Author Archives: Jay Butchko

Florida Court Decides Who Can Use Commodores Name
Being a member of a popular band is not all fun and games. When a band becomes popular disagreements tend to arise. Some members leave the band and then try to make money from the band’s success. This was the case for members of the 1970s funk band the Commodores. Several members of the… Read More »

Lennar Corp. to Merge With CalAtlantic Group
Florida’s largest homebuilder is about to get even larger. Lennar Corp., which is currently the largest builder in Florida and the second-largest one in the United States, is in the process of buying out CalAtlantic Group, which is based in Virginia. The transaction is expected to close sometime in February. The merger will make… Read More »

How to Avoid Legal Trouble When Taking on a Second Job
Times are tough, and many people are taking on not just one job, but two, three or even more, just to make ends meet. While you might not see a problem with this, your employer may think otherwise. Businesses are concerned nowadays with employees taking confidential information and sharing it with other companies. This… Read More »

Florida Biotech Startup Raises $55 Million
Business startups are known for raising millions of dollars, but the amount of money brought in by a Florida biotech company is unusual. Expansion Therapeutics Inc.—a company created at Scripps Florida—has raised $55.3 million from venture capitalists. This is a large amount considering that the biotech industry in Florida raised just $34 million altogether… Read More »

Retail Leasing Reinventing Itself in Florida
Retail leasing has changed in the past decade, with brick and mortar stores going by the wayside. The focus is now on online shopping thanks to its convenience and competitive pricing. Instead of filling spaces with retailers, shopping centers are now focusing on wooing services. Barber shops, gyms and restaurants are more likely to… Read More »

First Citizens Bank Expanding to Florida Through Merger
Two banks—one from Florida and one from North Carolina—have recently decided to merge. The chairmen and chief executive officers of First Citizens Bank and HomeBancorp recently made the announcement that the two companies signed a merger agreement. According to the agreement, North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank will be acquiring HomeBancorp, which is headquartered in… Read More »

Adidas and Art Basel Settle Trademark Infringement Suit
One of the most important rules in the realm of entrepreneurship is that you cannot use the name of another person or entity without their permission. This is because use of a trademark can cause confusion in the business world, and this can lead to negative consequences, such as loss of revenue and reputation… Read More »

Florida Supreme Court Releases Landmark Opinion Regarding Non-Compete Agreements
Are you a Florida business owner who requires employees to sign non-compete agreements? If so, take note of the recent landmark opinion from the Florida Supreme Court. The opinion addresses two separate appeals and interprets the state’s laws when it comes to non-compete agreements. Florida’s law covers restrictive covenants as a whole, which include… Read More »

Florida Restaurant Chain Loses Liquor License
Many people like to drink alcohol when they go out to eat and party, so possession of a liquor license can help an establishment gain revenue. Obtaining a liquor license can be a challenging process, but retaining the license can be difficult as well. Certain reporting requirements must be met or the license can… Read More »

H&M and Wildfox Embroiled in Trademark Infringement Battle
There is a lot of competition in the clothing industry. Companies do whatever it takes to increase sales and sometimes they end up infringing upon the trademarks of other clothing brands. Sometimes this is done accidentally; other times this is done on purpose. Two clothing brands are currently battling over trademark infringement. First, H&M… Read More »