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For the Public

Software Or Technical Data Delivered Under A DoD Contract: 10 Useful Tips Concerning IP Rights

Jerry Gabig September 5, 2017

In 2016, Redstone’s Army & Missile Command (AMCOM) spent $13.4 billion. Other large government procuring institutions in Northern Alabama raise the annual federal spending to as much as $40 billion. Much of what is purchased is technology. Technology acquisitions under a DoD contract bring countless intellectual property issues. Here are 10 useful tips: TIP #1: Even if the software or technical

Where Do I File My Mass Tort Case?

Dawn Smith September 5, 2017

As I reflect on my recent trip to the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston, Massachusetts, for the annual American Association for Justice Convention, I can’t help but focus on one thing that I heard an amazing trial lawyer, Greg Cusimano, say during his presentation on juror bias– “Do you think jurors trust you? … Really, are you sure about

An Intro to Collaborative Practice in Family Law

Frances Ross Nolan September 1, 2017

You might find yourself thinking, “What in the world is collaborative about the practice of law?” After all, ours is an adversarial system employing two hired guns in each case to present opposing views to a judge or jury for determination, right? For the vast majority of cases, that is the way things work, but for some lawyers and clients,

Protection By Looking Good

Z. Peter Sawicki and James L. Young August 17, 2017

Ever walk into a store looking for mouthwash and see two choices, both looking alike? One is a national, well-known brand while the other turns out to be a store brand of a national chain. Both bottles have the same shape and same color. You know the two mouthwashes are different brands, even though at a distance the two bottles

Who Qualifies as a Whistleblower in Ohio?

Kristen Kraus August 17, 2017

While I regularly get calls from employees claiming to have been terminated for “whistleblowing,” I have found that most employees cannot meet the stringent requirements of the statute. The Ohio Whistleblower Protection Act prohibits employers from taking disciplinary or retaliatory action against an employee who reports criminal conduct. However, the act only applies to certain criminal violations and will only

The Disabled Are Consumers Too!

Marc Dann August 17, 2017

Aside from my brilliant legal mind, I have a couple of strengths that contribute mightily to my success as an attorney – my ability to admit that I don’t know something and my willingness to consult with people who possess the knowledge I lack. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by young, smart attorneys who are more than willing to fill the holes

Spotting Class Actions And What to do When You Catch One!

Frank Bartela August 17, 2017

As we discussed last month, each of your clients (whether businesses or individuals) are also consumers. They are subjected to marketing representations by retailers, they purchase products and contract with service providers. Unfortunately, they face an increasing risk of being the victim of unlawful activity at the hands of others in the marketplace. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the

Federal Career Offender Laws: Harsh Consequences for a Life of Crime

Eric Nemecek August 17, 2017

The United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.) provide significantly enhanced penalties for individuals who are deemed “career offenders.” These defendants typically receive increased offense levels and criminal history categories, which ultimately result in expansive penalty ranges that can– or in some cases must – be imposed. Although the career offender requirements may appear relatively straight-forward, subtle nuances within the language and

Are LGBTQ Protections Coming To A Workplace Near You?

James Patrick August 17, 2017

Is the writing on the wall for an extension of Title VII protections to LGBTQ employees? In a recent landmark decision, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals became the first federal court of appeals in the nation to rule sexual orientation claims are actionable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Although not binding on courts (or

‘America First’ – Brands & Products Labels

Z. Peter Sawicki and James L. Young July 29, 2017

The Stars and Stripes – America’s Brand On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution, establishing the format for our current U.S. flag: thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, and an array of white stars on a blue field. Each nation’s flag is an important symbol for that country’s citizens. It embodies a common heritage and

For the Public

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