Withdrawn Negligence Defense In Rape Case Could Still Be A Problem
After making national news, Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa has requested that its attorneys withdraw a special defense in a case involving a rape in its hotel parking garage. In 2006, a 40 year old woman was sexually assaulted in front of her two small children in the hotel’s garage. The assailant admitted the crime […]
Getting A Contract In Writing Does Not Always Satisfy The Statute Of Frauds
One of the first things lawyers check for when contesting an oral contract is the statute of frauds. The statute of frauds comes from an English rule dating back to the 1600’s. At its most basic level, the statute of frauds requires certain types of contracts to be in writing or else they are not […]
Law Firm Lawsuit Highlights Need For Businesses To Take Caution With Website Content
A recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit serves as reminder of the types of litigation that can arise from simply maintaining a website. Although the decision involved a dispute between two law firms, the facts could easily be related to competing businesses. The case involved Brayton Purcell, LLP, a California law firm […]
Do Not Count On Beating Goliath: Implement A Management Plan To Avoid Software Licensing Problems
This month’s business technology tip arises from the recent David v. Goliath story reported on by Douglas Malan of the Connecticut Law Tribune. Kent Johnson, the owner of a small computer repair shop in Connecticut was sued by the software Goliath Microsoft for allegedly selling one improperly licensed version of Microsoft Office. Microsoft put 15 people on the […]
Connecticut State Court To Phase In Mandatory E Filing
The Connecticut Judicial Branch will implement mandatory electronic filing in Connecticut state superior courts in all civil cases by December 5, 2009. The Judicial Branch is also going paperless for short calendar and notices will no longer be sent by paper in the mail (unless the firm or litigant is exempt) starting September 1, 2009. […]
Connecticut Supreme Court Confirms Expulsion Is Available Remedy In Partnership Dispute
In an issue of first impression, the Connecticut Supreme Court confirmed that partnerships can expel a partner rather than dissolve when there is a breakdown of the business of the partnership. The case is Brennan v. Brennan Associates, et al. The official opinion will be released on August 18, 2009, but the advanced opinion already was released online. […]
Three Lawsuits Against Facebook For Fraud Raise Concerns For Advertisers
If your business is advertising on Facebook, or considering it, you should do some research on the newest allegations of advertising fraud against the online giant. Facebook reportedly has over 250 million users so it is understandable that a business would want access to Facebook’s users. Facebook offers businesses advertising space online that is targeted to specific demographics of its users. […]
Appellate Court Provides Some Clarity To Contractors On Home Improvement Act Exemption
Connecticut’s Home Improvement Act requires contractors performing home improvement services to register and to comply with it provisions concerning contracts with homeowners. The Act has a series of requirements for contracts as follows: Contract must be in writing; Contract must include the contractors registration number; Contract must include four dates: date of signing, date work […]
Large Fines Serve As Reminder To Out-Of-State Companies: Register To Do Business In Connecticut
Secretary of State, Susan Bysiewicz, has fined an affiliate of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu approximately $22,000 in the past year for failing to register to do business in Connecticut. The fines were reported on by Lynn Doan of The Hartford Courant and also picked up by Alexander Soule in the Fairfield County Business Journal. Deloitte’s unit is one of […]
Insurance Might Be An Option for Data Loss Lawsuits Alleging Negligence Against Businesses
Every business in Connecticut, big or small, faces significant financial consequences for data loss or a breach of security. As I noted in a business tips post on this blog, implementing a strong data loss and privacy policy is critical for preventing a loss or mitigating its effects and damages. Of course, once you have a policy or […]