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
- New York's Latest Cybersecurity CommitmentOn Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.Read More ›
- INTERVIEWIn this exclusive interview with International Franchise Association (IFA) chairman Steve Siegel, Associate Editor Kevin Adler, asks about policy priorities for 2003, and other legislative and regulatory developments that affect the franchise industry.Read More ›
- Pension Plan Termination Premiums in BankruptcyIn a case of timely significance, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has recently ruled that pension plan termination premiums are not "claims" subject to being discharged under a Chapter 11 plan, but rather, must be paid in full upon emergence from bankruptcy.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 ›
- <b><i>Social Media Scene:</i></b> How Social Are Your Social Media Activities?The modifier "social" is supposed to separate social media from other forms of marketing and PR. But the tactic's social aspect is also the part that either prevents us from using it or from using it as the two-way communication tool it's supposed to be.Read More ›