We see them every day, that notice at the bottom of an email stating something to the effect that the contents of the email are confidential and that if you have received it in error you should alert the sender immediately and not use the information you have received. The use of confidentiality/disclaimer footers is so common that most of us do not even notice them anymore. They appear below the sender’s signature block and may be emphasized by colored text or capital letters. But regardless of appearance I think we can all agree that few of us actually read them. And even when we do? From a practical standpoint we already read the contents of the email before we get to the disclaimer. One wonders then, is there any point to it? A misdirected email has already been read by the wrong person by the time that person gets to the bottom of the email. So, should your business use a confidentiality footer or not? Does the use of a footer actually protect your information if you send an email to the wrong person? Understandably there are few court cases that address this specific issue, but the themes in the few cases that exist are consistent. A court in Georgia in 2011,…
Read MoreThe Transportation Department at BGS is involved with many transportation related organizations, and recently joined the Duluth Superior Transportation Association (DSTA). The DSTA has more than 100 active members in a variety of transportation industries, including aerospace, rail, trucking, logistics, and maritime. Within those industries DSTA members include transportation companies, manufacturers, commercial shippers, supply chain managers, and government agencies. In addition to regular meetings that focus on transportation-related topics, the DSTA also sponsors tours of facilities that are of interest to members and group activities. In keeping with its mission to enhance the community, it also offers scholarships and sponsors community events. Carole Clark Isakson and Jackie Campbell of BGS recently enjoyed attending the DSTA holiday dinner and auction at the Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton, MN. A highlight of the evening was reconnecting with company owners with whom they had worked over a decade ago! The food was excellent, the auction was entertaining, and money was raised to support the DSTA Scholarship Fund. This fund was set up to offer an annual scholarship to a student/students in the Transportation and Logistics program at the University of Wisconsin in Superior. BGS is looking forward to attending future DSTA events, and is proud to be a member of the DSTA!
Read MoreOn Tuesday January 9, 2018, BGS attorney Carole Clark Isakson had the pleasure of teaching a group of motivated women entrepreneurs about intellectual property issues in small businesses. Topics included trademark registration and use, software licenses, who owns the IP when you use a third party, and other topics relevant to small businesses in general. The seminar was arranged by Women Venture, a non-profit organization that serves women entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities area. It offers training, advice, loans and related services to women who complete various training and have a solid business proposal. To date Women Venture has served more than 1000 clients! Carole recently became a volunteer with Women Venture, and is excited to be part of such a great endeavor. Women Venture is an SBA approved micro-lender and CDFI; it also works with local banks and community partners. After the enjoyable and interactive seminar for female business owners, Carole answered questions for almost an hour! And then headed into a second meeting with the Women Venture staff to talk about the new LLC Act and how it impacts Women Venture and the community it serves. It was a long but productive afternoon at Women Venture. BGS is proud to support the work of Women Venture and entrepreneurs in general!
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