Reputation and the Business Network
December 22, 2008
Whether the business network from which risks arise is a supply chain or a team of outside contract attorneys, intangibles and the reputations for innovation, integrity, and quality that they support are assets to be managed actively.
Broad Injunction Issued in Toy Infringement Case
December 22, 2008
In December, U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson of the Central District of California granted Mattel a sweeping injunction that essentially shuts down MGA's Bratz operation. Larson ordered MGA to cease manufacturing, marketing and selling almost every doll in the Bratz line, as well as any ancillary product that makes use of images of those dolls. He also ordered MGA, at its own expense, to deliver all infringing dolls and products to Mattel for impoundment.
Solving an IP Practice Business Need with Patricia
December 22, 2008
In January 2003, Duane Morris recognized a need to provide a better IP docketing system. The new docketing system needed to be user-friendly and give users the ability to create reports quickly and efficiently. It also needed to provide a flexible solution for incorporating the dockets of lateral hires during the firm's growth cycle and to integrate the firm's nine separate IP docketing databases into a master database. Finally, it was vital that it work well within the firm's existing infrastructure.
When Is Credit Due? Reallocation for Settlements under 'All Sums'
December 22, 2008
In a multi-insurer coverage case, it is common for the insured to settle with one or more insurers before trial. When that happens in a case in which the court employs the "all sums" scope-of-coverage approach, can the non-settling insurers bring claims of their own against the settled carriers in an effort to reallocate some of their liability to their former co-defendants? If not, is there another mechanism to account for those settlements?
Fair Value Accounting: Insights and Issues
December 19, 2008
This article examines the accounting principles and the framework underlying fair value measurements and clarifies the difference between mark-to-market accounting and fair value accounting. The article then examines the application of fair value accounting in inactive or illiquid markets, and in doing so, raises certain thematic issues that have surfaced in regard to this topic.
Managing and Monitoring Your Law Firm's Reputation Online
December 19, 2008
In just a few hours, a single negative, biting reference about a firm on a single, well-trafficked blog can easily mushroom through viral marketing into widespread hostility or ridicule across the Internet. Here's what to do.
Networking Success for the Single Attorney
December 19, 2008
Many single and divorced people are savoring their unmarried lifestyles, and are leveraging the freedom of being unattached to creatively develop their business networks.
Rethinking Succession Planning for Tough Economic Times
December 19, 2008
In survey after survey in the business world, succession planning is near the top of the list of critical things to do ' and that doesn't get done. The author strongly suggests that firms recognize the urgency of succession planning for firm and practice succession in these treacherous economic times.
Attorney-Client Privilege in Congressional Investigations
December 19, 2008
For a litigator accustomed to practicing in court, representing a client in a Congressional investigation presents unique challenges, as the rules, procedures, processes, and customs differ vastly. One area of stark difference is the status and treatment of attorney-client privilege.
Media & Communications Corner: The $700 Billion Bailout and How Some Law Firms Missed an Opportunity
December 19, 2008
Editor's Note: I am pleased to announce that Nick Gaffney of Infinite Public Relations has joined our Board of Editors. We welcome Infinite PR as the regular authors of the Media & Communications Corner. The company provides strategic media relations and communication services for leading professional services firms. Infinite's extensive, award-winning experience counseling the legal and accounting industries on proactive strategic media relations campaigns and crisis communication matters makes them a positive addition to our newsletter.…
