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Features

Internet Software Piracy Is Not Fair Use

Judith L. Grubner

In a decision interpreting the criminal offenses provision of the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. '506), the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has held that a criminal conspiracy to pirate software did not constitute "fair use" simply because the Web site to access the software was operated by a university professor. <i>U.S. v. Slater</i>, 348 F.3d 666 (7th Cir. 2003). The Seventh Circuit found "preposterous" the defendant's argument that Internet piracy could become authorized under the fair use doctrine by using a professor as a Web site operator.

Re-examination: The Tail that Wags the Dog

Robert M. Asher

IP litigators appear to have blinders on when it comes to patent re-examination. All eyes are focused on winning the big event, the courtroom victory. To have the verdict upheld on appeal garners the ultimate win. While chasing the big dog of litigation, parties may be overlooking the power that can be wielded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") in a re-examination proceeding.

A Practical Guide to Arbitrating IP Disputes

Kyle-Beth Hilfer

Ample legal authority upholds the right of intellectual property owners to arbitrate their differences. (See part one of this article published in April 2004.) Indeed, arbitration providers, such as WIPO and the AAA, report an increased caseload for intellectual property disputes. What should counsel and parties consider in choosing arbitration as a means of settling their intellectual property disputes? What are the considerations for drafting arbitration agreements?

Features

IP News

Compiled by Kathlyn Card-Beckles

Highlights of the latest intellectual property news and cases from around the country.

Advanced Professional Education for Law Firm Managers

Stephen M. (Pete) Peterson & Ronald L. Seigneur

A Chinese proverb states: "Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere." This proverb clearly applies to law firm administrators, due to the ever-increasing complexity of law practice management and the competitive pressures facing today's firms. Experienced and well-educated professional managers are being sought out in increasing numbers by firms of all sizes to assume responsibility for the administrative management of the enterprise. The field of legal administration has therefore continued to grow and evolve, as evidenced by the 9500-member Association of Legal Administrators. <br>Fortunately, there are a number of higher learning opportunities for legal professionals, and this article explores three of them.

Features

Addressing Balance Sheet Issues In a Law Firm Merger

William G. Johnston & Lisa R. Smith

<i>A&amp;FP</i> is pleased to share with readers this newly covered topic in the forthcoming ABA-published book, <i>Anatomy of a Law Firm Merger, 3rd Edition</i>.

Features

Ranking Law Firms by Economic Performance: Divergent Views

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

In the decades since <i>Fortune</i> magazine's landmark ranking of the nation's wealthiest corporations (during the Great Depression, of all times), the passion for ranking in our business and general cultures has grown to what can well be described as an obsession. Almost 20 years ago, law firms were finally drawn into economic ranking ' or rather, reportedly, were dragged into it kicking and screaming ' by the AmLaw listings, published by American Lawyer Media, the parent corporation of this newsletter. <br><i>A&amp;FP</i> readers should be able to guide their firms in how to contribute and use ranking data fairly and wisely. To that end, the following article excerpts and <i>A&amp;FP</i> author commentaries assess the challenges of law firm ranking.

Case Notes

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

Highlights of the latest Product Liability cases from around the country.

Features

Online: FDA Web Site Offers Virtual Treasure-Trove

ALM Staff & Law Journal Newsletters

For more information about The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) approval for drugs, medical devices and biologics, visit http://www.fda.gov/. The…

Rule 68: The Often-Overlooked Defense Tool

Mary Clare Bonaccorsi & Brian A. Sher

The often-overlooked offer of judgment rule &mdash; Federal Rule of Civil Procedure (FRCP) 68 &mdash; may be a valuable tool for defendants if carefully employed. An offer of judgment's primary benefit is its obvious risk-shifting effect. Rule 68 forces plaintiffs, particularly small plaintiffs, to proceed cautiously in the face of mounting costs and uncertainty.

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