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Facebook is relaxing its privacy rules for teens. The move allows teenagers, ages 13 to 17, to post status updates, videos and images that can be seen by anyone, not just their friends or people who know their friends. But why is Facebook making the change? And what does this mean for teens and their parents? The changes, which are effective immediately, aim to help Facebook compete against other social networks that skew younger, and to attract advertisers....

We spend a lot of time here at Free Enterprise discussing intellectual property–why you should register, how to protect it, and how not to infringe upon another’s. This is especially true in the case of the Internet. Luckily for businesses, the 9th Circuit is providing a bit more leeway in the field of Internet advertisement–specifically in the context of search engines. In a clever move, Network Automation bought the keyword of its rival “ActiveBatch” from Google Adwords....

A landlord’s place is not in the home, which is why you need a special insurance policy when renting your place out to tenants. Your home is insured but you will still need coverage for the unique situations that arise in the context of rentals, and ignoring this need is a major risk. Homeowners’ insurance policies assume owners live in the home. If the owner doesn’t live in the home, then claim coverage can be easily denied....

Kickstarter can be a great way to get your small business on its feet, but it isn’t a cure-all for your financial problems. Avoid legal pitfalls with Kickstarter by following these five legal tips for your small business: Since its inception in 2009, Kickstarter has helped a number of business ideas become a reality. But business owners shouldn’t rely solely on crowdfunding to make their dreams come true. While you set up your Kickstarter page and upload your video pitch, make sure you don’t ignore your other financing options....

Mexico has now weighed in on SB 1070, Arizona’s controversial immigration law set to take effect July 29. Mexico filed an Amicus Curiae brief arguing that the measure is not only unconstitutional, but that it will also create a substantial strain between US and Mexican government relations. SB 1070, which we have discussed here on multiple occasions, is a new law that makes it a violation of Arizona law to be in the state illegally....

If you’re already planning your summer road trip based on how many national parks you can see, good for you. Supporting federally protected parks and wilderness means preserving places of nature and wonder for future generations. And part of that support means visiting our national parks legally. In an effort to preserve native ecology, national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Everglades can be very particular about the kind of activities they permit....

Seven NASCAR fans were injured on Sunday while watching a race at Alabama’s Talladega Superspeedway, when a last-lap crash sent Carl Edwards’ car airborne and into a “catch fence” in front of the stands. Although the car landed back on the track, some debris from the crash made it through the fence and into the crowd, causing injuries to seven spectators. The incident at Talladega raises questions about spectator safety at sporting events, and legal liability for fan injuries....

Small business owners have federal new requirements to protect against identity theft in their businesses. According to the FTC, the red flags programs implemented by such businesses must: This red flags rule initially covered any business or organization that had covered accounts. However, the red flags rule was recently modified on Dec. 31 2010. SC Magazine reports that the red flags rule has been modified so that lawyers, doctors, and accountants are exempt from having to comply with this rule....

A New York Six Flags is being sued over a 2008 norovirus outbreak that afflicted many of its customers. Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark was the site of more than 600 cases of gastrointestinal illness. The outbreak was documented by New York’s Department of Health. The sickness was supposedly linked to contaminated food and pool water. The class action suit has been filed on behalf of more than 100 plaintiffs....

Former Democrat President Barack Obama. Obama administration CIA director John Brennan. Obama administration Attorney General Eric Holder. Former Obama secretary of state and Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Billionaire George Soros, who has contributed to progressive and liberal causes. All five were targeted by pipe bombs yesterday, a seemingly coordinated plot that also involved Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a Democrat from Florida) and the New York headquarters of CNN. “We will not rest until we stop these hazardous devices from being mailed and bring the individual or individuals to justice,” said C....

Plaintiffs who sued after a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak have reached a settlement with the Massachusetts pharmacy blamed for the infections. The New England Compounding Center is accused of distributing steroid injections tainted with deadly fungal meningitis, which was linked to at least 64 deaths in 20 states, reports the Detroit Free Press. NECC has now agreed to set aside $100 million for victims of tainted steroid shots. What will this settlement mean for fungal meningitis victims and their families?...

As widely reported, Roman Polanski was arrested in Switzerland over the weekend, in coordination with US attempts to have him face allegations of sexually assaulting a 13 year old girl in 1977. With decades having passed and contradictory stories about his original trial, here’s a quick rundown of what the legal battle is all about. In 1977, Polanski pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse with then 13 year old Samantha Gailey (now called Samantha Geimer)....

The home selling process can be a complicated one. Between listings, ads, inspections, negotiations, title review, mortgage loans, contracts, and escrow, there are an endless array of moving parts to consider, all creating or affecting the buyer’s and seller’s rights and responsibilities. If you’re considering putting your home on the market, make sure you go into the process knowing your rights as a seller, as well as your legal obligations....

There’s a misconception in business that lawyers are only for big established companies and not necessary for startups. It’s true that big companies need lawyers. But it’s not something about size that makes it important. All businesses should have a lawyer to protect themselves from the public, the government, and their coworkers. Often when legal issues become a problem, it’s too late for an attorney to do more than damage-control. There are key times when your business should hire an attorney to protect your future interests....

One of the biggest first steps for your small business, right after crafting a business plan and tracking down funding, is securing your space. And whether you’re looking for offices, retail, or manufacturing, signing your first commercial lease can have an enormous impact on the future of your business, from your brand to your bottom line. So here are a few legal considerations before you sign on the dotted line....

Nearly 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of the victims are children. If a dog bites your child, can you sue? Liability To sue a dog owner for a dog bite, you need to be able to show that the owner is liable. Dog bite liability does vary from state to state. In some states, such as California, Washington, and Florida, owners are strictly liable for dog bites....

With firings up, so are claims of wrongful termination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports being swamped by claims of workplace discrimination. More than ever, small businesses need to understand what constitutes wrongful termination. According to Inc.com, the EEOC received a record breaking 95,402 workplace discrimination claims in fiscal year 2008. This is 15% more than 2007, and the highest number since the EEOC began in 1965. With more layoffs so far in 2009 and more predicted to come, now more than ever it is vital that small businesses take care when firing employees....

A recent outbreak of stomach illness on a Caribbean cruise ship is raising questions several questions, namely, what the legal duty of a cruise ship is with regards to medical illness on board. The ship, a Celebrity Cruise luxury cruise liner and sister line of Royal Caribbean cruise liner, set sail out of Charleston, S.C. on February 15 on an 11 night Caribbean voyage. According to a Celebrity Cruise spokeswoman, the cruise liner had approximately 300 of its 1,800 passengers fall ill, complaining of stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea....

If your business is sued, should you settle? The vast majority of lawsuits are resolved before trial, but there are many factors a business owner needs to consider before making an initial settlement offer. Not only can a settlement be much less costly than going to court, it can also be a way to protect your business’ reputation. Still, choosing to settle a lawsuit is not a decision to be taken lightly....

Pop-up stores can be a great, low-cost option for businesses that are just getting started. But much like signing a long-term retail lease, pop-up business owners might need to do some negotiating. Pop-up store owners in Detroit are learning this first-hand, as many have been testing out the market by renting out small, unused retail spaces for short time periods, according to The New York Times. So if you’re thinking about signing a lease for a pop-up store, here are seven tips that may come in handy for your lease negotiations:...