Unleash the Power of The Press

corporate law

How to keep your blog out of the courtroom

Emily C. Shanahan
Emily C. Shanahan

BOSTON, MASS.

Businesses and individuals create blogs for a variety of reasons – to demonstrate their expertise on a particular topic; improve search engine rankings for their Web site; sell a product or service; or just to create a forum to express opinions.  No one, however, starts a blog with the intent of being sued. Yet, according to Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), the potential for a lawsuit arising out of your blog is real and greater than you may realize.

“When it comes to a blog, where you get your material and how you use it can land you in hot water just as much as, if not more than, what you say.  Using unauthorized photos, failing to properly credit a source you quote, using copyrighted material, or allowing comments that contain any of the above can open the door to a lawsuit. That’s not why most people start blogs,” said Emily C. Shanahan, an associate at TBHR.

There are some steps you can take to help ensure your blog sticks to its intended purpose without making you or your company vulnerable to a lawsuit:

  • Screen comments on your blogs – Stay in control of the content of your blog either by not allowing comments or by clearly defining from the outset what standard posted comments have to meet.  If they don’t, delete them.  That being said, don’t play editor of your users’ comments.
  •  If you quote them, give them credit – Trying to pass off somebody’s words as your own can lead to big trouble. If you’re going to quote somebody, keep it short and always credit the person who said it and in what publication. 
  • Using photos and images – Just because you find an image on the Internet does not mean you have permission to use it. When it comes to artwork, use only what you create, own the license for, pay to use or know to be free stock photography or clip art.
  •  Celebrities – While using celebrities as fodder for your blog might make for entertaining content, it could open the door to a defamation lawsuit if you’re not careful. Even associating a celebrity’s name and/or image with your blog in a positive manner can lead to trouble down the road if you don’t have his or her permission.
  • Company trademarks – Do not use in your blog trademarks that you do not own or are not licensed to use. You can, however, mention another company by name. As a precaution, you may want to mention if the company’s name is trademarked.

“A lot of this stuff is common sense, but many businesses seem to check their common sense at the door when they start up blogs,” said Shanahan. “Your blog is meant to give you a business advantage, not put you out of business. So when it comes to most blog posts, if you have a doubt about whether or not a post could be taken the wrong way or puts you at risk, consult your attorney. Better safe than sued.”

This release is not intended to be, nor should be construed as, legal advice.

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients.  Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

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Attorney Ed Tarlow of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is honored by the New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute.

DATELINE:  BOSTON, MA…
The New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute recently honored Attorney Ed Tarlow, a founding member of Tarlow, Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA, for his personal and professional generosity and leadership at the chapter’s quarterly meeting held on December 4, 2008.

Tarlow served as President of the largest and most well established chapter of the Family Firm Institute in the country, the New England Chapter (NEC), from 2000 until 2008. Tarlow was cited for special recognition by the NEC for his tireless work catalyzing sponsors, inspiring membership, developing NEC Committees, and serving as the driving force for many collaborative efforts.

In one such notable effort, Tarlow was instrumental in the creation of the Massachusetts Family Business Awards program, an annual competition designed to promote and highlight the many achievements of Massachusetts-based, family owned businesses, which is now entering its third successful year.

As a senior member of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., Tarlow has played a key role in increasing the firm’s expertise in the areas of taxation, business law, and estate planning, which are areas of paramount importance to family-owned businesses.  Tarlow is a member of the Boston Estate Planning Council, Attorneys for Family-Held Enterprises, the Society for Trust and Estate Planners, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the American Bar Association, as well as the Family Firm Institute.

In addition to having a wealth of published articles to his credit, Tarlow has achieved many noteworthy accomplishments. He received the SBANE (Smaller Business Association of New England) Community Service Award in 2007, was named the Boston Estate Planner of the Year in 2003 by the Boston Estate Planning Council, and was selected as a New England Super Lawyer by Boston Magazine in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Family Firm Institute
The Family Firm Institute (FFI) is an international professional membership organization dedicated to providing interdisciplinary education and networking opportunities for family business and family wealth advisors, consultants, educators and researchers and to increasing public awareness about trends and developments in the family business and family wealth fields. The New England Chapter now boasts the largest membership of any chapter in FFI with members representing all consultant and advisory groups who work with family businesses.

Recent statistics indicate that more than 80 % of all business enterprises in North America are family owned and operated, and that they account for 60% of total U.S. employment, 78% of all new jobs, and 65% of wages paid. Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers focuses on working with family businesses, in particular, assisting them with the challenges of business succession between generations, as well as with issues involving corporate law, taxation, litigation, and estate planning.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.
Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients. Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

Attorney Ed Tarlow of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is honored by the New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute.Read More

Attorney Michael J. Radin of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers of Boston, MA named to Board of Directors of the Smaller Business Association of New England.

DATELINE:  BOSTON, MA…
Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers of Boston, MA has announced that Attorney Michael J. Radin has been chosen to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of SBANE, the Smaller Business Association of New England.

William R. Rodgers Esq., a founding member of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, applauded the choice of Radin, “We’re proud of Michael Radin’s many accomplishments here at TBHR, and we would like to offer our congratulations as he joins SBANE’s Board of Directors. We know that his commitment to building strong relationships with clients, along with his insight, creativity, and extensive experience will be an asset to the mission of SBANE.”

At Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, Radin, who is a member of the bar in Massachusetts, California, and Rhode Island, specializes in guiding businesses through their life cycles, from formation, financing, growth, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and wind down. He counsels clients on distribution systems including joint venture, franchise, and distribution/agency. In addition, he helps clients manage their intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets.

About SBANE
SBANE (Smaller Business Association of New England) is a nonprofit organization established in 1938 to promote and protect small businesses. Its 1000 member companies in six states range from sole-proprietorship service businesses and growing high technology firms to 200-employee manufacturing plants. SBANE’s programs and services address the shared interests and needs of its diverse membership.

SBANE’s member activities include management education seminars, conferences and programs to strengthen skills and sharpen strategies. In addition SBANE offers membership meetings featuring speakers on topics relevant to small business, an Internship Recruitment Service, timely publications, legislative activities to protect your company’s financial interests, and Health and Dental Insurance to address small business’s #1 employee priority.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.
Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients. Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

To help clients make informed decisions and achieve their goals, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers P.C. develops creative customized solutions for its clients by emphasizing careful listening and considerate evaluation. Utilizing the expertise and collegiality of the firm’s fifty plus members, associates, and support staff has consistently resulted in the building of lasting relationships of trust and confidence.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

Attorney Michael J. Radin of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers of Boston, MA named to Board of Directors of the Smaller Business Association of New England.Read More

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s “magnificent seven” selected for Boston Magazine’s attorneys “Super Lawyers” issue

BOSTON, MASS… 

As part of its November 2008 issue, Boston Magazine recognized seven attorneys from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) in their 2008 Super Lawyers special section. Those selected include TBHR Members Edward D. Tarlow of Concord, Mass., Richard P. Breed of Marblehead, Jeffrey P. Hart of Medfield, William R. Rodgers of Newton, Albert A. DeNapoli of Walpole, Mark S. Furman of Needham and Robert J. Kerwin of West Roxbury. This marks the fifth consecutive year all seven men have been selected.

Super Lawyers selections are based on a statewide survey of more than 37,000 attorneys. Candidates are then evaluated based on peer recognition and professional achievement and then grouped and ranked by practice area. Those with the highest point totals are selected. The final Super Lawyers represent the top five percent of the attorneys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“Obviously, it’s a great honor to be selected by your peers for such an honor. It also says quite a bit when you have seven attorneys selected out of a firm of 30 attorneys,” said Edward Tarlow, a Member at TBHR. “At TBHR, we’ve always tried to set and maintain a higher standard representation for our clients. It’s gratifying when you receive recognition and accolades but at the end of the day it’s still about providing the best service for your clients.”

Though an insert in Boston Magazine, Super Lawyers is an actual magazine unto itself and is published in all 50 states. Following a similar selection process, Super Lawyers magazine conducts a Rising Stars edition, naming each state’s top up-and-coming attorneys.

For more information and the complete list of practice areas represented in Super Lawyers, please visit www.superlawyers.com.

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients. Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

To help clients make informed decisions and achieve their goals, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers P.C. develops creative customized solutions for its clients by emphasizing careful listening and considerate evaluation. Utilizing the expertise and collegiality of the firm¹s fifty plus members, associates, and support staff has consistently resulted in the building of lasting relationships of trust and confidence.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s “magnificent seven” selected for Boston Magazine’s attorneys “Super Lawyers” issueRead More

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s Hunt receives honorable mention for Mass. Lawyer’s Weekly’s Unsung Hero Award.

BOSTON, MASS.

Christopher Hunt, director of information technology at Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), received an honorable mention in the IT category of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ for 2008.Chris was one of the finalists in the IT category and was honored at an awards reception held at the Boston Convention Center on October 23.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly awards the Unsung Hero honor to someone who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and shown an extra effort in helping his or her company, or someone who has an amazing ability to encourage others.  The Unsung Hero Award also recognizes those who perform internal corporate citizenship and cultivate pride within their companies, and whose exceptional efforts should not go unnoticed or unrewarded.  According to TBHR, Hunt fits these criteria to a “T”.

“Chris is an extremely important part of our operation,” said Jeffrey P. Hart, a partner at TBHR.  “He keeps the computer systems and other IT running smoothly for a 50+ person office, which is a feat unto itself. When you consider the gravity of information we deal with as attorneys, and also factor in the crazy hours we keep, his efforts are even more impressive.  Chris is truly deserving of this recognition.”

Hunt began with the firm in 1995 through the co-operative education program at Northeastern University.  A criminal justice major, he oversaw office services as part of his co-op job, but also demonstrated an aptitude for diagnosing and fixing computers. TBHR quickly recognized these talents – so much so, they hired him to head up their IT efforts upon his graduation.  His role has evolved to encompass not only the firm’s IT needs, but includes litigation support, marketing support and managing the firm’s facilities and records.

“During his time with the firm, Chris successfully implemented two major upgrades of our servers and networking equipment. He also supervised the 2004 relocation of our office from the Financial District to our current location at 101 Huntington Avenue in the Back Bay, working tirelessly to ensure a seamless transition during this significant undertaking,” said Hart.  “Chris is highly thought of by everyone at the firm. As our IT Director, he is an integral part of our team. We are pleased that he has remained with us through the years and that we have had the opportunity to grow together.”

Hunt holds a bachelor’s of science in criminal justice from Northeastern University and is a member of the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA), the leading organization for IT professionals in the legal industry.  Hunt currently resides in Lowell with his wife, Jodi, and his stepson, Brendon.

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients. Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

To help clients make informed decisions and achieve their goals, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers P.C. develops creative customized solutions for its clients by emphasizing careful listening and considerate evaluation. Utilizing the expertise and collegiality of the firm¹s fifty plus members, associates, and support staff has consistently resulted in the building of lasting relationships of trust and confidence.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s Hunt receives honorable mention for Mass. Lawyer’s Weekly’s Unsung Hero Award.Read More