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Is This a Franchise, or Not?
One of the challenges commonly facing franchise lawyers is that there are several definitions of the term “franchise.” Regardless of whether the parties intend to establish a franchise relationship, if the relationship legally is deemed a “franchise,” certain federal and state laws may apply. However, the definition of “franchise” often varies from statute to statute, and it may be difficult to determine whether a particular statute applies.
For example, one of the typical definitional elements of a franchise for purposes of franchise registration law is that the franchisor must prescribe or suggest a marketing plan to the franchisee. On the other hand, under many of the franchise relationship laws, which govern franchisor's obligations upon termination of franchisee rights under the franchise relationship (among other issues), a critical definitional element of the term “franchise” often is that there must be a “community of interest” between the franchisor and franchisee. This is true under many of the general franchise relationship laws, and is also an element of a franchise under relationship laws governing specific industries.
The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later
The 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.
Use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements In White Collar Investigations
This article discusses the practical and policy reasons for the use of DPAs and NPAs in white-collar criminal investigations, and considers the NDAA's new reporting provision and its relationship with other efforts to enhance transparency in DOJ decision-making.
The DOJ's New Parameters for Evaluating Corporate Compliance Programs
The parameters set forth in the DOJ's memorandum have implications not only for the government's evaluation of compliance programs in the context of criminal charging decisions, but also for how defense counsel structure their conference-room advocacy seeking declinations or lesser sanctions in both criminal and civil investigations.
CLE Shouldn't Be the Only Mandatory Training for Attorneys
Each stage of an attorney's career offers opportunities for a curriculum that addresses both the individual's and the firm's need to drive success.
Discovery of Claim Construction and Infringement Analysis May be Compelled Prior to a Markman Hearing
A defendant in a patent infringement suit may, during discovery and prior to a <i>Markman</i> hearing, compel the plaintiff to produce claim charts, claim constructions, and element-by-element infringement analyses.