Donald Joseph Cayea's Answers

I am 49% owner in a corporation. 51% patner is making very bad decisions. What rights do I have as a minority shareholder?

A majority shareholder has an obligation, or legally speaking, a duty to the minority shareholder not to "waste" corporate assets. This would, of course, include not engaging in harmful or unlawful activities which could result in financial loss to the corporation. Each state has its own laws regarding the duties of the majority shareholder to the minority shareholder. You should consult with an attorney in your state to find out what your rights are. Donald J. Cayea

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How can I tell if my novel infringes the copyright of a classic?

All the attorneys who have answered make excellent points. Let me add yet another. It is possible to have copyright within a copyrighted work. It's called a derivative work. You've seen this, I'm sure, at some point in your life. A good example is a textbook. Often, chapters are authored by different writers. This work is protected by copyright laws. Of course, the copyright can be assigned. It's done all the time. Another and perhaps more related example is a screenplay based upon a book or a...

Is my employer breaking labor laws, and if so, how/ to whom do I report it??

The Fair Labor Standards Act protects you. California may also have a "mini" FLSA counterpart. You should first call the Department of Labor and explain your situation. You can do so without identifying yourself and/or making a formal complaint. They are helpful and will provide you with answers. The Department of Labor also has a very good website. If you decide to make a complaint, your employer cannot retailate. It's that simple. Even if your complaint is llater found to be baseless, you...

Do I need an employment/ labor lawyer?

The answer to the question depends on WHY your employment status was changed. Were other employees also changed from full time to part time? If not, what, specifically, were you told was the reason. There are federal laws (and many states have mirror laws) that protect against unlawful employment practices and discrimination in the workforce. You should, in any event, discuss your situation with an employment lawyer. To better prepare him/her, make sure you first read over your company's...