Blog Posts

        Category: Cause Marketing
        by Robert Laplaca on August 16, 2021

        Everyone not under a rock recently learned that you can soon purchase – for a mere $375 – a personalized video greeting from America’s former...

        by Robert Laplaca on April 8, 2020

        This piece will review important issues when running a commercial co-venture (CCV) during a time of a global pandemic. Filing Requirements: The...

        by Robert Laplaca on August 1, 2018

        Recently, an Agreed Final Judgment was entered in Tennessee state court following an action by the Tennessee Attorney General (in conjunction with...

        by Robert Laplaca on June 12, 2018

        Commercial Co-Ventures and Sweepstakes Promotions Remember that song in the '90s from the C+C Music Factory called "Things That Make You Go...

        by Robert Laplaca on May 2, 2018

        Advertising lawyers when giving advice to clients on promotional programs and advertising disclosures are always asked by their clients, why must we...

        by Robert Laplaca on February 12, 2018

        Join me this Friday, February 16, from 1:00 to 2:30pm to learn the specific legal issues that are arising within commercial co-venture campaigns....

        by Robert Laplaca on November 27, 2017

        "Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose." From the French for (roughly): there's a form for that. Answer these 17 simple questions to create...

        by Robert Laplaca on October 11, 2017

        When embarking on your first foray into commercial co-venture land, you may have learned that a commercial co-venturer has to register in six states....

        by Robert Laplaca on July 6, 2017

        Yay! Big brand wants to team up and donate part of the purchase price of its sales to your charity. Do you just have to sit back and watch the money...

        by Robert Laplaca on April 28, 2017

        Cause marketing is good marketing according to a recent study. The marketing research firm Toluna conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults and...

        by Robert Laplaca on April 13, 2017

        George Carlin had seven dirty words. Spongebob Squarepants had 13 bad words (7 regular/6 sailor). And New York State has 6,942 dirty words that can't...

        by Robert Laplaca on April 10, 2017

        What do you do when your esteemed institution of higher learning has an alma mater which, in the words of one professor, could be interpreted as...

        by Robert Laplaca on March 31, 2017

        There are not many court decisions concerning commercial co-ventures. In fact, there are perhaps five. This is far less than the number of decisions...

        by Robert Laplaca on March 13, 2017

        From a quick Google search I see articles citing "at least 22" states have commercial co-venture laws; "over 30 states have laws governing commercial...

        by Robert Laplaca on November 17, 2016

        I'll admit that I've been part of the people lining up in the wee hours of the morning waiting for the doors to open on Black Friday. I even...

        by Robert Laplaca on June 22, 2016

        A good brand's reaction to any human tragedy is to try to find a way to help. Most recently, we have seen an outpouring of support for the Orlando...

        by Robert Laplaca on March 15, 2016

        Your company just made a major announcement that it is partnering with a charity that you now find is involved in a scandal. What can you do? The...

        by Robert Laplaca on January 4, 2016

        You've heard this sales pitch before. Its cousins are "A percentage of proceeds to charity" and "A portion of the proceeds to charity". Do you really...

        by Robert Laplaca on December 30, 2015

        There is a common belief that corporations must do everything with an eye to producing profits for shareholders. But that is not so. In fact, in its...

        by Robert Laplaca on December 18, 2015

        Today (Dec. 18) is the official release date for the long-awaited next installment in the Star Wars saga – The Force Awakens. Disney and the Star...

        by Robert Laplaca on March 2, 2015

        1. Practically every type of promotional activity is regulated in some way: Sweepstakes and contests User generated content on websites...

        by Robert Laplaca on January 7, 2015

        Commercial co-ventures are a form of cause-related marketing that have proliferated in recent years. Commercial co-ventures between a company and a...

        Firm Highlights

        Blog

        What is a Bonus for Purposes of ERISA?

        An ongoing dispute about a Department of Labor advisory opinion published last September raises a basic but unanswered question under the ERISA: What...
        Media Mentions

        Verrill Recognized by WMTW for Partnership Supporting Hunger Relief in Maine

        Verrill was recently featured in coverage by WMTW News 8 for its role in a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity across southern...
        Press Releases

        33 Verrill Attorneys, Across Four Offices, Recognized in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide

        BOSTON, Massachusetts, PORTLAND, Maine, WESTPORT, Connecticut, and WASHINGTON, D.C. – Verrill has been recognized as a Leading Firm in 14...
        Blog

        Will the Knicks Beat the Spurs? (Are Prediction Market Event Contracts Gambling?)

        For those of you who like to keep score, currently 18 states are engaged in litigation over prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket,...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        DOJ Announces Faster Review and Enhanced Enforcement for Benefits-Fraud FCA Matters

        On May 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Division issued a new memorandum, “Accelerating Review and Enhancing Enforcement in...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        DOJ Announces Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown; Signals Intensified Medicaid Enforcement Nationwide

        On May 21, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) announced a first-of-its kind Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown charging 15 defendants, including...
        Media Mentions

        Lauren Galvin Quoted in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly on Arbitration and Anti-SLAPP Protections

        Verrill Partner Lauren Galvin was recently featured in a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly article highlighting a notable Superior Court decision...
        Blog

        Section 530A Accounts: What Employers Should Consider Before Offering Contributions to “Trump” Accounts

        Section 530A accounts, commonly referred to as Trump accounts, have attracted attention since the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in...
        Blog

        Navigating PBM Reform: Regulatory Changes, Market Shifts, and Practical Guidance for ERISA Fiduciaries

        Pharmacy Benefit Manager (“PBM”) arrangements have long relied on rebates with limited transparency into true drug costs. Recent regulatory and...
        Blog

        DOL’s Proposed Regulation on Selecting Alternative Investments: Broad Implications for 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Fiduciaries

        On March 30, 2026, the Department of Labor issued a proposed regulation purporting to implement an executive order to expand access to “alternative...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Attorney Gracie Castle

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to welcome Gracie Castle to the firm’s Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Group as an Associate,...
        Published Works

        Francesco De Vito Authors Article in the Journal of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys

        Verrill Partner Frank De Vito authored an article featured in the Spring 2026 issue of The Abstract, the journal of the American College of Mortgage...