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In an era where cell phones are ubiquitous and area codes are no longer reliable indicators of geographic location, it is increasingly difficult for businesses to ensure strict compliance with the TCPA’s quiet hours. Unlike the late 1990s, when text messages were costly, and area codes closely aligned with geographic regions, today’s mobile users can…

AI Days 2025 at Vanderbilt University is an event that brings together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Attending the conference for Phillips & Bathke, P.C., I was excited to hear from leaders who shared insights on the implications of AI across various fields, including education and business….

The Corporate Transparency Act requirement to file beneficial ownership statements is back on. The deadline to file is March 21, 2025. If you are required to file, take prompt action to get that on file. – Jon Phillips

The Illinois State Bar Association recently published This Article written by firm founder, Jonathan Phillips. It concerns the intersection of trademark law and political speech. Phillips, J., Intra-third-party squabble results in Sixth Circuit opinion applying Lanham Act to political marks, Intellectual Property, Vo. 64, No. 2, Ill. State Bar Ass’n (Dec. 2024)

Can social media influencers protect the look and feel of their online content under U.S. copyright law? According to the social media influencer, Sydney Gifford (@sydneynicoleslone) the answer is yes. In a federal lawsuit filed in the Western District of Texas this year, Ms. Gifford alleges that another social media influencer, Alyssa Sheil (@alyssasheill) created…

Few areas are as colorful and contentious as the world of tattoo art in copyright. Tattoos, once considered a purely personal form of expression, have increasingly become the focus of significant legal debates. As the popularity of tattoos grows, so too does the complexity of copyright issues surrounding them. The two recent disputes discussed here…

The Illinois anti-SLAPP* law is in the spotlight, and its effectiveness is under scrutiny. Designed to protect those who speak out on certain issue from spurious, retaliatory defamation claims, the Citizen Participation Act has lost its teeth over the years. But the Chicago Sun-Times is not backing down and has taken its fight to the…

California has introduced two significant laws this year to combat the misuse of deepfakes—manipulated media that looks real. Since businesses are not likely to forgo consumers in California—the world’s fifth-biggest economy on its own—they should pay attention even if they are not in California. It has been our experience that California attorneys have no problem…

Phillips & Bathke, P.C. is pleased to announce a significant victory in another “Schedule A” case it has handled. The defense, led by Jonathan Phillips, secured not only the dismissal of the case against its client but also financial restitution that compensates the client for both legal fees and business interruptions. By levelling aggressive, focused…