The evolution of social media in business from “occasional accessory” to “integral component” has in turn forced the law itself to evolve in an attempt to address social media’s increasing relevance. Recent developments in two different areas of law show a newly evidenced recognition of social media’s importance in business.…
Internet & Social Media Law Blog
Seventh Circuit Finds Article III Standing for Data Breach Class Action Based on Allegations of Future Harm
Today, Pillsbury attorneys Joseph Tiffany and Connie Wolfe published their client alert titled Seventh Circuit Finds Article III Standing for Data Breach Class Action Based on Allegations of Future Harm. The Alert notes that, in the wake of numerous data breach cases dismissed for lack of Article III standing based on the…
Ashley Madison and Coming to “Terms” with Data Protection
A recent massive data hack of an online dating site, Ashley Madison, once again proves that what one publishes, says, or does online, even in seemingly private forums, is never completely private. It’s also a reminder that the legal recourse available in less traditional data breaches can be severely curtailed…
FCC Expands Reach of Telephone Consumer Protection Act
In late July, we posted our client alert titled FCC Expands Reach of Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The Alert discusses the FCC’s July 10, 2015 long-awaited omnibus Declaratory Ruling and Order. The Ruling focuses largely on providing guidance, particularly for new and emerging technologies, regarding what an automated telephone dialing system…
Avoiding Uber Trouble via Good Terms of Service
In a recent lawsuit, Uber Technologies Inc. is accused of violating California’s Unfair Competition Law. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Uber misleads its users by: (1) falsely advertising its services as cheaper than a typical cab company for specific routes when its services can actually be more expensive during certain…
Angie’s List Accuses Amazon of Home Improvement Hijinks
Even freed from bricks and mortar, online retailers and service providers are realizing that market share is not infinite. A complaint recently filed by Angie’s List Inc. against Amazon Local LLC for its newly launched online home services network can be viewed as the inevitable result of what will happen…
Social Media Adds Kick to Beer-Themed Trademark Battle
As social media and the numerous platforms continue their exponential growth in popularity and constant evolvement, legal issues surrounding their use also will inevitably emerge. A recent case filed in the Western District of Michigan is a prime example. In Beer Exchange, LLC v. Bexio, LLC, the plaintiff claims that…
Uber Is Driving an Unknown Road: How Certain App Features Can Help
Last Friday, Homejoy—a startup that provided on-demand house cleaners—announced that it will be shutting down at the end of July. In an interview with Re/Code, Homejoy’s CEO attributed its fall to the recent Uber decision, further confirming the belief of many that the Uber decision poses a significant threat to…
b Spot Named Top Start-Up by TieCon
Congratulations to b Spot, a licensed mobile games community that lets adults legally wager and win cash in the US, which has been named a TiE50 Start Up for 2015. After screening 2,716 companies worldwide, then narrowing down the group to 160, b Spot was named one of the top 50…
Around the Virtual World: May 4 – 8, 2015
A weekly wrap up of interesting news about virtual worlds, virtual goods, and other social media. Goldman a Lead Investor in Funding Round for Bitcoin Startup Circle Goldman Sachs part of $50 million round that values Circle Internet at around $200 million. Hands-on With Microsoft HoloLens: Augmented Reality That…