Category Archives: Business Litigation
Can You Use Promissory Notes to Fund Your Business?
Businesses often need access to capital — especially when they are just starting out. In Florida, there are a number of different methods that companies can use to obtain financing. One of the most straightforward and efficient financing options for small and mid-sized firms are called promissory notes. Here, our West Palm Beach business… Read More »
Federal Trade Commission Orders YouTube to Pay a Record $170 Million Fine for Violating a Child Privacy Law
According to reporting from the Miami Herald, Google — the owner of the popular video sharing service ‘YouTube’ — will pay a record high $170 million fine to resolve allegations raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Recently, the FTC took action, accusing the company of violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)…. Read More »
Non Compete Agreements in Florida: What is a Legitimate Business Interest?
A non compete agreement is a contract under which one party commits to refraining from engaging in competition with another party for a pre-defined period of time. Notably, a non compete agreement is a restrictive covenant and a restraint on trade. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 542.335), non compete contracts must conform to… Read More »
Florida Appeals Court Rules Contract Language ‘Unambiguous’, Enforces Agreement
On July 10th, 2019, the Fourth District Court of Appeal for the State of Florida found that a termination provision within a contract was not ambiguous. As a consequence, it upheld the contract and allowed Marriott to terminate the agreement. In the case of Corporate Creations International v. Marriott International, the West Palm Beach-based… Read More »
Tips for Negotiating Commercial Agreements With Independent Contractors
In the modern business world, an increasing number of companies are relying on work done by independent contractors. If your Florida business is considering hiring an independent contractor, or any other type of outside consultant, it is crucial that you have a properly structured business contract. There are some unique issues that must be… Read More »
Report: Tampa Bay Lightning Owner Failed to Properly Register Corporation With State of Florida
According to reporting from the Sunshine State News, Jeff Vinik — the owner of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Tampa Bay Lightning — has not registered the Delaware-based company that officially owns the team as an out-of-state corporation. Failure to register is a violation of Florida’s corporate laws. In this article, our Miami business… Read More »
Florida Court Awards $400,000 in Domain Name Dispute
According to reporting from the Florida Record, Palace Resorts — a Caribbean vacation company — has been granted $400,000 in financial compensation in a trademark infringement lawsuit over “confusingly similar domain names”. In the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Judge Federico Moreno found the plaintiff’s claim to be well-supported… Read More »
Florida Appeals Court Denies Company’s Protest of Miami’s Contract Bidding Process
On February 13th, 2019, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the City of Miami and a private company in a dispute over the bidding process for a local government redevelopment contract. This decision paves the way to allow for Miami’s $80 million Virginia Key development project to move forward. In… Read More »
What to Do If Your Company Suffered a Data Breach in Florida
Over the last several years, there has been an alarming number of data breaches. Even some of the largest companies in the world have been affected. Prominent examples include Equifax and Marriott Hotels. Of course, not all data breaches make national headlines. Many small and mid-sized firms have also been forced to deal with… Read More »
Attorneys Michael Pike and Daniel Lustig in the Daily Business Review “After South Florida’s Lawyer’s Suicide, Fight Over Alleged Misappropriated Funds”
Connecticut-based Twin City Fire Insurance Co., an affiliate of the Hartford Financial Services Group, has filed a federal lawsuit in Florida denying any liability for former West Palm Beach lawyer Leonel R. Plasencia, who killed himself in 2017, allegedly before turning over settlement money owed to clients in a personal injury case. Michael J…. Read More »