Oracle v. SAP Copyright Case – Still on Trial, But What are the Lessons?

November 16th, 2010
Patents/IP

Oracle v. SAP Copyright Case – Still on Trial, But What are the Lessons?

John R. Harris
Partner, Technology/IP Group

Although the jury is still out on the Oracle v. SAP copyright infringement litigation ongoing now in California, it is not too early to assess the potential fallout for the computer industry.  This fallout may have long lasting implications for M&A transactions involving technology companies, for valuation of software products and services, for third party software support and add-on businesses, for corporate board governance and due diligence, and for strategic customer acquisition – which are all beyond the seemingly simple notion of copyright infringement that triggered

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How are Tech Entrepreneurs and Foster Kids Alike?

November 8th, 2010
MMM Tech Perspectives

HOW ARE TECH ENTREPRENEURS AND FOSTER KIDS ALIKE?

I recently spent an inspirational weekend with 50 foster children and fellow adult leaders in an educational and eye-opening series of seminars, competitions and lectures on life lessons. This inspirational event was led by a good friend who has been a mentor to foster children for decades.

In the course of the weekend, my fellow “coaches” and I developed a strong bond with our kids – – all of whom were teenagers living in foster homes. The teens had earned the right to attend this weekend event of fun, games, education, fellowship and friendship.

My

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Do Not Implement New Restrictive Covenant Agreements: New Act Faces First Constitutional Challenge

November 7th, 2010
Employment, Resources & Tools

Do Not Implement New Restrictive Covenant Agreements:
Georgia’s New Restrictive Covenants Act Faces First Constitutional Challenge

In a letter to the editor published in the November 10, 2010 issue of the Fulton County Daily Report, the Chairman of Georgia’s House Judiciary Committee identified an apparent legislative oversight that calls into question whether Georgia’s New Restrictive Covenants Act (the “Act”) is constitutional, or whether it is even currently in effect.

By its express terms, the Act was to take effect on November 3, 2010, immediately following Georgia voters’ ratification of an amendment to the Georgia Constitution required to render the Act constitutional.

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Patent Reform Among Top 3 Goals of New House Judiciary Chairman

November 7th, 2010
Patents/IP

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) is likely to be the new chairman of the House Judiciary Committee in the next Congress.  This Committee is charged with enacting laws that relate to courts and judges, Constitutional amendments, immigration, patents and trademarks, and other legal topics of national concern.  After the expected emphasis on strengthening national security and enforcing immigration laws, Rep. Smith is expected to pursue patent reform.  Rep. Smith in a recent interview listed patent reform as his third goal in a list of five primary goals.  Further details can be found here.

Whether the new patent reform efforts will take up where the old

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