Features
Franchise Compliance
Every franchise system chief executive encounters situations in which a franchisee has a good reason for not complying with a rule, or in which the infraction is fairly minor. But how can a franchisor be sure about where to draw the line and how strictly to enforce the rules that are set out in the franchise agreement or operations manual?
Features
Joint Defense Agreement Considerations in NPE Patent Litigation
Accused infringers in patent litigation, especially against non-practicing entities (NPEs), often form joint defense groups to defend against common claims brought in one or more actions. A written agreement of the joint defense group can make plain the respective rights and obligations of each group member and evidence to the court a requisite alignment of common interest underpinning the group. The following is a selection of relevant considerations to support productive group interaction through appropriate provision in the joint defense agreement.
Features
e-Mail Signature Ruled Valid To Enforce Settlement
Signing an e-mail attesting to the substance of a negotiated agreement with the typed name of the sender constitutes a binding and enforceable stipulation of the settlement under CPLR 2104, a New York state appeals panel ruled.
Features
<b><i>Online Extra</b></i> Court Approves Facebook Class Settlement, Shaves Attorney Fees
In a long-awaited conclusion to Facebook's "Sponsored Stories" class action saga, a federal judge gave final approval to a $20 million settlement on August 26 but took an axe to the $7.5 million in fees requested by plaintiffs attorneys.
Features
<b><i>Online Extra</b></i> Sirius XM Sued Over Pre-1972 Royalties
Music copyright lawyers: Don't touch that dial. Nonprofit SoundExchange Inc., which collects and distributes digital performance royalties and distributes them to artists and copyright owners, filed a lawsuit on Aug. 26 accusing Sirius XM Radio Inc. of underpaying.
Features
Preemption and Generic Drug Liability
Recent cases attempt to further explain courts' interpretations of preemption principles in the context of generic drug labeling and liability. It is further evidence that each case is fact-based, and the final chapter in this area likely has not yet been written.
Features
Practice Tip: Constitutional Standing, Numerosity, and the Beer Drinker's Burden
The first part of this article explained the background behind lawsuits alleging that Anheuser-Busch InBev is "watering down" its beer, and that consumers can purportedly bring a class action against the company in federal court. The discussion concludes herein.
Recent Developments Since <i>Pliva v. Mensing</i>
In <I>PLIVA v. Mensing</I>, a 5-4 majority of the Supreme Court held that federal regulations applicable to generic pharmaceuticals preempt state law claims alleging that the manufacturers failed to warn consumers of the drug's risks.
Columns & Departments
Real Property Law
A look at several important rulings.
Columns & Departments
Landlord & Tenant
A look at several recent rulings.
Need Help?
- Prefer an IP authenticated environment? Request a transition or call 800-756-8993.
- Need other assistance? email Customer Service or call 1-877-256-2472.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
- Credible Fraudulent Transfer AdvocacyAppellate courts continue to use common sense when disposing of constructively fraudulent transfer appeals, as recent decisions show.Read More ›
- ELFA ScheduleThe Equipment Leasing and Finance Association has released its 2016 calendar of events.Read More ›
- Holders of Unredeemed Gift Cards Denied Bankpruptcy PriorityFor some time now, the brick and mortar side of the retail industry has been in financial distress. In 2015 and 2016 alone, brand-name companies such as Sports Authority, RadioShack, Aéropostale, American Apparel, Eastern Mountain Sports and City Sports sought bankruptcy protection. A common question in these cases is how to treat holders of unredeemed gift cards. Are they near the back of the line with other general unsecured creditors, or are they entitled to “priority” payment status under the Bankruptcy Code?Read More ›
- Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the OfficeA trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.Read More ›
- The 'Friendly Fraud' ChargebackThe abuse of the chargeback option has resulted in a "friendly fraud" epidemic harming not only merchants, but the very consumers the programs were designed to help.Read More ›