Articles

Transgender Equal Rights Act
by Cheri L. Crow
Massachusetts has enacted a new law which will go into effect on July 1, 2012. The Transgender Equal Rights Act prohibits discrimination based upon gender identity and expression in employment, education, housing, credit, and lending ...Read More »

Unemployment Benefits Pamphlet
by Cheri L. Crow
A reminder: In Massachusetts, employers are required to provide an advisory to employees who separate from their employment with the employer. This advisory informs employees how to file for unemployment...Read More »

FTC Announces a New Business Opportunity Rule
by Suzanne C. Cummings
A new Business Opportunity Rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will take effect on March 1, 2012. The new Rule simplifies the seller's disclosure but expands the definition of the types of businesses that must comply. This new Rule does not, however... Read More »

Changes in Maryland Franchise Law
by Suzanne C. Cummings
As of October, 2010, Maryland's franchise delivery requirements now mirror the FTC Rule which requires a franchisor to deliver the required form of FDD at the earlier of: (a) 14 calendar days before a prospective franchisee signs... Read More »

Hawaii Filing Fees
by Suzanne C. Cummings
Hawaii has extended their "temporarily" reduced filing fees for initial franchise applications, amendments and renewals until January 1, 2012. Fees will remain at $125.00 until that time.... Read More »

Sexual Harassment Policy Reminder
by Cheri L. Crow
Massachusetts employers who employ six (6) or more people are required to adopt sexual harassment policies informing employees that harassment is unlawful and that it is also unlawful to... Read More »

Important Changes in MA HR Law
by Cheri L. Crow
Effective November 4, 2010, Massachusetts has made it illegal for an employer to request criminal offender record information (CORI) on its initial written application. Franchisors and...Read More »

New Law Impacts Employee Applications
by Cheri L. Crow
If you are a Massachusetts-based franchisor or franchisee, you will want to be aware of an amendment that was passed on August 5, 2010 impacting employees' access to their personnel records...Read More »

New Laws Regarding 'CORI'
by Cheri L. Crow
Franchisors and franchisees in Massachusetts need to be aware of several changes related to criminal offender record information (CORI) that will become effective in 2012...Read More »

Selling Franchises Simplified
by Suzanne C. Cummings
In January 2007, the FTC approved the first revision to the franchise disclosure rule since it was originated in 1978. Franchisors will find many of the changes to their liking...Read More »

Eliminating "Typo-squatting"
by Lindsey M. Straus
The Internet has led to an era of electronic commerce in which large-scale marketing activities can be undertaken for modest expense, and geographic boundaries count for very little. Read More »

UNDERSTANDING TRADEMARKS
The cornerstone of a franchise program is its trademark. Registering a trademark or service mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the first step in protecting a trade name, services and products. Read More »

PR-A POWERFUL TOOL FOR FRANCHISORS!
Have you fully exploited the power of free publicity for your franchise? PR campaigns or press releases are often overlooked or under-utilized for launching or expanding a franchised business. Read More »

Copyrights Count!
Copyright protection is granted to "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression" - that typically includes your operations manual, ad copy, website content and all literature you develop to promote and describe your business. Read More »