Business Better

In this episode, we discuss how your intellectual property can be leveraged to maximize the profitability of nonconsumable devices and their complementary consumable products. While profits can be made via the initial sale of larger items—like printers, video game consoles, or razor handles—even greater profits are possible with the repeat sale of complementary consumable items—like ink cartridges...

This is episode seven of the "Trauma-Informed Investigations" series. In this episode, we discuss online victimization and trauma-informed responses to crimes committed online. We also discuss prevention, how parents and guardians can support their children if they are victims of online exploitation, and working with law enforcement. We're joined by special guest Catherine "Katie" Connell. Katie i...

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Laura Rogers. Laura is the Deputy Director at The Ray, a non-profit charity on a mission to build net-zero highways. We discuss energy transitions that can be made in transportation infrastructure to achieve decarbonized highways, and the challenges that come with this vision. John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore office, hosts the conversation.

In this episode, our lawyers discuss non-fungible tokens, better known as NFTs. During the conversation, we define what an NFT is and what it is not, how to create one and post it to a marketplace, and the rights and responsibilities of ownership. Participating in this discussion are Brian Auerbach and Lara Ruggerio, both of whom Associates in Ballard's Philadelphia office.

This is episode six of the "Trauma Informed Investigations" series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In this episode, we discuss federal and state laws that protect the rights of a victim of abuse and available compensation funds. Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Int...

In this episode, our Ballard lawyers discuss intellectual property considerations for products before and after entering the market. Understanding the patent and trademark landscape before fully developing and launching a new product is critical to avoiding infringement of another's IP and capitalizing on the protections available for your business. Insights for enforcement and potential remedies...

Our new mini, "Developing Philly," will explore issues that are top-of-mind for developers, owners, and commercial investors throughout the Philadelphia region. We'll focus on zoning and land use regulations, development concerns, impending tax laws, and other pressing topics. In this first episode, we discuss the 2022 changes to the City of Philadelphia's commercial and residential tax abatements...

This is episode five of the "Trauma-Informed Investigations" series. In this episode, we discuss Children's Advocacy Centers, forensic interviews of children, and the multidisciplinary team approach to helping child victims of abuse. Jill Steinberg, a Partner in our White Collar/Internal Investigations Practice Group, hosts the conversation. Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird DC, and Rachel...

This is the first episode in our new series "Supply Chain Disruptions," where we explore how supply chain issues are affecting businesses everywhere, and when the flow of goods and services may settle into a new normal. In this episode, Ben Siegrist shares his knowledge of port shipments, trucking and driver shortages, and how Congress, the Biden Administration, and other leaders are working toget...

This is episode four of the "Trauma Informed Investigations" series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In today's episode, we discuss the process of conducting an internal investigation and retaining outside counsel, notification processes, and mandatory reporting and communicatio...

This is episode three of the "Trauma-Informed Investigations" series. Today's episode features a discussion on the impacts that trauma can have on the brain, with special guest Anne DePrince, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Denver and author of "Every 90 Seconds: Our Common Cause Ending Violence against Women". Speaking with Ms. DePrince is my Ballard Spahr...

This episode discusses innovative solutions for fixing and transforming infrastructure. From proposals, to marketing, to efficient trucking, to building in the metaverse, even to efficient excavation spoils markets; today we will share ideas for investment and collaboration opportunities afforded by the new infrastructure law. Leading this discussion is John Smolen, a Partner in our Baltimore offi...

This is episode two of the "Trauma Informed Investigations" series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. In today's episode, we discuss how a person who first receives a report of sexual abuse should respond, including effective listening techniques and how that person can support th...

Today's episode features a discussion on the growing trends in privacy litigation, particularly companies sharing and selling consumer data, plaintiffs' liability theories, including the right of publicity, and some best business practices to consider in anticipation of privacy claims. Leading this discussion is Aliza Karetnick, a Partner in our Philadelphia office. Aliza is joined by Philip Yanne...

This is episode one of the "Trauma Informed Investigations" series, where we follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. Today's episode focuses on identifying red flags, and following your instincts. Leading the discussion is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard's Philadelphia Office. Jill is joine...

Today, we are introducing a mini-series titled "Trauma Informed Investigations", in which we'll follow a fictitious story to address the legal and human issues that arise in an organization when confronted with allegations of sexual abuse. Leading the discussion is Jill Steinberg, a Partner in Ballard's Philadelphia Office. Jill is joined by Katharine Manning, who has worked on issues of trauma an...

Today's episode features a discussion on how to engage with the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and moving authority into projects from a public and private perspective. Our experts will discuss opportunities presented by the new law, and how those opportunities encourage, even require, a partnership between public and private leaders. Establishing those partnerships now can lead to efficient approval...

In today's episode, our Ballard lawyers provide an update on the current status of the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and the steps employers should be taking as a result of the recent changes. Leading this discussion is Lila Sevener, an Associate in Ballard's Philadelphia office. With Lila are Brian Pedrow and Shannon Farmer, both of whom are Partners in Ballard's Philadelphia office. Lila, Br...

This episode features a discussion on Cryptocurrency. What is cryptocurrency, and what are the rules that apply to this increasingly popular, but complicated financial instrument? For those seeking to be in the business of exchanging crypto, what registrations and compliance programs are necessary to meet regulatory requirements? How should crypto exchangers and other financial institutions addres...

Today's episode features a discussion of how employers should handle leaves and requests for leave due to COVID-19 and "long COVID" under the FMLA (the Family and Medical Leave Act) and the ADA (the Americans with Disabilities Act). Participating in this discussion are Melissa Costello, Of Counsel in Ballard's Phoenix office, Tara Humma, an Associate in Ballard's New Jersey office, and Karli Lubin...

Today's episode features a discussion of the current array of federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates: their effectiveness and requirements, the scope of their coverage, and what employers should consider in responding to them.  Leading this discussion is Jessica Federico, an Associate in Ballard's Denver office.  With Jessica are Brian Pedrow and Shannon Farmer, both of whom are Partners in Ballard's P...

Today's episode features a conversation with Liz Bentley, founder and President of Liz Bentley Associates, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development programs.  Ms. Bentley discusses her own background and career path, the role and importance of outside interests, dealing with failure, developing self-discipline, courage and confidence, how to advance in one's career, and some though...

Zach Miles, Senior Associate Vice President of Technology Economic Development and the Executive Director at Oklahoma State University Research Foundation, joins the show to discuss the role that OK State, and other universities, play in cultivating communities of innovation. The conversation touches on general trends, how certain universities might prefer a regional-focus on innovation, and the k...