Features
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its Effect on Franchising
As the ACA continues to be implemented, franchisors and franchisees must be vigilant in understanding whether they are subject to the ACA's mandates, penalties and tax credits. The franchising industry must be sufficiently informed and prepared to manage the uncertainty surrounding both compliance requirements and costs.
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$1,000 Per Hour Isn't Rare Anymore
As recently as five years ago, law partners charging $1,000 an hour were outliers. Today, four-figure hourly rates for in-demand partners at the most prestigious firms don't raise eyebrows ' and a few top earners are closing in on $2,000 an hour.
Features
<i>Online Extra</i>11th Circuit Ruling over Composer's Rights to 'Spank' Sets Precedent on Copyright Infringement
Litigation over a 1970s disco song has set new copyright precedent at the Atlanta-based federal appeals court.
Features
A More Secure Investment?
Clearly, the attractiveness of each investment type will vary with conditions. So, which is the better investment for the long-term investor?
Features
Common Exclusions from Blanket Liens
This article examines some items that commonly are carved out of blanket liens, either by operation of law or by market practice.
Features
Prior Agreement Bars Termination of Song Rights
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York decided that music publisher EMI can keep the rights to the 1934 hit song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" for another 25 years.
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Meals and Entertainment Expenses
Meals and entertainment expenses are generally only 50% deductible, and provided the expenses are ordinary and necessary, have a business purpose and have proper documentation, there should be no issues surviving an IRS audit.
Features
<i>LifeScan v. Shasta Tech </i>
The Federal Circuit panel discussed patent exhaustion in light of product claims, citing precedent where "the Supreme Court [has] repeatedly held, in addressing device patents, that the sale of a patented device exhausted the patent-holder's right to exclude, and that an infringement suit would not lie with respect to the subsequent sale or use of the device."
Features
Dancing on the Cliff Edge
In the last five years, we have heard increasing chatter about the failed business model of law firms, new technology that is erasing the need for lawyers and other information interpreters, and enhanced cognitive systems that mine and interpret data. Let's look at some examples of trends that are leading the way.
Features
The Pitfalls of Arbitration Administrator Rules
Picking the applicable rules, without more, does not identify the administrator that will oversee the arbitration process. An "expertly drafted" clause must identify the rules and the organization or person who will administer the rules.
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