What Businesses Can Learn from Taylor Swift’s “Father Figure” Decision

 

One track immediately sparked conversation when Taylor Swift released her new album, The Life of a Showgirl. The song “Father Figure” borrows from George Michael’s 1987 classic with the same name. Swift’s team showcased its knowledge of intellectual property laws through interpolation. Rather than sampling the original recording, Swift’s team chose to interpolate it by re-creating elements of Michael’s melody and lyrics within a new composition. Interpolations only require clearance from the owners of the underlying composition, not those who control the original sound recording. 

Swift received permission from Michael’s estate to interpolate “Father Figure,” and credits the estate as co-writers. By crediting the estate, Swift ensures both legal compliance and artistic respect. This is a textbook example of how strategic rights management protects creators from potential copyright disputes while preserving goodwill among stakeholders. 

The same principles apply beyond the music industry. Whether you’re developing products, designing marketing materials, or producing digital content, understanding how to properly license, credit, and protect creative assets is essential. Missteps in copyright or intellectual property can lead to costly disputes and loss of profits, but proactive planning can turn those risks into opportunities for collaboration and brand integrity.

Our firm assists clients with all intellectual property and copyright law aspects, from licensing and ownership to enforcement and protection strategies. Swift’s approach to “Father Figure” shows that creativity and compliance can go hand in hand, and that the most innovative businesses protect what they create.

Kelsey Greene, Law Clerk

When “Friday” Became a Season: The Legal Shift Behind Black Friday’s Expansion

What was once a single day of post-Thanksgiving doorbuster deals has now morphed into a full-fledged shopping season. Black Friday sales originally occurred the Friday after Thanksgiving but have now evolved into weeks of early promotions, extended weekend discounts, and online sales. This transformation reflects changing consumer habits and a new set of legal and business challenges for retailers. 

As companies compete for attention across longer sales periods, they must navigate complex rules governing advertising, pricing accuracy, and data privacy. Misleading “limited-time " offers or exaggerated discounts can trigger investigations under consumer protection laws and Federal Trade Commission guidelines. The rise of online shopping also heightens concerns around cybersecurity and proper handling of consumer data. 

Behind the scenes, extended Black Friday campaigns affect contracts, staffing, and logistics. Businesses face questions about seasonal employment, overtime pay, and vendor obligations, as what once was a one-day event now stretches across multiple days and weeks. Careful planning and compliance review are essential to keep these campaigns profitable and lawful. As Black Friday continues to grow into its own season, proactive legal guidance can help businesses stay competitive and compliant.  

Kelsey Greene, Law Clerk

image: iStock

Wer hätte das gedacht - little known facts about Germany: Das Reinheitsgebot

🍻 It started in Bavaria in 1516

The law was first decreed by Bavarian Duke Wilhelm IV on April 23, 1516, and is considered one of the world's oldest consumer protection laws. 

🍻 It initially had three primary purposes

The decree aimed to control beer prices, prevent contamination from unhealthy ingredients used by unscrupulous brewers, and ensure a supply of wheat and rye for bakers. 

🍻 The ingredients list expanded over time

The original law allowed only barley, hops, and water, as yeast was not yet recognized as a key ingredient. Yeast and wheat were later added to the law. 

🍻 It became a national law in 1906

The Bavarian beer edict spread to other parts of Germany and became the official law of the German Empire in 1906. 



🍻 It was ruled a restraint on trade in 1987

The European Court of Justice found the Reinheitsgebot protectionist, allowing foreign beers to be sold in Germany even if they didn't conform to the law. Despite this ruling, many German breweries still adhere to the law for cultural and marketing reasons. 

Sources: the Internet

image: Hofbräuhaus Newport