LJN Newsletters

Unlike consumer lenders and real estate mortgage brokers, lessors of business equipment have generally enjoyed freedom from state licensing requirements. A survey of state laws presented at this year's Equipment Leasing Association Legal Forum, however, has revealed that certain state licensing requirements do exist for commercial lessors, especially where motor vehicle leasing is concerned. This article describes certain of these requirements and highlights some of the areas in which there are statutes pertaining to licensure; the reader is advised to check the law in each state where he or she is doing business and never take freedom from licensing for granted.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.
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.