With Highly Anticipated Copyright Decision, The AutoHop Litigation Is Coming to a Close
February 28, 2015
In 2012, DISH Network announced two novel product offerings that would result in considerable backlash from the four major broadcast television networks and set in motion a three-year, wide-ranging, multi-front battle with the networks. As the dust now begins to settle, the copyright litigation has resulted in important precedents that will help define the boundaries under the Copyright Act for the multi-channel programming distribution industry.
'Product-Hopping' Can Be Snagged Under the Antitrust Laws
February 28, 2015
Branded drug companies naturally want their exclusivity period to last as long as possible. Extending a period of market dominance without patent or regulatory protection, however, raises antitrust concerns. One recent practice, called "product-hopping," has started to generate private antitrust claims from generic drug companies and end users.
A Child 's Attorney As Hearsay Conduit in Custody Litigation
February 28, 2015
The evidentiary rules have been hailed as "the palladium of the judicial process." Such panegyrics to the rules of evidence are quite warranted. Yet, sadly, in practice, fidelity to the rules of evidence, and particularly to the rule banning hearsay, is far less than it ought to be.
The New Hybrid Standard for Appellate Review in Claim Construction
February 28, 2015
The Federal Circuit has long maintained that it is entitled to review a claim construction decision <i>de novo</i>, without deference to the district court. Over the years, this approach has led to a notably high reversal rate of district court claim construction decisions. This "two bites at the apple" approach remained controversial, and on Jan. 20, 2015, the Supreme Court rejected this blanket policy of <i>de novo</i> review in favor of a hybrid approach.
What to Do When an Entertainment Industry Licensee or Licensor Files for Bankruptcy
February 28, 2015
Legal uncertainty abounds for entertainment industry licensees and licensors when their license counterparties enter the murky waters of bankruptcy. When a licensor hits the skids, a licensee's two primary concerns should include: 1) whether the protections afforded by Bankruptcy Code '365(n) are available if the debtor-licensor rejects the license; and 2) protecting its rights if the debtor-licensor seeks to sell the intellectual property. By contrast, when a licensee considers filing for bankruptcy, it must consider whether it can assume or assign the license.
2016 Budget Targets Retirement
February 28, 2015
Last month, the Obama Administration's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget was published, along with the Department of Treasury's Greenbook, a detailed explanation of the President's proposed budget. Because the proposed legislation must pass a Republican led Congress, the President's budget may be "aspirational." It is a good indicator of the tools the Administration is prepared to use to fund its wish list.
Raising the Stakes
February 28, 2015
The government has become increasingly aggressive in pursuing criminal claims not only against corporations, but also against in-house counsel and compliance personnel, for conduct once treated almost exclusively as civil.
Cruise Ship Operator Not Insulated from Responsibility for Health Care Provider
February 28, 2015
Breaking with longstanding precedent, the Eleventh Circuit recently concluded that previous case law holding cruise ship operators blameless for the negligence of their onboard medical personnel is based on outdated norms. This decision may have far-reaching consequences for shipboard medical malpractice claimants and their representatives.
