2016
Showing 33–48 of 722 results
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Procurement comes to legal services – Is your firm up to the challenge?
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: In recent years, many companies have started using procurement to purchase legal services. This article discusses some of the reasons — pressure to be profitable and concern about law firm billing practices — and explores recent trends. For example, companies that use procurement professionals often expect firms to provide discounts of 10% to 20%.
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Focus on profitability – How to raise rates, carefully
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 709
Abstract: Raising rates can be a risky proposition in a competitive legal market. But firms with narrowing profit margins must consider it. This article argues that firms can safely raise rates by communicating the quality of their services, raising rates incrementally and testing revised rates on new clients before announcing them to long-time clients. A sidebar notes that it’s important for a law firm to determine the quality of different clients, as well.
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Why law firms should look to the cloud
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 567
Abstract: Law firms have been slower to adopt cloud computing than other businesses, largely because of privacy and security concerns. But as this article explains, cloud computing services now address these issues with sophisticated protections. And because the technology does away with pricey contracts and per-user licensing fees, cloud services are very cost-effective.
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5 best practices for improving collections
Fall 2016
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 804
Abstract: Unlike other businesses, which often stop providing goods and services until clients pay their bill, attorneys generally can’t withdraw representation while waiting for a client to remit an invoice. This article suggests other ways to improve collections, including billing promptly, checking invoices for accuracy and following up with clients as soon as a payment is late. A sidebar helps attorneys avoid the conditions that lead to late payments.
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Single factor preempts likelihood of trademark confusion claim
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 400
Abstract: When a trademark is challenged, courts generally turn to the DuPont factors to determine whether a likelihood of confusion exists between two marks. But, as in a 2016 Federal Circuit case, courts don’t necessarily consider all 13 DuPont factors. This article identifies the single factor considered — similarity of the marks — and how it affected the appeals court’s decision. Oakville Hills Cellar, Inc. v. Georgallis Holdings, LLC, No. 2016-1103, June 24, 2016 (Fed. Cir.)
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Intent to infringe – Verdict goes against medical device maker
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 622
Abstract: When the Supreme Court agreed that a Federal Circuit infringement ruling should be reconsidered, it probably seemed like good news to the medical device maker that had been found liable. However, the new ruling that followed went against the company. As this article describes, the appeals court found the company’s defense position “objectively unreasonable.” Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc. v. NuVasive, Inc., No. 2013-1576, -1577, June 3, 2016 (Fed. Cir.) Commil USA, LLC v. Cisco Sys., Inc., No. 13-896, 2015 (U.S.)
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Music to Internet service providers’ ears – Appellate court extends DMCA safe harbor
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 523
Abstract: The Second Circuit recently ruled on the hotly debated issue of whether the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s (DMCA’s) safe harbor provision applies to sound recordings created before 1972. This article explains why the court’s opinion in Capitol Records, LLC v. Vimeo, LLC, is a relief to Internet service providers. Capitol Records, LLC v. Vimeo, LLC, No. 14-1048, June 16, 2016 (2d Cir.)
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When is a sale not a sale? Federal Circuit narrows on-sale bar to patents
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 930
Abstract: In a recent ruling, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals provided guidance on what constitutes a sale for purposes of the on-sale bar to patent validity. This article summarizes the case, explaining that the appeals court focused on the first prong — the subject of a commercial offer for sale — of the Supreme Court’s two-prong test. A sidebar notes the court’s rejection of the “supplier exception” in the same case. The Medicines Co. v. Hospira, Inc., No. 2014-1469, -1504, July 11, 2016 (Fed. Cir.)
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You’re donating high-basis stock to charity
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 263
Abstract: As the end of the year approaches, many may begin thinking about making gifts to qualified charitable organizations as a way to reduce potential estate and income tax liability while supporting a worthy cause. This brief article explains the potential outcome of donating high-basis stock.
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Preparing for a new year – Take time now for a quick estate plan review
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: Year end is the time to make certain estate planning provisions to protect the interests of heirs and minimize potential estate tax liability. It’s also a good time to conduct a quick review of your estate plan. This article explains what the review should cover.
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If it’s broken, fix it! Trusts that no longer achieve their objective can be repaired
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: What with changing life circumstances and new tax laws, not to mention potential mistakes made when an estate plan was first drafted, the trusts used in the plan may now be “broken.” This article details why trusts break and techniques to use to repair them.
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6 estate planning techniques for blended families
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 818
Abstract: A “blended family” is more than just a staple of TV sitcoms. Today, it’s not unusual for a household to include children and even grandchildren from prior marriages, as well as adopted family members or same-sex couples. These various family arrangements can create estate planning complications that could lead to challenges in the courts. This article examines six techniques that can reduce the chances of family squabbles and preserve wealth for heirs. A sidebar notes the importance of updating plan and policy beneficiaries, since beneficiary designations generally trump conflicting provisions of a will.
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How to manage a windfall
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Coming into a large sum of money, whether from an inheritance, a gift or a legal settlement, is a good thing, but it can also have its down sides. Managing a windfall responsibly — with discipline, thoughtfulness and planning — is critical. This article provides some guidelines to help ensure financial security and achieve goals in the long term.
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8 questions to ask before opening a second location
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 645
Abstract: Before opening a second location, it’s wise to ask some key questions to get a better sense of whether that new location will actually be successful. Issues to address include how well your current location is performing and how expansion might affect business at both locations. The article notes the importance of duplicating the people and processes that are keeping the current location running smoothly — and profitably.
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Do you know the tax impact of your collectibles?
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Many collectibles are more sought after, and more valuable, than ever. But that value has tax consequences when collectibles are sold at a profit, donated to charity or transferred to the next generation. This article explains those tax consequences and some of the applicable IRS rules.
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Choosing between a calendar year and a fiscal year
Year End 2016
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 848
Abstract: Business owners typically use a calendar year as their company’s tax year. But for businesses whose primary operating season doesn’t fall neatly within a single calendar year, choosing a fiscal year end can make more sense. This article notes the tax implications of both a calendar and a fiscal year and discusses the reasons for choosing one over the other.