Recently, a client asked me to review some advertising copy, something I had not done for several years.  It got me thinking about how much I always liked working with the marketing team when I was an in-house lawyer.  They are the “cool kids” at most companies; fun, sophisticated, and always handing out the best snacks.  And, they have lots of good swag to give away too.  More importantly, they bring a shit load of legal issues to the table which, depending on your point of view, can be a positive or a negative.  I tend to be a glass-half-full guy so I took all the crazy the marketing team could deliver as an opportunity to hone my skills (and maybe nab a free t-shirt, coffee mug, or Travelocity Gnome).  And, since I knew nothing about marketing or advertising law when I started in-house, it was a chance to learn something new – which is always a positive in my book.  After a rough start, I came to appreciate that “marketing law” covers a lot of ground, touching a host of legal issues.  Because of that, all in-house lawyers should have a basic understanding of the different facets (and how the legal department can best help the business navigate the problem areas).  Not sure what I am talking about?  Well, read on! This edition of “Ten Things” discusses what in-house lawyers need to know about marketing law:

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