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Features

Preconceived Opinions and IP Strategy

H. Jackson Knight

Preconceived opinions, or prejudice, by inventors and clients can have a significant impact on the filing of patents and the development of intellectual property ("IP") strategy. Here we are talking about opinions that are formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge about a subject is obtained. This prejudice is common, ranging from the most basic tasks that IP professionals routinely handle to subtle prejudice in strategy development that goes undetected and that can permeate and derail the success of the technology development. It is useful to identify some of the types of these opinions and how IP professionals might handle them.

Industrywide Patent Enforcement Strategies

Alexander I. Poltorak, Ph.D.

To model a multi-litigation enforcement let us play a simple game. The rules of the game are as follows: There are 10 closed boxes in front of us. There is a $10 bill on top of each box. For each box, there is a 50% chance that there is a $100 bill inside the box. We have two options with each of the boxes: 1) to play the game, which entails setting aside the $10 bill on top of the box and opening the box or 2) passing, which entails collecting the $10 bill on top of the box but leaving the box unopened. If we choose to play by opening the box and if there is a $100 bill inside, we can collect it and move to the next box. However, if the box is empty, the game is over and we do not get to play other boxes. The goal is to collect the maximum amount of money. What is the optimum strategy?

Getting a Handle on the Software Patent Explosion

William R. Haulbrook, Ph.D.

Companies in many different fields ' not just information technology ' are concerned about how to best protect their software technology. Changes in the legal landscape for the protection of computer software have resulted in a veritable avalanche of patents geared toward software-related inventions. This has caused some concern among policymakers, and has increased anxiety for software developers and distributors looking for a cost-effective way to protect their technology. Here are answers to some basic questions for those looking to protect their software in this new environment.

Features

Asking For Referrals: The Easiest Way To Generate More Business

Chuck Polin & Evan Polin

In an interesting contradiction, the number one technique to generate more new business is also the concept that makes attorneys the most uncomfortable. Throughout the years, numerous studies have shown that the most effective way for attorneys to develop more business is through referrals, specifically referrals from other attorneys. Typically, referrals come from three sources: 1) other attorneys; 2) strategic partners; and 3) current clients.

Features

<b>The MLF 50:</b> Profile of Brown Raysman Millstein Felder & Steiner

Elizabeth Anne "Betiayn" Tursi

Brown Raysman faces unique and interesting challenges. One of them is how to optimize ROI with a marketing budget of a midsize firm competing against firms three or four times its size, while still meeting the overall goal of greater recognition.

<b>The Place To Network:</b> The Fine Art of Phone Calls

Olivia Fox Cabane

It's easy to take phone calls casually. You can make them from your home, in your pajamas, while watching your kids, or from the office while reading your…

Features

How To Fail At Internet Marketing

Jason P. Lisi

For large and small firms, regardless of practice area, use of the Internet to attract new business can be one of the most productive and efficient forms of business development. Internet marketing ' Web sites, search engine ranking, e-mail campaigns, and the like ' is targeted, operates on a wide geographic scale, and can produce valuable leads while the lawyers are generating billable hours, vacationing, or doing other activities. <br>However, because it is a relatively new medium for law firm marketing, effective use of the Internet is not widespread. There are many myths and misunderstandings about how it works and what will succeed, and what the future holds. Here is a list of some of the best ways to fail at Internet marketing.

Technology Challenges In Law Firm Mergers

Edward Poll

When law firms merge with one another, one of the more significant front-line issues is "Which firm's technology will survive?" When there is a merger (buy-out) by a large firm of a much smaller law firm, the answer seems obvious. But, when there is a merger of equals, or of larger firms (even if not equal in size), the answer is not so clear. And where there is a merger of small firms, things get murkier still. <br>What may be worse is that frequently, the question is not even considered before it is too late to make a smooth transition.

Features

<b>Media & Communications Corner:</b> Becoming the TV Star You Always Wanted to Be

Cari Brunelle

The glamour and cache of being interviewed on CNN or CNBC as a national legal source is quite appealing to many attorneys. Broadcast journalism reaches a broad audience and for many, is seen as more exciting than print. And when other attorneys (deemed not as accomplished as themselves) appear on TV, they often wonder: How can I get there too? The answer is: preparation and some honest reflection.

Coaching For Coaches: One-On-One Attention Combats Training Program Decay Rate

David Adams & Michael Colacchio

Most practicing attorneys are realizing that the "if-you-build-it, they-will-come" approach to business development is not enough in today's competitive marketplace. For those who must learn by experience, this reality is often punctuated by a delay in making partner due to the lack of a "book of business" or mid-career partnership pressure on rainmaking. <br>Despite this reality, attorneys continue to struggle with bridging the gap between the skills and behaviors learned in law school and applied in practice, and those skills and behaviors needed to develop new business. This is where the law firm marketers come in.

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