Vtubers are like any other online entertainer or content creator: they also stream themselves playing video games, create YouTube videos, write and perform music, voice act, or just chat with their audiences. What sets Vtubers apart from other content creators is that they present themselves mainly or wholly as an animated avatar, often in the …
The FTC, relying on Section 5 and Section 6(g) of the FTC Act, issued a final rule on April 23, 2024 banning the use of non-competes nationwide. The ban will go into effect 120 days after the publication in the federal register (note that publication has not happened yet and the predicted effective date will …
One of the wonderful things about Roblox is that anyone can develop and publish a game. But when some Roblox devs start making a game, the last thing they think about is contracts. That can be a problem, especially if the game blows up. Why? Because depending on what agreements, if any, the primary devs …
A lot of folks accidentally dox themselves, typically when they’re setting up a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation (or when purchasing property or filing for trademarks, though this post focuses on corporate records). Why is that? When setting up a business, different states have different disclosure requirements. Some, such as Delaware, might only require …
How people accidentally doxx themselves by setting up a business. Avoid these mistakes. Read More »
In our first overview of corporate formalities and meetings we looked at corporate formalities that help to preserve corporate liability protections. In part two, we look at meetings specifically, including the types, procedure, and substance of meetings. Types of meetings At a high level, there are shareholder meetings and there are board meetings. Corporate bylaws …
Tax years beginning after 2022 brought with them an uncomfortable change for many in the video game industry. Section 174 of the Internal Revenue Code, which previously allowed taxpayers to immediately expense their research and development expenses, now required taxpayers to capitalize and amortize those expenditures over a five- or even fifteen-year period. For many …
Beginning January 1, 2024, the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) went into effect, introducing new regulations for online platforms, hosting services, and intermediary services operating or providing services in the EU. With most of the requirements of the DSA coming into force by February 17, 2024, it becomes important for businesses to know whether …
This week, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated portions of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York’s decision in the JLM Couture, Inc. v Hayley Paige Gutman case. Among other things, the case involved the determination of social media account ownership and the enforceability of non-compete obligations …
Social media account ownership when a content creator relationship breaks down Read More »
In this article, we’ll be taking a basic overview of the new state privacy laws becoming effective in 2024, what they have in common, and where they differ. Since the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA)was technically only in effect for one day in 2023, we’ve included it in this 2024 roundup as well. 2023 U.S. …
US state privacy law update: what’s on the menu for 2024 Read More »
On January 9, 2024, the US Department of Labor issued a Final Rule on Employee or Independent Contractor Classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act, returning to its prior multi-factor test for worker classification. In with the old and out with the new The “new” Final Rule isn’t so much new as it is a …