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Q: What are the rules when using collegiate team names, logos, and NCAA trademarks like “March Madness” and “Final Four” in advertising? A:  Advertisers cannot use team, individual or National Collegiate Athletic Association trademarked terms, phrases, or logos without permission. The NCAA has registered several terms, phrases and logos with the United States Patent and…

Q: Are settlement agreements involving public agencies considered public records? Can an agency rely upon a confidentiality clause in a settlement agreement to deny access?  A:  Settlement agreements between public agencies and third parties are public records, and the Pennsylvania appellate courts have consistently held that confidentiality clauses in these agreements are not enforceable.  Under…

Q: Does HIPAA prevent hospitals from releasing any and all information about patients? Does HIPAA restrict our ability to publish medical information? A:  While HIPAA prohibits unauthorized release of individually identifiable health records, it permits the release of “directory information” about patients identified by name in certain circumstances, and HIPAA does not apply to the…