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Hidden and Creeping Franchise Fees
Every franchise lawyer knows that one of the conditions for a distribution arrangement to be considered a franchise is that the franchisee is required to pay (whether in cash or other consideration) a “fee” to the franchisor or its affiliate (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Franchisor”). The term “fee” is broader than it might first appear. Direct fees are easy to spot ' usually, they are represented by cash payment to the franchisor for the right to obtain access to the franchisor's system and trademarks, and may be up-front payments or ongoing royalty payments.
There are some exceptions to this definition. For example, payments for inventory sold to a franchisee at bona fide wholesale prices are not considered fees. Also, in some jurisdictions, there are exemptions for small payments ' typically $500 or less.
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.