Trademark Board's Precedential Ruling on Use in Commerce
February 01, 2018
In a nearly 50-page precedential opinion in a ruling of great significance to the entertainment industry, a TTAB panel of judges recently underscored the need to prove actual use in commerce in order to register a trademark, regardless of how low the standard for use under the Lanham Act has recently become.
The False Claims Act Sealing Orders
February 01, 2018
<b><i>What They Say and Do Not Say</b></i><p><b><i>Part Three of a Three-Part Article</b></i><p>The question remains: Is the defendant in a False Claims Act matter barred from discussing the case, as are the relator and the government?
Controlling Costs in Worker's Comp
February 01, 2018
<b><i>The Rolling Stones Were Wrong — Time Isn't on Your Side</b></i><p>Almost every business owner loathes worker's compensation insurance — costs are high and can go up significantly in the event of a claim or multiple claims. Also, worker's comp can be a cost center that is heavily impacted by fraud and abuse. If employers can control the number and severity of claims and lower worker's comp costs, they can put the money to better use.
From Tension to Success: Broker-Owner Relationships in Retail Leasing
February 01, 2018
If you are involved in lease negotiations on behalf of retail asset owners, you already know that at least some tension inevitably arises while moving the deals along. This article gives focus to the tension, and suggests that the tension is not only desirable, but important to help improve negotiation results for all concerned.
Development
February 01, 2018
Town Board Failed to Take 'Hard Look' at Amendment<br>Jurisdictional Determination from Army Corps<br>Developer Failed to Allege Concrete Injury
Bankruptcy Venue Reform Bill
February 01, 2018
On Jan. 8, 2018, Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2018, which is designed to prevent forum shopping in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, a practice that has resulted in a concentration of bankruptcy cases in a few districts.
Federal Circuit Holds Scandalous or Immoral Marks Entitled to Registration
February 01, 2018
<b><i>Refusal Is an Unconstitutional Violation of Free Speech</b></i><p>On Dec. 15, 2017, a unanimous Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that despite Appellant's mark comprising “immoral or scandalous” matter, the PTO could no longer refuse federal registration of such marks on the grounds that this refusal violated the free speech clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Marketing Tech: SEO: Will It Actually Work for Your Firm?
February 01, 2018
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a great way to help drive traffic to your website, but is also a very misunderstood term. This article helps clarify what SEO really is, and if it will help with your business development activities.
An IP Protection Primer for Entertainment Tech Startups
February 01, 2018
The tech-heavy entertainment industry is an active field for tech startup companies developing potential patents and trade secrets. But many cash conscious startups are forced to initially neglect protection planning for these intellectual property assets, instead allocating scarce resources to set up and initial operation costs. This article suggests some practical and economical steps for startups, especially those with tight finances, to protect what may become valuable patents and trade secrets.
