The Impact of the Credit Crisis on DIP Financing
September 29, 2009
A byproduct of the frozen credit markets was the unexpected contraction of available debtor-in-possession financing (DIP financing). Historically, DIP financings have had the lowest default rates among commercial loans, and until the recent market disruption, only two significant DIP loans had defaulted, and only one of those resulting in a sub-par recovery.
The PPC Trademark Battle Continues
September 29, 2009
The Second Circuit's recent decision in <i>Rescuecom Corp. v. Google, Inc.</i> is but one more step in a long-standing battle that's likely to continue for some time; it's been five years already, and the court merely ruled on a technicality that allows the case to run longer still. Most Google users and advertisers are blissfully unaware of what's going on, and even many involved in Internet commerce don't understand the implications.
Strategies for Maximizing Campaigns for Movie Merchandise
September 29, 2009
The billions of dollars in movie merchandising profits reflect the incredible value of intellectual property. If a film is, for example, adapted from a book, or ' more commonly for merchandising in recent years ' a comic book or graphic novel, a movie studio must first obtain rights, either through assignment or more commonly licensing, from the literary work's author or owner. However, that does not mean the studio can begin production of action figures the next day.
Law Firm Intelligence: Working on a Shoestring
September 29, 2009
Despite the economy, researchers and analysts must remain on top of new developments in the field so that our firms remain competitive. Luckily, there are many excellent, free or low cost professional development opportunities available. You just have to know where to look.
The Place to Network: Pro Bono Networking
September 29, 2009
In recent years, the pro bono tradition has continued to flourish, a reflection of the true dedication that attorneys have to making a difference in their communities.
Law Firm Leadership: Leadership Isn't Management
September 29, 2009
Our marketplace is changing at a breakneck pace and on many fronts. Our firms are changing as well, from how we charge clients to how we compensate attorneys. A new kind of approach is required for effective management and leadership.
The Access to Repair Parts Act
September 29, 2009
If the Access to Repair Parts Act is signed into law, it appears that anyone who manufactures or sells replacement parts that are substantially similar or even identical to designs protected by a registered design patent could do so with little risk of infringing the patent.
The Virtual Museum
September 29, 2009
In the movie <i>Field of Dreams</i>, a mysterious voice assures the protagonist, a down-on-his-luck city-boy-turned-farmer named Ray played by Kevin Costner, that "if you build it, they will come." Today, however, in an age of instant, digital entertainment, curators of museums and historical sites must also wonder if anyone "will come" to their static displays to visit and donate ' and what will happen if they don't.
Combination Drug Patents in the Post-KSR World
September 29, 2009
In this article, we survey post-<i>KSR</i> decisions in an effort to assess what impact, if any, <i>KSR</i> may have had on the patentability/validity of combination drug therapies.
