Legal Insights

Grape Purchase Agreements are a type of contract governing the transaction between winemakers and third-party grape growers.
Josh Zetlin

Grape Purchase Agreements: Understanding Contracts in the Wine Industry

Introduction Grapes are the foundational ingredient of wine, so it should come as no surprise that the contract for winemakers to purchase grapes from winegrowers – the Grape Purchase Agreement – represents a crucial aspect of the wine industry. Nearly all winemakers purchase at least some of their grape supply from third-party grape growers. Grape Purchase Agreements, the type of

Read More »
Federal Advertising Regulations for Wine Businesses
Hilary St. Jean

Federal Advertising Regulations for Wine Businesses

The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 USCA Ch.8, subchapters I-II, Sections 201-219a, as applicable) (The “Act”) authorizes the US Department of the Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury (the “TTB”) to be the permitting authority for importers, producers, and wholesalers of wine; and to regulate the advertising and marketing of wine, including as relates

Read More »
New California Cannabis Business Resources from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)
Rogoway Law Group

California Cannabis Provisional License Application Deadline Reminder

4/3/23 Last Day for Provisional License Application Submissions According to Business and Professions Code §26050.2(a)(3)(D), local equity applicants have until March 31, 2023 to submit license applications to the California Department of Cannabis Control (“DCC”) to be considered for provisional state licenses. However, the DCC announced on March 24th that due to the Cesar Chavez holiday, it will accept applications

Read More »
Rogoway Law Group

Three Firm Partners Named to Prestigious Super Lawyers® List for a Second Consecutive Year

We are proud to announce that three of our Firm’s partners at Rogoway Law Group have been recognized by Super Lawyers®. Managing Attorney Joe Rogoway and Partner Hilary St. Jean have been recognized as 2023 Super Lawyers®, and Partner Blair Gue has been recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star for the second consecutive year. The Partners’ selection to Super

Read More »
Avoiding Labor & Employment Disputes From Onboarding To Exit.
Hilary St. Jean

Avoiding Labor & Employment Disputes from Onboarding to Exit. (Mitigating Risk of Liability in the Employee Lifecycle)

Introduction Now more than ever companies must be on top of staffing and employment issues. It’s always important to properly document onboarding employees and contractors, any issues that arise in the lifecycle of the employment relationship and any exit documentation, but in difficult economic times it is especially important to maintain recordation thereof and any human resources issues.  Mitigating Labor

Read More »
Trademark Modernization Act - Shortened USPTO Office Action Response Deadlines and Faster Trademark Registration Timelines
Josh Zetlin

Trademark Modernization Act – Shortened USPTO Office Action Response Deadlines and Faster Trademark Registration Timelines

Introduction: The Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 Recent changes to United States trademark laws herald significant changes for brand owners.  In particular, the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 (TMA) established new rules for trademark enforcement, prosecution, and maintenance. The TMA adjusted United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) procedures, implementing expedited trademark application timelines and creating new enforcement tools for

Read More »
Understanding Cal-OSHA Injury and Illness Prevention Program ( IIPP )Requirements for California Cannabis Businesses
Rogoway Law Group

Understanding Cal-OSHA Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)Requirements for California Cannabis Businesses

Introduction Most commercial cannabis businesses in the state of California spend a significant amount of time ensuring they are compliant with the regulations promulgated by the California Department of Cannabis Control (the “DCC” and “DCC Regulations”). However, there are a number of non DCC rules and regulations that all commercial cannabis businesses must also comply with that often get overlooked.

Read More »
B Corporation Certification: A Guide for Wineries and Beverage Businesses
Hilary St. Jean

B Corporation Certification: A Guide for Wineries and Beverage Businesses

Why B Corporation Certification is on the Rise In California particularly, issues of environmental impact and public impact are at the forefront of corporate and political leadership. In part, this is due to the constant challenges that arise through a highly agricultural geography meeting very tumultuous environmental factors, including drought, fire and flood. This is of heightened importance with industries

Read More »
Josh Zetlin

Commercial Contracts for Wineries and Other Beverage Companies: A Primer

Introduction Wineries and beverage businesses face unique challenges when it comes to commercial contracts. From sourcing grapes to distributing wine or other beverages, beverage businesses must navigate complex supply chains, regulatory requirements, and shifting market demands. To succeed, it’s essential to have strong commercial contracts in place. In this article, we’ll explore the essential elements of commercial contracts and the

Read More »
ABC Enforcement Actions, Penalties, And Appeals Before The Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board
Joe Rogoway

Legal Considerations for Enforcement Actions, Penalties, and Appeals before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board

Introduction California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC” or “Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control”) Licensees are subject to a range of enforcement actions for various statutory and regulatory violations. Indeed, one of the three pillars of the ABC mission statement is enforcement and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control engages in a variety of programs to “protect the public” by

Read More »