The Importance of Fonts in Branding: Lessons from Patagonia's Ridgway Song

In this episode, Reinhard von Hennigs discusses the creation of Ridgway Song, a new typeface designed by Patagonia in honor of a former colleague. 

The video emphasizes the broader implications of custom typeface creation for businesses, including the legal complexities surrounding font ownership and licensing. 

Case studies, like Warner Brothers' legal trouble in 2011 and the infamous Comic Sans, highlight the importance of proper font usage. 

The episode closes with an invitation for viewers to share their own font creations and considerations for branding through new typography. 

The Battles of the Kylies - The Trademark War: Kylie Minogue vs. Kylie J...

In this insightful episode, Reinhard von Hennigs discusses the high-profile trademark dispute between pop icon Kylie Minogue and reality TV star Kylie Jenner. The case highlights the importance of securing trademarks for brand protection and their role in global business strategies. Learn about the intricacies of filing trademarks across jurisdictions, the significance of intellectual property in business, and how companies can turn intellectual property into a strategic competitive advantage.

How To Renew Your Passport and Get One For The First Time

 

How To Renew Your Passport and Get One For The First Time

Many Americans are making plans to travel internationally as countries begin to relax their border policies. Because there was little ability to travel since the beginning of 2020, lots of people haven’t taken a look at the expiration date of their passport and are now finding out that it has expired or will expire soon. Many are also wanting to travel internationally for the first time and need to get a passport. This article is all about how to renew your passport or obtain a passport for the first time.

How to Renew Your Passport in a Hurry

Those who need to renew their passport quickly must schedule an in-person appointment at a local passport agency within three business days of your trip and pay an additional $60 fee to expedite the application process. You can book your appointment two weeks in advance. These in-person appointments are very limited but are the quickest way to renew your passport. Click here to find your closest passport agency.

If you are unable to get an in-person appointment at a passport agency, you can also expedite your passport by mail, but the process will be slower. Expediting a passport application by mail averages processing times between 4-12 weeks and still carries an additional $60 fee. If your upcoming trip is within the next few weeks or months, you may want to go the in-person route instead.

Passport Acceptance Fairs

For those who have never had a passport, there are many passport acceptance fairs throughout the United States intended to make it easier for people to obtain a passport. Click here to see the locations and dates of the fairs.

When to Renew Your Passport In-Person

If you have a passport and wish to renew, and are in no rush, the Department of State recommends renewing your passport by mail. Here you will find everything you need to submit your passport renewal application via mail.

There are certain situations where you are required to apply in person, such as first-time applicants, children, and those whose passports were last issued when they were under the age of 16. When going to an in-person passport center, be sure to call ahead to ensure the agency is open and inquire as to whether the agency requires appointments.

You can check the application status of your passport here.

Renewing Your Passport While Abroad

If you are overseas and you need to renew your passport to return to the United States, you can renew your passport at the U.S. Embassy of the country where you are located. Make sure to visit that embassy’s website to find the specific instructions on how to renew your passport while abroad.

Updating Your Passport Photo

If your physical appearance has changed significantly compared to your passport photo, you may be required to update it. You can take your passport photo yourself, but it must adhere to the Department of State’s guidelines. Those guidelines can be found here.

Getting a Passport for Someone Under 16

If you need to obtain a passport for someone under 16, click here for a list of all the documents required for your in-person appointment.

If you would like to get more updates about immigration, law, international business, and much more, click here to sign up for our newsletter!

To speak with our U.S. immigration team, email us at immigration.bridgehouselaw@gmail.com.

The U.S. Will Continue to Keep Travel Restrictions in Place

The U.S. Will Continue to Keep Travel Restrictions in Place

Because of growing COVID-19 cases in the United States and throughout the world caused by the delta variant, the United States will not lift travel restrictions just yet.

Countries affected by the travel restrictions are:

• China
• Iran
• The European Schengen Area*
• The United Kingdom**
• The Republic of Ireland
• Brazil
• South Africa
• India

The travel restrictions against these countries were set in place in March 2020 by President Trump, and reinstated by President Biden in January, once he took office.

The decision to keep the travel restrictions in place comes just over a month after the European Union added the United States to their list of recommended countries where travel restrictions should be gradually lifted. That list is not legally binding, but rather a suggestion which each member state of the E.U. decides on their own to implement or not.

Just last week, the United States also extended their land border restrictions on nonessential travel to Canada and Mexico through August 21st, even though Canada is planning on reopening its borders to vaccinated Americans on August 9th.

Many are unhappy with the decision to keep travel restrictions in place, citing the high vaccination rates as a reason for easing restrictions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel implored President Biden to lift the U.S. travel restrictions during her trip to Washington D.C. on July 15th.

Many travel industry executives also have pleaded with the White House to lift travel restrictions, including the CEOs of Delta Airlines and American Airlines.

It is currently unclear how long it will be until the United States lifts its travel restrictions.

How to Travel to the United States Despite Travel Restrictions

The National Interest Exception (NIE) still seems to be the best way for many people to travel to the U.S. despite the travel restrictions if they fit the criteria. To learn more about the NIE and how to obtain one, click here.

If you would like to get in contact with our U.S. immigration team, email us at immigration.bridgehouselaw@gmail.com

Subscribe to our newsletter for more up-to-date information about immigration, international business, law, and more!

* Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City

** England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Important NIE Update – NIEs Automatically Extended For 12 Months

 

IMPORTANT NIE UPDATE – Covid-19 Travel Ban-related NIEs Auto-extended for 12 Months from Approval

 

On July 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that travel ban-related National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) issued in the last 12 months will be automatically extended for 12 months from the date of approval, and for multiple entries. The extension is only valid so long as the purpose for travel remains the same as the purpose under which the NIE was granted. This NIE extension applies to travelers located in the following locations: China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India.

If You Have An Existing NIE

For those with existing NIEs, this extension applies retroactively from the date that your NIE was granted. Based on communications with various U.S. consular posts, it appears that no additional steps are needed to effectuate this extension, though we encourage each NIE recipient to confirm the extension process with the issuing consular post. The U.S. consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, has confirmed that its NIE recipients should re-print the NIE approval email from the U.S. consular post or reference the “NIE” annotation on the visa if issued with such an annotation. Please note, the 12-month and multiple entry extension is only valid so long as the purpose of your travel remains the same as the purpose for which the NIE was granted.

If You Do Not Have An NIE Yet 

For those who have not yet applied for or received initial NIE approval, the above extension would apply automatically from the date of your approval. This extension does not affect the NIE application or approval process. NIE applicants still cannot be located in the U.S. when applying, meaning those currently in the U.S. will still need to depart the U.S. before applying, as has been the case since the NIE program began. The NIE extension also does not affect the qualifications that the applicant must possess to receive NIE approval: vital support or executive direction to companies involved with U.S. critical infrastructure, vital support or executive direction for significant economic activity in the U.S., extraordinary humanitarian circumstances, medical or national security support, etc.

If you have any questions regarding the new NIE guidance, please contact our firm at immigration.bridgehouselaw@gmail.com. For those interested in updates on this new guidance, please subscribe to our newsletter. We will send updates through the newsletter as more information becomes available.  

Update Regarding International Travel

 

Update Regarding International Travel

           As the United States moves closer to lifting the travel ban and with many individuals hoping to begin traveling in and out of the country, it is crucial to remain up-to-date with the newest policies and regulations regarding visas. Staying informed about this ever-changing information will allow individuals to travel internationally to avoid encountering unforeseen problems that may hinder one’s plans. 

           Many speculate that within the year 2021, international travel to and from the United States will once again return to what we may remember as “normal.” However, given that combating the spread of COVID-19 is still a prominent issue, this version of “normal” may still seem relatively different. There are still a few noteworthy changes to keep an eye out for when planning for travel.202

Traveling to the United States

           Moving forward, when the travel ban in the United States is officially lifted, individuals traveling from countries that are currently under a Covid-19-related travel ban will no longer be required to obtain special, advance permission to enter the United States, such as a National Interest Exception. Additionally, demonstrating a basis for a travel ban exemption, such as being a spouse of a U.S. citizen, or being a parent of a minor child U.S. citizen, will no longer be required at that time.

            While many changes in travel policies are presumed to occur in the upcoming months, it is important to remember that United States embassies and consulates will continue to exercise caution about a return to “normal”. That being said, these embassies and consulates are currently addressing many, many requests for emergency appointments for individuals to obtain necessary visas. Unfortunately, given the nature of the pandemic and the influx of such requests, the majority of these emergency appointment requests are denied. However, making a general visa appointment at an embassy or consulate may be easier following the initial lowering of restrictions and the “re-opening” of regular or more regular consular processing. Currently, general visa interview appointments at many consular posts are scheduled for months from now – meaning visa renewal in the current environment and foreseeable future will be a challenge. Please plan far ahead if you plan to travel outside the United States to obtain a new visa or renew an expiring visa.

Re-entering the United States

           Regarding the United States’ policies about re-entry, much is still unknown and, more so, subject to change. The United States may require COVID-19 vaccination when returning to the country after international travel. Further, a negative COVID-19 test continues to be required for all individuals 2 years of age or older who are re-entering the country. 

           The impact COVID-19 has had on international travel is obvious, and because of the fact that some of these policies are more than likely to change in the upcoming weeks and months, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in travel requirements. 

           If you have questions regarding your immigration status or how to obtain or renew a visa, do not hesitate to contact our firm.

South Carolina Becomes 9th State to Pass Benefit Corporation Legislation

South Carolina is the latest state to adopt legislation recognizing benefit corporation's as a legal structure available for incorporation. First introduced by Maryland in 2010 and now recognized in a total of nine states, benefit corporations have to take account of non-financial interests, such as social, environmental or community objectives. The companies are required to issue an annual 'benefit' report to their shareholders documenting the manner in which they have pursued its public benefit purposes.

Just like a regular corporation, benefit corporations have the option of going public. But unlike other public companies, benefit corporations have the added duty to consider non-financial interests when making decisions. The goal of the benefit corporation is to allow companies to take certain steps that will benefit their non-financial objectives, while giving them peace of mind that the law will protect them from litigious shareholders who are unhappy about the stock price. Benefit corporations also ensure shareholders that the company they invest in will not stray from its non money-making mission.

Critics say the new form is unnecessary and may be counterproductive. Mark Underberg, writing for the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation, said benefit corporations' “crabbed view of directorial fiduciary duties perpetuates the unfortunate misconception that existing law compels companies to single-mindedly maximize profits and share price.” Supporters see the structure as a middle way between traditional listed companies, whose directors, they claim, have to chase profit to the exclusion of all else, and non-profit organizations, such as charities.

The number of benefit corporations now surpasses 500 and is expected to rise with legislation pending in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Colorado, Washington D.C., and North Carolina. 

(c) Picture:  freedigitalphotos.net

watch out: Power of Attorney's law

On April 8, 2010, the New York State Assembly passed a bill which, if approved by the Senate and signed into law, would clarify changes made to New York's power of attorney laws in September 2009. While this firm does not practice law in New York, it is worth to take a close look as either similar laws may be enacted in the future in North Carolina or Georgia.

In September 2009, Title 15 of Article 5 New York's General Obligations Law was changed. Additional words were added to address a concern that individuals executing a power of attorney may not understand the full consequences of giving the power. There was a discussion about potential abuse and how this abuse could be limited. Under the new law a few aspects had to be met to be a valid power of attorney, including:

• Inclusion of legends relating to the potential scope of authority that may be granted to the agent and fiduciary duties of the agent owed to the principal.
• Manual signatures of the principal and agent.
• Notarization of the manual signatures.

Corporations doing business were after the new law not certain, if these new rules will apply to them as well. Therefore this amendment has caused concern among many practitioners.

The new bill, if passed by the Senate, would add a new section, 5-1501(C), which lists the types of transactions that the September 2009 Amendments would not apply to. This will clarify some of these concerns.

See here what is to be changed: bdhlaw.net

Or contact me directly
Reinhard von Hennigs
law @ bdhlaw . net
Tel +1 (704) 333 5230

7 Helpful Hints for your Advertisements

The current economic climate is tough enough for most business owners, and store owners are justifiably fighting for every sale they can get. In this competitive atmosphere, huge sales and promotions are everywhere -- but business owners need to be exceptionally careful HOW they advertise in order to protect themselves from false advertising lawsuits.

Both State and Federal laws provide protection to consumers against false advertising, so it's important to abide by these 7 Guidelines to keep your advertisements legal, honest, and free from misleading information.

Rule 1. Be Accurate - If you're selling last year's model, don't use a photo of the current model in your ad, even if they look overwhelmingly similar. Be honest about the product & don't exaggerate - if a jacket is only "water-resistant," then it can't be described as "water-proof."

Rule 2. Get Permission - Selling a name brand item? Be sure to get permission to use their official logo or catchphrase in your advertisements. One good example: Watch for the upcoming advertisements at your local watering holes next month. Many bars and restaurants will begin advertising food and beer specials for "The Big Game" - because they cannot legally use the NFL's copyrighted (and fiercely protected) term for its annual championship game: "The Super Bowl."

Rule 3. Treat Competitors Fairly it's best not to knock the competition with disparaging comments; you're better off describing the good attributes of your own products/services.

Rule 4. Have Sufficient Quantities On Hand Are you offering a free gift with every purchase? Better make sure you have ample supplies of those "free gifts" available. If you're not sure, it's best to include phrases like "while supplies last" or "for the first 50 customers" (and then be sure to have those 50 free gifts!)

Rule 5. Beware the Word "FREE" Free needs to be just that - free. "Free" does not mean you increase the price of the regular sale item in order to cover your cost for giving away the "free" item. So, if you offer "free" sunglasses (valued at $10) with every handbag purchase, you cannot start charging $70 dollars for a handbag that is normally priced at $60. That is more than what you would normally charge for the handbag, so the sunglasses really aren't "free."

Rule 6. Be Specific About Pricing and Savings Be honest about the original retail price of an item, and the amount of real savings created by the sale price.

Rule 7. There are Limitations on Extensions of Credit Pay careful attention to the next car commercial you see on TV - the claims of "0% down, LOW interest rates" are almost always followed by the real details in fine print: "for qualifying customers only." Be careful of the pitfalls involved with extending credit - for example, it can be considered discriminatory to offer credit to a "risky" customer, but require him to put more money down than a "creditworthy" customer.

For full details on this article, please click on the link: http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/business-operations/advertising-marketing/advertising-legal-rules%281%29.html

If you have questions about your business advertising and product descriptions, please contact us at http://www.bdhlaw.net