On August 14, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) released its Final Rule, which intends to regulate the selling and/or purchasing of “fake” consumer reviews and testimonials. The FTC contends that the Rule will combat fake reviews and testimonials by prohibiting their sale or purchase. The Rule also allows the FTC to take action and seek civil penalties against … [Read more...] about Federal Trade Commission Weighs in on Fake Consumer Reviews and Testimonials
Employment News
An Off-Duty Employee’s Social Media Use May Constitute Workplace Harassment
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently reviewed a case in which an off-duty employee’s social media use may constitute workplace harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While this decision only impacts the Ninth Circuit, its adherence to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace regarding … [Read more...] about An Off-Duty Employee’s Social Media Use May Constitute Workplace Harassment
Pittsburgh Ordinance Extends Employment Protections to Medical Marijuana Users
On September 24, 2024, the Pittsburgh City Council passed Ordinance No. 2024-0705 (the “Ordinance”), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of one’s status as a medical marijuana patient. Mayor Ed Gainey signed the Ordinance on the same date, making it effective immediately. KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Avery E. Smith, Esq., reviews the new Pittsburgh Ordinance and offers guidance to … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh Ordinance Extends Employment Protections to Medical Marijuana Users
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Cautions Employers’ Use of Confidentiality Agreements in Employment Contracts
On July 24, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) issued a circular regarding whistleblower protections under the Consumer Financial Protection Act (“Act”). The CFPB warns employers that confidentiality agreements may have the potential to chill workers’ rights and violate the Act. In her latest Employment Law Blog, KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Avery E. … [Read more...] about The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Cautions Employers’ Use of Confidentiality Agreements in Employment Contracts
Texas Court Halts the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule
On August 20, 2024, United States District Judge, Ada E. Brown of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted a Motion for Summary Judgement, striking down the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule. KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Avery E. Smith, Esq., reviews the Court’s decision and offers guidance to employers regarding the use of non-competes and other … [Read more...] about Texas Court Halts the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule
Texas Court Halts the Department of Labor’s Retirement Security Rule
On April 25, 2024, the United States Department of Labor (the “Department”) published its final rule, Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary (the “Rule”), which was set to take effect on September 23, 2024. The Rule intends to protect the interests of retirement investors when receiving advice about their retirement account investments. However, on July 25, 2025, … [Read more...] about Texas Court Halts the Department of Labor’s Retirement Security Rule
