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.
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
- Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult CoinWith each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.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 ›
- COVID-19: Economic Stimulus and SBA LoansA summary of information on the various provisions under the new federal economic stimulus package.Read More ›
- Strategic Uses of a Rule 2004 ExamWhile most bankruptcy practitioners are familiar with the basic concepts behind the Rule 2004 exam, some are less familiar with the procedural intricacies of obtaining, conducting, and responding to the exam ' intricacies that often involve practices and procedures adapted from civil discovery that are beyond the scope of pure bankruptcy practice. This article explains.Read More ›