Latest News

Report: More startups facing patent lawsuits

Increasingly, startups are facing patent lawsuits that threaten to put them out of business.

May 20, 2013

More and more startups are facing patent lawsuits, according to a recent report cited in the Wall Street Journal. Continue reading

Supreme Court backs Monsanto in intellectual property case

The U.S. Supreme Court recently backed agriculture corporation Monsanto in an intellectual property case.

May 15, 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court just ruled in a major intellectual property case that has far-reaching implications for American agriculture. Continue reading

Judge sides with Apple in iBooks lawsuit

A New York publisher recently failed in its attempt to sue Apple.

May 14, 2013

Recently, Apple came out ahead in a dispute resolution against Black Tower Press, a small New York-based publisher. Continue reading

Arizona LLCs

What makes an LLC different from a C-Corp?
An LLC differs slightly from a C-Corp, and Phoenix business attorneys can explain how

February 11, 2013

When considering incorporation, businesses in Arizona are not limited to filing as a traditional corporation – or C-Corp. There are a number of other possible designations for a growing business in the state, including that of a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Continue reading

Concertgoer sues Jonas Brothers after being crushed
The Jonas Brothers were sued by a concertgoer.

January 30, 2013

Ashleigh Johnson filed a suit against the Jonas Brothers several weeks ago, claiming that she was traumatized and crushed at a concert three years ago in Los Angeles’ Grove Mall. Continue reading

Asset & Liability Protection

Walmart among companies choosing not to compensate workers in factory fire
Last year, 112 workers died in a factory fire in Bangladesh.

April 16, 2013

Walmart claims that it had previously pulled its products from the factory and that items found there were from suppliers using the facility without its permission. Continue reading

Home Depot spider lawsuit could have legs
The presence web in the witness' story will play a crucial role in her lawsuit.

April 9, 2013

Padilla says she was shopping in the home and garden section of the Juniper, Florida store at about 7:30 p.m. when the spider unexpectedly descended upon her. Continue reading

Business Law

Dell buyout only looking worse for shareholders
Investors may have reason to worry about proposals to buy out Dell Inc.

April 25, 2013

Despite briefly rising to a six-month high of $14.51 per share in March, Dell stock prices took a hit in April and now stand at $13.21. Continue reading

Former ISFA CEO sues White Sox owner and Illinois Governor
Irmer says she was fired for speaking out against a stadium deal that didn't benefit the public.

April 17, 2013

Perri Irmer, the former CEO of ISFA, claims that she was ultimately fired for not falling in line with the plan for the new ballpark. Continue reading

C-Corporations & S-Corporations

What makes an LLC different from a C-Corp?
An LLC differs slightly from a C-Corp, and Phoenix business attorneys can explain how

February 11, 2013

When considering incorporation, businesses in Arizona are not limited to filing as a traditional corporation – or C-Corp. There are a number of other possible designations for a growing business in the state, including that of a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Continue reading

Understanding the basic benefits of forming a corporation
Incorporation can be a rewarding process if entrepreneurs have the guidance of experienced Phoenix business attorneys

February 8, 2013

Business attorneys in Phoenix can help guide organizations through the financial and operational obligations of incorporation, but first executives must consider if this is the right step for their enterprise. Continue reading

Contracts & Transactions

Google forbids loaning, reselling of Glass
Google Glass may be the future, but don't think about selling your device on eBay.

April 22, 2013

Google Glass is poised to become the next hot consumer product that looks like it was ripped straight out of a science fiction novel. It has also become a topic of conversation among business attorneys in Phoenix and elsewhere. Continue reading

NY court approves AMR-US Airways merger
The recently approved merger will create the largest airline in the world.

March 29, 2013

On Wednesday, a judge in New York made the decision to allow the merger between the two airlines while also ruling against what he called a “golden parachute” for outgoing AMR CEO Tom Horton. Continue reading

Dissolution & Partnership Disputes

Planned Parenthood filed two lawsuits to protect its services in Texas
Planned Parenthood offers medical services to low-income women and laws de-funding the organization will harm these patients.

December 17, 2012

Without the services provided by this foundation, many low-income women would be unable to receive affordable cancer screenings or birth control. Continue reading

Peregrine Financial Group accused of embezzlement
Former CEO of Peregrine Financial was accused of embezzlement.

September 18, 2012

The victims in this case claim that the CEO for the financial company committed mail fraud, embezzled customer funds and misled regulators. Continue reading

Dissolving a Business

Dell buyout may spark criticisms
Dell has taken part in a buyout, which may bring forth shareholder disputes.

February 5, 2013

Michael Dell and Silver Lake Management LLC stated that they will be paying $13.65 a share, which is 25 percent more than the closing price on January 11. Continue reading

Lawsuit alleges that bank played role in major Ponzi scheme
A bank was accused of conspiring with Tom Petters in a Ponzi scheme.

November 20, 2012

The trustee said that M&I Bank, now owned by BMO Harris Bank, played a major role in “aiding and abetting” the Ponzi scheme while turning a blind eye to Petters’ large financial deposits. Continue reading

Entertainment Law

Justin Bieber, Usher named in $10 million lawsuit
Singers Justin Bieber and Usher have been named in a $10 million intellectual property lawsuit.

May 9, 2013

Last week, R&B singer Devin Copeland and songwriter Mareio Overton accused pop singer Justin Bieber and R&B singer Usher of stealing the 2010 song “Somebody to Love.” Continue reading

‘G.I. Joe’ writers sue over intellectual property
The writers of the 2009 film "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" recently filed a lawsuit alleging that their intellectual property was stolen.

May 8, 2013

Two of the writers of the 2009 film “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” recently filed a lawsuit claiming that their intellectual property related to the sequel was taken without credit. Continue reading

Intellectual Property Law

Judge sides with Facebook in ‘domain squatter’ ruling
A U.S. District Court judge recently sided with Facebook in a ruling against several "domain squatters."

May 6, 2013

A U.S. District Court judge recently handed a major blow to domain squatters seeking to profit off those who mistype Facebook’s web address. Continue reading

Be sure to understand your intellectual property terms
It is important for new business owners to understand common intellectual property terms.

April 26, 2013

It is important for those seeking to go into business to recognize the differences between important intellectual property terms. Continue reading

International Business Law

Chinese apparel company in intellectual property battle with Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is now wrapped up in a legal battle with Chinese apparel company Qiaodan.

April 11, 2013

In response to a February 2012 lawsuit filed by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, Qiaodan Sports Co. has countersued the former basketball player for $8 million. Continue reading

Illinois and New Jersey plaintiffs allege subway Footlong came up short
The Subway footlong is allegedly shorter than advertised.

January 25, 2013

Nguyen Buren filed his claim in Chicago, stating that his Subway sandwich was less than 11 inches long. Continue reading

Litigation

Judge rejects sports gambling bill in New Jersey
A New Jersey judge rejected a law that would have made sports gambling legal in the state.

May 8, 2013

The legal debate centered around the U.S. Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which bans gambling on professional and collegiate sports. Continue reading

Video game developers accused of false advertising
Two video game developers are being accused of falsely advertising their game.

May 3, 2013

Can you wind up in court for making a bad video game? That’s the question two development companies faced when they became defendants in a lawsuit on April 30. Continue reading

Starting a Business in Arizona

Report: More businesses interested in moving to Arizona
Businesses looking to relocate to Arizona could benefit from the advice of a Phoenix small business attorney.

April 24, 2013

In Arizona, the unemployment rate still sits at 7.9 percent – slightly higher than the national rate of 7.6 percent. However, there is evidence that an increasing number of new businesses want to move to the state. Continue reading

Cities look to startups for economic revival
Local startups may need the help of a small business attorney.

April 23, 2013

American cities that suffered financially during the economic downturn are increasingly turning toward a new and unexpected source of growth. Rather than relying solely on large industries, some cities are looking to attract small startup businesses to help spur a recovery. Continue reading

Uncategorized

If a bad burger isn’t eaten, is it still a liability?
A Washington state man is suing Burger King when an employee spat on his burger, even though he didn't eat it.

May 8, 2013

Ed Bylsma, a 51-year-old sheriff’s deputy, originally filed suit for emotional damaged back in 2009 when he found a saliva on his burger and, despite the fact that he never ate it, says he suffered emotional damages from the experience. Continue reading

Warren Buffet’s $23.3 billion Heinz deal could herald merger activity
The $23 billion purchase of Heinz by the Warren Buffet-led group is the largest deal in the history of the food industry.

February 20, 2013

In the aftermath of the sale, experts projected that new ownership of an industry mainstay like Heinz could lead to an influx of merger deals for food and beverage companies. Continue reading