Book Deal

This settlement by Google is certainly an interesting copyright development. The internet is still new enough, and functions and processes are changing quickly enough, that the interface between intellectual property law and the internet is the most interesting aspect of IP law. It will be interesting to see how Google moves forward with its plans for a library after this deal is done because it will certainly set a lot of precedents.

Not Alone

I cannot say I blame any attorney that would drop a client like this. I know it is hard to believe, but most attorneys I know are truly trying to help their clients, both to avoid and navigate legal issues and to grow their client's businesses. It does an attorney no good when a client mis-manages its company.

Patent Re-Exams

It is not surprising that patent re-exams are up, especially in light of the "hightened" standard for obviousness. I am representing a defendant in a patent infringement suit and I have been trying to convince all involved that a re-examination of the patents would be a fantastic idea. Maybe this article will help.

Keyword Advertising

Litigation involving trademarks used as keyword advertising by various search engines is something I have some experience with. I have really enjoyed this work, partly because it is an area of trademark law definitely on the cutting edge. I would really love to see the settlement agreement between American Airlines and Google, not to mention the one coming between American Airlines and Yahoo. It would be very interesting indeed, and very helpful for my own clients facing similar issues.

Billable Hours

It seems a new push or idea about getting rid of billable hours surfaces on a regular basis. Part of me really likes this idea, but part of me also sees some real problems with getting rid of billable hours. Each case ends up being unique and requiring its own special attention. Not to mention, certain clients require more attention than others. These things are just facts of the practice, not good or bad. This is also why I think the best course of action is to always provide affordable quality. I may not work in the nicest office in town, or drive a new company car, but my clients do not have to pay for that either. I am not saying a "high priced" attorney is not worth the money, but I think the difference in legal service provided is not usually proportionate to the difference in costs of the service.

Copyright Bill Now Law

Pres. Bush has approved the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act. I still have serious doubts about this bill. Copyright laws are already a mess and getting an executive branch official in on the mess will probably not help matters. If music publishers like the bill, it is probably not a good thing. Also, it appears Pres. Bush is not anxious to appoint to a "Copyright Czar."

Finances and Science

This article describes the connection between the financial markets and research and development. Obviously, patent prosecution is one of those areas relying heavily on research and development. The interesting flip side of this coin is that this may also be a great opportunity to break into a market. As with most things in life, timing is everything.

Cannot Escape the Financial Crisis

The thing I find interesting about this reference to Wall Street wanting more details on the "bailout" is where I found it. Even this primarily intellectual property news service has an article about Wall Street and the financial crisis.

Insurance and Fraud

This article is indirectly related to my curiosity about fraud and intellectual property matters. An insurance company not wanting to get involved in fraud claims does not surprise me, especially if the standard for proving fraud remains lowered.

More Virtual World IP Matters

Here is another article about the intellectual property issues that will be coming from the virtual world. This will certainly be a growing, and interesting, field of intellectual property law.

Intellectual Property in Virtual Worlds

One of the things I enjoy about working with intellectual property rights is the cutting-edge technology aspect of the whole thing. Sure it is easy to see how patents can put you on the edge of technology, but trademarks and copyrights are right there too. Advertising in virtual worlds will no doubt create all kinds of problems and concerns for intellectual property owners in the real world. For example, see these articles here and here and here.