It is clear that the retail industry is in a time of great transition. As a result, sessions focused on mixed-use environments and the realities of anchor downsizing and closures were host to standing-room-only crowds.

When it comes to trademark registration, there is such a thing as being too popular. Marks such as Aspirin, Fiberglass, Zipper and Flip Phone became so ubiquitous that they were found to be generic—a commonly used name or description of a kind of product.

This week’s news of former retail giants Sears and Kmart filing for bankruptcy is bound to spur headlines about the death of retail in the U.S.  However, multiple forecasts predict a robust holiday shopping.

While several prominent retailers have turned to bankruptcy and store closures, research demonstrates that this doomsday hype is somewhat overblown. So why the prevailing narrative?

The retail industry closely guards customer and distribution lists. In many cases, these valuable assets are not protected by patent, trademark or copyright law. 

Recent trends suggest that consumers and retailers alike are not prepared to give up on brick and mortar stores, but that they are looking for more creative alternatives to the traditional arrangement.

The judgment on Administrative Sanctioning Proceeding held last February 20, 2018 has set a landmark precedent concerning the extent of the investigative and punitive authority bestowed on the Brazilian Securities Commission.

On August 30, 2018, significant changes to California’s Proposition 65 warning regulations take effect. In the retail context, it requires businesses with 10 or more employees to warn individuals in California about products containing certain listed chemicals.

A closer look into the economics of sales tax holidays reveals that the benefits are questionable for consumers, retailers, and states alike.

e-commerce has forced traditional brick-and-mortar retailers to rethink their operations in order to remain competitive. For some, this means developing websites and mobile apps to entice consumers with an omnichannel shopping experience.

With the growing and evolving retail world, one thing had remained constant: retailers did not have to collect sales tax for online sales to states in which they had no physical presence.

If you have ever made an online purchase, chances are that you have received at least one email in the last month notifying you that a company’s privacy policy has changed. These emails are part of efforts to comply with the GDPR.

Technological advancements allow consumers to browse and buy products on smartphones and tablets, bringing an unlimited number of retail options to their fingertips—literally.