2010
Showing 433–448 of 657 results
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The IC-DISC – An overlooked tax break that could be your big break
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Manufacturer
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 806
Abstract: By forming an interest charge–domestic international sales corporation (IC-DISC), a manufacturing company may realize substantial tax savings on export-sales income. The general concept is fairly simple: A U.S. manufacturer establishes a “shell” company — an IC-DISC — and then pays its IC-DISC a percentage of the company’s export revenue, also known as commissions; the company doesn’t pay taxes on these commissions. There can be operational advantages, as well. This article looks at the qualifications required to set up an IC-DISC, while a sidebar looks at the history of this tax incentive.
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Ask the Advisor – Q. How should I handle compensation-related disparities in my merger?
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 457
Abstract: As this column explains, compensation may seem like a minor detail when buying or selling a company, but it can cause major headaches — particularly when the two companies’ compensation practices differ. The worst decision a buyer can make is to leave current compensation structures alone. But compensation decisions can be tricky because they usually require some tradeoff between cost savings and the pursuit of growth objectives.
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Combine and conquer – The big advantages of roll-ups
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 499
Abstract: Even the best-run middle-market companies eventually face size-related obstacles — including difficulty raising cash for strategic initiatives and an inability to negotiate better prices and terms with suppliers. A roll-up, where several smaller companies in the same or similar industries combine to form a larger company, can provide a solution. Roll-ups can result in an immediate increase in value. However, inattention to consolidation issues can lead to disaster, so companies should approach this strategy with caution.
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The name game: A critical acquisition decision you shouldn’t neglect
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: Among the many decisions buyers must make after acquiring a company is the fate of that company’s name. The potential fallout from a name change — or, conversely, from keeping the name — means that careful thought and a sound strategy should go into the choice. A variety of options are available, but the best one rests largely on the purpose of the merger itself.
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Exercise caution when wading back into the M&A market
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Merger & Acquisition Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 885
Abstract: Several key economic indicators suggest that the U.S. economy finally is turning a corner — which likely bodes well for the M&A market. However, the recession weakened many companies’ financial profiles, and business buyers will almost certainly be more risk-averse. Sellers need to walk a fine line between pouncing on what may appear to be a good offer and hanging back to mull over the options. A sidebar to this article explores whether it’s a good idea to seek seller protections in this buyer’s market.
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Building a marketing culture in your firm
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 433
Abstract: Years after many law firms first adopted formal marketing plans, some attorneys continue to find legal marketing distasteful. In today’s economy, though, firms must view marketing as an essential component of their continued survival. It’s not enough to simply hire a marketing director — law firms need to foster a marketing culture that permeates and directs all levels of the firm. It’s essential to have a formal marketing plan that includes client input and has the active commitment of firm leadership.
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How can you keep lawyers and staff engaged?
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 644
Abstract: An attractive benefits and compensation package may woo promising lawyers and staff, but it may not be enough to keep them enthusiastic about their work and retain them. Lawyers and other employees want many of the same things in a position, including interest from management in their professional development and well-being, advancement opportunities, feeling like a valued part of a team, and stimulating and rewarding work and client interaction. Many law firms fail to fulfill these fundamental needs — but there are steps they can take to remedy the “disengaged syndrome.”
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Associate compensation – From lockstep to performance-based
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: Law firms increasingly are moving away from the historic lockstep compensation model to a new system that recognizes individual performance and results in variable progression and compensation. There are a variety of factors driving this change, but the transition to a new system can run into such hurdles as lack of planning, a weak evaluation process, and a continued focus on traditional metrics. But the necessary planning and structural changes shouldn’t deter a firm from making the transition to a performance-based system.
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Your current clients may hold the key to higher profits
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Law Firm Management
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 718
Abstract: A well-known marketing maxim states that it’s more cost-effective to generate new business from an existing client than to rustle up a new client. A law firm can offer its existing clients an expansion of its current services or its geographic reach, or can diversify its services. But, with business development resources often under a tight rein these days, it’s critical that a law firm identify and target clients most likely to provide additional work. This will require an in-depth analysis of the current client base. Once the clients with the strongest potential have been identified, it will be essential to give them reasons to offer additional work. A sidebar to this article offers a list of items to research when prospecting for new clients.
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What makes derivative works copyrightable?
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: Derivative works: Their very name suggests they’re somehow inferior. When it comes to copyrights, however, some derivative works are entitled to much of the same protection as original works. After a photographer’s relationship with a toy company ended but the company continued to use his photos of toys, he registered the photos for copyright protection, and sued for infringement. An appeals court explained why he had a good case.
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University learns harsh lesson about assignment agreements
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 411
Abstract: A university that has assignment agreements with its faculty likely expects to own the patents on inventions they produce. Yet, depending on the language in the agreement, that institution of higher learning could be in for a harsh lesson. Does the phrase “agree to assign” in a copyright and patent agreement reflect an immediate transfer of expectant interests — or a promise to assign rights in the future? The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit weighed in.
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Reality check – Court defines distinctiveness standard for marks
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 984
Abstract: After a self-proclaimed “Internet Entrepreneur” registered a variety of domain names with “veri,” he claimed he was considering entering the transaction verification business — but he never did. When he refused an offer by Vericheck, a provider of electronic transaction processing services, to buy one of his domain names, they filed a complaint. The subsequent ruling outlined the legal standard for distinctiveness and made an important ruling regarding the registration of “highly similar marks” by third parties. A sidebar to this article discusses the finding that the defendant had acted with “a bad faith intent to profit” from the use of the Vericheck mark.
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Roughed up: Muscle mag ads affect patentability
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 564
Abstract: Muscle magazines rarely enter into discussions of patentability. But a recent case involving a nutritional supplement turned on several advertisements that ran in a body-building periodical. The defendant in this infringement case argued that the plaintiff’s patent was invalid, because the invention was anticipated or rendered obvious by a number of similar supplements advertised in fitness periodicals. The court’s decision means current and prospective patent holders should probably reconsider the implications of advertisements when it comes to their inventions.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – You haven’t provided for the removal of a trustee
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 259
Abstract: When estate planning, most people put a great deal of thought into selecting the right trustees to carry out their wishes and protect their beneficiaries. But it’s also important to establish procedures for removing a trustee in the event that circumstances change. Failing to do so doesn’t mean beneficiaries will be stuck with an inadequate trustee. But they’ll have to petition a court to remove the trustee for cause, which can be an expensive, time-consuming and uncertain process. To avoid this, the trust agreement should include procedures for removing a trustee and include a list of successor trustees.
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Teach your children well – Education is the key to an estate plan that leaves your desired legacy
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 797
Abstract: When it comes to teaching children about money management, even a well-designed estate plan is no substitute for education and experience. An incentive trust can be an effective estate planning tool, but a beneficiary’s good personal behavior doesn’t automatically translate to “money smarts.” A plan that suddenly releases an entire estate to a child who can’t handle money can result in the estate being rapidly dissipated. Conversely, a trust that’s too restrictive may incite rebellion or invite lawsuits. But there are a number of practical steps parents can take to teach their children about money management principles.
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The installment sale: A viable option for transferring appreciating assets
April / May 2010
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 577
Abstract: For those considering transferring real estate, a family business or other assets they expect to appreciate dramatically in the future, an installment sale may be a viable option. Its benefits include the ability to freeze asset values for estate tax purposes and remove future appreciation from one’s taxable estate. But there are disadvantages, as well. And, due to the possibility of tax law changes in 2010, it will be especially important to consult a professional tax advisor.