Tag: Business

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Socail Media, Search & Mobile Issues Discussed at ISSMM.org’s Converge2012

The Future Of Social Is Moving From Mere Participation To Analysis & Strategic Initiatives

I had the opportunity to attend and participate in Converge 2012 run by the Institute for Social, Search & Mobile Marketing. The theme was mastering the Business of Social Media. The Conference had a great selection of speakers (yours truly included) and topics that really resonated with the audience. I hope to summarize here some of the take-aways I learned at this conference.

Business Is Now Social

The last few years have seen an unprecedented shift in the adoption of social platforms for businesses to reach and interact with customers. What started as a “dipping our toes into the water” excerise has now matured into jumping in with both feet. Not surprisingly, the first few presentations of the conference focused on the effect of so much participation: greater focus on ROI. The presentations covered a lot of ground, but here are the key take aways from Day 1:

  • Businesses that fail to integrate the social channels may not exist in five years
  • Analytics are maturing in terms of both measurement tools and metrics
  • Better analytics are driving innovation by putting companies ahead of emerging issues instead of simply reacting to them
  • Creating a Social Media culture must come from the top and flow down
  • The growth of mobile platforms Is blurring the line between online and in-store experiences because of anywhere/anytime andpersonalized access

Day 1 concluded with the panel presentation in which I participated “Social Media “Venture Heaven” Money is flooding into social media, It’s time to understand why.” Key take-aways from this panel include the followig Data about the growth in Mobile:

  • As of May, 2012, mobile comprises 10% of Internet traffic, up from just 4% less than a year and a half ago
  • Mobile = ~8% of ecommerce
  • Monetization growing rapidly 79% is Apps, 21% is from ads
  • There has been a rapid increase in time spent relative money spent on ads; TV is roughly at parity while Mobile ad spend is about 1/10 of that
  • Drivers of growth in Mobile:
    • Devices
    • Platforms
    • Improved user interfaces
    • Sharing
    • More emphasis on design aestheticS

In a world of ubiquitous fast Internet,  mass blogging and micro-blogging, minute-by-minute status updates and customer complaints and recommendations, businesses need to focus on tailoring their product for their customers desires, rather that merely tolerating customer requests. Whatever device/platform customers use most will get the most attention from developers, accessory makers and potential new customers.

Advertising, Branding, Chicago, Compliance, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Design, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs, Facebook, Fashion, Fashion Design, Fashion Law, Finance, Infringement, Internet, Legislation, Litigation, Marketing, Media, Production, Regulation, Small Business, Social Media, Start-ups, Technology, Uncategorized

Fashion Law: Legal News Roundup

Israel’s Ban on Ultra-Thin Models

FASHION-SAFRICA-NIGERIA-BAKARE
FASHION-SAFRICA-NIGERIA-BAKARE (Photo credit: Bohan Shen_沈伯韩)

 

The Atlantic

By Talya Minsberg A new Israeli law prohibits fashion media and advertising from using Photoshop or models who fall below the World Health Organization’s standard for malnutrition. When a 14-year-old girl delivered a 25,000-signature petition this week to Seventeen asking them to curb their use of Photoshop, the magazine issued a press statement that congratulated the girl on her ambition but was conspicuously silent on changing their editorial practices.

An Impossible Conversation About the Met’s Spring 2012 Costume Institute Exhibit

Huffington Post (satire)

So, culturally and historically, the reason women care so much about fashion is that until very recently, we weren’t allowed professional, legal or vocal ways of expressing ourselves. Fashion was a way of articulating our feelings about ourselves.

Small Aussie fashion label turns George Lucas legal threat into ‘Star …
Dallas News Small Aussie fashion label turns George Lucas legal threat into ‘Star Wars‘ clothing deal.

AsianFashionLaw | Page 5
Fashion lawyers are legal experts too. Sometimes I feel as though people think I am in design studios all day twiddling my thumbs as I look at models wearing …
www.asianfashionlaw.com/page/5/

Adidas-India’s ex-MD slaps legal notice on company – Fashion United
The Adidas-saga in India seems to be taking a different turn. – Fashion India News, Network, Business Community, fashion industry, international, platform for …
www.fashionunited.in/…/adidas-indias-ex-md-slaps-legal-notic…

Branding, Broadway, Chicago, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs, Marketing, Media, Monetizing Content, Musicals, Production, Theater

David Adler to Speak on Legal Issues In The Life Cycle of Theatrical Production

David M Adler, noted entertainment and creatival arts lawyer will be participating in the Visiting Artist Series with Reginald Lawrence (Shepsu Aakhu).

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 11:50 – 1:30 pm
DePaul Center – Room 80051 E. Jackson Blvd.Chicago, IL 60604
Lunch will be served.

Visiting Artist Reginald Lawrence (Shepsu Aakhu) will discuss the legal issues that he has faced in his multi-dimensional career as a playwright, producer, director, and arts educator.  In particular, he will focus on the life cycle of a theatrical production from dealing with authors to hiring actors, directors, and crew to mounting the finished production.  He will share his perspective on legal questions related to collaboration, intellectual property, and production credit.
Leading Chicago arts lawyer David Adler will join in the conversation, and Professor Margit Livingston will moderate.
For more information on the Visiting Artist Series, please click here.

Registration: General registration is $25 for the 1.5 hour CLE discussion.  To register, please visit http://www.regonline.com/reginaldlawrence.
DePaul students, faculty, and staff can register to attend for free by emailing Cecelia Story at cstory@depaul.edu.

DePaul University College of Law is an accredited CLE provider. This event has been approved for 1.5 CLE credits.

 

Advertising, Branding, Certification Marks, Compliance, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Design, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs, Facebook, Fashion, Finance, Greenwashing, Infringement, Internet, Legislation, Litigation, Marketing, Media, Monetizing Content, Privacy, Production, Regulation, Small Business, Social Media, Start-ups, Technology, Trademarks

RSA 2012 Conference Podcast: Social Media Legal & Regulatory Compliance

The past few years have witnessed an explosion of legal and regulatory activity involving social and other new media. This session will examine several key areas, including copyright, trademark and related intellectual property concerns; defamation, obscenity and related liability; false advertising and marketing restrictions; gaming; data privacy issues presented by social media; and impacts of social media on employees and the workplace. Attendees will learn how to identify legal risks and issues before they become full-scale emergencies and how to develop appropriate policies and guidelines covering social media activity.

The RSA® Conference 2012 is coming up: February 27 – March 2, 2012 at the Moscone cEnter in San Francisco, CA.

Can’t make the Conference? Listen to the podcast here to get a sense of what you need to know.

Advertising, Branding, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Design, Entertainment, Internet, Marekitng, Media, Social Media, Technology, Uncategorized

How Can Lawyers Use the Social Media Site Pinterest?

For those of us who try to immerse ourselves in technology and more recently, Social Media, the new “kid on the block” seems to be Pinterest. According to their site, “Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.”

Not surprisingly, Pinterest is receiving a lot of coverage on B2B and B2C blogs that provide guidance on the how and why Pinterest can be used by business. The next logical question for me is should Lawyers use Pinterest? if so, how?

Should Lawyers Use Pinterest?

The answer to the first question is simple: Yes, if it is useful to you. Pinterest is a social bulletin board allowing users to “pin”, or save, useful information. It leverages social networks and enables users to track, organize and share products or other content discovered online.  The site allows users to subdivide content by category such as travel, books or food. Finally, axiomatic of all social media is the interaction, allowing friends to follow and view your boards and comment on the items that you’ve posted, or re-pin them on their own boards.

How Can Lawyers Use Pinterest?

The answer to the second question is less simple:

Pinterest
Image by stevegarfield via Flickr

Simply put, Pinterest is an image content curation site where one can create “boards” to which they can add images and comments around a common theme. What’s really interesting is that once one begins using Pinterest, this pen up a whole new way to dialogue with people. Users will “re-pin” your items and it creates an opportunity to contact the user and ask what it about your content that prompted them to re-pin it.

While I am still new to Pinterest, I see it as another valuable social media tool to engage and interact with people. My Pinterest page can be found here.

Advertising, Branding, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Design, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs, Fashion, Infringement, Legislation, Marekitng, Media, Social Media

Congress Close to Protecting Fashion Designs under Copyright Law

Fashion design
Image by London College of Fashion short courses via Flickr

On July 13, 2011, Congress once again took up the the so-called “Fashion Bill” a/k/a the “Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act,” H.R. 2511 (“IDPPPA”). This version of the Bill would amend the Copyright Act to extend certain protections to fashion designs.

Extension of design protection to fashion designs

The major effect of the law would be the extension of design protection to fashion designs, by amending § 1301(a) to provide that “A fashion design is subject to protection under this chapter” and by amending § 1302(b) to include “an article of apparel” in the definition of “useful articles” subject to protection. The bill would make clear that for purposes of Chapter 13 a fashion design is the appearance as a whole of an article of apparel, including its ornamentation. The bill elaborates on what would constitute “apparel” for purposes of Chapter 13:

  1. an article of men’s, women’s, or children’s clothing, including undergarments, outerwear, gloves, footwear, and headgear;
  2. handbags, purses, and tote bags;
  3. belts; and
  4. eyeglass frames.

Term of protection will be limited

The term of protection for fashion designs would be only 3 years. Proponents of the legislation have explained that the purpose of the legislation is to protect designs of haute couture during the period of time in which such high-end clothing is sold at premium prices of thousands of dollars and to prevent others from marketing clothing with those designs at substantially lower prices during that initial period, thereby undercutting the market for a hot new fashion design. Because the peak demand for such designs is relatively short-lived, a 3-year term is considered adequate to satisfy the designer’s reasonable expectation of exclusivity.
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Trending @ The Trademark Office: Bona Fide Intent

Nintendo of America HQ headquarters
Image via Wikipedia

Recent Decisions Highlight Need For Objective Evidence of Intent to Use Mark

Two recent decisions at the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board (TTAB) indicate what may be an emerging trend in Trademark practice: challenges based on lack of evidence of a “bona fide” intent to use a mark for which a Section 2(b) Intent-to-Use (ITU) application has been filed. The two relevant decisions are Kaplan v. Brady and Nintendo of America, Inc. v. Adar Golad.

Every ITU Applicant makes a legal averment, under oath, that it has a “bona fide” intent to use the mark in commerce. “To show a bona fide intent to use, there must be ‘objective evidence,’ that is evidence in the form of ‘real life facts and by the actions of the applicant.’ J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition, Sec. 19:14 (4th ed. 2009). There should be some ‘definite’ (if not necessarily ‘concrete’) plan by applicant. For example, ‘written plan of action for a new product or service,’ or a ‘re-branding of an existing line of goods or services.’ Id.”  In the two cited cases, lack of such definite evidence proved fatal.

The first decision is a Cancellation action where one party (Kaplan) sought to have the registration of another party (Brady)  cancelled. Kaplan’s claim for cancellation of Brady’s FUNNY-FACE mark was based on the existence of Kaplan’s ITU application for the mark FUNNY FACE FIZZY BLAST!  Although the parties exchanged several motions, of interest here is the Board’s determination that Kaplan lacked standing to prosecute the cancellation because Kaplan had “produced no documentation supporting his alleged bona fide intent to use such mark other than a “completely phony” and undated business plan that is merely a “slightly altered version” of a business plan for use of the mark BAKE OFF! on a “cleansing product.”

The second decision is an Opposition proceeding where one party (Nintendo) sought to prevent the registration of another party’s (Golad) mark by opposing the application.  Golad filed an ITU application to register the mark FLASHBOY for “plug and play interactive video games … comprised of computer hardware and software.” Nintendo opposed the registration on the ground that FLASHBOY is likely to cause confusion with its Registration for the mark GAMEBOY for game equipment, etc.

During discovery, Golad admitted that he did not have a business plan or any other documentation reflecting plans to “advertise, manufacture or otherwise use the mark FLASHBOY in commerce on the goods for which applicant seeks registration.” That was enough to establish a lack of bona fide intent.

Summary: Practice Tip

Both applicants and trademark counsel need to be aware of the requirement that an ITU application be supported by at least some definite evidence of the applicant’s bona fide intent to use the mark. While it remains unclear whether  a business plan alone is sufficient to meet this burden, an applicant must be able to produce some type of evidence, through documents or testimony, indicating plans to advertise, manufacture, distribute, license or otherwise use the mark.

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Create a “Watertight” Software Application Design & Development Contract

Careful Planning Yields Dependable Results

Rapid growth in the high-tech sectors, specifically regarding the Internet, mobile computing and related software and hardware, presents complex issues for small-business owners and their lawyers. Not surprisingly, many issues arise in contract negotiations between Web site or Application owners and their contracted developers.

Application development and hosting contracts are at the core of today’s new media practices. With the exponential growth of ecommerce and mobile computing, these agreements are tailored to cover all critical aspects of the online experience for all involved parties.

Negotiated poorly, contracts can open a Pandora’s box of unintended, unforeseen and unfortunate consequences. Negotiated wisely, Application development and hosting agreements provide predictable boundaries in a medium in flux. Risks, rights and responsibilities are constantly being redefined.

Well-drafted licensing agreements address both today’s realities and tomorrow’s possibilities.

Spell it out:

  1. Deliverables
  2. Project Schedule
  3. Intellectual Property Rights
  4. IP Registration
  5. Confidentiality
  6. Disclaimers
  7. Warranties

Once design and functional elements of an Application or web site have been defined, some businesses develop the Application internally with full-time programmers and project managers. However, the vast majority of small business owners hire third-party Application or software development firms to refine their visions into an interactive, reliable online entity.

An Application development agreement is used to define the development, performance, ownership and service expectations of the parties. Critical issues include understanding by both sides of short- and long-term expectations, designers’ proficiency with technical issues such as software and hardware interoperability, and ensuring project goals are clearly stated.

Key elements include:

Deliverables. The agreement must set forth, in as much detail as possible, deliverables expected to result from the developer’s efforts.
This includes, but is not limited to, a description of functional and design specifications; user interface requirements; operational flowcharts; software descriptions; training materials and documentation; network accessibility information such as passwords; interactive elements; information-capturing capabilities; browser and platform compatibilities; electronic commerce requirements; audio/video format requirements; linking structures; database structure requirements; code standards; screen and file layouts; general “look and feel” elements.

Project schedule. After the scope of the project is defined and mutually understood, parties need to address the schedule. This schedule should set forth development milestones, testing and acceptance periods, and payment timelines.

For example, the first phase usually entails completion of the coding of an Application or Web site’s basic functional components. After coding, the parties test the functional components for defects or errors. If the product thus far is accepted, then either the developer is paid for the completed portion or the client pays a deposit toward completion of the next phase.

The Web site owner needs to be realistic when establishing a schedule for milestones and testing, and acceptance procedures. Time periods for defect corrections need a built-in payment reduction component. In other words, if certain functional aspects do not test properly and the site owner provides written notification to the developer of the defect, the developer shall have a specified time — for example, one week — to correct the defect. If a correction is not made, total development costs will be reduced incrementally.

Intellectual property. Creation of an Application or Web site typically involves a variety of intellectual property rights issues. From purely aesthetic design elements to the structure, sequence and organization of database systems, user interfaces and graphics, the rights are ultimately very valuable. For this reason, ownership must be clearly established in the development agreement.

Although developers prefer contract language that exclusively grants them ownership rights to their creations, the Application or Web site owner should secure ownership of most of these rights through negotiation. Notably, under 17 U.S.C. Section 101 (Copyright Act of 1976), project deliverables can be designated “works for hire” in the Web development agreement. The Application or site owner may acquire rights to all customized creations, while the developer receives a license to use certain scripts and/or tools developed that are likely to be reused on future projects.

In addition, development also often involves the third-party intellectual property rights. In these circumstances, the site owner’s legal counsel should seek to secure the broadest possible scope of the license grant. In particular, the owner should seek a license grant that won’t create restrictions concerning how, where and by whom the licensed rights can be used. Licenses to software updates released during a specific period of time should also be sought.

On a related note, if a site owner obtains a license to use particular software, a source code escrow should be secured from the licenser. This enables the site owner to access the source code under certain defined circumstances, such as the licensor’s failure to perform or the licensor’s bankruptcy. Source code escrows ensure the site owner can correct and/or modify the software under circumstances in which the licensor itself is unable to do so.

Brand/Trademark/Domain name  registration. If the developer will register the domain name, the site owner should insist on being identified as owner of the domain name. In addition, the owner should be designated as administrative, technical and billing contact. If the application will be “branded” or if it the owner feels the name should be protected, the owner should consult with a qualified lawyer to determine whether the name can be protected and the requirements of securing the broadest range of protection.

Confidentiality. Development of an Application or Web site is integral to an ecommerce business, and the process involves an exchange of confidential information between the Application or Web site owner and the developer. Confidential information should be defined. The agreement should set forth the obligations of the receiving party not to disclose or otherwise use the specified information.

Disclaimers and limits of liability. Developers often demand extensive liability disclaimers and/or limits. For example, a developer might disclaim liability for failure to protect credit card or other sensitive user information. A developer can also seek to limit total liability under all circumstances to the amount paid under the development agreement for any damage resulting from the developer’s negligence, intentional acts and/or omissions.

These disclaimers are usually one-sided and overly broad. Therefore, legal counsel should scrutinize these provisions to ensure the Application or Web site owner is not exposed to unfair risks.

Disclaimers or liability limits for intentional conduct — as well as broad disclaimers regarding permanent data loss — should almost never be accepted.

Warranties. Both parties should be required to warrant that content used, including software, links, meta tags, frames and business models, does not infringe copyrights, trademarks and/or patents of any third party.

Regarding this, the developer should specifically warrant that all necessary third-party licenses in third-party products incorporated into the Application or Web site have been secured.In light of recent patents for business models — such as Amazon.com’s one-click buying method — this warranty provision should be carefully examined. In fact, where appropriate, the Web site owner should seek patent counsel advice to ensure third-party patent rights are not infringed.

No surprises

A savvy Application or Web site owner will ask the developer to warrant that the Application or Web site or specific applications will operate “free from any substantial defects” for a specific period of time, such as 90 days after final delivery. In such cases, the developer should be required to warrant that any additional efforts to correct the problem will not materially alter the Web site owner’s original goals.

The developer should also be required to warrant that industry “best practices” have been followed in development, safety and security measures and performance criteria — for example, optimal loading time of Web pages.

Finally, as with all services contracts, the developer should warrant that:

  • The services will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner and that none of such services or will be inconsistent with any obligation the developer might have to others.
  • The developer will employ adequate personnel and deliver the services in accordance with the specifications set forth in the agreement.
  • All work shall be the developer’s original work, and none of the development, use, production, distribution or exploitation thereof will infringe, misappropriate or violate any intellectual property or other right of any person or entity.
  • The developer has the authority to provide the Web site owner with the necessary assignments and rights.
  • The developer is duly-organized, fully-licensed, validly exiting and “in good standing” in the jurisdiction of its operation and every jurisdiction within which it provides services.
Advertising, Branding, Chicago, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs, Greenwashing, Infringement, Litigation, Media, Monetizing Content, Small Business, Start-ups, Technology, Trademarks, Uncategorized

When Hiring a Lawyer For Small Business Legal Needs What Questions Should I Ask?

Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of th...
Image via Wikipedia

Hiring a lawyer

While small businesses often need some legal advice, they can’t always find a professional with the right expertise at a budget the small business can afford.  Since small businesses usually don’t need lawyers that often, when it comes time to review a contract, buy out a partner or protect their brand and trademark, they often don’t know where to start.  The purpose of this article is to give executives a business owners a guide on how to ask a prospective lawyer the right questions to get the service one needs at a price that one can afford.

To get answers to questions about hiring a lawyer, please select one of the links below.

How do I hire a lawyer?

Lawyers are highly-trained professionals who counsel individuals and businesses in a full range of personal and corporate legal matters. Many business transactions have legal implications, so you should try to find a lawyer whom you can treat as a trusted advisor. These questions are designed to help you choose the right lawyer for your situation.

What can a lawyer do for me?

Lawyers provide legal guidance. This doesn’t mean that they can make your business decisions for you. A lawyer should identify legal issues of concern to you or your small business, tell you what the law says about these issues, and advise you on how to address them.

How can a lawyer help me in setting up a business?

A lawyer can:

  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation;
  • draft a partnership agreement or incorporate your company;
  • review financial documents for your business such as a loan;
  • review leases of premises or equipment;
  • act for you in the purchase of property;
  • review franchise agreements;
  • draft standard form contracts for use in your business;
  • advise you how to best protect your ideas, trademarks, designs and know-how.

How can a lawyer help when my business is up and running?

A lawyer can:

  • help you negotiate contracts and put them in writing;
  • advise you on hiring and firing employees;
  • advise you about doing business in other provinces and countries;
  • help you collect unpaid bills;
  • defend any lawsuits against you;
  • advise you about taxes.

If I decide to get out of business, how can a lawyer help me?

A lawyer can:

  • help you sell your business;
  • help you sell you ownership interest if you are one of several owners;
  • arrange for the transfer of the business to your children;
  • dissolve a corporation or LLC.

When do you need a lawyer?

The recommended approach is to seek the advice of a lawyer whenever a legal issue arises that involves your business. Since it is not always clear when that happens, many problems are solved without resorting to lawyers. When an issue arises, you must first decide whether you need a lawyer at all. In order to know if you should solve your problem on your own, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. What are the consequences if you are unsuccessful?
  2. How complex is the law in your situation?
  3. Do you have the time and energy?

If you are still unsure, some outside professionals, advisors or para-professionals may be useful:

Check with your Board of Directors or Board of Advisors; they can provide information about the steps they went through and the resources they used in solving their problems. Contact government and non-profit organizations for income tax, legal aid, consumer protection, employment standards, etc.

Check with other professionals: accountants, bank officers, insurance agents. For some routine matters, legal assistants, para-legals and notaries public are useful. While not allowed to give legal advice, they can provide added value in familiarity with standard corporate forms and filing requirements.

Also, don’t forget public libraries, legal aid services, student legal services, small claims courts, reading self-help books and other resources such as books, pamphlets and videos.

How do I contact a lawyer?

Give him a call. Most lawyers are happy to steer people in the right direction and calm fears about the legal process. There are several advantages to this approach. The main one is that a lawyer can quickly cut to the heart of your problem, distinguish between legal and non-legal problems. Another advantage is that you usually will not be charged for this phone call. Finally, a lawyer will not only keep your problem confidential, but has the ability to assess it from a less emotional perspective.

Please feel free to call us at (866) 734-2568 should you have any questions.

How do I find a lawyer?

First, try to identify the areas of law in which your problems fall so that you can find a lawyer capable with dealing with all these areas. Some of the main areas of legal practice linked to business are:

  • Corporate/commercial/securities law (incorporation, buying/selling a business, drafting shareholders/partnership agreement)
  • Labor/employment law (negotiating and interpreting collective agreements, resolving disputes, explaining obligations, advising about restrictive covenants, dismissals)
  • Civil litigation law (suing, being sued, collecting debts, negotiating and settling)
  • Real Estate law (buying or selling land or property, negotiating a lease, solving landlord/tenant disputes, mortgaging property)
  • Wills and estates (drafting or challenging a will, probate)

What should I ask a prospective lawyer?

Some questions you should ask a prospective lawyer are:

  • How many years are you in practice?
  • How long have you been with your current firm?
  • What areas of law do you practice?
  • Are you a partner or an associate?
  • Time and accessibility
  • How quickly can I expect a resolution?
  • When can we meet?
  • How much can I expect top pay?
  • How do you charge for your services?
  • Do you provide your clients with a detailed written statement of fees?
  • Do you charge anything for the first meeting?
  • Do you communicate via telephone, cell phone, fax or email?

How can I help my lawyer?

Ways you can help your lawyer include:

  • Be honesty and open
  • Tell the lawyer all the facts, even the ones that you think are “bad”.
  • Keep your lawyer up to date on any events or any changes relating to your file.
  • Ask for advice in plain language and summarize how you understand it.
  • Ask to be directed to any reading that you could do to better understand.
  • Ask for a description of the steps your lawyer plans to take and think about the way you could help at each step.
  • Stay informed and keep track of what transpires on your file.
  • Take notes at all meetings and list tasks to be completed.
  • Ask for copies of all correspondence on file.
  • Have confidence in your lawyer’s advice and follow his/her instructions.
  • Do not harass your lawyer. If you need more attention, discuss way in which he/she can keep you informed.
  • Be prepared to accept both positive and negative advice.
  • Never do anything concerning your case without consulting your lawyer.
  • Provide information to your lawyer as soon as possible after he/she requests it.
  • Pay your bills on time and be available if your lawyer needs you.

How do lawyers calculate their fees?

Depending on the complexity of the issues, the services required, and the degree of experience of the lawyer, fees can be charged in different ways:

  • Billed hourly: charged a rate for the time they spend working for you (e.g. the time spent reading a letter or talking on the phone).
  • Flat Fee: charge a flat rate for a particular matter, usually when they can predict how long the work will take: incorporations, trademarks.
  • Contingency Fee: in some matters, the lawyer’s fee will be a stated percentage of the amount of money collected from the lawsuit.
  • Retainer: provide a range of specified services for a fixed monthly or annual fee.

In addition, lawyers will also bill for disbursements such as long distance phone calls, photocopies, document filling fees, experts’ reports and travel expenses.

Safeguarding Ideas, Relationships & Talent®

Executives face an often confusing and changing set of challenges trying to ensure that their business remains legally compliant. Yet few can afford the highly-qualified and versatile legal staff needed to deal with today’s complex and inconstant legal and regulatory environment. Adler & Franczyk is a boutique law firm created with a specific mission in mind: to provide businesses with a competitive advantage by enabling them to leverage their intangible assets and creative content in a way that drives innovation and increases the overall value of the business.

We approach our relationship with each client as a true partnership and we view our firm as an extension of their capabilities. Our primary value is our specialization on relevant and complex issues that maintain the leading edge for our clients. We invite you to learn more about the services we offer and how we differ.

On the web: www.ecommerceattorney.com
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We look forward to the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have regarding the range of business, technology and intellectual property services we offer. Please feel free to call us at (866) 734-2568 should you have any questions.

Advertising, Branding, Content Development, Copyright, Creative Content, Entertainment, Entrepreneurs, Infringement, Media, Monetizing Content, Technology, Trademarks, Uncategorized

David M. Adler, Esq. To Speak at Socialize 2011 on Legal Issues For Social Marketers

Picture of notebook screen with Facebook and F...
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The use of social media for marketing and advertising purposes is one of the fastest growing uses of the Internet. The advent of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn provides the opportunity for authentic interaction and engagement with customers. That’s why it comes as little surprise that these services are being used as marketing tools.  But with every technological development and opportunity, new legal and business risks present themselves. Understanding and minimizing these risks will help you maximize the opportunities for your business.

At Socialize 2011, taking place March 31 – April 1, 2011 at The New Yorker Hotel in New York City, David M. Adler, Esq. will provide a presentation focused on taking a “best practices” approach to social media marketing. Attendees will learn how to identify the legal issues and develop policies and procedures to keep informed about the current technology, marketing strategies and regulatory compliance. The presentation intends to cover the following issues:

Issue:  Intellectual Property

  • Trademarks & Brands
  • Copyright & Content

Issue:  Privacy & Publicity

  • Right of Publicity
  • Endorsements

Issue:  User generated content

  • positive and negative comments
  • Copyright Infringement
  • Unmasking “anonymous” posts

Issue:  Regulatory Compliance

  • FTC – Dot Com Disclosures: Information about Online Advertising
  • “Freemiums”
  • FTC – Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims
  • CAN-SPAM compliance

Issue:  Faking it

Takeaways:

  • Issue Spotting
  • Creating & Maintaining Policies & Procedures
  • Compliance
  • Continuing Education
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