Commercial Law

Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.

On Feb. 3 the American Bar Association held its Consumer Protection Law Conference, sponsored by the Section of Antitrust Law. Why should franchise systems' ears prick up? For starters, savvy franchisors should understand the larger consumer protection context in which their principal federal regulator operates — especially when most of the top decision-makers show up.

For lodging industry franchises, bed bugs are a business challenge and a potential source of litigation.

From major corporations, and both small and large public relations firms, comes a stream of so-called releases and other material that's so inept, and so primitive, that you must ultimately realize that those who do it right must have a vast array of skills, talents and imaginative energy. It must be difficult, because how could it be simple when so many people do it wrong? And of course, the client pays the high price of doing it wrong.

During the current economic downturn, many people have unfortunately discovered that they have been the victims of sharp dealers and their Ponzi schemes. That means that some divorced couples and their attorneys now have one more thing to worry about.

The author continues this month with his discussion of tips for attorneys presenting medical malpractice cases in alternative dispute forums.

Early last year, the author discussed in this publication three decisions from lower courts that had the potential to greatly impact and shape the emerging landscape of the HIPAA ex parte interview debate. The discussion continues herein.

The recent Pennsylvnia Superior Court case of Balicki v. Balicki has sent shock waves throughout the family law community. Here's why.