Blackletter
440 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsThis podcast brings famously experienced business people, lawyers, accountants, and anyone else in the realm of business to the table to share personal experiences that have shaped their business and to talk about how to handle black letter issues in creative ways. Every business is subject to so-called blackletter laws. Blackletter laws are the well-established legal rules that are no longer subject to reasonable dispute. Originally, "blackletter" was the Gothic type-style which was used to set forth the law in England until the mid 18th century. It was originally used so commoners couldn't understand the laws.
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Episodes
Five Steps to Marketing Success
April 29, 2022 04:15 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBWhat is the best method for achieving success in your next product launch? On this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap speaks with Will Russell about the product launch strategies practiced by his company Russell Marketing. In this first session of their three part interview, Will discusses his agency’s approach to launching a product and overcoming challenges that are common in the marketing business. Each product comes with one shot at a launch - but many variables which could ...
Disney's Special District Status Revoked by Florida Governor
April 25, 2022 04:15 - 2 minutes - 3.01 MBIn apparent retaliation from opposing the state's new "Don't Say Gay" law, the Florida governor and state lawmakers revoked Disney's special tax status. This ongoing battle began with Disney’s criticism of a new law barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. By revoking the Reedy Creek Improvement District, local counties will likely be left paying higher taxes and footing the bill for potholes and emergency services at Disney World.
Balancing the Business
April 22, 2022 04:15 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap wraps up his conversation with Darrell Moon, the founder and CEO of Orriant. In Session 3 of 3, Darrell shares his advice to entrepreneurs: continuous quality improvement. In asking yourself who the customer is, Darrell believes you can categorize people as the served, server, sender and solvency. He breaks down what these are and how to find balance amongst them in order to have a thriving business. Listen to the episode to hear how thi...
Virginia Decriminalizes Swearing in Public
April 18, 2022 04:15 - 1 minute - 1.96 MBThis Monday, we stay on the lighter side of the law. Tune in as Tom discusses a centuries-old Virginia law against cursing in public that has been repealed. Where previously cursing in public could result in a class four misdemeanor and a fine up to $250, Virginians are legally able to curse for the first time since 1792.
The Best Healthcare System in the World
April 15, 2022 04:15 - 10 minutes - 14.8 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap continues his conversation with Darrell Moon, the founder and CEO of Orriant. In Session 2 of 3, Darrell talks about the Nuka System of Care in Alaska, recognized globally as a superior healthcare system. The creators of the system, Southcentral Foundation, spent 6 months asking their customers what they wanted. Darrell explains what the foundation did to now be the most successful healthcare in the world, and for half the price. Listen ...
Prosecuting Putin as a War Criminal
April 11, 2022 04:15 - 3 minutes - 4.37 MBJoe Biden has recently called for Vladimir Putin to be tried for war crimes over claims of civilian killings by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. In this episode, Tom relies on his military background in defining war crimes and discussing the long and difficult process to bring Putin to account or enforce actions against him. There's an array of international judicial institutions that could have jurisdiction of Putin's military abuse. Tune in to hear how they work and how their rulings are en...
Prevention is Healthcare
April 08, 2022 04:15 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap sits down with Darrell Moon, the founder and CEO of Orriant. In Session 1 of 3, Darrell shares his background in healthcare, and how that spurred him to help business leaders and their employees. Orriant educates on prevention healthcare; they help people set up healthy lives so that they can avoid the hospital. Listen to the episode to hear more about Orriant’s approach and how companies can best utilize their services. Links: ...
Judge Strikes Down Florida Voting Law
April 04, 2022 04:15 - 2 minutes - 3.72 MBA federal judge in Florida ruled that sections of the state’s year-old election law were unconstitutional and racially motivated, and barred the state from making similar changes to its laws in the next decade without the approval of the federal government. The election law created new hurdles for voters that made it harder for Floridians to take advantage of ballot drop boxes, imposed needless new restrictions on voter registration drives, and made it illegal to help voters (giving them wa...
The Personal Side of Lawsuits
April 01, 2022 04:15 - 9 minutes - 13.6 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap wraps up his conversation with Melanie Simons, CEO of ReFrame Wealth. In Session 3 of 3, Melanie discusses a recent lawsuit with her former employer, and how that’s impacting her personally and professionally. Although it adds emotional stress to her life, Melanie has made peace with the fact that she did everything by the rules. She has turned to mindfulness to manage the weight of the lawsuit, as well as the business for support. Liste...
U.S. Open to Ukrainian Asylum-Seekers
March 28, 2022 04:15 - 2 minutes - 2.74 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom Dunlap discusses what the U.S. is doing for Ukrainian refugee s . President Biden recently announced that the U.S. would accept 100,000 asylum seekers . Tom breaks down what that process looks like, as well as the eligibility requirements. Listen to the episode to learn more about who can file for asylum and how.
Prepare and Plan
March 25, 2022 04:15 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap continues his conversation with Melanie Simons, CEO of ReFrame Wealth. In Session 2 of 3, Melanie chats about the internal challenges she and her partners had to navigate once their company was up and running. While all the partners had the same intention for the business, they differed on how to reach that end goal. Melanie explains their creative solution to this predicament and urges anyone opening a business to have their documents p...
Sanctions Against Russia for Business
March 21, 2022 04:15 - 1 minute - 2.43 MBThis morning Tom provides an overview of business sanctions on Russian. While U.S. companies and individuals can lawfully engage in a broad range of business activities involving Russia that are not subject to sanction, penalties for violating U.S. sanctions can be severe. Therefore, American companies are advised to familiarize themselves with the sanctions before conducting business activity. For more information you can go to trade.gov or dbllawyers.com.
A Safe Space for Finances
March 18, 2022 04:15 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap chats with Melanie Simons, the co-founder and CEO of ReFrame Wealth. In Session 1 of 3, Melanie sits down to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and what she’s learned. An investment advisory firm, ReFrame Wealth prioritizes financial planning and highly customized portfolio management. Financial discussions can be anxiety-provoking; Melanie and her team pride themselves on being a safe place to have those conversations. Listen to the...
A Warning About Warranty Stickers
March 14, 2022 04:15 - 1 minute - 2.37 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom Dunlap discusses warranty stickers on devices that warn against breaking the seal for repairs. However, those stickers on products from Nintendo, Sony and more are in violation of the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Scaling Smoothly
March 11, 2022 04:15 - 13 minutes - 18.4 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap wraps up his conversation with Ben Landers, the founder of Blue Corona. In Session 3 of 3 of their interview, Ben chats about how he tackled a complex problem his company faced due to rapid growth. As they scaled, the company operated on disparate systems, causing friction for the employees. Ben identified every problem his team encountered, prioritized them by quarter, and started addressing them. Additionally, he hired someone who help...
The Right to Repair Your Cell Phone
March 07, 2022 04:15 - 3 minutes - 4.25 MBPressure is mounting on companies to stop making repairs so difficult. Lawmakers in over 25 states are considering right-to-repair bills, aimed at making it easier to repair electronic devices after President Biden's 2021 executive order. The executive order asked that the Federal Trade Commission draft “right-to-repair” rules to come up with new rules limiting the ways companies can implement repair restrictions. The FTC said it would boost enforcement efforts against companies that illegal...
Episode 66: Season 7, Episode 2, Session 2 Problems are Puzzles
March 04, 2022 05:15 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap is once again joined by Ben Landers, the founder of Blue Corona. Ben believes all entrepreneurs to view problems as puzzles, as running a business is rarely smooth sailing. As his company has grown, he has had to tackle more complex issues. However, Ben is now more prepared, as he has shifted his perspective and equipped his team. Listen to the episode to hear more of Ben’s advice to entrepreneurs. Links: https://www.bluecorona.co...
Problems are Puzzles
March 04, 2022 04:15 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MBOn this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap is once again joined by Ben Landers, the founder of Blue Corona. In the second session of three, Ben believes all entrepreneurs to view problems as puzzles, as running a business is rarely smooth sailing. As his company has grown, he has had to tackle more complex issues. However, Ben is now more prepared, as he has shifted his perspective and equipped his team. Listen to the episode to hear more of Ben’s advice to entrepreneurs. To hear...
International Law and the Invasion of Ukraine
February 28, 2022 14:18 - 2 minutes - 4.02 MBThis morning Tom discusses the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He discusses Putin's attempt at looking for reasons within the international law framework for this invasion and why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a clear act of aggression and a violation of Article 2.4 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the “use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State”.
Episode 65: Season 7, Episode 1, Session 1 Building a Company Within a Company
February 25, 2022 14:33 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MBCan you successfully build a company within a company? On this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap chats with Ben Landers about the unique founding of his company Blue Corona. Originally in Corporate America, Ben thought he’d be working for large companies forever. Then, the dot com era fell apart, and Ben found his way into small business, particularly a coffee company. However, that was only the start of his journey. Listen to the episode to hear more about how Ben succe...
Building a Company Within a Company
February 25, 2022 13:33 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MBCan you successfully build a company within a company? On this episode of the Blackletter podcast, Tom Dunlap chats with Ben Landers about the unique founding of his company Blue Corona. Originally in Corporate America, Ben thought he’d be working for large companies forever. Then, the dot com era fell apart, and Ben found his way into small business, particularly a coffee company. However, that was only the start of his journey. Listen to the episode to hear more about how Ben ...
Unique Rules in Government Contracts
February 21, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 3.63 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom Dunlap chats about why and how government contracts differ from other contracts. The government is the larger spender when it comes to contracts, racking up $1 trillion dollars each year. However, they have unique rules in their agreements, such as termination for convenience, the Christian doctrine, and more. Listen to Tom break down termination for convenience and the Christine doctrine, as well as explain the difference between apparent versus actual ...
The Legality of Tripping Horses and Tipping Cows
February 14, 2022 09:00 - 2 minutes - 2.89 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom discusses cow tipping and other phenomena. While it is illegal to trip a horse, and even a donkey in some states, it is not illegal to go cow tipping. Though almost impossible to do, you can be sued or fall into other legal trouble by trying. Listen to the episode to hear more on the topic.
Trademarks: Secondary Meaning
February 07, 2022 14:00 - 2 minutes - 1.85 MBHow do you get a strong trademark associated with a descriptive or non-distinct term? With a lot of hard work! One way you can trademark a non-distinct term is through a secondary meaning. A secondary meaning is an additional meaning acquired by a non-distinct trademark through its commercial use. To acquire federal trademark protection, a non-distinctive mark must become associated with a single commercial source in the minds of consumers. (for example, the term “apple.”)
That Sounds Legal
January 31, 2022 09:05 - 1 minute - 1.73 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom discusses how one can trademark a sound. Sounds like MGM’s lion, Tarzan’s call and even Homer Simpson’s “D’oh” are trademarked under the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Tom explains the certain qualifications the sound must meet in order to be patented. He also distinguishes how these sounds differ from ones such as 60 Minutes ticking and why those are not protected.
Episode 64: S6E9 - Philanthropy, Pivoting and Improvement - Season 6 in Review
January 26, 2022 10:15 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBSeason 6 of the Blackletter podcast is wrapping up! Today, we take a look at the highlights of this past season, from notable guests to complex topics. Tom discusses subjects like incorporating charity into business, pivoting during the pandemic, empowering women and much more. The Blackletter guests share their advice to business owners on how and why they should network, grow and fail forward. Philanthropy, Pivoting and Improvement: Philanthropy (1:04) Tom chats about the importanc...
Philanthropy, Pivoting and Improvement - Season 6 in Review
January 26, 2022 09:15 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBSeason 6 of the Blackletter podcast is wrapping up! Today, we take a look at the highlights of this past season, from notable guests to complex topics. Tom discusses subjects like incorporating charity into business, pivoting during the pandemic, empowering women and much more. The Blackletter guests share their advice to business owners on how and why they should network, grow and fail forward. Philanthropy, Pivoting and Improvement: Philanthropy (1:04) Tom chats about the importan...
Le Nouveau French Dressing
January 24, 2022 09:57 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom discusses French Dressing, the only dressing codified in the code of Federal Regulations. After a petition submitted by the Associations for Dressings and Sauces in 2020, the FDA has allowed the dressing to change, evolve and improve. Listen to the episode to hear more on the case.
Cheesy Legal Issues
January 17, 2022 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.98 MBAccording to Swiss guidelines, gruyère must be made in the region around Gruyères, Switzerland, which has produced the cheese since the 12th century. In the United States, however, gruyère can be made anywhere, according to a federal court ruling that was made public last week. It was the latest development in a long-running legal tangle between American cheese producers and producers in Switzerland and France over what makes gruyère gruyère. Listen as Tom discusses the holes in Swiss chee...
Charles Dickens and the Law
December 13, 2021 14:00 - 2 minutes - 2.94 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom chats about how the writer Charles Dickens related to the law. In the 1800s, he had to sue for copyright infringement, as someone was selling copies of The Christmas Carole without his permission. Additionally, his novel Bleak House led to legal reform in the UK. Listen to the episode to hear more about the case and how the UK law relates to laws we still have in the U.S.
The Hayden-Koons Case
December 06, 2021 14:00 - 1 minute - 2.01 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom discusses a case involving the sculptor Michael Hayden and the famous Cicciolina. Ciciolina took photos with some of Hayden’s sculptures without a license, helping to launch the career of her ex-husband Mr. Koons. Interestingly, the photographs were taken decades ago and Hayden is only suing now.
An Update on the TMA
November 29, 2021 14:00 - 2 minutes - 2.05 MBOn today’s episode, Tom gives an update for the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020, which will go into effect this December. The new features include a reexamination proceeding and an expungement. Tom explains what the new expungement proceeding is and what it accomplishes. Listen to the Monday Morning Minute to hear more on what the reexamination process looks like and what both new proceedings change.
Cleveland Indians vs. Cleveland Guardians
November 15, 2021 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.72 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom discusses the recent trademark case of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians’ roller derby team has sued the Cleveland Indians, saying they can’t use the name and that their trademark application is untruthful. The Cleveland Indians applied for a trademark outside the U.S. in order to expedite the process. Listen to the episode to hear more about where the Cleveland Indians made an error and how that might cost them.
Avery Dennison Reopened Case
November 08, 2021 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.45 MBOn this episode, Tom discusses the Avery Dennison and ADASA case in Oregon that recently needed to be revisited. During the original trail, Avery Dennison had not told the jury about all the infringing products. The court sanctioned them an additional $20 million. Listen to the episode to hear more about why this is important.
The Supreme Court Carbon Case
November 01, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 1.38 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom discusses the Supreme Court Carbon Case, which challenges whether the EPA can regulate carbon emissions. Under Trump, the EPA’s abilities were restricted until Biden lifted that rule. The coal companies are opposing Biden’s actions, while the EPA continues to act in service to the environment and U.S. citizens.
To Crowdfund or Not to Crowdfund?
October 25, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.92 MBOn the last part of the Crowdfunding series, Tom explains what Form C is and what it entails. When filling out the form, you must provide items such as a business plan, risk factors, debt, investing goal and much more. Tom urges you to consult a lawyer when taking this approach, as there are no exceptions to SCC regulations. Listen to the episode to hear Tom’s opinion on whether you should crowdfund.
What is Regulation CF?
October 18, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.87 MBOn this episode, Tom talks about regulation CF, otherwise known as regulation crowdfunding. Under regulation CF, a company can raise up to $5 million if they register their online transactions through an intermediary, such as a funding portal. Portals like GoFundMe are the easiest to use but have a fee. Additionally, there are limits to how much an investor can give, depending on their net worth and other regulations. Listen to this episode to hear more about the guidelines, accredited inves...
Crowdfunding’s New Cap
October 11, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 1.81 MBOn this episode, Tom continues his discussion on crowdfunding from the business’s perspective. He touches on the JOBS Act, which dictates what you can do with crowdfunding in 2021. For example, the cap on crowdfunding within a 12-month period has jumped up several million. Listen to the episode to hear more about the new cap.
Episode 63: S6E8 - Self-care, Global Impact
October 07, 2021 09:53 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOn today’s episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Braven Greenelsh about Three Good, a platform that helps mitigate early signs of burnout in employees. With anonymous surveys and other tools, employees get a chance to express themselves while employers get a touch on the corporate pulse. In answering questions, responding to feelers, and engaging with the platform, employees rack up points that Three Good then converts to donations to charities. By taking care of themselves, they can help take...
Self-care, Global Impact
October 07, 2021 08:53 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOn today’s episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Braven Greenelsh about Three Good, a platform that helps mitigate early signs of burnout in employees. With anonymous surveys and other tools, employees get a chance to express themselves while employers get a touch on the corporate pulse. In answering questions, responding to feelers, and engaging with the platform, employees rack up points that Three Good then converts to donations to charities. By taking care of themselves, they can help take c...
Pros and Cons to Crowdfunding
October 04, 2021 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.42 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom begins a four-part series on the regulations of crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is when a company raises small capital from many individuals. From the perspective of a company, what are the advantages of crowdfunding? For one, it opens up your fund-raising efforts to a wider base, as well as creates awareness of your brand. In terms of disadvantages, platforms will take a percentage of what you raise, as well as have other regulations.
Vaccine Mandate Upheld
September 27, 2021 22:38 - 1 minute - 1.33 MBA health care employer in the Cincinnati area lawfully required its employees to get vaccinated or be fired, a federal district court judge ruled on Friday in one of the first decisions of its kind. Listen to the recap on today's Monday Minutes to hear more about how this could set a broad precedent for future in rulings in other states.
Can Employers Legally Require Vaccines?
September 20, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.93 MBOn this episode of Monday Minutes, Tom continues the discussion on how companies can require employees to get the vaccine. He explains how some employees are protected against mandated vaccination status under religious protection. However, he distinguishes that it must be a firmly held belief and stated into the religion. If an employer has an exempt employee, they’re allowed to create different policies for vaccinated versus unvaccinated. Listen to the Monday Minutes to hear more about how...
Episode 62: S6E7 - Move On, Fail Forward
September 15, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBOn today’s episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Larry Sharpe about his time in the military, how he became an entrepreneur, and some of his life lessons. Looking for guidance as a young man, Larry joined the military and learned invaluable skills he has carried over to other fields. He tells the story of how he launched his entrepreneurial career, as well as the lessons he learned the hard way through his company. Now the managing director at Neo Sage Group, Larry coaches, trains and consults...
Move On, Fail Forward
September 15, 2021 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBOn today’s episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Larry Sharpe about his time in the military, how he became an entrepreneur, and some of his life lessons. Looking for guidance as a young man, Larry joined the military and learned invaluable skills he has carried over to other fields. He tells the story of how he launched his entrepreneurial career, as well as the lessons he learned the hard way through his company. Now the managing director at Neo Sage Group, Larry coaches, trains and consults l...
Vaccine Status Protected?
September 13, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.36 MBOn today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses the recent FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for anyone over the age of 16. The Army and companies can now require their employees to get the vaccine. Prior to the FDA approval, companies could mandate the vaccine under the emergency use act. In response to this, states are now passing bills that grant vaccination status the same protection that race, gender, religion receive. Listen to the episode to hear which state has already passed protection fo...
Contracts during the Pandemic
September 06, 2021 13:00 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MBOn this episode, Tom discusses what a force majeure is and why it is relevant to the pandemic. A force majeure is a provision in a contract that comes into effect when something significant happens such as earthquakes, floods, labor shortages, strikes, and sometimes—pandemics. As the Delta variant sweeps across the country, force majeure clauses may become enacted. Tom covers what the contract would need to specify in order for the contract to be delayed or broken under the clause. He dives ...
How Does the FDA Approve Vaccines?
August 30, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.75 MBOn this episode, Tom discusses an important topic: the FDA’s vaccine approval process. The typical vaccine approval process takes about 10-12 months, and the coronavirus vaccines are no different. Tom covers what goes into the approval process and the timeframe of each step. The first stage is research and development, then three phases of clinical trials, which include thousands of administered vaccines, placebos etc. After this, there is a fourth phase and then approval.
Episode 61: S6E6 - Growing Personally and Professionally
August 24, 2021 14:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBOn today’s episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Kristina Bouweiri about how she transformed her business, Reston Limousine, during Covid. During a time in which everyone was mandated to stay at home, Kristina’s busses and limousines became obsolete overnight. Kristina then pivoted her business to food delivery, organ transplant transportation, as well as transporting Covid-positive patients to quarantine. Since then, her business has improved and only continued to improve.
Growing Personally and Professionally
August 24, 2021 13:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBOn today’s episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Kristina Bouweiri about how she transformed her business, Reston Limousine, during Covid. During a time in which everyone was mandated to stay at home, Kristina’s busses and limousines became obsolete overnight. Kristina then pivoted her business to food delivery, organ transplant transportation, as well as transporting Covid-positive patients to quarantine. Since then, her business has improved and only continued to improve.