Committee Aims To Standardize Pass-Through Taxation
March 16, 2005
If an influential congressional committee has its way, some professionals and many small business owners could be forced to dig into their own pockets to help bridge the projected $3.75 trillion funding gap for Social Security. <br>At issue is the sticky subject of limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships and so-called "S" corporations, and the manner in which participants in those businesses pay their Social Security and medical insurance employment taxes.
An Extra e-Safety Net
March 15, 2005
As technology advancements and competition combine to drive information technology (IT) costs down, law firms of all sizes are poised to take advantage…
Defining Political Spam
March 15, 2005
The effects of e-mail on American political campaigns are dramatic, as demonstrated last November, when e-communication played a decisive factor in several election victories. The Internet as cyber forum offers candidates the opportunity to contact a million voters for about $100 using unsolicited bulk e-mails, often called spam. Under the First Amendment, political spam is generally lawful, but political spam used for fundraising and other specific types of communication may cause legal difficulties for candidates and their agencies ' from canvassers to other entities sending the spam, however well-intentioned.
IP News
February 25, 2005
Highlights of the latest intellectual property news from around the country.
'Add-on Patents': Innovation or Sham?
February 25, 2005
Some recent estimates suggest that by 2007 brand name pharmaceutical companies will lose more than $80 billion in drug sales because of patent term expirations. Patent term expirations, of course, usher the entry of generic drugs into the marketplace. On average, the market share for branded products decreases by 15% to 30% when a first generic version reaches the market, and as much as 75% to 90% when subsequent generics launch. Such significant losses provide incentive to extend patent life and maximize the period of market exclusivity for a patented drug.
A Senior Secured Lender's Guide to the Risks Posed By Junior Secured Debt
February 24, 2005
In theory, a borrower's issuance of junior secured debt is a boon for its senior secured lender. The borrower obtains additional capital, and the claims of the junior lender against shared collateral, since "subordinated," don't diminish the senior lender's prospects for repayment. In practice, however, a senior secured lender should view proposed junior secured financing skeptically because the existence of such debt can become highly problematic for the senior lender. The key to protecting the senior lender lies in properly negotiating and documenting the intercreditor agreement with the junior lender to eliminate, or at least minimize, the myriad ways in which the junior lender's rights may, in practice, limit — or even trump — those of the senior lender.
In The Marketplace
February 24, 2005
Highlights of the latest equipment leasing news from around the country.
Media & Communications Corner: <b>Jack of All Trades ' With Help from the Outside</b>
February 24, 2005
Law firms have a remarkable number of ways to market their expertise, almost too many at times. Most firms still utilize the more traditional avenues such as advertising, firm seminars, speaking engagements at industry events, and client newsletters. The marketing director is the one charged with handling all of these tasks and many more, often with a limited in-house staff. Whether the firm is staffed with one marketing director, a staff of marketing pros, or if the bulk of the job falls on one attorney who has expressed an interest in marketing, it is clear that the job now entails much more than it did years ago. <br>We asked a few experts for their viewpoint on how the position has changed.
Letter from the Editor
February 24, 2005
This month in our regular issue of Marketing The Law Firm we have an article written by one of my favorite Board members Mike Hodes, the Managing Director…
Marketing Dollars Make Radio Sense
February 24, 2005
Every law firm struggles with the dilemma of how to allocate their marketing and advertising budget. Should funds be used to pay for sports tickets, a dinner at an elegant restaurant or perhaps advertisements in a newspaper or magazine? Few firms consider radio as a means to make information available to the listening public while also attempting to develop or perpetuate a brand in their community.
