The Foundry Law Blog

Is it Plagiarism to Use Chat GPT or Other AI Language Models?

The short answer is that it depends on what type of content you’re using the models to generate and whether you properly acknowledge the original source of your content.  In general, plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own without giving proper credit. Given this definition, there may be […]

What Does “Human” Element Mean as it Applies to Copyright?

The U.S. Copyright Office will only register a work of authorship if that work is “eligible” for copyright protection. The “human” element to copyright is essentially one element for copyright eligibility. In short, the element requires that a work of authorship be created by a human being before it can be copyrighted. The Copyright Office […]

Can I Use Chat GPT to Draft Employment Contracts

We don’t recommend it. For those unfamiliar with Chat GPT, it’s essentially an artificial-intelligence (AI) chatbot that was created by a company called Open AI. It has garnered much attention as of late for its keen ability to generate content across a wide variety of channels, including memos, blog posts, and emails. You just ask […]

New Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance to Take Effect Sept. 1

On September 1, 2022, the City of Seattle will have a new ordinance regrading independent contractors. The new law, labeled the Independent Contractor Protection Ordinance (ICPO), is designed to protect independent contractors from delayed payment and help them receive greater information about the terms and conditions of their work. The ordinance only applies to independent […]

Delaware or Washington: Where Should I Incorporate My Startup?

This is a common question that our attorneys often hear from Washington startups. While the specific answer will likely depend on your particular company and situation, there are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on your state of incorporation. Some of these include the requirements of incorporation, the overall cost of incorporation, […]

The Importance of Information Security Policies & Why Your Company Needs One

Information security policies, also known as “ISPs,” refer to a collection of directives, regulations, and rules that advise and direct how an organization manages, protects, and distributes its information. These policies often cast a wide net, as they normally address all of an organization’s data, programs, systems, facilities, infrastructure, users, and third and fourth parties. […]

Are Electronic Signatures Valid in Washington?

In many instances, yes. Washington adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions ACT (UETA) in 2020. UETA sets forth specific requirements concerning the validity of electronic signatures for transactions related to business, commercial, and governmental matters. Learn of best practices to help ensure your business complies with the law. What Makes an Electronic Signature Valid in WA? […]

What Does Indemnity Mean and How Does it Impact my Business?

“Indemnity” is a legal term that often arises in discussions and dealings with business contracts. The term means that if one party to a contract suffers a loss because of a second party’s conduct, the second party has to compensate the first party. Please note, though, that the specific scope and effect of an indemnity […]

Non-Solicitation v. Non-Compete Clauses

Non-solicitation and non-compete clauses are both common provisions that employers incorporate into employment agreements. While the two may have similarities, they are quite different provisions that accomplish separate goals. Note, too, that in 2019, Washington state revised its non-compete laws. This means that if your employment contracts include a non-solicitation and/or a non-compete clause, now […]

New Washington Law Limits Use of Certain Nondisclosure and Nondisparagement Provisions in Employment Agreements

  Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into law the Silenced No More Act on March 24, 2022. The new law places specific restrictions in the way employers use nondisclosure and nondisparagement provisions in employment agreements and independent contractor agreements. In light of Governor Inslee’s recent signing, employers with Washington employees should revise their employment agreements […]