Features
Are Franchisors 'Employers'?
The franchise agreement almost always contains a clause specifying that the franchisee is an independent contractor and that the franchisor and franchisee are not intending to create an employment relationship. But a number of recent decisions from around the country have raised the question: Is a franchisee really an employee of the franchisor, despite the written disclaimer in the franchise agreement?
Columns & Departments
In the Courts
In-depth discussion of a case in which investors won a Madoff 'fictitious profits' appeal.
Features
Information Governance Career Options
Regulatory and business pressures have upped the ante for data management, and information governance (IG) has emerged as the new buzzword for meeting and beating these stakes. IG is a new way of looking at information management that combines the best of what's come before with new perspectives and approaches to keeping information secure, accessible and available.
Features
The Impact of Cloud Computing And Mobile Devices On Litigation Holds
Lawyers may be tempted to gloss over yet another article about litigation holds and data preservation because they believe they already have the basics down. But the "basics" are a moving target and several developments from the past year merit reconsideration of company hold processes in 2015.
Columns & Departments
Court Watch
Franchise Owner-Operator Bound to Franchise Agreement As a Non-Signatory <br>No Damages Awarded to Franchisee Despite Technical Violations of Registration and Disclosure Requirements By the Franchisor
Features
Your Website's Terms Of Service Are Unenforceable
The vast majority of terms of service (TOS) on websites are unenforceable. Companies spend a great deal of time and money in crafting what they believe to be appropriate TOS, which they hope will provide them with the various protections, safe harbors and advantages needed in dealing with the public or in transacting business. Unfortunately, in most cases those bits will not have any legal bite.
Features
NY Court of Appeals Rejects Claim of Internet Jurisdiction
Long-arm jurisdiction over non-domiciliaries is an issue that continues to bedevil practitioners and litigants in the Internet age.
Features
Will the Supreme Court Remove <i>Brulotte</i>'s Shadow Over Patent Licensing?
Fifty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the collection of royalties after a patent's expiration constitutes <i>per se</i> patent misuse. Although criticized by scholars, antitrust agencies and the lower courts, <i>Brulotte</i> has not only endured, it has impacted licensing practices in a number of contexts. All that may change, however.
Columns & Departments
Business Crimes Hotline
Discussion of two key rulings.
Features
Second Circuit Arguments in Google Books Case
Recently at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a lower court ruling that Google Books' digital library isn't copyright infringement came under attack.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- "Holy Fair Use, Batman": Copyright, Fair Use and the Dark KnightThe copyright for the original versions of Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse have expired. Now, members of the public can create — and are busy creating — their own works based on these beloved characters. Suppose, though, we want to tell stories using Batman for which the copyright does not expire until 2035. We'll review five hypothetical works inspired by the original Batman comic and analyze them under fair use.Read More ›
- Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright LawsThis 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.Read More ›
- Removing Restrictive Covenants In New YorkIn Rockwell v. Despart, the New York Supreme Court, Third Department, recently revisited a recurring question: When may a landowner seek judicial removal of a covenant restricting use of her land?Read More ›
- The Stranger to the Deed RuleIn 1987, a unanimous Court of Appeals reaffirmed the vitality of the "stranger to the deed" rule, which holds that if a grantor executes a deed to a grantee purporting to create an easement in a third party, the easement is invalid. Daniello v. Wagner, decided by the Second Department on November 29th, makes it clear that not all grantors (or their lawyers) have received the Court of Appeals' message, suggesting that the rule needs re-examination.Read More ›
- 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.Read More ›