How to Avoid Insider Preference Liability
The Tenth Circuit held on July 15, 2008, that a major creditor with a seat on the debtor's board of directors and a 10.6% equity interest was not an insider in a bankruptcy preference suit. As shown in this article, the decision contains a road map for corporate insiders on how to avoid preference liability.
The Financial State of the Automotive Industry
Despite all the recent media attention focused on bankruptcy concerns among the domestic three automakers, we do not anticipate any domestic OEM filing for bankruptcy protection. However, we anticipate increased bankruptcy activity within the supplier base in the latter part of 2008 and into 2009.
Features
Auction Web Site Off the Hook
At one time or another, every trademark holder must deal with infringement on the Internet. After years of chasing individual infringers, many brand owners seek relief from those who provide the means for infringement. Yet these efforts have had limited success, at least in the United States. In some jurisdictions, search engines have avoided liability for sales of trademarks as keywords, under the doctrine of non-trademark use.
Rambus
Part One of this article provided background relating to IP disclosures in standard setting and discussed the <i>Rambus</i> decision. This month's installment addresses the impact of <i> Rambus</i>.
Claim Preclusion
The manufacturer/customer privity hurdle in patent infringement suits can be overcome by application of the <i>Kessler</i> doctrine. This article explains.
Features
Export Controls for Technologies Described in U.S. Invention Disclosures
Last month, we published an article discussing the patent application foreign filing license requirements for various countries, including the United States. As the issue went to press, the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") issued a Federal Register Notice warning patent applicants that the exportation of information relating to technologies developed in the United States to foreign countries for purposes of preparing patent applications to be filed in the United States is subject to clearance review by the Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Here is the update.
Net News
FCC Orders Comcast to Cease Blocking Large Files<br>The Inexact Science Behind DMCA Takedown Notices
Features
Can MySpace Suits Can the Spam?
Social-networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are dropping the legal hammer on spammers. The question is: Can they really nail the elusive disturbers of Internet peace?
Social Networking May Pay Off in the End
For all their hype, social-networking Web sites are just glorified directories ' the 21st-Century version of the phone book or the legal directory. But unlike their forebearers, these directories give you far more control, helping you tailor your listing and manage your network in ways no traditional directory ever could. Some people question the value of professional networking sites, given that a critical mass has yet to join them. But to my mind, avoiding social networking until it becomes widespread makes no more sense than waiting to launch a blog until everyone else has one. Would you rather lead the pack or trail behind it?
Features
Keeping Up with Online Brand and Other Related Scams and Frauds
There can be little doubt in today's world that the Internet offers new ways to do old things. We can now work more efficiently, conduct financial business, enjoy recreational reading, socialize and perform a host of other tasks ' all online. Yet, this same Internet has provided an almost unguarded playground to allow thieves and other criminals to develop and unleash sophisticated scams and frauds on unsuspecting users.
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