Brandt Law PLLC

08/06/2026

It's difficult enough to comply with the patchwork of data privacy laws from state to state, the EU and the UK to which we (and our business clients) are subjected. I can't comprehend what NYC was thinking with this data sharing requirement (PII and order details!) it tried to force upon food delivery apps. How did NYC officials begin to believe that the actions sought wouldn't violate other applicable laws? Thankfully, Uber Eats, Grub Hub and Door Dash mustered up the effort to make the 1st amendment rights argument to protect their customers.

The city initially hoped the law requiring apps like DoorDash to share customer data would help the restaurant industry, but the appeals court found the law violated the First Amendment.

08/04/2026

As a child of the 80s, I'm not surprisingly a bit hesitant about AI due to my heavy SciFi roots. I blame my love of Science Fiction on being mesmerized by Star Wars when I was 6 years old and, therefore, for bringing me down the path of exposure to narrative after narrative about AI based doomsday. It wasn't just Terminator - but the lasting cultural impression of those movies (and TV show) can't be denied. Any which way - I am finally coming around to the use of AI and am in the process of figuring out its best uses in my practice. The reality is that my clients are already using it - sometimes before they speak with me and sometimes after. What is surprising to me, is that it is actually leading me to work more not less - at least at this early juncture - as I have to walk through and explain what is right and what is wrong about ChatGPT or Claude's prognostication. I've decided to go the CoCounsel route (Westlaw product) as I needed to adopt a system and start putting it to use. Now I have to carve out time for best uses. What's your stance on AI? What systems are you (or your clients) using? Open to tips and war stories.

The A.I. revolution is stalling because companies don’t want to admit that integrating the technology is expensive and slow and requires human effort.

07/31/2026

More in the vein of "what's old is new again" . . .

Watch any 80s movie or listen to any one of a zillion stories from my teenage years and socializing at the mall was part of the story. Glad to see the younger generation having appreciation for all that malls are offering. And - Gen Z and the Alphas are lucky, malls are working hard on the experiential aspect of being at the mall nowadays. Back then, we were limited to laps around the mall with stops at the food court and possibly catching a movie.

What is social shopping? Here’s everything you need to know about Gen Z's latest in-person mall trend.

07/30/2026

First, back in 2015, I had to get used to a changed relationship with NYC when I left corporate roles and started my private practice on Long Island. Then, there's no discounting the impact of Covid on NYC. Now, Macy's took down the ICONIC shopping bag on 34th. What??? As changes like this continue to occur, I'm beginning to wonder how long it will be until I don't recognize the city any longer.

It's the end of an era in Herald Square.

07/29/2026

While consumers might not be happy about increasing costs to shop with Shein (and similar foreign e-tailers), US based retailers must be feeling some relief. The closure of the de minimis tariff loophole is no longer available and now, it seems anyway, that the FTC is starting to look into anti-competition/anti-trust matters. The public doesn't know yet the goal or scope of the FTC's investigation into Shein but I have to wonder if the US agency is starting to look at anti-competition matters in a more European (read "strict") manner. If the FTC is evolving towards a European POV, retail licensing companies will need to revisit pricing, marketing, exclusivity, and other terms that may be included in existing agreements. Time will tell.

The global e-commerce giant disclosed the investigation as it preps for a Hong Kong IPO and also noted it has been bumping prices to tackle tariff costs.

07/27/2026

Fashion is all about cyclical trends and inspirations from the past. Instead of on a design front, David's Bridal is doing this operationally. For years, retailers had their "sale" racks in store - usually sloppy and an afterthought - and then disposed of the garments or sold them out to discounters. Then, retailers started creating their own brick and mortar discount locations. Now, David's Bridal is going back to the in-store arrangement but with a whole lot more care for the concept. Tip to any retailers considering a similar move: before proceeding, check your permitted use and exclusivity sections of your lease before proceeding to ensure you can do so without Landlord approval.

01/14/2026

Brings back memories of my time as General Counsel at Syms Clothing heading into bankruptcy after its acquisition of Filene's Basement. Good luck to all working their way through this draining process.

Saks Global was close to finalizing a $1.75 billion financing package with creditors that would allow its stores to remain open, two people familiar with the negotiations told Reuters earlier on Tu…