Features
Txt2Win and Mobile Promos
Sweepstakes and contests have become popular in mobile promotion. However, because sweepstakes and contests are highly regulated, a marketer using a mobile device must comply not only with mobile-messaging laws and regulations, but also with those governing sweepstakes and contests. Indeed, text messaging as a sweepstakes-entry method has brought much consumer litigation in recent years.
eBay Sued for $3.8 Billion for Alleged Patent Infringement
Online auction giant eBay Inc. was hit with a $3.8 billion patent-infringement lawsuit last month. XPRT Ventures LLC, which holds patents covering e-commerce payments and methods, filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against eBay and several subsidiaries, including PayPal Inc. and StubHub Inc. The suit alleges infringement of six XPRT patents covering e-commerce payment systems and that eBay misappropriated information provided in confidence.
Features
Stop in the Name of ' the IP Police?
When it comes to infringement of intellectual property, there are no "IP police" hiding in the obscure nooks and crannies of cyberspace to chase down those who misuse property online. Instead, the e-commerce firm itself often must become its own IP cop, when it discovers ' as it inevitably will in the online free-for-all ' that its marks, copyrighted content or knockoffs of its unique products appear on the Web site or in the e-catalog of a competitor.
Technology Is a Double-Edged Sword In the Courtroom
While it can enhance a trial presentation, not every trial will benefit from the use of technology, and in many instances it can be an expensive hindrance rather than an asset. It may be wise to use technology judiciously.
Considering the Effect of Internal Policies on Medical Malpractice Liability
In last month's newsletter, we discussed a case in which a South Carolina plaintiff avoided dismissal of a medical malpractice case on motion for summary judgment by relying solely on the defendant medical care facility's violation of its own polices and procedures as evidence of negligence. We conclude the discussion herein.
Features
Curbside Consults
In today's climate of increasing concern about medical malpractice liability, is it safe for a doctor to give advice when asked by a treating physician?
Court Orders Ex-Wife Jailed for Alienating Kids from Their Dad
A Long Island, NY, judge has sentenced a woman to six weekends in jail for repeatedly undermining her ex-husband's relationship with their two daughters.
Features
Psychological Experts and Trial Tactics
Retained testifying experts who assert that neither their findings nor their opinions might be affected by biases are either fools, liars, or lying fools.
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
- The 'Sophisticated Insured' DefenseA 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.Read More ›
- A Lawyer's System for Active ReadingActive reading comprises many daily tasks lawyers engage in, including highlighting, annotating, note taking, comparing and searching texts. It demands more than flipping or turning pages.Read More ›
- The Brave New World of Cybersecurity Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions: Pitfalls and OpportunitiesLike poorly-behaved school children, new technologies and intellectual property (IP) are increasingly disrupting the M&A establishment. Cybersecurity has become the latest disruptive newcomer to the M&A party.Read More ›
- Abandoned and Unused Cables: A Hidden Liability Under the 2002 National Electric CodeIn an effort to minimize the release of toxic gasses from cables in the event of fire, the 2002 version of the National Electric Code ("NEC"), promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, sets forth new guidelines requiring that abandoned cables must be removed from buildings unless they are located in metal raceways or tagged "For Future Use." While the NEC is not, in itself, binding law, most jurisdictions in the United States adopt the NEC by reference in their state or local building and fire codes. Thus, noncompliance with the recent NEC guidelines will likely mean that a building is in violation of a building or fire code. If so, the building owner may also be in breach of agreements with tenants and lenders and may be jeopardizing its fire insurance coverage. Even in jurisdictions where the 2002 NEC has not been adopted, it may be argued that the guidelines represent the standard of reasonable care and could result in tort liability for the landlord if toxic gasses from abandoned cables are emitted in a fire. With these potential liabilities in mind, this article discusses: 1) how to address the abandoned wires and cables currently located within the risers, ceilings and other areas of properties, and 2) additional considerations in the placement and removal of telecommunications cables going forward.Read More ›
- Guidance on Distributions As 'Disbursements' and U.S. Trustee FeesIn a recent case from the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, In re Paragon Offshore PLC, the bankruptcy court provided guidance on whether a post-plan effective date litigation trust's distributions constituted disbursements subject to the U.S. Trustee fee "tax."Read More ›