Trendspotting @ LegalTech
Like the rest of the community, I make my annual pilgrimage to LegalTech New York to see old friends, gauge where technology has taken us and to gain insight on the direction in which we are headed. (I also go to replenish my swag. My favorite item is still the crisp two-dollar bill from Lex on Demand, but a few companies were making luggage tags from business cards, which I liked, and others were giving away flash drives, which I needed. And Kroll Ontrack Inc.'s 10-minute massage was a nice addition to the mix.)
VoIP: Hype or Reality?
Many people use free or consumer-class Voice over Internet Protocol ('VoIP') solutions and make long-distance calls for 'free.' But is this VoIP technology suitable for a law firm? Will it provide the business-class security and reliability expected in a phone system?
Features
Movers and Shakers
Information about the advancement of lawyers in the patent profession.
Selecting Experts in Patent Cases: A Few Simple Considerations
Last month's installment discussed the necessity of analyzing whether experts are required, allowed, and qualified; Daubert considerations; and issues pertaining to 'skeletons in the closet.' The conclusion of this series addresses knowing why you hire an expert, whether an expert will be persuasive with the finder of fact, and agreements on scope of discovery.
USPTO Accelerated Examination: A Pre-Litigation Strategy
This article explores the advantages achieved by using the USPTO's Accelerated Exam procedure as a pre-litigation strategy.
The Securities Act of 1933: Assessing and Managing IP Liability
Given the potential liability exposure established under the Securities Act of 1933, it is becoming increasingly important that a company's internal management and outside advisers thoroughly understand the IP-related risks associated with the realization of corporate value.
Federal Circuit Clarifies Standard for Direct Patent Infringement Involving Multiple Parties
This article discusses the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's recent decision in <i>BMC Resources, Inc. v. Paymentech,</i> which clarified the standard for direct infringement where multiple parties are involved in performing steps of a method claim.
Settling the Tab for Entertainment Expenses
The conventional wisdom is that only 50% of the cost of routine meal and entertainment expenses is deductible. However, law and other professional service firms that spend a significant sum on these items should be aware of instances where they are fully deductible. Financial advisers can help find them.
Dealing with Merger Financial Data
When two law firms undertake merger discussions, they eventually exchange financial information. Typically, this exchange is anticipated from both a curiosity standpoint as well as a practical standpoint. Ultimately no merger will occur if it does not make good economic sense; therefore, critical financial review is essential.
Helping Associates Transition to Partnership
Unfortunately, many firms fail to prepare their associates for the change in financial status that will occur upon their election to partnership. As a result, they can be distracted by financial concerns, and much of the goodwill generated by their elevation to partnership is lost. At the same time, those firms that prepare their associates for the change and lend a helping hand in the transition develop strong loyalties and better long-term partners.
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- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel'Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel is a continuation of the discussion of client expectations and the disconnect that often occurs. And although the outside attorneys should be pursuing how inside-counsel actually think, inside counsel should make an effort to impart this information without waiting to be asked.Read More ›
- Ticket Refund Suits Against StubHub to Get MDL TreatmentOnline ticket reseller StubHub faces lawsuits over allegedly unrefunded event tickets in California, after a federal judicial panel ordered that similar cases from jurisdictions in multiple states be coordinated.Read More ›
- Credible Fraudulent Transfer AdvocacyAppellate courts continue to use common sense when disposing of constructively fraudulent transfer appeals, as recent decisions show.Read More ›
- ELFA ScheduleThe Equipment Leasing and Finance Association has released its 2016 calendar of events.Read More ›
- Holders of Unredeemed Gift Cards Denied Bankpruptcy PriorityFor some time now, the brick and mortar side of the retail industry has been in financial distress. In 2015 and 2016 alone, brand-name companies such as Sports Authority, RadioShack, Aéropostale, American Apparel, Eastern Mountain Sports and City Sports sought bankruptcy protection. A common question in these cases is how to treat holders of unredeemed gift cards. Are they near the back of the line with other general unsecured creditors, or are they entitled to “priority” payment status under the Bankruptcy Code?Read More ›