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Commercial Law

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Court Watch

Alexander G. Tuneski

Recent rulings of interest to you and your practice.

Features

The 'Sophisticated Insured' Defense

Marialuisa S. Gallozzi & Kimberly A. Strosnider

A majority of courts consider the <i>contra proferentem</i> doctrine to be a pillar of insurance law. The doctrine requires ambiguous terms in an insurance policy to be construed against the insurer and in favor of coverage for the insured. A prominent rationale behind the doctrine is that insurance policies are usually standard-form contracts drafted entirely by insurers.

Features

Conflicts of Interest Between an Insurer and Its Insured

Bob Alpert & Jeff Douglass

This article examines potential conflicts of interest between an insurer and its insured and the extent of an insured's right to its own independent counsel in such circumstances. This article also discusses other situations that may raise conflicts of interest between an insurer and an insured sufficient to trigger a right to independent counsel. Finally, it considers whether the insurer or the insured has the right to select that counsel.

Features

Marketplace

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Highlights of the latest equipment leasing news from around the country.

Features

Credit Applications

Deborah L. Thorne

Although credit applications assist lessors in making these credit decisions, the lessor should make sure that it avoids the pitfalls of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ('ECOA') and that the financial information it obtains through the credit application is stored appropriately to avoid liability under various state laws regulating the storage of private financial information. This article discusses the components of a good credit application, the requirements of the ECOA, and the best practices for storing private financial information.

Features

Leasing of Solar Energy Equipment

Ellen Friedman, David Graybeal & William O'Brien

For traditional institutional equity investors in leveraged and single-investor equipment lease transactions, solar equipment may offer an attractive investment opportunity. Leasing solar equipment may also provide an attractive investment structure for traditional investors in power projects looking to expand investments in renewable energy projects.

Features

Q&A with Sean Kelly, Franchise Blogger

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Franchisees complain about the imbalance of power between themselves and franchisors, especially when franchisor-franchisee relationships go awry. The Web has changed that dynamic significantly by giving franchisees an easy way to voice their complaints widely and anonymously. Sean Kelly is providing one of the most popular forums for franchisees to vent about franchisors ' whether fairly or unfairly. A 20-year veteran of the franchising industry who participated in the startup of more than 100 franchises concepts, Kelly started a series of franchise-related blogs in November 2006 that have quickly become must-reads for franchisors, franchisees, franchise counsel, and consumers.

Features

The Leasing Hotline

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Highlights of the latest commercial leasing cases from around the country.

Features

Production Lawyer's Guide to Obtaining E&O Insurance, Preventing Litigation

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Part One discussed what is and isn't covered by errors and omissions (E&amp;O) insurance and examined general clearance guidelines for film and TV. Part Two continues the discussion with specific clearance procedures for production counsel to consider.

Features

Legislation to Fight Global IP Piracy

Douglas W. Kenyon & R. Dennis Fairbanks

To paraphrase a line from a favorite song, you don't always get what you want, but sometimes, you get what you need. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) almost certainly did not get all that it wanted when the House of Representatives passed the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act (Pro IP Act), H.R. 4279, in May. What remains to be seen is whether the RIAA and other proponents of the legislation will get what they claim to need ' or anything at all.

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