The attorneys at Morningstar Law Group are leaders who are frequently asked to share their legal insights and expertise. Here is a sampling of the wisdom our attorneys are sharing at industry conferences, in published articles, and at continuing legal education events.
Insight
A Spotlight on Black History
February 6, 2023
Our Firm’s social committee, led by our amazing associates, is celebrating Black History Month by shining the spotlight on a different Black lawyer, judge, or other trailblazer in North Carolina who impacted the legal profession. “Throughout history, Black people have faced great adversity in the pursuit of joining the legal profession and achieving equality in […]
Insight
Changes in Privacy Laws for 2023
December 28, 2022
Most organizations collect personal data as part of their ordinary business operations. But, new laws in the US and abroad impact what those organizations can do with the data. Here’s a summary of some major privacy law changes for 2023, focusing on a few key issues to consider. Please contact our attorneys who practice in […]
Insight
Back on Track: How "Amtrak Joe" Biden Can Overcome the Legal Morass Which Will Attempt to Derail His Railroad Revolution
September 26, 2022
As Published in the North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology, Volume 22, Issue 4, May 7, 2021 In November of 2020, a known train enthusiast was elected to the Oval Office: President Joe Biden. With this leadership in mind, is the United States finally going to create a healthy and functioning passenger rail system? […]
Insight
"Is citizen input creating barriers to new housing in Raleigh? The city must decide."
September 16, 2022
In a recent Opinion article in the Raleigh News & Observer, partner Mack Paul shares his views on the path forward for citizen engagement, development, and affordable housing in the Raleigh market. https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article265511816.html#storylink=cpy
Insight
IP Protection in the Metaverse
June 17, 2022
With the rapid expansion of the interconnected world, augmented reality, and virtual reality, it seems we have a “metaverse” on our hands. Consequently, the USPTO has seen a jump in the number of trademark applications to protect goods or services in this expanding virtual landscape. And indeed, intellectual property (“IP”) rights can be protected in […]
Insight
"See Ya', Bye": Termination Provisions in Publishing Agreements
May 13, 2022
Try this for a paradox: “All provisions of this agreement shall survive its termination.” For real: this was shown to me without a glimmer of irony during a contract review. A publishing agreement either expires at the end of its term or is earlier terminated, generally by action of one or both parties. Expiration aside, […]
Insight
How Not to Become a Banker: As an Author, Protect Your Revenue
May 13, 2022
A publishing agreement may call for royalties to be paid monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. The longer royalties accrue unpaid in an author’s account, the more that author steps into the shoes of the publisher’s banker. While royalties accrue unpaid, the publisher is earning interest; the author is earning bupkis. An author’s job is to […]
Insight
"Dibs on Your Next Book": Advice to Authors Publishing Their Second Works
May 13, 2022
Naturally, a publisher who has gambled on an author’s early work wants to reap the rewards of their shared success. Accordingly, publishers call, “Dibs on your next book.” Words to that effect appear frequently in publishing agreements and go on to reassure the author: “If we are not interested, you can take it elsewhere.” Even […]
Insight
For cybersecurity threats, get to know the CISA.
March 29, 2022
With the Russia-Ukraine conflict entering its second month, and dark warnings from the US government about potential retaliatory cyber-attacks from Russian hackers, there’s one US Agency that all companies should be familiar with – the CISA, or Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (cisa.gov). The ongoing, and increasingly important, mission of the CISA is to reduce […]
Insight
Reps and Warranties in Publishing Agreements
August 27, 2021
In the 1970 comedy Brand X Taylor Mead, playing the president, is asked by a journalist, “Sir, what will you do when the inevitable happens?” “I’m an optimist,” he responds, “I don’t think the inevitable will happen.” But inevitably it does. In publishing and other agreements each party seeks to shift liability to the other […]
