It is important to consider the local zoning ordinances when choosing a business location. It may not be a significant problem for businesses with office locations but businesses such as car dealerships (especially used), real estate rental companies, auto body shops and manufacturing facilities could run into problems if you are not familar with local
Blawg IT Finalist For Law Blog of the Year
A big tip of the cap to Des Moines patent lawyer Brett Trout. Brett’s blog, Blawg IT, has been named as a finalist for the Weblogs 2006 Law Blog of the Year. Brett’s blog covers patent, trademark, copyright and information technology issues in an informative and entertaining way. The Weblogs Award is
What’s With the Buzz About Electronic Discovery?
The new federal electronic discovery rules became effective December 1, 2006. (See this earlier article for a more detailed description of the rules and the amendments.) Consulting companies appear to be hitting this hot and heavy as several of my clients have received marketing materials offering to assist with their electronic discovery needs. Many clients
Iowa Microsoft Case Update: Plaintiffs Flip-Flop Trial Strategy
Plaintiffs’ attorney Roxanne Conlin has decided not to call Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer in her case-in-chief, contrary to her earlier strategy. Conlin reconsidered her position after Judge Rosenberg ruled that Microsoft could question Gates and Ballmer directly after Conlin rather than waiting until Microsoft presented its side of the case. Instead, Conlin will now
Look Out for Product and Supplier Restrictions in Franchise Agreement
Franchise Law Blog reported that a group of Quiznos franchisees have filed a class action against the Denver based sandwich chain in Wisconsin. The lawsuit contends that the franchisor forces franchisees to buy food and supplies from Quiznos and affiliates at inflated prices while setting retail prices so low the franchisees cannot profit. The lawsuit
Businesses Grow Faster with Iowa Small Business Development Center Assistance
A recent study by professor James Chrisman of Mississippi State University shows that Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) clients grow 24% faster than Iowa businesses that have no assistance from the SBDC.
The independent study also shows that the SBDC has a significant impact on Iowa’s tax revenues, job creation and retention, and capital
Iowa Microsoft Opening Statements: Plaintiff Outlines Nine Stories
The Iowa consumer class action case against Microsoft has officially begun. Roxanne Conlin began her opening statements Friday. Her case will include nine separate stories about how Microsoft has undercut competitors and acted illegally. She will focus not only on IBM and Linux but also lesser known companies such as Go Computers and Acer Co.
Watch Out! RSS Feeds May Change the Practice of Law
I am speaking today at the Iowa State Bar Association eCommerce Seminar on the use of RSS feeds in today’s law practice.
The acronym RSS stands for a couple of things: Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary. RSS is a format for delivering regularly changing Web content. (See www.whatisrss.com). Many
Iowa-Microsoft Opening Statements Delayed
The opening statements in the Iowa Mircosoft litigation were delayed today. Pre-trial instructions took hours. Check out Brett Trout’s blog. He sat in on the trial today.
Here is something to keep in mind. If opening statements are tomorrow, I’ll bet that Roxanne Conlin takes all the day and more to give her opening.
Opening Statements In Iowa Microsoft Trial
Opening statements in the Iowa consumer class action case against Microsoft begin November 30, 2006. Several readers each day have been hitting this blog reading posts relating to the case. To make it easier for readers I have added a Microsoft Iowa Litigation category on the right side of the blog. This should make it