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Consumer Non-disparagement Clauses Nixed in California

Yelp logo, symbolizing prohibition of consumer non-disparagement clauses under California lawEarlier this month, Governor Brown approved California Assembly Bill No. 2365. This bill added Civil Code Section 1670.8, which prohibits non-disparagement clauses in consumer contracts.

Statute Prohibits Non-disparagement Clauses

Core protections are set forth in Subsection (a) of that statute. (more…)

Ridiculous Yelp Lawsuit Alleges Reviewers are Employees

Yelp logo - post about ridiculous Yelp lawsuit alleging reviewers and employeesDo you wonder why lawyers often have a bad reputation? If so, consider the ridiculous Yelp lawsuit alleging that Yelp’s reviewers are employees of the company.

Yelp is an online review site and local business search service. Consumers are encouraged to write reviews of, and rate their satisfaction with, various products and services.

Historically, controversies have concerned whether Yelp punishes businesses for not advertising on the site (which Yelp denies). More recently, business owners have complained about Yelp’s automated tools for removing false or inappropriate (e.g., paid) reviews based on unpublished criteria.

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