'Internet of Things' Litigation and Regulatory Risk
November 30, 2015
Most lawyers have heard of the "Internet of Things." Business leaders, after all, are busy making the Internet of Things (IoT) the next great wave of innovation to sweep across the global economy. Apple, AT&T, Cisco, General Electric, Google, Honeywell, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, Panasonic, Samsung, and scores of others have been investing in the IoT for years. With current predictions of a $15 trillion IoT market in fewer than 10 years, it is easy to understand why so many industry giants have made the IoT a strategic priority.
Technological Advancements and Traces of Infectious Disease
November 30, 2015
A number of recent discoveries are challenging the idea that infectious diseases are sporadic and relatively rare causes of illness and death. These discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of the microbial world around us ' and presage significant changes in the legal landscape.
Ascertaining Potential Plaintiffs
November 30, 2015
Up until now, before a purported "purchaser" may join a class action targeting a product, the potential class member must make a showing that (s)he actually purchased the product and was potentially damaged by the alleged wrong. A recent Seventh Circuit decision, however, provides a decisive counterpoint to decisions in the Third and Eleventh Circuits.
Working Capital Adjustments
November 30, 2015
Working capital adjustments are often some of the most highly negotiated provisions in a private company mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transaction agreement. The provisions are complex and involve a blend of legal and accounting concepts and standards and can have an immediate impact. It is essential to understand the nuances to avoid traps for the unwary.
Dangers of Relying on a Single-Period Capitalization Mode
November 30, 2015
The biggest danger to matrimonial attorneys is that the valuation professional will only give this single-period model as the sole support for the opinion, seemingly ignoring other market evidence and asset/liability components. If this is the situation, the matrimonial attorney should understand how to attack the opposing expert, or seek support of his/her expert in a hearing to rehabilitate the expert following a cross-examination scrutiny.
Prioritizing e-Mail Security in the Legal Sector
November 30, 2015
Data breaches and cyberattacks aren't new occurrences, but it can sometimes feel like they are. It's only in the last few years that we've seen these attacks make headlines more and more, increasing in both quantity and impact.
Insurance Limited Partnerships As An Alternate Estate Planning Tool
November 30, 2015
Valuation discounts in estate planning has permitted the transfer of assets from one generation to another in an economically efficient manner. Two of the various discount methods claim lack of control (minority interest discount) and lack of marketability. The IRS has traditionally objected to these approaches in intra-family transfers, while Congress has attempted to legislate away these "loopholes" unsuccessfully and the Treasury Department is contemplating new regulations to accomplish this goal.
Internal-Use Software
November 30, 2015
The tax credit for research and development (R&D) of internal-use software under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code has been renewed 16 times since its implementation in 1981. The Currently, it has not been extended beyond calendar year 2015.
