The first part of this series explored and discussed the background July 2016 merger of Uber China and its largest competitor, Didi Chuxing. This blog will discuss the particulars of that agreement as well as the developments in the story of the merger that have occurred in recent months. As discussed more fully in the…
Tag: Technology
Audio Beacon Technology: Is the Potential for Increased Sales Worth the Risk?
This blog is the first of a two-part series. In this first installment, I will briefly explain how beacon technology works, discussing the benefits that such technology provides retailers, as well as the legal and perceptive risks that accompany the technology. In the second installment, I will discuss the somewhat untouched-legal landscape in which audio…
$1.35 million “Supercookie” Slap to Verizon Wireless
Someone is watching your every move on the web and you do not even know it. If you think you are safe simply by deleting browser cookies and history, think again; there are many other sneaky ways your movements continue to be tracked. Generally, cookies are installed to enhance and personalize consumers’ Internet experience. A…
FTC Charges Vulcun for Replacing a Game with Its Own App
On February 5, 2016, app-making company General Holdings Inc., also doing business as Vulcun, agreed with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to stop installing its apps on consumers’ mobile devices without their permission and plaguing them with advertisements on their desktop computers.1 The scandal started with Vulcun’s sneaky replacement of a popular browser-based game called…
The Square IPO and Unease over Tech Bubble 2.0
Last week, mobile payment company Square launched its IPO at $9 per share, closing the day at a 45% gain of $13.07.1 However, in spite of ending the day at a gain, Square’s IPO opening share price was lower than expected.2 As of early last week, it was speculated that the company would open at…
Growing Children’s Privacy Concerns for Tech Startups
In recent years, applications and online technology have increasingly been targeted at children. As a result of this child-focused technology, concerns have been raised about the privacy of the children using these products. Many of the producers of these technologies are small startups and therefore the discussion has remained rather minimal. However recently, a new…
HP to Grow Networking Business Through Aruba Networks Acquisition
In its first major transaction since announcing plans to split itself into two last year, Hewlett-Packard agreed to buy Aruba Networks on March 2, 2015.1 The deal, which is expected to close in the second half of this year, is valued at $3 billion, or $2.7 billion net of cash and debt.2 Aruba Networks, based…
The Ongoing Battle for Net Neutrality
Net neutrality is not a topic that is unfamiliar with controversy. And the controversy spreads across various different studies and disciplines—issues can range anywhere in the gamut from Constitutional questions about one’s right to freedom of speech or business concerns that arise due to unequal access to certain companies’ websites, among others. So what exactly…
Is Yik Yak Next?
Yik Yak, the anonymous messaging app sweeping college campuses nationwide, recently announced that it has closed a $62 million round of financing led by Sequoia Capital. Mike Isaac,1 This was the messaging company’s third round of venture funding in the past seven months, bringing its total funding raised to approximately $73 million.2 While to outsiders…
Bitcoin Regulation
Recently, Mark Wetjen, a commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, published an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal calling for the regulation of the digital currency, Bitcoin.1 Citing the need of merchants to hedge exposure to fluctuations in Bitcoin’s value, trading platforms beginning to list Bitcoin derivatives contracts, its financial innovative capabilities, and the…