THIS ISSUE'S HEADLINES

New MA Law Limits Employee Non-Compete Agreements

RI DBR's New “Hemp Regulations” Public Comment Closing

Register for “Defend Your Business Against Social Media Cyber Threats” Webinar


NEW MA LAW LIMITS EMPLOYEE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS

After numerous failed attempts, the Massachusetts legislature has finally passed a new law limiting non-compete agreements between a company and its employees and independent contractors. The legislation was signed into law by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker on August 10, 2018. It becomes effective on October 1, 2018.

In many respects, the new law simply codifies many of the historic common law requirements for an enforceable non-compete: it must be reasonable in scope and be necessary to protect the reasonable business interests of the employer. However, the law also contains some additional requirements, several of which promise to be problematic for many employers.

In his latest business advisory, PLDO Partner William F. Miller details the requirements and application of the new law and explains enforcement provisions. To access the advisory, click on New Massachusetts Law Limits Employee Non-Compete Agreements. For more information about the law and how it will affect your business, please contact Attorney Miller at 401-824-5100 or email wmiller@pldolaw.com.

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RI DBR'S NEW “HEMP REGULATIONS” PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSING

States across the country are working on changing laws and implementing regulations to allow commercial hemp farming. Rhode Island is no exception. On August 1, 2018, the RI Department of Business Regulations (DBR) announced its proposed Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program (Hemp Regulations). Two weeks later, on August 16, the DBR held a public hearing on the regulations, which includes the application, licensing and operational framework, and guidelines related to both growing and handling hemp plants and products. The agency’s public outreach continues through August 31, 2018, when its public comment period ends. Information about the Hemp Regulations can be accessed by clicking here.

If you are a prospective industry participant who is interested in learning more about the proposed license application process and Rhode Island’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program, please contact PLDO Partner Benjamin L. Rackliffe at 401-824-5100 or email brackliffe@pldolaw.com. Attorney Rackliffe is a leading authority on licensing, compliance and regulatory law regarding the cannabis and hemp industry and has successfully advised investors and owners of cannabis facilities and hemp farms in New England.

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REGISTER FOR “DEFEND YOUR BUSINESS AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA CYBER THREATS” WEBINAR

Cybercriminals are known to lure in their victims through hacking, phishing emails, malware intrusions and by other deceptive means. They steal your data and cause havoc for your business. These criminals have also weaponized one of the most trusted digital means of communication - social media. To help companies protect against social media cyberattacks, PLDO and Compass IT Compliance have scheduled a free webinar, Defend Your Business Against Social Media Cyber Threats, for Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (ET).

Webinar presenters are PLDO Partner Brian J. Lamoureux, a prominent business litigator and employment attorney who is a national voice on social and digital media law, and Kyle Daun, CISA, Compass cybersecurity expert. The webinar will address how cyberattacks occur on social media platforms and what business owners should know to protect and prevent cyber criminals from stealing their organizations' online data and corporate intelligence. Topics will include:

• Why social media is a favorite tool of cybercriminals
• How cyberattacks can occur on social media platforms
• Data protection, privacy rights, and the law
• Key cyber defense methods and tools in the digital space.

Register and attend Defend Your Business Against Social Media Cyber Threats to learn how to protect against social media cybercriminals before they come calling. For more information about digital and social media legal issues and cyber security strategies for your organization, please contact Attorney Lamoureux at 401-824-5100 or email bjl@pldolaw.com.

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