The Illustrated Story of Copyright

Starting from the perspective of the future of technological innovations such as computers and software, Samuels looks into the past, placing those innovations in historical context and giving life to what is generally considered an esoteric subject. He notes that U.S. copyright laws have been sufficiently flexible and adaptive to accommodate new issues. He examines contemporary issues from the MP3 music-sharing litigation to restrictions on … [ Read more ]

Playing By New Rules

CIO.com, has a whole section devoted to the complexities of compliance.

Taking Intellectual Property Seriously

There’s more at stake in protecting and selling your IP than you may think.

Corporate Governance Standards in the United States for Foreign Private Issuers

On July 30, 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Act”) came into force. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) subsequently issued several rules and regulations under the Act. In addition, at the urging of the SEC, the major US exchanges and trading markets adopted further significant corporate governance reforms for listed companies.

This article addresses the rules and regulations that have been issued or proposed. … [ Read more ]

Bad Checks

More organizations are investigating criminal histories and other public records to make hiring and firing decisions. It’s up to CSOs to make sure this powerful but flawed weapon doesn’t backfire.

Steven P. Rowe

Traditionally, environmental strategies are managed separately as a cost center and viewed as a compliance issue. Unfortunately, the compliance mentality leaves companies vulnerable in two ways. First, if you’re focused solely on compliance, you will only do the minimum amount required to be in compliance with the law, which leaves you open to competitors who are willing to be more creative in their efforts. Second, … [ Read more ]

Protecting Trade Secrets in China

How CEOs must build intellectual property strategies.

Keeping It Clean Overseas

Unethical practices such as bribery and kickbacks are business as usual in some countries, and U.S. companies are sometimes tempted to adopt a “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” mind-set. That attitude is dangerous in light of tightening laws against corruption at home and abroad. Finance executives should review their exposure and take steps to protect their company.

Worried About Shareholder Suits? Fuhgedaboudit!

It’s a legal minefield out there, and destitution awaits outside directors whose companies stumble on their watch. Right? Don’t believe it, say three university professors.

Make the Rules or Your Rivals Will

Being smart and successful in business is possible only for those armed with the “kill or be killed” mentality. Competition is inevitable, says author Shell, a professor at the Wharton School, but in a cutthroat world that rewards street smarts and cunning-along with good connections and unlimited funds-conquering business enemies is the necessary ingredient for true success. Shell explains “everything-you-wanted-to-learn-in-business-or-law-school-but-didn’t”: if you want to be … [ Read more ]

Seven Questions to Ask Your Own Attorney Now

More than ever, directors must take precautions to protect their personal assets. It’s not always wise to depend on the corporate counsel. You’re not his client.

Jonathan Zittrain

We hew to laws against stealing because there is already cultural consensus that stealing is wrong, rooted in the fact that the thief deprives the good citizen of the stolen property. To copy an idea does no such thing; wrote Jefferson, “he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.” It does indeed deprive the original author of the ability to monopolize … [ Read more ]

CAN-SP@M Act of 2003 Summary (.pdf)

If you still don’t have a handle on what the new US email regulations cover under the law popularly called CAN-SP@M, this PDF guide will help you understand the high points. The graphics are not the most attractive, but the 27-page document has solid, easy-to-understand content. The most helpful part is an email delivery checklist which covers every aspect of an email campaign, from content … [ Read more ]

Japanese fight for their IP rights

No longer content to be subservient and stiffed, the country’s innovators are rising up, and cashing in, with a string of ground-breaking lawsuits.

Watching Our Waste

Electronics waste — and the regulation of it — is growing globally. Here’s a look at some efforts designed to curb our expanding waste.

Licensing Intellectual Property

It pays to keep your revenue stream — and your eyes — open.

Practice Safe Outsourcing

Not all vendor contracts are dependable. It’s up to you to make sure they are.

The ABCs of Intellectual Property Protection

Your company’s intellectual property — whether that’s patents, trade secrets or just employee know-how — may be more valuable than its physical assets. This primer, compiled from CSO articles, covers basic and overlooked steps for keeping your secrets secret.

The Perils of Shareholder Lawsuits

More and more companies are being attacked by shareholders in class-action lawsuits that cost an arm and a leg.