2018
Showing 481–496 of 630 results
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Winning the hearts and minds of your new sales staff
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 722
Abstract: Companies that wait until their M&A deal is announced to think about sales department employees may have waited too long. Buyers should develop a communications plan for salespeople in each organization early in the merger process. It also may be necessary to offer sales staff retention bonuses and other incentives. As this article argues, the success of any deal depends on keeping top sales performers.
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The future is (almost) now – Blockchain makes big promises to M&A dealmakers
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 781
Abstract: Blockchain, a database technology that enables users to share constantly updated documents across a network, seems poised to make M&A negotiations and due diligence faster, more accurate and cheaper. Although blockchain isn’t yet used in M&A deals, this article discusses how it works, and predicts its advantages and potential pitfalls for buyers and sellers. A sidebar talks about how smart contracts built on a blockchain might make earnouts easier to manage.
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Failure to prove obviousness revives patent application
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 415
Abstract: A patent applicant’s first round of appeals is to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). But if a patent applicant receives a negative ruling from the PTAB, it isn’t necessarily the end of the road. This brief article reviews a Federal Circuit Court of Appeals case that made this clear when it faulted the Board for failing to adequately lay out just why an invention was obvious and therefore unpatentable. In re Stepan Co., No. 16-1811, Aug. 25, 2017, Fed. Cir.
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Why facts matter when using the fair use defense in trademark cases
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: The fair use defense can prove to be the bane of a trademark holder’s infringement claim. The good news for trademark holders, though, is that the defense is difficult to establish before trial, giving them the opportunity to prove their cases to juries. This article examines a recent case in which this happened. Marketquest Group, Inc. v. BIC Corp., No. 15-55755, July 7, 2017, 9th Cir.
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Beat it – Heart disease diagnostic method isn’t patent-eligible
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: Inventors in the pursuit of “personalized medicine” patents were likely discouraged by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in The Cleveland Clinic Foundation v. True Health Diagnostics LLC, which involved a diagnostic method. This article reviews the court’s ruling highlighting the difficulty of obtaining patents for such methods. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation v. True Health Diagnostics LLC, No. 16-1766, June 16, 2017, Fed. Cir.
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Whose home is it? House designs avoid copyright infringement
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 814
Abstract: A recent case decided by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals illustrates the competitiveness in the world of affordable home design. And, as the plaintiff learned, copyright law provides only limited protection. This article discusses the court’s decision to deny the plaintiff’s claim of copyright infringement. A short sidebar covers why the existence of copyrighted materials on the Internet couldn’t, by itself, justify an inference that the defendants had accessed them. Design Basics, LLC v. Lexington Homes, Inc., No. 16-3817, June 6, 2017, 7th Cir.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t planned for long-term care
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 263
Abstract: The current costs of long-term care would give anyone pause. If one doesn’t properly plan for these costs, an entire life’s fortune can be wiped out in a relatively short period of time. This brief article details planning tips for long-term care expenses.
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All in the family – Transferring your vacation home
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 580
Abstract: Vacation homes are typically treasured by families and often pass down from generation to generation. But there may be more to transferring the family lake cottage or beach house than first meets the eye. If one plunges ahead without careful planning, it could disrupt harmony and lead to a “family feud.” In some cases, relationships may be severed forever. This article details how to properly account for a vacation home in an estate plan.
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New tax law affects estate planning strategies
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 765
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which generally went into effect at the beginning of 2018, lowers individual and corporate tax rates, reduces or eliminates many deductions and enhances other tax breaks. One thing the new law doesn’t do is repeal the federal estate tax. This article explores other TCJA provisions that can impact estate planning.
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Sudden impact: When a spouse unexpectedly dies
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 877
Abstract: It’s almost impossible to fully prepare for a spouse’s sudden death, but it helps to keep one’s finances organized and communicate with a spouse about these matters. This article offers points to address in the event a spouse dies unexpectedly. A sidebar explains why it may be a good idea to file a return to establish the value of inherited assets.
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Preventive strategies: Cybersecurity guidelines for businesses
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 430
Abstract: Cybercrime — criminal activity that occurs through computer technology or the Internet — often involves theft of sensitive data such as intellectual property or financial information. Most security experts agree it’s impossible to eradicate all risk. But organizations can reduce the chances of being victimized. This article suggests some steps companies can take to limit cybercrime damage, such as knowing and protecting their networks, practicing safe online banking habits and fostering a culture of security.
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Claiming your parent as a dependent
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 865
Abstract: A 2016 AARP study found that caregivers spend an average of $7,000 in out-of-pocket costs related to caregiving. To reduce their tax bills and offset some of the costs incurred, some caregivers can claim an exemption for parents or relatives for whom they’re providing care as dependents. This article looks at some of the ins and outs of how to qualify for an exemption and notes that there are many technical nuances involved in determining how much caregivers can claim. A sidebar explains another tax benefit available for someone caring for a parent or other individual — the dependent care credit.
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Businesses’ bottom lines to benefit from new tax law
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: The December 2017 passage of the largest overhaul of the federal income tax system since 1986 promises to bring many U.S. businesses some dramatic savings. Much has been made of the savings for corporations. The TCJA doesn’t overlook businesses that operate as partnerships, limited liability companies, S corporations and sole proprietorships, though. This article reviews several provisions of the new tax law and explains how it will affect businesses going forward.
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The new tax law: How will it affect individual taxpayers?
February / March 2018
Newsletter: Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 784
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, contains some dramatic changes to the rules for individual taxpayers. Among other things, it drops or modifies many popular deductions and exclusions in favor of larger standard deductions. It also retains some unpopular taxes that had been on the chopping block. This article explains some of the provisions that will be most significant for individual taxpayers. A sidebar discusses the alternative minimum tax and estate tax.
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Estate Planning Red Flag – You haven’t created a “road map” for your estate plan
March / April 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 325
Abstract: A will, trusts and other official estate planning documents may not be enough to ensure wishes are properly carried out. Creating a “road map” can help. This brief article explains what such a map should include.
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Foreign financial accounts – Don’t overlook FBAR requirements
March / April 2018
Newsletter: Estate Planner
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: Often misunderstood or overlooked, a report of foreign bank and financial accounts (FBAR) can be a costly trap for the unwary. It must be filed by any “U.S. person” with a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts with an aggregate value that exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. U.S. persons include U.S. citizens, residents, estates, trusts and business entities. This article defines a foreign financial account and details how an FBAR affects estate planning.