law School Ranking: Judicial Clerkship Jobs](https://jayaramlaw.com/new-law-school-ranking-judicial-clerkship-jobs/) - Published By US News & World Report, Sep. 1, 2009 Behind every great judge is his or her law clerk. Judicial clerkships are considered very prestigious. However, they are very difficult to obtain because they are highly coveted by law school graduates. Federal clerkships are considered the most prestigious, making them that much harder to - [Appellate Panel Questions Lawyers in Salinger Copyright Case](https://jayaramlaw.com/appellate-panel-questions-lawyers-in-salinger-copyright-case/) - In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, a history teacher offers protagonist Holden Caufield some friendly advice: “Life is a game that one plays according to the rules,” he said.A similar message was delivered Thursday by lawyers for Salinger seeking to block an allegedly unauthorized sequel to The Catcher in the Rye. They told ## Pages - [Home](https://jayaramlaw.com/) - Jayaram Law has offices in Chicago & New York that advise clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters & disputes. - [Our Team](https://jayaramlaw.com/team/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [](https://jayaramlaw.com/57178-2/) - Product and Strategy Associate (Contract with potential for Full-Time conversion) About the Role The technology affiliate of Jayaram Law, a rapidly growing law firm and media company representing creatives, inventors, entrepreneurs and brands is seeking a highly motivated Product Manager with a principal’s mindset to join our product team. Our mission is to develop innovative - [About us](https://jayaramlaw.com/about-us/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Contact](https://jayaramlaw.com/contact-us/) - Take the Next Step If you have a legal issue or are unsure whether your situation needs the attention of an experienced IP lawyer, corporate or startup attorney, or litigator, please contact us for a free consultation with a Jayaram Law attorney. Plus, with a number of lawyers in our social network, we are confident - [Fending Off a Sneak Attack](https://jayaramlaw.com/alleged-infringement-tries-to-sneak-by/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Copyright Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas/copyright-law/) - We provide copyright counseling to clients in the online, entertainment, and communications industries, including software developers, recording artists, and authors. - [Data Breach Chaos Control](https://jayaramlaw.com/data-breach-chaos-control/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Next big thing needs](https://jayaramlaw.com/next-big-thing-needs/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Wheels Up on Web3 Strategies](https://jayaramlaw.com/wheels-up/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Artists and Fans Owning Music Together](https://jayaramlaw.com/artists-and-fans-owning-music-together/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Enabling luminary](https://jayaramlaw.com/enabling-luminary/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Iconic fashion house](https://jayaramlaw.com/iconic-fashion-house/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Overhauling Engagements for 'Suite' Outcomes](https://jayaramlaw.com/overhauling-engagements-for-suite-outcomes/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Karaoke Copyright Copycats](https://jayaramlaw.com/karaoke-copyright-copycats-2/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Artful Partnerships](https://jayaramlaw.com/artful-partnerships/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [High-Volume Contracting Needs a PADU!](https://jayaramlaw.com/high-volume-contracting-needs-a-padu/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Investing In The Metaverse](https://jayaramlaw.com/investing-in-the-metaverse/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Feeding The Beast](https://jayaramlaw.com/feeding-the-beast/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [A David vs. Goliath Trademark Trial](https://jayaramlaw.com/a-david-vs-goliath-trademark-trial/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Household Name Takes on IP in Web3](https://jayaramlaw.com/household-name-takes-on-ip-in-web3/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Founders Turned Funders Want Sure Things](https://jayaramlaw.com/founders-turned-funders-want-sure-things/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Negotiating Terms Between Global Giants](https://jayaramlaw.com/negotiating-terms-between-global-giants/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Test2](https://jayaramlaw.com/test2/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Test 1](https://jayaramlaw.com/test-1/) - Jayaram Law is a law firm that advises clients around the world on critical intellectual property & corporate matters and disputes. Contact us today! - [Florida Faith Leaders File New Lawsuit Seeking To Overturn State’s 15-Week Abortion Ban](https://jayaramlaw.com/florida-faith-leaders-file-new-lawsuit-seeking-to-overturn-states-15-week-abortion-ban/) - SNAPSHOT Clergy representing five different religions assert that HB 5 violates Freedom of Speech, Free Exercise of Religion, and the Florida Religious Freedom Restoration Act THE CASE Seven Florida-based faith leaders filed a lawsuit in Florida court in Miami-Dade County seeking to overturn Florida’s controversial law, HB 5. HB 5 restricts abortion after 15 weeks - [](https://jayaramlaw.com/hb5/) - FLORIDA FAITH LEADERS FILE NEW LAWSUIT SEEKING TO OVERTURN STATE’S 15-WEEK ABORTION BAN View Fact Sheet RABBI GAYLE POMERANTZ, RABBI ROBYN FISHER, and RABBI JASON ROSENBERG View / Download PDF LAURINDA HAFNER A Reverend of The United Church of Christ in Miami-Dade County, Florida View / Download PDF REVEREND TOM CAPO A Minister of The - [Subscription Services](https://jayaramlaw.com/subscription-services/) - Jayaram Law offers Options for Innovators, a range of custom and affordable packages that provide startup companies with deliverables they need at flat rates. - [Michelle Butler](https://jayaramlaw.com/michelle-butler/) - Michelle is a transactional associate at Jayaram Law who specializes in intellectual property, data privacy and media, art and entertainment law. - [Danny O’Neill](https://jayaramlaw.com/danny-oneill/) - Danny focuses on representing musicians, music technology companies, creative directors, visual artists, fashion brands, designers, models, influencers, & more. - [Palak V. Patel](https://jayaramlaw.com/palak-v-patel/) - Palak is an associate attorney at JLG who regularly works on behalf of corporations in the areas of commercial litigation, intellectual property prosecution and litigation, technology and internet law, music and entertainment law, and employment & labor law - [Kenneth Anand](https://jayaramlaw.com/kenneth-anand/) - Kenneth Anand has been practicing law for over 17 years, providing companies with employment advice, counsel, defending employment disputes at the administrative levels & in state and federal court. - [Liz Austermuehle](https://jayaramlaw.com/liz-austermuehle/) - Liz is a litigation attorney with Jayaram Law, representing clients in federal and state courts in a wide range of commercial litigation, including intellectual property disputes. - [Practice Areas](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas/) - Jayaram Law focuses on intellectual property law, trademark, copyright, corporate and startups, as well as litigation in Chicago, New York & globally. - [Practice Areas](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas-2/) - Jayaram Law focuses on intellectual property law, trademark, copyright, corporate and startups, as well as litigation in Chicago, New York & globally. - [Clients](https://jayaramlaw.com/clients/) - Our representation is as diverse as our clientele, on this page are some of the brands we work with. - [Litigation](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas/litigation/) - Jayaram Law has litigated complex matters, from trademark and trade secret litigation to real estate and employment cases. & have defeated some of the world’s largest law firms - [Creatives](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas/creatives/) - Many filmmakers, musicians, designers, visual artists, and others are our valued clients. We have handled a broad range of matters in this regard. - [Corporate Start Up Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas/corporate-start-up-law/) - We guide innovative companies as they grow, serve as outside general counsel for startups, companies, and late-stage ventures by representing them in all aspects of their corporate life - [Trademark Law](https://jayaramlaw.com/practice-areas/trademark-law/) - We have litigated over 50 trademark cases in federal courts and have counseled dozens of clients on securing, advancing, or defending their trademark rights. - [Vivek Jayaram](https://jayaramlaw.com/vivek-jayaram/) - From groundbreaking artists and Web 3.0 innovators to unique international brands in fashion and new media, Vivek handles their intellectual property transactions & more. - [Site Map](https://jayaramlaw.com/site-map/) - Pages #57178 (no title) HIPAA product terms of service HIPAA product privay policy Next big thing needs Enabling luminary Iconic fashion house Karaoke Copyright Copycats Wheels Up on Web3 Strategies Artists and Fans Owning Music Together Artful Partnerships Overhauling Engagements for ‘Suite’ Outcomes Founders Turned Funders Want Sure Things Investing In The Metaverse Household Name ## Categories - [Favorite Space](https://jayaramlaw.com/category/favorite-space/) - [Firm News](https://jayaramlaw.com/category/firm-news/) - [Intellectual Property](https://jayaramlaw.com/category/intellectual-property/) - [On Our Radar](https://jayaramlaw.com/category/on-our-radar/) - [The Good Stuff](https://jayaramlaw.com/category/the-good-stuff/)