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AdobeStock_300361069-300x200Texas is an at-will employment state, meaning at-will employees may be terminated at any time for any reason, as long as it is not an illegal reason when the decision is in the best interest of an employer. Terminating employees is rarely an easy decision, and any business struggling with employment decisions should work with an Austin employment lawyer.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) notes that no advance notice of termination or resignation is necessary, but when advance notice of resignation is given, it may be accepted, rejected, or modified by an employer. When a notice period is rejected, an employer does not have to pay for the time not worked by an employee since the duty to pay ends on the date a work separation becomes effective.

Planning Terminations

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AdobeStock_533470666-300x200Chapter 134A of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code is known as the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act, and Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code § 134A.002(6) establishes that a trade secret is defined as “all forms and types of information, including business, technical, scientific, economic, or engineering information as well as any design, formula, pattern, prototype, compilation, plan, program, code, program device, device, technique, method, process, procedure, financial data, or list of actual or potential customers or suppliers, whether it is tangible or intangible and whether or how compiled, stored, or memorialized physically, electronically, graphically, photographically, or in writing when an owner of a trade secret takes reasonable measures under the circumstances to keep the information secret, and the information derives actual or potential independent economic value from not being generally known to and not being readily ascertainable through proper means by another person who can obtain economic value from the disclosure or use of such information.” Trade secrets are valuable because there are considerable efforts to protect the information, and people will need to work with a Texas business attorney for help protecting their trade secrets.

A legal cause of action for exposed trade secret information is known as misappropriation of trade secrets. This occurs if a trade secret is improperly acquired or is otherwise disclosed or used without consent.

Reasonable Measures to Maintain Trade Secrets

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AdobeStock_527614812-300x200Enacted in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enacted in 2022, stands as a pivotal United States federal law with a multifaceted approach addressing inflation, climate change, and healthcare costs. Representing the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history, the IRA is poised to achieve a substantial 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

This groundbreaking legislation incorporates diverse provisions strategically designed to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, foster renewable energy initiatives, and catalyze job creation within the burgeoning clean energy sector. Notably, the IRA allocates a substantial $369 billion investment in clean energy and climate change mitigation. This encompasses tax incentives for renewable energy projects, capital infusion into clean energy manufacturing, and financial support for climate research endeavors.

Emphasizing its commitment to advancing technologies that actively contribute to carbon neutrality, the IRA prioritizes Negative Carbon Use (NCU) technologies. These innovative solutions play a pivotal role in offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, offering companies a spectrum of benefits, including tax credits, government funding, and heightened market demand. Consequently, the IRA presents a momentous opportunity for corporations specializing in NCU technologies.

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AdobeStock_295110466-300x132Sexual harassment training is not necessary for non-government workers in Texas but is required for all state employees. If you are dealing with sexual harassment concerns in your workplace, makes sure you speak to a Texas employment attorney.

Changes to Texas sexual harassment laws last year have now made more companies view sexual harassment training as being more of a necessity. Sexual harassment training in the workplace may help employers avoid costly lawsuits and reduce potential employer liability.

New Texas Sexual Harassment Laws

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AdobeStock_238503198-300x200July 1, 2024, marks an important deadline for nearly all businesses in California. The new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, SB553, goes into effect, aiming to enhance safety measures in the workplace. Here’s what you need to know:

What Does SB553 Entail?

SB553 mandates that all California businesses create and implement a comprehensive written plan which addresses various aspects of workplace safety, including risk assessment, prevention strategies, incident response protocols, and employee training.

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AdobeStock_439234126-300x155The key to any successful Silicon Valley business is hiring the right people. Indeed, the decision to hire a new employee is an important task for any business, whether it is a startup or a multinational corporation. But what are the legal issues you need to consider before you decide to bring a new person into your company?

SLG offers counseling on a wide range of California employment law issues to businesses in San Jose and throughout Northern California. Here are just a few of the key issues you need to think about when it comes to new employees.

Employee or Contractor?

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AdobeStock_647582173-300x200When two parties enter into an intellectual property licensing (IP) agreement, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise regarding licensees using IP outside the scope of a license agreement. Such cases can result in IP litigation that can be extremely costly, and anybody with a possible IP dispute should quickly seek the help of a Texas intellectual property lawyer.

One of the major questions many people struggle to answer is whether a violation constitutes a breach of a license agreement, infringement of IP rights, or license infringement. A licensing agreement typically outlines the terms and conditions for the use of IP as well as the compensation a licensor will receive from a licensee, and a licensee who fails to follow the terms of the contract can allow a licensor to hold the licensee accountable.

Types of Licensing Agreement Violations

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AdobeStock_714509522-300x200An intellectual property licensing agreement allows a person to retain ownership of a patent, trademark, or copyright but gives another party permission to use some or all of their intellectual property rights for a specific amount of time for a fee or royalty. Intellectual property contracts usually specify termination dates and procedures, and any person trying to craft an intellectual property agreement will want to be working with an Texas intellectual property lawyer.

After you secure your intellectual property rights, it can be more convenient or valuable to let somebody else use the rights in exchange for a fee. Such logic is exactly why intellectual property agreements and contracts exist, but the documents can be complex and may require intensive negotiations.

Key Intellectual Property Licensing Terminology

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AdobeStock_626749959-300x200Litigation is rarely the desired outcome to any business dispute in Texas, but it often becomes necessary when alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration or mediation do not produce desired results. When any person is preparing for a possible litigation matter in Texas, they will want to have the assistance of an experienced Austin business litigation attorney.

Businesses have the power to resolve disputes on their own without having to go to court, but there are many times in which two sides will vehemently disagree and not be able to come to a resolution. Litigation is often the most effective way of determining which party is right and awarding any damages.

Making Demands

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AdobeStock_194331054-300x200Every  business depends on contracts, and businesses in Texas are no exception. Whether discussing a simple purchase order or executing a more complex merger or acquisition, a contract sets forth the essential terms by which two parties exchange something of value. And while there is a certain romantic notion that contracts require “nothing more than a handshake”, if you are dealing with a complex transaction, it is generally best to work with a qualified contract lawyer. The Texas business transaction attorneys at Structure Law Group can assist you with various contracts that affect your business.

What Is a Contract?

In its simplest form, a contract is a legally enforceable promise. A contract requires some form of consideration by both sides. For example, if you agree to help your friend move in exchange for $100, that is a simple contract. In the context of a larger Texas business, however, a contract can involve obtaining insurance, working out a deal with a vendor, establishing employment terms for key employees, and even selling or acquiring a business.

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