On Dec. 5, 2014, a divided Federal Circuit panel held that claims directed to systems and methods of generating a composite Web page combining certain visual elements of a "host" website with content of a third-party merchant were patent-eligible. However, the patent-eligibility of Internet-centric claims remains unsettled.
It is a commonly held belief that marketing is a combination of art and science. But now, science is gobbling up most of the equation. This article outlines the engagement marketing process, including how technology is driving each step.
Skilled social media navigators frequently brag about all the people they are "networked in" with ' scores, hundreds or even thousands of LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers or Facebook friends. But once you get it in reach, what happens then?
The filing of a consumer class action and the widespread publicity such a lawsuit draws often has an immediate adverse impact on the product, its brand, and its manufacturer. Taking control of these class actions early, containing them through appropriate corporate messaging, and ending them quickly at the class certification stage is therefore imperative, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
A look at what's happening in neighboring states.
Buyers often fail to consider the financial impact of intellectual property rights in M&A deals. While IP value can be difficult to determine, a target company's financials may rely on IP. For example, a company's financial outlook may be due to patent protection that provides exclusivity and prevents competitors from entering certain markets. It also may be due to goodwill associated with trademark protection, allowing a brand to charge a profitable premium over the competition.
The midterm elections returned the Republicans to control of the Senate after an eight-year hiatus. Not surprisingly, the Republicans were elected on platforms opposing President Obama's policies. The surprise may be that the Democratic agenda may continue to prevail.
In a time of increasing regulatory risk, global complexity and shareholder activism, the role of the corporate general counsel in the boardroom has never been more important. Yet, companies have been slow to recruit general counsels or seasoned attorneys to serve as independent directors.
An officer or director's company exit often feels like a divorce. Companies are quick to enforce non-compete agreements and protect trade secrets as the divorce unravels, but often do not consider protection of legal communications in which the officer or director participated.
Despite a surge in articles, blogs and white papers that focus on top trends in law firm business development and management, few have explored critical changes taking place within law firm management, particularly as they relate to the concept of the rainmaker.
