Real Property Law
February 01, 2020
Mechanic's Lien Not Invalid on Its Face
Temporary Flooding Not a De Facto Taking
Tips to Minimize Landlord's Exposure When a Commercial Tenant Files Bankruptcy
February 01, 2020
Because bankruptcy can add significant expenses and increase the time it takes to remove a delinquent tenant, landlords should not allow tenants to fall far behind on rental payments. Here are some tips on how to address the issues raised by a bankrupt tenant.
Driving Law Firm Profits Through Data Analytics
February 01, 2020
"Data Analytics" have become more than just buzzwords and are an integral part of well informed decision making. The following best practices have the ability to bring your firm's data management up to speed with competitors in the law industry, while turning what might be an underutilized resource into a working asset that drives revenue.
Bankruptcy Court Denies Motion for Fee Enhancement Under 'Common Fund Doctrine'
February 01, 2020
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia recently denied creditors' counsel's motion for a fee enhancement under the "common fund doctrine," finding it could not award the requested fees absent statutory authority.
U.S. Supreme Court Reaffirms the American Rule In De Novo Challenges to the PTO
February 01, 2020
In 2013, the PTO adopted a new policy under which any party commencing a de novo proceeding challenging a PTO decision would be responsible to pay a pro rata share of the salaries of the government attorneys working on the matter. On Dec. 11, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the PTO's new interpretation of the Patent Act and held that the American Rule, a centuries-old principle under which each party bears its own attorneys' fees, does apply to this statute.
The Trademark That Got His Goat
February 01, 2020
In a recent trademark cancellation case that has drawn "human interest" attention in the news, the plaintiff appealed an adverse decision to the Federal Circuit. The plaintiff was not "kidding" when he expressed his opinion that the registered mark, described as "goats on a roof of grass," is demeaning to goats which, in turn, is offensive to him.
Data Breaches: Adding a New Layer to the Risk of Legal Malpractice
February 01, 2020
Those in the legal profession are not immune to a data breach. What's more, ethical obligations put lawyers and law firms at even greater risk for significant business, financial and reputational harm should they experience a cyberattack. Attorneys have both an ethical and legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect their clients' personal sensitive data against a cyberattack, or face serious ramifications.
Examining the Interplay Between Exculpation Clause and Fiduciary Duty
February 01, 2020
In the case of In re Solutions Liquidation, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware adjudicated a motion to dismiss filed by the debtors' former managers and officers in connection with the breach of fiduciary duty complaint filed against them by the trustee of the debtors' liquidating trust.
Why Accountability in Law Firms Is So Challenging
February 01, 2020
In an era of "what's in it for me," leaders seeking to ensure the long-term well-being of the firm and its talent often find change initiatives especially challenging.
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- Law Firms and the Rise of HospitalityThe law firm office cannot remain unchanged, as if frozen in time set to some date prior to the onset of pandemic, when the terms and meaning have all changed. In fact, the office must now provide benefits or an experience the lawyers and staff cannot get at home.Read More ›
- Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel'Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel is a continuation of the discussion of client expectations and the disconnect that often occurs. And although the outside attorneys should be pursuing how inside-counsel actually think, inside counsel should make an effort to impart this information without waiting to be asked.Read More ›
- The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year LaterThe DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.Read More ›
- Lack of Logo Placement At Center of Ruling Over Meat Loaf Album PackagingTo build visibility for its brand, a record label or production company will want its logo included on products containing its master recordings manufactured and distributed by third parties. This will be addressed in the agreement between the label or production company and manufacturer/distributor. The failure to include the logo may raise a host of issues, from the breadth of the logo-placement obligation ' such as whether it includes Internet downloads ' to the proper theory on which to base any damages and just which album-sales figures are subject to evidentiary discovery. A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ' in a long-running dispute between Cleveland International Records and Sony Music Entertainment ' illustrated how these issues may be argued and decided.Read More ›