1. Provide the definition of an intellectual property. Compare and contrast patents and trade secrets. When might a business owner choose a patent over a trade secret? When might a business owner choose a trade secret over a patent?
2. What is Alternative Dispute Resolution? Compare and contrast arbitration and mediation. Are there advantages/disadvantages to businesses requiring current and incoming employees to sign mandatory arbitration agreements rather than allowing employees to bring their grievances directly to court? Describe how the contract elements of AGREEMENT and CONSIDERATION come into play when an employer wants a mandatory arbitration agreement to be valid and binding.
3. What is the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990? To whom does it provide protection and where does it apply? How does an employer need to respond if a candidate for employment or existing employee has brought a disability they developed to the employer's attention? Give a couple examples. What factors are involved when making determination about whether an accommodation is reasonable?
4. Discuss the purpose of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Identify the different protected classes covered under the law and elaborate on some examples of employer behavior that might violate this law. Explain the difference between disparate treatment and disparate impact. Which two forms of sexual harassment (explain the differences) can stem from a Title VII violation? When giving examples of actions that violate the Title VII, be sure to discuss in terms of hiring, firing, promotion, or sexual harassment.