Force Majeure Clauses In Construction Contracts In the Aftermath of COVID-19
September 01, 2021
We are only beginning to scratch the surface of the effect on the construction litigation visited on us by COVID-19-related impacts. However, the pandemic and its continuing impact has reinforced the importance of planning for the unexpected — and undefined — when negotiating construction contracts.
How NY Courts Find Copyright Preemption of State Law Claims
August 01, 2021
Under §301 of the U.S. Copyright Act, state law claims that are "equivalent" to exclusive rights in copyrights granted by federal law are preempted by the federal statute. To survive preemption, courts consider whether a state law claim in a lawsuit has an "extra element" that qualitatively distinguishes it from a federal copyright claim.
Virtual Reality or the New Reality of Virtual Practice?
August 01, 2021
In response to the worst period on record for cyber attacks, the ABA published Formal Opinion 498 to address practicing law outside of the traditional brick-and-mortar office environment. It reminds lawyers that while the ABA Model Rules permit virtual practice, they provide minimum requirements and recommendations for virtual practice, particularly in the areas of competence, confidentiality and supervision.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin
August 01, 2021
With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.
Activision Trial Counsel Discusses Case About Video Game Character
August 01, 2021
Activision Blizzard and a trial team led by San Francisco-based Durie Tangri partner Daralyn Durie recently faced down a $400 million copyright suit in the Eastern District of Texas. In this Q&A, Durie talks about the strategy and the theatrics of the four-day trial.
Key Issues In Cyber Insurance Policies
August 01, 2021
The surge in ransomware attacks has made familiarity with the provisions of cyber insurance essential for professionals in the entertainment industry, which is among prime targets of ransomware operatives.
Hoteling Here to Stay As Law Firms Return to the Office
August 01, 2021
For the Big 4 consultancies, hoteling has been a positive operational construct for over a decade, or in some cases longer. The success of the decentralized law firm depends in some part on how well firms can shift "hoteling" from the negative connotation of "losing my desk" to the positive connotation of "having a hotel-like experience."
Fear of Unknown In Force Majeure Litigation Prompting Settlements
August 01, 2021
Since the pandemic began, lawyers have been using the coronavirus to justify nonpayment of rent, construction delays and even termination of labor contracts. But the prospect of litigating a contract cancellation based on force majeure is still so fraught with peril that many breach-of-contract disputes end in an amicable resolution.
