Grant Money Doesn't Come Free
July 24, 2009
During the economic downturn, a wealth of economic opportunities may seem like easy money. However, it is important that experienced and new grantees understand that these grants are a far cry from free money. Below is a rundown of some things that counsel may find surprising about the terms and conditions of the grant that a business might hope to receive under the Recovery Act.
Enforcing and Attacking e-Commerce Patents
July 24, 2009
The validity of business method patents may be the lifeblood of an e-commerce enterprise. After all, nearly every successful Web site or Web-based service has at its core some intellectual property. Here we consider the enactment of the new local patent rules for the District of New Jersey, which became effective Jan. 1 and how they reflect on New Jersey as a suitable venue for patent suits.
FTC Signals Tougher Standard For Online Tracking Disclosures
July 24, 2009
On June 4, the FTC announced a proposed consent agreement with Sears Holdings Management Corporation. The government makes note that the settlement is not final and does not include any finding of wrongdoing by SHMC, but that the working settlement sends a strong signal that the FTC will subject online tracking of consumer behavior to a stringent standard of disclosure.
The Cult of Personality
July 24, 2009
Anyone with even the most remote connection to e-commerce cannot have overlooked the recent explosion of social media as a form of marketing and business development. Of course, as with anything else online, problems have come with that popularity.
Are Web Applications a Security Concern?
July 24, 2009
Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, a wave of cyber-assaults, or "denial of service" attacks, believed to have originated in North Korea, targeted a number of U.S. and South Korean government agencies and commercial Web sites, causing some to suffer temporary outages. While there were no reported leaks of classified information or serious damage to networks, the organized assault underscored the conclusions of a recent White House cybersecurity review; namely, that the country's digital infrastructure and domestic networks are not secure.
Look, But Don't Log In
July 24, 2009
Unlike an employer's internal e-mail system, which is generally understood to be under the ownership and control of the employer, personal Web-based accounts accessed at work raise new and unsettled questions about an employee's expectations of privacy.
Changes Coming for Personal Data Gathered Online
July 24, 2009
Nevada was the first state to enact a law requiring entities that transfer customer personal information outside of the secure system of the business through an electronic transmission (other than a facsimile) to use encryption. In late 2008, Massachusetts was the second state to pass legislation that mandates the use of encryption. Michigan is considering similar legislation. This is an area to watch as other states could consider such legislation.
<i>Tiffany v. eBay</i> Appeal Grabs Second Circuit Spotlight
July 24, 2009
It isn't often that nearly every seat is full in the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' ample countroom. That it was on the morning of July 16 during oral arguments in the <i>Tiffany v. eBay</i> appeal indicates just how high the stakes are in this trademark infringement case ' not just for the parties directly involved, but for anyone with a vested interest on either side of the key issues being litigated.
'The Way I Connected'
July 23, 2009
Officially launched on March 31, 2009, Martindale-Hubbell Connected a new global online community designed specifically for legal professionals. The network is quickly expanding as lawyers realize the advantages to connecting, networking, and collaborating with trusted and authenticated colleagues. The following article reflects two different lawyers, with equally different needs, who have benefited from utilizing Martindale-Hubbell Connected.
CRM Solution Creates Business Development Opportunity
July 23, 2009
Porter & Hedges embarked on a plan to improve its business development infrastructure. By shoring up technology, marketing and customer relationship management ("CRM") foundations, the firm would be more competitive in business development and competitive intelligence.
