News

New York to Drastically Change "Gift Tax" Rule

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

Currently, there is no gift tax in New York, and although the amount of lifetime taxable gifts made by a New Yorker may cause the estate tax rate to increase, there is no additional estate tax paid on those gifts. New York individuals who have...

Title Troubles In Texas, North Dakota And Montana: Right Of Way v. Fee Conveyance

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

If you examine titles or read title opinions, this post is for you. I was recently examining instruments for an East Texas title opinion when I came across an instrument that, at first glance, appeared to be an easement....

Deadline Approaching for Reporting 2013 ISO Exercises and ESPP Transfers

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

Deadlines to provide information statements to employees (and former employees) as well as filings to the IRS regarding incentive stock options and employee stock purchase plans are approaching. Companies should be working to complete and file forms...

Patent Enforcement Round-Up In South East Asia

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

As patent filings in South East Asia grow, patent enforcement activities will no doubt be on the rise in the region. We round up patent litigation and licensing in South East Asian countries reported in the past year or so....

"US Supreme Court Cases to Watch in 2014"

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on numerous significant cases in 2014, involving such issues as presidential power, affirmative action, campaign contributions, environmental regulations, intellectual property, commercial arbitration, parens patriae...

Help! The Partner Thinks I’m an Idiot

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

We are pleased to welcome Katie Slater to the blog today. Katie Slater is a recovering attorney turned professional coach who helps lawyers and other analytical types with their professional development. She’s also one of the Catapult Conference...

Bob Latham Speaks: Remnants of 1908

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

As a relatively recent joke goes, an editor is lamenting the demise of payphones while speaking to a reporter. Editor: "With no more payphones, where would Superman change?" Reporter: "Change? Where would he work?!" To this satirical commentary on...

5 Questions to Ask a Bankruptcy Lawyer

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

If you're considering filing for bankruptcy, you'll want to come up with a few questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney before you hire one. Failing to ask the right questions -- especially regarding attorney's fees or the specifics of your case -- can end up costing you, both in terms......

You Can Wave Your Patent Around, Just Don’t Hold A Stick In Your Other Hand

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

Mizzi Family Holdings Pty Ltd v Morellini [2013] FCA 1435 - This federal court judgement provides a timely reminder to patent owners to be cautious of their actions, which may be deemed as a threat of infringement proceedings....

Jury’s Verdict in Madden Football Copyright Case Overturned

By EsqSocial Corporation 31/01/14

We previously reported on Robin Antonick’s copyright claim against Electronic Arts, Inc. (“EA”) over the software for the Apple II John Madden Football game. Antonick didn’t have a copy of his original source code at the time of trial, so instead he...

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