Features
Band Name Dispute Over Recording and Concert Uses
The Miami girl group Expos' ruled the charts in the 1980s, turning out a multiplatinum album and numerous hits, including the No. 1 single, 'Seasons Change.' But some things never change. Turmoil with management roiled the group during its hey-day, and rancor has returned now that the trio is on a popular reunion tour, riding high on 1980s dance nostalgia. The singers have been sued to stop using the name Expos' after breaking with promoters in August, just months before the music group's trademark licensing agreement was set to expire.
Features
The Older Workers Benefits Protection Act
Part One of this article discussed releases and covenants not to sue, the issues raised by the OWBPA (Older Workers Benefits Protection Act) and EEOC Regulations, and <i>Thomforde v. International Business Machines</i>, 406 F.3d 500 (8th Cir. 2005). The conclusion herein discusses the <i>Syverson</i> case and considerations for employers in preparing releases. <i>Syverson v. International Business Machines</i>, 461 F.3d 1147 (9th Cir. 2006).
Features
The Pregnant Employee in the Hazardous Workplace
It is well settled that the company may not transfer the employee against her wishes to another job or force her to take a leave of absence. This rule was stated clearly by the Supreme Court in <i>International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America v. Johnson Controls, Inc.</i> So what to do?
Features
Business Not As Usual
The majority of employers know that employment discrimination based on gender is illegal. Many employers, however, are unaware that discrimination based on stereotypical views of women as 'mothers' and men as 'fathers' may also be actionable. Although caregivers are not a protected class under federal anti-discrimination statutes, courts are recognizing with increased frequency that inappropriate considerations and decisions about 'caregivers' might constitute unlawful treatment under various federal laws.
Features
The New Federal Lobbying Regulations
Congress just passed the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. Congress's stated hope in passing this sweeping legislation is that it will increase public confidence in the honesty of the political process. This article explains what the Act means.
Features
Challenging the Federal Sentencing Guidelines on Policy Grounds
The federal Sentencing Guidelines can lead to 'patently absurd' punishments in white-collar cases. United States v. Adelson, 441 F. Supp. 2d 506, 515 (S.D.N.Y. 2006) (Rakoff, J.). But judicial discretion in sentencing, strongly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in Kimbrough v. United States, No. 06-6330 (Dec. 10, 2007), and Gall v. United States, No. 06-7949 (Dec. 10, 2007), has opened an important avenue for advocacy in business crime cases.
Features
The Best of MLF 2007
In 2007, we learned a lot from myriad authors and our fabulous regular columnists. As with past practice, I am going to give our readership the pleasure of having the opportunity to enjoy reading one article from each of the past 12 months. In this issue we will feature January up to and including July. The February issue will continue highlighting one article from each of the August to December issues.
Features
Subleasing Pointers: The Perspective of a Prime Landlord, Sublandlord, and Subtenant
Part One of this series discussed subleasing from the perspective of the Prime Landlord. This second installment addresses the issue from the Sublandlord's perspective.
Features
Equipment Leasing and CERCLA Liability
In this month's installment, we focus on some of the special issues facing equipment leasing as a result of the Supreme Court's decision in <i>United States v. Atlantic Research Corporation</i>. We recommend some steps in order to address the increased litigation and liability risks facing owners and lessors of equipment, risks that few have addressed.
Features
Shari'ah Finance and the Equipment Leasing Industry
<i>Shari'ah</i> or Islamic-compliant financing is gaining a foothold in international finance transactions. This article provides an overview to equipment finance professionals as to certain opportunities that may exist within this market for both increasing customer base and obtaining sources of capital.
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