The purpose of due diligence in the acquisition of licensing of intellectual property assets (namely patents and copyrights) is to give a buyer an opportunity to investigate and evaluate the asset concerned in some detail. More particularly, due diligence involving patens and copyrights can present ownership issues if the author/inventor is or was married and
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Benzene Exposure Litigation Update
By Erich Rapp
On Thursday May 31, 2007, U.S. District Judge Kathryn H. Vratil of the Kansas District Court denied the motions to dismiss of PepsiCo Inc. and privately held Sunny Delight Beverages Co. and Rockstar Inc. in litigation related to possible benzene exposure from drinking certain of the defendants’ soft drinks.
The plaintiffs claim that when certain…
Growing Trend of Benzene Exposure Claims
By Erich Rapp
Any industry manufacturing or even using products with even trace levels of benzene should be aware of the growing trend among trial attorneys to bring benzene exposure claims. It may be nearing the time for companies to undertake aggressive efforts to reduce or eliminate potential exposure to these types of claims
Several recent blogosphere entries suggest that three
…
An Answer to the Age-Old Question – Can Businesses Make Campaign Contributions in Louisiana?
Yes, businesses are allowed to make campaign contributions in Louisiana. The limits vary depending upon the office being sought by the candidate to whom the business wishes to contribute. The limits (as of the date of this article) are set forth below. Individuals are subject to the same contribution limits.
The Limits:…
Legislature Adopts Master Plan for Coastal Restoration and Hurricane Protection
By Alan Berteau
On June 1, 2007, the Louisiana Legislature unanimously passed the state’s first comprehensive master plan for coastal restoration and hurricane protection. In response, the governor has asked the legislature to commit $200 million of the state’s surplus to the coastal fund and allow for the securitization of the tobacco settlement funds, of which 20% is…
FIFTEEN LOCAL LAWYERS RECOGNIZED AS “BEST IN AMERICA” – National Peer Review Directory Lists Fifteen Partners at Kean Miller Law Firm
By Kean Miller
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – September 8, 2006 – Fifteen partners from Baton Rouge-based Kean Miller Hawthorne D’Armond McCowan & Jarman (Kean Miller) will be listed in the 2007 edition of The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward White, Inc.). Published biennially since 1983, The Best Lawyers in America is widely regarded as an important referral guide to…
Will Your Settlement Negotiations With LDEQ Be Published on the Web?
By Kean Miller
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”) recently instituted a pilot program of making its Electronic Document Management System (“EDMS”) available on the internet for a six-month trial period. The EDMS is the electronic repository of official records that have been created or received by LDEQ. All documents that are defined as “public records,” including e-mail, either…
SUMMARY OF KEY FEATURES OF S.B. 655 (the “Act”)
By Kean Miller
Effective Date: Upon signature of the governor which occurred on June 8, 2006.
Limitation On Some Matters: Does not apply to a case in which the court, on or before March 27, 2006 (first day of the legislative session), has issued or signed an order setting the case for trial, regardless if such trial date is continued.…
5TH CIRCUIT RECOGNIZES THAT AN EMPLOYER’S PLACEMENT OF AN EMPLOYEE ON LEAVE CAN RESULT IN “INVOLUNTARY” FMLA LEAVE IF…
By Kean Miller
It is common for an employer to require an employee to provide a medical release or to submit to a medical examination before returning to work after a sickness or medical leave. Some employees contend the time it takes to complete this process amounts to involuntary FMLA leave and they should receive all benefits of the…
Go Zone and Bonus Depreciation
By Kevin Curry
The Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (“GO Zone”) created a number of business incentives to help Louisiana and the other areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina. One of the key elements of the GO Zone legislation is the 50 percent bonus depreciation provision. This provision has been getting a great deal of coverage in the media and…