Courts Continue to Differ over Timing of Claims Construction: Markman v. Westview Still a Definining Element
In the two courts (the Northern District of California and the Southern District of Texas) that have substantially revised (N.D.Ca.) or adopted (S.D.Tex.) local patent rules effective in 2008, one has opted for an early approach to <i>Markman v. Westview</i> (N.D.Ca.) and the other (S.D.Tex.) has left it largely to the discretion of individual judges. This recent contrast highlights the continuing differences of opinion as to the best approach to <i>Markman</i> hearings and their timing.
Features
In the Marketplace
Highlights of the latest equipment leasing news from around the country.
Recovering the Value of Preferential Transfers of Goods or Equipment: Seller Beware
Imagine you are an equipment manufacturer. You sell $45 million in goods to a reliable customer on credit, shipping them to a third-party warehouse to be held for the customer to pick up when needed. Months later, unable to pay and sliding toward bankruptcy, the customer returns the unused equipment. The next thing you know, the customer, having filed for bankruptcy, sues YOU to recover not only the $45 million value of the returned equipment, but also an additional $55 million in cash payments the customer had made.
Features
Truck Leasing in a Down Economy: How to Prepare
The apparent downturn of the economy is currently most prevalent in the trucking sector, which saw a dramatic increase in repossessions and liquidations in the past year. This article discusses strategic options for lessors.
Features
Business Incentives in the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008: A Welcome Boost for the Leasing Industry
This article explains the terms of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that impact the leasing industry, explains how the terms in the act are likely to affect leasing companies, and explains how leasing companies can benefit from them.
News Briefs
Highlights of the latest franchising news from around the country.
Features
Movers & Shakers
News about lawyers and law firms in the franchising industry.
Court Watch
Highlights of the latest franchising cases from around the country.
Features
Termination Notice Traps: How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Often, franchisors assume there is a 'one size fits all' termination notice and that their notice will, in fact, terminate the relationship. All too often, however, a poorly drafted or ill-conceived termination notice provides ammunition for a wrongful termination claim, justification for the unenforceability of post-termination provisions, or even rescission of the franchise agreement.
Features
False Advertising: Eleventh Circuit Makes It Harder for Franchisees to Bring Cases Against Franchisors
In a battle of fast food restaurants, a local Florida Burger King franchisee sued McDonald's for false advertising, only to have the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rule that the franchisee could not show that it had standing to bring its claim, despite the fact that the franchisee directly competed against McDonald's restaurants. The ruling highlights a split in the circuit courts that may have to be resolved by the Supreme Court, as the ruling differs from the law of other circuits that generally have allowed 'direct competitors' of the advertiser to sue for false advertising as long as they allege they have been injured by the ad.
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 DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year LaterThe DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.Read More ›
- Marketing Analytics: More Is Not Always BestIn the past few decades, law firms have made great strides in catching up with the rest of the corporate world and are reaping the benefits of all kinds of marketing. This acceptance by firm management is in great part due to an increased appreciation of analytics, made possible by digital marketing and social media.Read More ›
- The DOJ's New Parameters for Evaluating Corporate Compliance ProgramsThe parameters set forth in the DOJ's memorandum have implications not only for the government's evaluation of compliance programs in the context of criminal charging decisions, but also for how defense counsel structure their conference-room advocacy seeking declinations or lesser sanctions in both criminal and civil investigations.Read More ›
- Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar InvestigationsThis article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.Read More ›
- Second Circuit Reinforces Bankruptcy Code Settlement Payment Safe HarborThe Second Circuit affirmed the lower courts' judgment that a "transfer made … in connection with a securities contract … by a qualifying financial institution" was entitled "to the protection of ... §546 (e)'s safe harbor ...."Read More ›
