Strategy Against Scrapers
December 31, 2013
In today's leading case relating to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act <i>United States v. Nosal,</i> the Ninth Circuit expressed great concern over imposing criminal liability under the CFAA for violations of private computer use policies like website terms of use. The Ninth Circuit believes the CFAA should be narrowly interpreted. Using this narrow interpretation regarding access restrictions, a district court in California found a CFAA violation in <i>Craigslist Inc. v. 3Taps Inc. </i>
Seveth Circuit Upholds Cracker Barrel Injunction
December 31, 2013
When Cracker Barrel decided to introduce its non-cheese products into grocery stores (starting with packaged spiral ham) under a logo with "Cracker Barrel" appearing more prominently than "Old Country Store," Kraft sued for trademark infringement and sought a preliminary injunction.
Duane Morris Brings Early Case Assessment In-House
December 31, 2013
With a view to addressing a market imbalance ' litigation clients demanding better early case assessment, and commercial providers not developing tools to meet that need ' Duane Morris litigators handed the firm's technology team a mandate: Help us develop a system to assist our clients in the resolution of the ubiquitous try-or-settle conundrum and, in the process, position the firm to capture more litigation business.
Mobile Marketing
December 31, 2013
In the era of the iPhone, iPad, and Android phones, mobile device use is exploding. In fact, Gartner predicts that mobile phones will surpass PCs this year as the most common way to access the Internet. For legal marketers, that means new challenges in providing content that is easily accessible through these devices and at a level of quality consistent with our website efforts.
Where, When and How Is <i>Ex Parte</i> Communication With a Physician OK?
December 31, 2013
In medical malpractice cases, treating physicians, nurses and other providers are key witnesses. They have specialized knowledge of the plaintiff and her medical conditions, and, unlike expert witnesses, they have had the opportunity to personally examine and evaluate the plaintiff. Because <i>ex parte</i> meetings and discussions with treating physicians can be so informative, they are often seen as invaluable tools for any party permitted to meet with treating physicians.
With Virtual Currency, Does Virtually Anything Go?
December 31, 2013
In late 2013, a Subway sandwich franchise in Pennsylvania was making the news for being one of the first small American businesses to accept bitcoin as payment for purchases. According to press reports, that franchise generated a lot of interest among hungry bitcoin enthusiasts, who went out of their way to visit the store. Should this be dismissed as a mere publicity stunt, or is the use of bitcoin something that deserves some thought?
Settlement in Chambers
December 31, 2013
In the first part of this article, we began discussion of the "open court" exception to the Equitable Distribution Law's requirement that, to be enforceable, matrimonial agreements made before or during a marriage must be reduced to writing, subscribed by the parties and acknowledged or proven in the manner required to entitle a deed to be recorded. But <i> Dolgin</i> and its progeny, make clear that the "open-court" exception applies only where an agreement, despite being oral, is nonetheless recorded in an official manner.
Hey Doc, It Hurts When I Do This!
December 31, 2013
Few initiatives generate more stress, frustration and disappointment for legal marketing professionals than a rebranding campaign. Rebranding efforts may include, among other items, a name change, new logo, revised messaging and advertising imagery, updated marketing materials or a combination of some or all of these components. The objective is to enhance, regain, transfer and/or recreate brand equity.
When Online Harassment of Tenant Turns Violent
December 31, 2013
Does a landlord have an obligation to act once it learns a resident is being harassed by another tenant on Facebook or similar social media site? According to a recent Ohio state appellate decision, not only is liability possible, but landlords who ignore warning signs may be doing so at their own peril.
Vanity of the Bonfires: Spoliation of Evidence
December 31, 2013
How do you know when an expert witness is getting ready to testify? By the bonfire in his backyard! Upon his conviction for Watergate-related activities, John Ehrlichman famously said, "As a matter of historical perspective, you can make a pretty good argument that a bonfire on the South Lawn wouldn't have been a bad idea." One relatively recent appellate-level decision seems to carry a similar message to forensic custody evaluators.
