IP Wise

Making Business Wise About Intellectual Property Litigation

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EU-US Privacy Shield: What You Need To Know

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On December 19, 2018, the European Commission published its second report on the EU-US Privacy Shield, under which companies can certify adequate compliance with EU privacy standards to be able to receive data from or concerning EU citizens.  If you obtain such data, we present an overview of what you should know about the EU-US Privacy...

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Class Arbitration and Other Risks: Are You Protected?

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More companies, large and small, are including arbitration clauses in their consumer agreements, including clauses that seek to bar class arbitration.  Such clauses may be easier said than done, and there remain traps for the unwary.

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Plain Meaning: Conservative Judges Reining In the FTC?

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In recent decisions analyzing the plain meaning of the FTC Act, two federal district courts have held that the FTC cannot file suit under § 53(b) of the Act where the alleged misconduct has ceased.  If upheld on appeal, the impact of these cases could be extraordinary.

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Autodialers: Ninth Circuit (Again) Opens Class Action Floodgates

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Businesses who market by text or telemarketing beware.  On September 20, 2018, the Ninth Circuit adopted the most radical and expansive definition of what constitute autodialers for purposes of liability in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”).  This startling interpretation of the TCPA, which could make even smartphones autodialers, is a potent reminder that, in...

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Proposition 65: Compliance Issues

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As of August 30, 2018, big changes went into effect for Proposition 65.  These changes include new warning obligations for Internet and catalog sellers, a limited “safe harbor” for certain retailers, and a great deal of ambiguity and uncertainty.  There are two issues we are seeing again and again, and which are worth special attention.

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Toxics In Packaging: Are You Protected?

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As many direct marketers wrestle with the new Proposition 65 regulations (set to go into effect on August 30, 2018), there are other state laws relating to product safety as to which they should be aware.  We address here the nineteen (19) states that have enacted so-called “toxics in packaging” laws that regulate the presence...

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B&I Wins High-Profile Alabama Tax Dispute Over “Kill Quill” Rule

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On June 14, 2018, the Alabama Tax Tribunal entered an Opinion and Final Order voiding a sales/use tax assessment issued against Newegg Inc. by the Alabama Department of Revenue under the Department’s economic nexus regulation, Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-6-2-.90.03. The regulation and Newegg’s appeal received considerable attention because the rule targeted of out-of-state retailers...

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TC Heartland Venue Argument Was Not “Available” Before TC Heartland Opinion Issued

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In this week’s episode of Patent Venue, when is a change in the law a change in the law? On May 22, 2017, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in TC Heartland, reversing the Federal Circuit and reaffirming that a corporate defendant can only be sued for patent infringement either in its state of residence...

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A Sovereign Shield

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A previously-little known loophole in the patent system, which permits Native American tribes to assert sovereign immunity as defense in inter partes review (IPR) is getting a great deal of attention these days, following an unpopular deal by Allergan to shelter its patents with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. In brief, Allergan transferred a set...

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“Place of Business” Means Place of Business, Says Federal Circuit

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Previously, on Patent Venue: May 22, 2017: The Supreme Court issues its opinion in TC Heartland, returning to the rule of law that a corporate defendant can only be sued for patent infringement either in its state of residence or a judicial district in which alleged acts of infringement have occurred and the business has...

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