Strategy Against Scrapers
In today's leading case relating to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act <i>United States v. Nosal,</i> the Ninth Circuit expressed great concern over imposing criminal liability under the CFAA for violations of private computer use policies like website terms of use. The Ninth Circuit believes the CFAA should be narrowly interpreted. Using this narrow interpretation regarding access restrictions, a district court in California found a CFAA violation in <i>Craigslist Inc. v. 3Taps Inc. </i>
Features
Seveth Circuit Upholds Cracker Barrel Injunction
When Cracker Barrel decided to introduce its non-cheese products into grocery stores (starting with packaged spiral ham) under a logo with "Cracker Barrel" appearing more prominently than "Old Country Store," Kraft sued for trademark infringement and sought a preliminary injunction.
Mobile Marketing
In the era of the iPhone, iPad, and Android phones, mobile device use is exploding. In fact, Gartner predicts that mobile phones will surpass PCs this year as the most common way to access the Internet. For legal marketers, that means new challenges in providing content that is easily accessible through these devices and at a level of quality consistent with our website efforts.
Features
With Virtual Currency, Does Virtually Anything Go?
In late 2013, a Subway sandwich franchise in Pennsylvania was making the news for being one of the first small American businesses to accept bitcoin as payment for purchases. According to press reports, that franchise generated a lot of interest among hungry bitcoin enthusiasts, who went out of their way to visit the store. Should this be dismissed as a mere publicity stunt, or is the use of bitcoin something that deserves some thought?
Features
Settlement in Chambers
In the first part of this article, we began discussion of the "open court" exception to the Equitable Distribution Law's requirement that, to be enforceable, matrimonial agreements made before or during a marriage must be reduced to writing, subscribed by the parties and acknowledged or proven in the manner required to entitle a deed to be recorded. But <i> Dolgin</i> and its progeny, make clear that the "open-court" exception applies only where an agreement, despite being oral, is nonetheless recorded in an official manner.
Features
Hey Doc, It Hurts When I Do This!
Few initiatives generate more stress, frustration and disappointment for legal marketing professionals than a rebranding campaign. Rebranding efforts may include, among other items, a name change, new logo, revised messaging and advertising imagery, updated marketing materials or a combination of some or all of these components. The objective is to enhance, regain, transfer and/or recreate brand equity.
Features
When Online Harassment of Tenant Turns Violent
Does a landlord have an obligation to act once it learns a resident is being harassed by another tenant on Facebook or similar social media site? According to a recent Ohio state appellate decision, not only is liability possible, but landlords who ignore warning signs may be doing so at their own peril.
Features
Vanity of the Bonfires: Spoliation of Evidence
How do you know when an expert witness is getting ready to testify? By the bonfire in his backyard! Upon his conviction for Watergate-related activities, John Ehrlichman famously said, "As a matter of historical perspective, you can make a pretty good argument that a bonfire on the South Lawn wouldn't have been a bad idea." One relatively recent appellate-level decision seems to carry a similar message to forensic custody evaluators.
Features
Aereo Makes Unusual Move in Networks' Bid for S. Ct. Review
In an unusual move that raised the stakes in the major copyright battle between broadcast television networks and the upstart Aereo TV service, Aereo Inc. is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the dispute, even though it won in the court below.
Columns & Departments
Landlord & Tenant
Tenant Did Not Breach Obligation to Use Reasonable Efforts <br>Fraud Allegations Require Investigation Beyond Four-Year Period
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