The attorneys at Morningstar Law Group are leaders who are frequently asked to share their legal insights and expertise. Here is a sampling of the wisdom our attorneys are sharing at industry conferences, in published articles, and at continuing legal education events.

Insight

Supreme Court Decision in Lexmark Case Delivers Blow to Patent Holders

June 1, 2017

By Jennifer Van Doren, Partner, Morningstar Law Group The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Impression Products, Inc. v. Lexmark International, Inc. on May 30, 2017.  In it, the Court continued its recent expansion of the patent exhaustion doctrine, delivering a blow to patent holders and finding that a patent holder (or “patentee”) cannot […]

Insight

COPYRIGHT OFFICE REPORT ON SOFTWARE-ENABLED CONSUMER DEVICES

March 29, 2017

By: Mitch Tuchman Software-enabled consumer devices are ubiquitous.  Think not only personal computers—desktop, laptop, handheld—but thermostats, cameras, refrigerators, power tools, self-driving cars, even dolls, toys and games, among others devices too numerous to mention.  This was not so in 1976 when Congress enacted the present Copyright Act (the “Act”), including computer software for the first […]

Insight

Client Alert: New FTC Acting Chairman Signals More Pro-Business Approach

February 8, 2017

By Jennifer Van Doren Following President Trump’s designation of Maureen J. Ohlhausen as Acting Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, many businesses are breathing a hopeful sigh of relief.  Ohlhausen has been a Commissioner since April 4, 2012, in a term that ends in September 2018. Since her designation as Acting Chairman, Ohlhausen has signaled that […]

Insight

Promotions and Data Privacy: What are the Risks?

July 29, 2016

By Catherine Otto Sweepstakes are a great way to build interest in your business or product. Consumers seem to be more than willing to hand over their personal information (in the form of name, email address and phone number) for the chance to win a gift card, free merchandise or free tickets. Sweepstakes are fun, […]

Insight

Morningstar Law Group CLE 2016

February 16, 2016

Morningstar Law Group CLE: Current Topics for the Busy In-House LawyerFebruary 11, 2016 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park Morningstar Law Group CLE 2016 from MorningstarLaw

Insight

"Everything as a Service" Contracts

January 20, 2016

Randy Whitmeyer recently presented the following CLE to members of the ACC at CAM Raleigh. We hope that you find this subject informative and useful. “Everything as a Service” Contracts – Presentation from MorningstarLaw

Insight

The Laws of Cloud Computing: Online Privacy for Children

May 7, 2015

Online privacy for children is another area where federal legislation and regulations set certain requirements applicable to the cloud. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (“COPPA”) was primarily directed towards websites that collect information from users under age 13. As cloud-computing has expanded in the years since COPPA was enacted, the Federal Trade […]

Insight

The Laws of Cloud Computing: Cloud Security and Data Privacy Laws in the United States

April 16, 2015

In the third installment of our series on the Laws of Cloud Computing, we take a look at the United States, where the laws of cloud computing, most notably data privacy laws, are varied and originate from numerous sources, both state and federal. At the federal level, regulation has largely been field-specific, providing detailed standards for […]

Insight

The Laws of Cloud Computing: Business Issues Arising From Cloud Computing

April 8, 2015

Businesses are increasingly relying on cloud servers to store electronic data in which other entities or individuals have legally recognized interests. Types of sensitive electronic data now regularly stored in the cloud include: patient medical records; banking and financial records for individuals and businesses; and students’ academic performance records, test scores, etc., from elementary through […]

Insight

5 Ways to Protect Intellectual Property

January 27, 2015

Published on Product Design & Development (http://www.pddnet.com) Jennifer Collins, Morningstar Law Group Prior to embarking on product development activities, it is critical that companies take time to protect their intellectual property rights. Several separate partnerships, alliances and agreements may be needed to go from the research phase to the marketplace. Each strategic alliances, development agreement, or joint development contract […]