This article provides a brief overview of the two-step, benefit-recognition approach implemented by FIN 48, a summary of the disclosures required by FIN 48, and a discussion of issues associated with protecting FIN 48 compliance documentation from disclosure to taxing authorities.
In the newly released Altman Weil Flash Survey on Lawyer Retirement, only 38% of lawyers agreed with the enforcement of mandatory retirement provisions in law firms. However, 50% of respondents reported that their firms currently have mandatory retirement policies. These findings may encourage more discussion and possibly policy changes in U.S. law firms.
Highlights of the latest intellectual property news from around the country.
Courts and lawyers should pay particular attention to survey findings such as there is 'no likelihood of confusion,' 'there is no likelihood of dilution,' and ensure that the power of the test is high to rely on such conclusions. Anytime a commissioned survey indicates 'no effect,' in addition to issues such as question clarity, randomness of the sample, and other methodological issues, there is the additional critical issue of statistical power.
This article discusses the main changes to new version of the GNU General Public License, GPLv3. The new version is the result of extensive public comment and heated debate, and could have far-reaching effects on the use of open source software. GPLv3 is the successor to GPL version 2 (GPLv2), first published in 1991, used extensively today, and among the most popular open source licenses available.
New methods of stem cell research, such as the recent conversion of skin cells into stem cells, may escape ethical barriers that currently exist in European patent law. In addition to their potential ability to sidestep the ethical barriers to patenting stem cells, these new research approaches can open new scope for researchers to perform stem cell research in the United States.
To manage today's younger-generations lawyers effectively, law firm and law department managers must relate to them as individuals, validate their self-interest, and communicate with them candidly and realistically.
This article provides pointers as to how to hire the best consultant for your firm's job and how to ensure the work product you desire.
When two law firms undertake merger discussions, they eventually exchange financial information. Here, we have compiled a short list of do's and don'ts to combat avoidable problems related to merger financials.
Last year, we informed readers of the rediscovery by some partners in multi-state partnerships of the benefits of becoming a professional corporation ('PC') partner in their law firms, primarily to obtain state income tax savings. New York recently enacted legislation that would potentially adversely affect that strategy, including those who incorporated long before the legislation was passed, and it is unclear whether other states may follow.
