Friday, January 20, 2006
Ford asks for ITC investigation into Taiwanese-made aftermarket parts
From ABRN: The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated an investigation of two U.S. auto parts distributors and several Taiwanese manufacturers based on a complaint from Ford Global Technologies, LLC, that the companies are violating its patents for parts used on the F-150 pickup truck.
More From Canada: Stallman Speaks on the Future of GPL 3.0 | Digital Copyright Canada
eWeek has a Q&A with Richard Stallman, founder of the FSF, talks about his goals for the GPL and the hopes and fears of free software advocates.
Proximus Confident Of Positive Outcome In Antitrust Probe
Belgacom's mobile arm Proximus said Friday it is "surprised and indignant" after accusations from rival mobile firm Base that it is abusing its market position...
Portals Give Data to Department of Justice
From Red Herring: While Google refused to comply with the United States government’s request for search data last August, Microsoft, Yahoo, and America Online admitted they provided the government with search data similar to what Google is refusing to grant.
WIPO says Skype affiliate can keep Skyp.com
Preloaded iPods walk on legal thin ice
From PC Pro News, A US company has begun offering iPods for sale with preloaded content ripped from DVDs.
German Wikipedia back up amid lawsuit
Matt Moore, AP Business Writer reports that the German version of Wikipedia returned to the Internet on Friday after three days offline, a blackout prompted by a lawsuit in which the parents of a dead hacker objected to the site's use of his real name.
Albertson's receives second second offer
From Bloomberg, the saga continues as Albertson's Inc., the second-largest U.S. grocer, received a new takeover offer from a group led by Supervalu Inc. and CVS Corp. after abandoning the talks last month.
DSM Dyneema Files Patent Lawsuit against Chinese Company
DSM Dyneema, the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema, has filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Hangzhou Pivot International Co. Ltd., of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Mcdonald's Franchisee sued over alleged Blood in Hot Fudge Sundae
From the Associated Press, a Superior Court judge in Georgetown, Delaware is scheduled to hold a hearing today in the case of a local woman who claims her 12-year-old son found what looked -- and tasted -- like blood in a hot fudge sundae they bought 13-months ago at a fast food restaurant.
Video Franchising Détente: The Quicker the Better -
Ray Gifford of the Heartland Institute writes about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning franchising, the gist of which is to speed up competitive entry into video markets.
U.S. Patent System Stifling Competition
Christopher Hayes of the Progress Report has an opinion on the United States Patent System. Here it is...
Top 10 IT News Stories of the Week
CIO.com has just posted its Top 10 IT Stories from the past week. A good synopsis, and right on the mark!
Copyright in Canada: Musings of an Unnamed Politican
From Digital Copyright Canada, a report on the Copyright views of an Unnamed Politician
More from Canada: Bulte caught in the Canadian blogosphere crossfire
On Monday, the eyes of the Internet will be on the Toronto (at least in Canada).
Canadian Election Has Internet Advocates Watching
Going where the buzz takes me, it seems that a big issue floating through the Canadian blogosphere is an argument surrounding copyright laws and the attention being paid by politicians. Here is the conversation continues...
Nanotechnology requires legal umbrella
Interesting opinion article out of Indonesia on the need for appropriate legal coverage for the nanotechnology industry.
CIC and Valyd Settle Patent Litigation
Communication Intelligence Corporation ("CIC" or the "Company"), a leading supplier of electronic signature solutions for business process automation in the financial industry and the recognized leader in biometric signature verification, announced today that it has entered into a Settlement Agreement with Valyd, Inc. The Settlement Agreement resolves all claims and counterclaims between the parties with respect to allegations set forth in the previously announced litigation without payment of damages by either party.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Bechtel Surrenders in Bolivia Water Revolt Case
Bechtel, one of the world’s largest corporations, reached agreement with the government of Bolivia today, dropping its controversial legal demand over the public water revolt that forced it out of Bolivia in April 2000.
...More on the Amendment to the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement
Patricia Ranald, Principal policy officer of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Sydney, NSW warns not to underrate evergreening dangers.
Scrushy Said to Pay for Positive Stories
Jay Reeves reports that A writer who turned out a stream of sympathetic newspaper stories about former HealthSouth Corp. CEO Richard Scrushy during his fraud trial says Scrushy secretly paid her $11,000 through a public relations firm and typically read her articles before publication.
Oh Canada! Part 2: Political fundwraiser draws the ire of copyright watchdogs
A fundraiser for Toronto MP Sarmite Bulte, above, is to be hosted today by the entertainment lobby.That apparently doesn't make some bloggers happy...
Legal experts say lawsuit against Apple is not a far-fetched possibility
Battle of the bloggers in this discussion over whether the MacIntel box exposes Apple to restraint of trade lawsuit.
Missouri Delta Medical Center subject of Antitrust suit
Ferguson Medical Group has bumped up its lawsuit against former partners and Missouri Delta Medical Center by filing federal antitrust claims against the hospital.
Antitrust lawsuit targets Applied Materials
Five U.S. companies that refurbish chip-manufacturing equipment have sued industry leader Applied Materials Inc. alleging it engaged in anticompetitive practices when limited the availabilty of replacement parts for chip gear.
Lights, Camera, Yadda, Yadda, Yadda...UCLA School of Law Presents the 30th Annual UCLA Entertainment Symposium
Okay, so I am an east coast guy. Anyway, UCLA School of Law will hold its 30th Annual UCLA Entertainment Symposium entitled, Hollywood: By the Number$ on February 10th and 11th.
China puts technology at policy forefront
This according to Shihoko Goto in an article that argues that Semiconductors may be the best way for China to move beyond simply being regarded the factory to the world.
Albertsons jumps nearly 4.5% on renewed buyout bid - Jan. 19, 2006
Shares of grocery retailer Albertsons rallied Thursday after the Wall Street Journal reported that bidders submitted a new offer for the company.
Vlassis sues News America
Valassis Communications Inc. filed suit in federal court Wednesday alleging various antitrust practices by its No. 1 rival, News America Marketing Group of New York City.
Now Showing on Small Screens
In this column Michael Miller of pcmag.com explores the oncoming tidal wave of portable tv and movie viewing.
Shire and Impax Settle all Pending Litigation Concerning ADDERALL XR(R)
Shire has announced that it has settled all pending litigation with Impax Laboratories, Inc. ("Impax") in connection with Impax's Abbreviated New Drug Application and its attempt to market generic versions of Shire's ADDERALL XR(R) (mixed amphetamine salts) for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Feds seek Google records in porn probe
The Bush administration, seeking to revive an online pornography law struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, has subpoenaed Google Inc. for details on what its users have been looking for through its popular search engine.
Legal News - Leading International Arbitration Expert Joins Orrick Lawyers in Paris
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP announced today that William Laurence "Laurie" Craig, one of the deans of the international arbitration bar, is joining the firm as senior counsel.
RIM argues BlackBerry injunction would threaten public safety
Research In Motion Ltd. urged a Virginia court not to shut down service to U.S. BlackBerry subscribers, claiming such a blackout could threaten public safety and business productivity.(filed by Colin Gibbs)
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. acquires Amoy Food Group
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Amoy Food Group Companies (Amoy Food Group) from Danone Asia Pte Ltd (a subsidiary of Groupe Danone S.A.) for approximately HK$1,845 million. This transaction includes the issued stock of Amoy Food Group, a shareholder loan from Danone Asia to Amoy Food Group as well as the intellectual property rights of Amoy Food Group business. On completion of the transaction, Ajinomoto has acquired Chinese soy sauce business and frozen dimsum food business which Amoy Food Group operates in Hong Kong, North America and Europe.
Risk of Globalization for Business
The benefits of a globilization strategy is well discussed. How about the risks?
Report calls for nanotechnology law
Tougher regulatory oversight and new resources are needed to manage the potential adverse effects of nanotechnology, according to report assessing the impact of the technology. (filed by Ahmed ElAmin)
Gordon & Glickson Merges With McGuireWoods
HICAGO, Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- McGuireWoods LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the world, and Chicago-based law firm Gordon & Glickson LLC,internationally known for its information technology practice, jointly announced plans today to merge and form a new Technology & Business Department within McGuireWoods after the merger is complete.
New Albertson's bid reduces antitrust concerns - 2006-01-19
A new bid for grocery chain Albertson's Inc. is structured to ease antitrust fears, according to a report Thursday in the Wall Street Journal.
Intellectual Property State of the Union
The IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) released its 2006 Digital Music Report, which can only be described as one of the most painful reads since the NPD Group's "Illegal Peer-To-Peer Music File Declines After Supreme Court Grokster Decision."
Encore Medical's Proposed Acquisition of Compex Technologies Clears Antitrust Review
Encore Medical Corporation (Nasdaq: ENMC) announced today that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, relating to its pending acquisition of Compex Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CMPX), expired on January 18, 2006.
Apple Computer seeks trademarks for mobile telephone service - Forbes.com
Apple Computer has requested a set of trademarks for a mobile telephone service featuring music, video, email, and Internet functions, according to applications at the US Patent and Trade Office.
EU surveys citizens on patent law
The European Union is asking for its citizens' views on the future of copyright law among member states.
Students Want Operator to Settle Copyright Infringement Claims
Alex Viega reports that students sued by the recording industry for using the now-defunct i2hub online file-sharing network are demanding that its operator pay to settle music copyright-infringement claims.
NTP woos US government in patent case - ZDNet UK News
Reuters is reporting that in an effort to get the BlackBerry service shut down, NTP is suggesting that any shutdown excludes the US government.Say what?
Artemis Solutions Group Files Trademark Lawsuit
From AGIP News, Artemis Solutions Group (ASG), a global leader in consumer and small business smart card and biometric security solutions, announced in a Thursday press release that it has filed a lawsuit in United States District Court – Western District of Washington at Seattle against Tacoma-based Sagem Morpho Inc. , a wholly-owned subsidiary of French conglomerate SAFRAN group, alleging willful and deliberate trademark/trade name infringement and unfair competition with regard to its registered trademark BioCert.
Feds want Google search records
In a scenario long feared by privacy advocates, the federal government has ordered Google to hand over a broad range of user search material from its closely guarded databases.
New insurgent offer, but McDonald's still won't bite
Eric Herman reports for the Chicago Sun Times that Insurgent shareholder William Ackman presented a new proposal to restructure McDonald's Corp. on Wednesday -- and the company rebuffed him a second time.
EBay shares fall after forecast falls short of estimates
Online auction house eBay Inc. enjoyed a robust holiday selling season but warned that its future results this year will fall shy of analyst forecasts. Shares of eBay Inc. dropped 2.5 percent in after-hours trading on news of the softer outlook.
Fast food franchising registers annual growth of 27 per cent in Middle East
Moushumi Das Chaudrhy reports in the Khaleej Times on 2005 figures and also how franchising in the Middle East is on the threshold of extraordinary projected growth.
Google Seeks Single-Click Patent
Thomas Hanson of seoproject.com reports that Google
Inc. has filed an application to patent a single-click mobile phone technology.
Inc. has filed an application to patent a single-click mobile phone technology.
Antitrust Group Asks Department of Justice To Block Sale of Maytag
The American Antitrust Institute,a Non-profit think tank for promoting competition, asked the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday to block Whirlpool's proposed purchase of Newton, Iowa based Maytag, or at least require the new company to spin off holdings in its laundry business.
US trade official urges China to boost intellectual property protection
Hong Kong, Jan. 16 (AP): A U.S. commerce official made fresh calls Sunday for China to further strengthen intellectual property protection ahead of the 2008 Olympics Games and open up its financial services market to foreign competition.David S. Bohigian, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Market Access and Compliance, said the United States will closely watch measures by the Chinese government to protect intellectual property in regard to the Olympics.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Courts Rule on Drug Patents
After AstraZeneca’s loss of two patents covering its heart drug Toprol XL, Pfizer announced Wednesday that a federal court in the Northern District of Illinois upheld its U.S. patent for the active ingredient in its blockbuster hypertension drug."
Oh Canada! The Digital Download Debate in The Great White North Rages On
The Great Debate over Digital Copyright Laws in Canada shows no thaw even after CRIA lost its case in front of both the federal court and federal court of appeals.
French copyright law could force changes in iTunes copy protections
"The French bill would be at odds with many CDs and DVDs sold there that contain copy-protection management software, to digitally block efforts to copy them. If the bill becomes law, the copy-protection measures would have to be removed..."
Official Trademark Fees Raised in Bahrain
Analysts say raise within the normal scale compared to those in other Gulf Cooperation Countries.
Starbucks' Trademark Battle In China Rolls On
A Chinese company in a trademark dispute with Starbucks has appealed a court order to change its name in a dispute illustrative of China's struggle to mediate trademark disputes.
U.S. patent office swamped by backlog - The Big Idea - MSNBC.com
New report suggests that U.S. patent process could now take up to five years. Will this chill innovation? Is there any reform on the way?
eBay drop shop going Global
Snappy Auctions, an eBay drop shop franchise based in Nashville, TN is headed to the U.K. and Japan. Wise opportunism or a little too much a little too early?
Qualcomm acquisition of Flarion receives antitrust approval | newratings.com
Qualcomm Inc (QCOM.NAS), the second-largest manufacturer of chips for mobile phones, yesterday announced that the antitrust review by the Justice Department on the acquisition of Flarion had been concluded. Could a final deal be only days away?
BREAKING NEWS: Taco franchise coming to London
Okay, I admit it. It's just about dinner time and I had tacos on my mind. It just so happens this is also an interesting development in the world of international foodservice franchising.
Trouble in the land of the Double-Double: In-N-Out accuses top burger executive of fraud
Is there a family rift cooking over at In-N-Out Burger Inc., the Irvine, California company known for its Double-Double and its customers' intense devotion?
International Business Transactions Checklist
In my early morning search for buzz, I stumbled across a useful IBT checklist developed by Lex Mundi back in 2001.
Google Talk VoIP Services Alleged To Infringe Patents
Eric Sinrod of Duane Morris LLP reports in his "The Technology Trade" online column about a small company that has filed suit against Google in federal court in New York, alleging infringement by Google. Is there merit to these charges?
SOX Whistleblower Protection Is Not International
Pamela A. Maclean of The National Law Journal on Law.com reports on the recent U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the applicability of the Sarbanes-Oxley securities law to the protection of foreign workers.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Two Most Common Mistakes Lawyers Make In Using IP Experts
According to Michael J. Abernathy, chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, Chicago,The two most frequent mistakes intellectual property lawyers make while working with an expert witness are polar extremes of each other, but either can severely undermine the strength of a case. What are those polar extremes? Read this interesting article. It's very enlightening and perhaps all too common in IP practice.
The Million Dollar Trademark Infringement Page?
Most of us have heard about Alex Tew's Million Dollar Homepage.According to Wendy Seltzer, the question now becomes, how many unrelated commercial gain claims are there?
UK to Hold Global Online Casino Talks
The Internet gambling boom has generated multi-bilion dollar revenues. It has also generated problems that include protection of children, advertising, money laundering and criminal infiltration.According to the UK Government, its time to talk about all this. Too early, Too late, or Just in Time?
TECTONIC: GPL V3 - first draft
It's out! The first draft of version three of the heart and soul of open source software – the GNU General Public License – was released on January 16th.
U.K. judge frowns on software patents
In a report by Ingrid Marson for CNET News.com, A U.K. judge has questioned whether software patents should be granted, and has criticized the U.S. for allowing "anything under the sun" to be patented. Is this judge out to lunch or is there something "under the hyperbole"?
WTO will try again to find agreement on global treaty
From Shanghaidaily.com, top trade officials from 30 countries and regions plan to resume talks this month on a new global treaty based on an agreement made at the World Trade Organization meeting in Hong Kong, India's commerce minister said yesterday.
WTO will try again to find agreement on global treaty
WTO will try again to find agreement on global treaty
Monday, January 16, 2006
Globalization Conference at Indiana Law School
Bruce MacEwen posts in his "Adam Smith, Esq" blawg that Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington will be hosting a symposium on "The Globalization of the Legal Profession" Friday, April 6, 2006. The conference will be in a somewhat hybrid format, blending the academic with the practical and hands-on, and all papers and presentations will subsequently be published.
Podcast of Panel Discussion on Google Book Search
Given that Law Buzz bills itself as "multimedia", it is without further adieu that we offer content in the newly ubiquitous form of a podcast. Sticking to one of the themes of the day, Attorney Evan Brown of internetcases.com has posted the audio of a recent panel discussion on Google Book Search.
Core Concepts of Globalization: Why Institutions Matter
Laura Phillips of aworldconnected.org has written an excellent summary about institutions as a core concept in a globalization paradigm. According to Phillips, institutions are one of nine core concepts at the heart of any meaningful study of globalization. Taken from economics, politics, and philosophy, these frameworks are good for the big picture any meaningful study of globalization.
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