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
Too Many Apples?
August 23, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBOn this episode, Tom discusses how recently Apple Inc. went to the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board to stop a new trademark by Mattel Inc., owner of the game Apples to Apples. This new trademark would be for entertainment services, such as an online game and potentially, a children’s TV show. Tom covers what Apple Inc. specifically takes issue with, as well as shares his thoughts on how the case will go down.
Student Loan Forbearance Extended
August 16, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 1.18 MBOn today’s episode, Tom discusses the extension of the student loan forbearance to January 31st 2022. The Biden, and in part Trump, administration has given $110 billion in student loan forgiveness. Student loan borrowers have been saving about $5 billion a month in relief. Listen to the Monday Minutes to hear more about it.
Episode 60: S6E5 - Changing Minds and Businesses: Empowering a Billion Women
August 06, 2021 14:00 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Ingrid Vanderveldt who was the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Dell for many years, before becoming the founder and current CEO of Empowering a Billion Women, an organization dedicated to creating 100 billion dollars of global market impact by 2030 through empowering women entrepreneurs, leaders and advocates. Listen as they discuss women in the COVID world, changing minds and businesses, her goal for social and economic impact and serving qualified men and women.
Changing Minds and Businesses: Empowering a Billion Women
August 06, 2021 13:00 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Ingrid Vanderveldt who was the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Dell for many years, before becoming the founder and current CEO of Empowering a Billion Women, an organization dedicated to creating 100 billion dollars of global market impact by 2030 through empowering women entrepreneurs, leaders and advocates. Listen as they discuss women in the COVID world, changing minds and businesses, her goal for social and economic impact and serving qualified men and women.
The World’s First AI Inventor
August 02, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.15 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses the world’s first ever patent issued to a machine. South Africa issued a patent to an AI inventor named Dabus. The inventor of Dabus, Steven Thaler from Imagination Engines filed the patent originally in the US and the UK, before being rejected. In the US, the patent requires the inventor be an actual person, but said that the patent Thaler filed fits all of the other requirements. The UK IPO said the same, with the only issue being in the inventorsh...
Crocs Trade Dress Claim
July 26, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.64 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses Crocs recent decision to file a trade dress lawsuit against a variety of shoemakers, including Walmart, Sketchers and more. As soon as their design patent expired, which happens often, other companies released their own shoes with the Crocs style. As a response, Crocs filed a trade dress claim, which allows for protection if the company can prove certain things such as if the company can identify why the design is unique to them. Listen to the episode to he...
Episode 59: S6E4 - Digital Messaging for the Digital Age
July 20, 2021 14:00 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBTom Dunlap is joined by special guest Sabrina Shafer, CEO of transformation CONTINUUM. They discuss how to prep your company to go to market digitally. Topics for the episode include digital transformation, executing your transformation plan and advice for law firms going through a digital transformation.
Digital Messaging for the Digital Age
July 20, 2021 13:00 - 17 minutes - 16.6 MBTom Dunlap is joined by special guest Sabrina Shafer, CEO of transformation CONTINUUM. They discuss how to prep your company to go to market digitally. Topics for the episode include digital transformation, executing your transformation plan and advice for law firms going through a digital transformation.
The Rise of NPEs in 2021
July 19, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.4 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses a report released by RPX corporation, which handles infringement litigation when companies have been sued by non-practicing entities. Non-practicing entities own patents or portfolios, but do not make a product, and sue other companies when those patents are infringed upon. Compare to last year, litigation with NPEs has risen by 7%. On the reverse side, practicing litigation has dropped by 16%. Tom touches on what this means and why this is occurring now in...
Episode 58: S6E3 - Distilleries and Disinfectants
July 02, 2021 14:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBOn this Episode of Blackletter, Tom Dunlap is joined by special guest Scott Harris, owner of the Catoctin Creek Distillery. This episode covers the history of the distillery as well as Harris’s work pioneering hand sanitizer production out of distilleries.
Distilleries and Disinfectants
July 02, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBOn this Episode of Blackletter, Tom Dunlap is joined by special guest Scott Harris, owner of the Catoctin Creek Distillery. This episode covers the history of the distillery as well as Harris’s work pioneering hand sanitizer production out of distilleries.
Cheer Court
June 28, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 1.96 MBToday, Tom Dunlap discusses the Supreme Court ruling in favor of a high school student who had been cut her from the varsity cheerleading time due to profanity in her Snapchat photos. The teenager posted on her Snapchat, swearing about the school, which eventually got back to the school, who punished her. The Supreme Court ruled that the school did not have the right to censor or punish students for their freedom of speech or expression outside the classroom
Employer's Guide to Regulations of Mandating Vaccination
June 21, 2021 09:47 - 1 minute - 1.84 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses employers having the authority to mandate vaccination. If Pfizer and Moderna get the full approval by the FDA, then employers have the ability to enforce vaccination before returning to work. Tom goes through the American with Disabilities Act that employers will have to comply with, as well as, if they need to keep track of side effects from the vaccine.
Episode 57: S6E2 - Building a Successful Business, Book, and Community
June 18, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Sharon Virts about building her successful government contracting business, her new book, and her recent philanthropy work. Sharon began her foundation to support four pillars that she believes are necessary for a thriving community: education, cultural and historic preservation, healthcare, and opportunity for development. They have donated millions of dollars to build much needed systems like a Trauma Center in Loudoun County, and STEM, reading, and art progr...
Building a Successful Business, Book, and Community
June 18, 2021 13:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Sharon Virts about building her successful government contracting business, her new book, and her recent philanthropy work. Sharon began her foundation to support four pillars that she believes are necessary for a thriving community: education, cultural and historic preservation, healthcare, and opportunity for development. They have donated millions of dollars to build much needed systems like a Trauma Center in Loudoun County, and STEM, reading, and art prog...
Episode 57: S6E2 - Building a Successful Business, Book and Community
June 18, 2021 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Sharon Virts about building her successful government contracting business, her new book, and her recent philanthropy work. Sharon began her foundation to support four pillars that she believes are necessary for a thriving community: education, cultural and historic preservation, healthcare, and opportunity for development. They have donated millions of dollars to build much needed systems like a Trauma Center in Loudoun County, and STEM, reading, and art pro...
Fresh Hub vs. Amazon
June 14, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 1.22 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses the recent case involving Fresh Hub and Amazon. Fresh Hub alleges that Amazon infringes on their patent IOT kitchen voice technology. Fresh Hub’s patent includes using your voice to order and manage grocery lists. However, Amazon, which now owns Wholefoods, is allegedly using that technology via the Alexa app and other smart devices. The case is still evolving, so check back in with Tom on Monday Minutes to hear an update!
CFAA Supreme Court Ruling
June 07, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.39 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses the recent Supreme Court Ruling on the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, or CFAA. The case involved an officer who used his access to a state-run computer to search for the license plate of a woman on behalf of a friend. The friend allegedly paid him $6,000 to see if the woman was an undercover cop or not. The federal government prosecuted him under CFAA, but the appeal questions if an insider like the officer can be convicted under that act. Tom discusses the ...
The History of Memorial Day
May 31, 2021 18:00 - 1 minute - 1.82 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses the origins of Memorial Day as a day of remembrance and what it truly means. It began a few years after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” in which Americans, especially in the North, placed decorations on tombstones. Tom touches on its unique presence in Charleston. In the 1970s, the government officially declared the holiday on May 31st as a day of remembrance. Listen to the episode to hear more about its history and how it’s celebrated today.
Crossing the Rubicon
May 24, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBFor today’ s episode, Tom discusses the origins of the phrase “Crossing the Rubicon” and how it has appeared in the legal world. He distinguishes that there was no law in Rome that Julius Caesar could not cross the Rubicon River. Rather, it had to do with Imperium, which prohibited Roman generals to return to that area of Italy without disbanding their army. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon, he and his army became outlaws subject to death—essentially reaching the point of no return. In Americ...
Episode 56: S6E1 - Local Cause, Big Impact
May 21, 2021 14:00 - 22 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Peter Burnett, of Burnett and Williams Firm, about his Ampersand Pantry project that collects meals from local restaurants and gives them to families in need during Covid. Peter has been practicing law for almost 44 years. In that time, he has come to realize the power and importance of community. As someone who owns businesses in his local community, he has come to recognize how the people around him have made him successful. This sparked a need to giv...
Local Cause, Big Impact
May 21, 2021 13:00 - 22 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Peter Burnett, of Burnett and Williams Firm, about his Ampersand Pantry project that collects meals from local restaurants and gives them to families in need during Covid. Peter has been practicing law for almost 44 years. In that time, he has come to realize the power and importance of community. As someone who owns businesses in his local community, he has come to recognize how the people around him have made him successful. This sparked a need to gi...
Dank Tank and Beer
May 17, 2021 13:00 - 1 minute - 1.63 MBFor today’ s episode, Tom discusses the recent ruling by the PO Board in the Trademark trial with a Georgia Craft Brewery. The brewery couldn’t register the phrase “Dank Tank” for a beer, but the board and the brewery have differing opinions of the word’s meaning. The brewery states that “dank” refers to cannabis and when used in the context of beer, is a unique phrase. The Board said “dank” is a descriptive term for funky flavors in beer and therefore, could not be used.
Defamation and Fox News
May 10, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.91 MBFor today’s episode, Tom discusses defamation in the current Smartmatic and Dominion lawsuits against Fox. Defamation occurs when someone publishes a written or spoken false statement that hurts the reputation of the company’s character. Tom explains the difference between “slander” and “libel” and touches on its history and burden of proof in England. Smartmatic and Dominion have sued Fox News for allegedly defaming them by saying their voting machines didn’t work and created false v...
Episode 55: S5E10 - Season 5 in Review
May 07, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 7.26 MBIn Season 5, Blackletter has covered a variety of topics, from building a positive and productive culture to cybersecurity in a remote workspace. We cover topics that have been exaggerated by Covid and will remain relevant long after the pandemic ends.
Season 5 in Review
May 07, 2021 13:00 - 7 minutes - 7.26 MBIn Season 5, Blackletter has covered a variety of topics, from building a positive and productive culture to cybersecurity in a remote workspace. We cover topics that have been exaggerated by Covid and will remain relevant long after the pandemic ends.
SLAPP Backs
May 03, 2021 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.23 MBFor today’s episode, Tom continues his discussion on Anti-SLAPP statutes enacted by a number of states. SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuit against Public Participation, and references when a wealthy and powerful entity is bringing forth lawsuits to silence public criticism or participation. Over thirty states have enacted Anti-SLAPP statutes, which allow the defendant to file a response, saying the initial lawsuit is meant to intimidate the public. If the judge kicks the lawsuit, very often ...
Ice Cube vs. Robinhood and Anti-Slap Actions
April 27, 2021 01:03 - 2 minutes - 2.72 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses Robinhood’s usage of Ice Cube’s image in their newsletter. Robinhood, infamous for the GameStop stock situation earlier this year, used Ice Cube’s image and a parody of his phrase “Check yourself before you wreck yourself” in their educational newsletter, “Snack.” The lawsuit states that Robinhood misappropriated his image and phrase, and Ice Cube does not want to be associated with the platform. Robinhood claims free speech rights and issued an Anti...
Episode 54: S5E9 - Cyber Security and Remote Work
April 23, 2021 09:13 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Stefan Leipold, the CEO of Stark. He is also the inventor of the magnetic privacy screen for laptops and PCs. Tom and Stefan discuss cyber security concerns and remote work, cyber security and company dynamics and building a career in America.
Cyber Security and Remote Work
April 23, 2021 08:13 - 23 minutes - 22.2 MBToday, Tom Dunlap chats with Stefan Leipold, the CEO of Stark. He is also the inventor of the magnetic privacy screen for laptops and PCs. Tom and Stefan discuss cyber security concerns and remote work, cyber security and company dynamics and building a career in America.
The New Laws You Need to Know of in 2021
April 19, 2021 15:00 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses laws that will take effect in 2021 on the state and federal level. In states like Connecticut, new laws will require more police accountability, better training, and de-escalation tactics. In addition, over 20 states passed laws to raise the minimum wage. On the federal level, the use of a “real ID” will be required to board planes. Tom also touches on other laws that will address the rise of higher level education costs, as well as environmental reg...
Throwing a Spotlight on the Shadow Docket
April 12, 2021 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.4 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses what the Supreme Court’s shadow docket is and how it works. The shadow docket allows for a fast track set up intended for emergencies. A litigant goes before a singular justice and asks that justice to take the case before the rest of the court. It can avoid public discussions, written opinions and advice to lower courts. During the Trump administration, its use has increased by 20x, causing concern by representatives. To hear more about the shadow d...
Episode 53: S5E8 - Networking and Business Growth During COVID
April 06, 2021 16:00 - 18 minutes - 18.4 MBIn this episode of the Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap and Stephanie Eberhart of neXco National discuss networking, professional development and the hiring process in a virtual world. The two talk about ways businesses can grow in virtual settings.
Networking and Business Growth During COVID
April 06, 2021 15:00 - 18 minutes - 18.4 MBIn this episode of the Black Letter Podcast, Tom Dunlap and Stephanie Eberhart of neXco National discuss networking, professional development and the hiring process in a virtual world. The two talk about ways businesses can grow in virtual settings.
Prepping for the Prep Act
April 05, 2021 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.35 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses the Prep Act, or the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act. The law issues declarations that allow for the immunity of companies that create products to combat diseases such as the Zika virus, Ebola, and of course, the coronavirus. Essentially, companies that make masks, ventilators or more are free of liability unless there is willful misconduct. Hear more about the Act, who issues it, and its amendments by listening to this episode of Mon...
What to Know about Biden’s Estate Tax Proposal
March 30, 2021 00:30 - 2 minutes - 2.67 MBTom discusses President Biden’s proposal for his Estate Tax plan. Tom covers what the proposal entails, including reducing the current lifetime credit each individual has from 11.7 million to 3.5 million, and increasing the estate tax from 40% to 45%. He contextualizes the proposal in relation to 2026, where the increased estate tax and the lifetime credit will automatically change. Tom encourages planning for everyone, even those who will potentially have an estate of 3 million by 2026.
Buying into Buy-Sell Agreements
March 30, 2021 00:28 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MBTom discusses buy-sell agreements, which have seen an increased interest during Covid. He touches on how some partners are either entering or existing the business in response to the pandemic, while others are staying. Tom also explains the two types of buy-sell: cross-purchase agreement and the redemption agreement. Overall, buy-sell agreements remove a lot of the what if questions out of the equation when a business partner leaves or even passes away and can also regulate to whom the share...
The Dos and Don’ts of Zoom
March 29, 2021 15:00 - 3 minutes - 3.49 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom goes over the top Dos and Don’ts of Zoom etiquette. Though it’s been a year since the first lockdown, Tom and his partners still see blunders while video conferencing. From muting yourself when not speaking, to camera angle, and backdrop, Tom covers tips to have a better, more professional conference call. He encourages everyone to treat Zoom meetings like in person ones, with the appropriate dress and attention required.
Non-Fungible Tokens and Gaming
March 22, 2021 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses non-fungible tokens and their recent popularity. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, exist in blockchain, but unlike Bitcoin, cannot be replaced with something else. NFTs can be anything from a collectable to a piece of digital artwork. The most common use of NFTs can be seen in gaming, where users can trade items for real money to utilize in the game. Listen to the episode to hear more on non-fungible tokens.
Are Smart Contracts smart?
March 15, 2021 15:00 - 2 minutes - 2.43 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom touches on smart contracts and how they relate to blockchain. A smart contract is a way to enter into a transaction without having a physical contract. He likens it to a vending machine, where you put money into a chain of events, such as blockchain, and you immediately get out your part of the transaction. Blockchain, an example being Bitcoin stores data and creates a marketplace. Tom gives examples of how this type of interaction can be used in real life sce...
E52: Season 5 Episode 7 - The Field and Future of Virtual and Augmented Reality
March 08, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 24 MBToday, Tom Dunlap and Kurt Klaus of Dunlap, Bennett, and Ludwig chat with Will Gee, the CEO of Balti Virtual about the field and future of augmented and virtual reality. Listen in as they cover topics such as VR and the AR Cloud, the potential future of the industry and what Balti Virtual has learned through business culture, growth and working with some amazing clients.
Blockchain and Bitcoin
March 08, 2021 16:00 - 2 minutes - 2.76 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses his recent work with blockchain and NFTs, or non-fungible tokens. Blockchain is a specific type of database in which information is stored in chains, as opposed to tables in an Excel spreadsheet. He gives a simplified explanation of how data is stored and encrypted in a blockchain. Bitcoin is the most known type of data stored in a blockchain. Tom touches on why some people prefer bitcoin over traditional banking and how blockchains protect the data ...
The Field and Future of Virtual and Augmented Reality
March 08, 2021 16:00 - 25 minutes - 24 MBToday, Tom Dunlap and Kurt Klaus of Dunlap, Bennett, and Ludwig chat with Will Gee, the CEO of Balti Virtual about the field and future of augmented and virtual reality. Listen in as they cover topics such as VR and the AR Cloud, the potential future of the industry and what Balti Virtual has learned through business culture, growth and working with some amazing clients.
Blunders in Zoom Court
March 01, 2021 16:00 - 2 minutes - 2.78 MBIn a lighter rendition of Monday Minutes, today Tom mentions some of the bloopers and blunders that have happened on Zoom during legal proceedings. By now, many of us have seen the lawyer on Zoom with a kitten face filter, saying “I am not a cat.” Tom shares other instances such as naked attorneys, drinking, meth pipes and more!
How the Legal System Punishes the Poor
February 22, 2021 16:00 - 1 minute - 2 MBFor today’s Monday Minutes, Tom discusses Judge Jed Rakoff’s recent book, “Why the Innocent Plead Guilty and Why the Guilty Go Free.” Working in the southern district of New York, Rakoff is an experienced judge who delves into why people are pleading guilty instead of going to trial. The book offers anecdotes and observations on how the legal system and class privilege support this pattern.
Nike Expands TM War Over Fake Dunk Sneakers
February 08, 2021 16:00 - 1 minute - 1.73 MBNike filed suit on January 15th, 2021, against an LA-based manufacturing company “La La Land Production & Design Inc.” over supplying fake “Dunk” sneakers. This suit follows one month after Nike Inc. settled a lawsuit against Los Angeles streetwear designer Warren Lotas, who sold the fake Dunk sneakers. La La Land stated it had functioned only as a manufacturer for Warren Lotas and had been indemnified by him against such claims.
E51: Season 5 Episode 6 - Modernizing Law Firms and their Technology
February 03, 2021 10:42 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Heinan Landa, President & CEO of Optimal Networks, about how law firms can modernize their use of technology to better meet the changing world's needs. Listen in as they cover topics such as using and adopting technology as a tool, transitioning to new tech, and what etiquette to follow on new technology.
Modernizing Law Firms and their Technology
February 03, 2021 09:42 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Heinan Landa, President & CEO of Optimal Networks, about how law firms can modernize their use of technology to better meet the changing world's needs. Listen in as they cover topics such as using and adopting technology as a tool, transitioning to new tech, and what etiquette to follow on new technology.
Capitol Riot Arrests
February 01, 2021 16:00 - 1 minute - 3.76 MBToday, we're going to talk a little bit about the law in DC for carrying a handgun and why? Well, because we had the Capitol riots recently and there were more than 70 at the time of this recording and probably now more than 100 are under investigation. It's black letter law in DC, and everybody here knows it. This is DC official code 22-4504.01, which is federal law because Washington DC is still a military district. It says, "You must be licensed to carry a firearm in the district conceale...
Trump Defamation Lawsuit
January 25, 2021 16:00 - 2 minutes - 3.35 MBWhat will happen to the Trump defamation lawsuits once he is not the President? Multiple women have claimed that Trump has sexually assaulted them in the past. But two of them are actually suing the president or the former president for defamation after he's denied those claims. Both cases were stayed because the president's lawyer said he's immune. What happens to that appeal now that he's no longer president and the Justice Department can't step in and represent him as a sitting president?