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Tools for Challenging Settlements
A policyholder, claiming that its insurer is engaging in improper foot dragging while the policyholder faces huge liability exposure, enters into a settlement. It does so without the insurer's consent. Then the policyholder de-mands that the insurer fund the settlement. The insurer objects. In the litigation that is sure to follow, the insurer need not be on the defensive ' even if it breached its contractual obligations. Instead, several legal tools are available to an insurer to effectively challenge coverage for the settlement.
First, if an insurer is not in breach of its contractual obligations and does not consent to the settlement, there is significant, explicit authority that the settlement cannot be enforced against the insurer if the insurer's objections to the settlement are reasonable. In fact, research has not uncovered a case in which a court declined to recognize the principle that a non-breaching insurer may withhold consent as long as it has a reasonable basis to do so. Second, even if an insurer is in breach, numerous courts hold that the settlement cannot be enforced if it is unreasonable or not the product of good faith. The leading cases for both doctrines are found in New Jersey.
An Insurer's Reasonable Basis for Withholding Consent
The Article 8 Opt In
The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.
Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws
This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.
Warehouse Liability: Know Before You Stow!
As consumers continue to shift purchasing and consumption habits in the aftermath of the pandemic, manufacturers are increasingly reliant on third-party logistics and warehousing to ensure their products timely reach the market.
Legal Possession: What Does It Mean?
Possession of real property is a matter of physical fact. Having the right or legal entitlement to possession is not "possession," possession is "the fact of having or holding property in one's power." That power means having physical dominion and control over the property.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.