The Law Forums

Internet Brands v. Xenforo: A Lawyer’s Opinion

Posted by thelawprofessor on October 5, 2010  |   1 Comment »

If you’re a webmaster running any type of social networking or community website, there is no doubt that you’ve already heard the news. Internet Brands, the owner and developer of the highly popular vBulletin forum software, has commenced a lawsuit in the UK against several former employees who are about to release a highly touted competitive product – Xenforo. As of the moment, the best information available comes direct from the vBulletin customer support forum. In short, Internet Brands alleges that employment agreements have been breached and copyright infringement and unfair competition has ensued. Legitimate claim or underhanded attempt to stifle a competitor’s big day out of the gate?

Lindsay Lohan Lawyer “Just Doesn’t Get It”

Posted by thelawprofessor on July 13, 2010  |   No Comments »

Yesterday I read an article where a criminal defense lawyer, who met with Lindsay Lohan, had reportedly refused to take her case because he thinks she’s deluded. Apparently this criminal lawyer “ultimately decided to take the case” as reported by People Magazine. Still the question remains… how could a long standing member of the bar betray his client by going to People magazine and shamelessly exploiting what a potential client said in the confidence of a private legal consultation? Where is the conduct committee for lawyer ethics? Perhaps all is not as it seems.

Internet Brands, vBulletin: The Annual Maintenance Crap

Posted by thelawprofessor on July 11, 2010  |   6 Comments »

My apologies – the title of this post is “Annual Maintenance Pack.” As many of you may know, I run the legal advice forum at TheLaw.com which, since 2001, has used vBulletin software. Last year I wrote a column here in my blog, not being thrilled with a forced vBulletin version 4 upgrade fee after the option to buy updates to my version 3 software was suddenly ”discontinued.” Just when I thought the situation at Internet Brands couldn’t become more preposterous, the marketing comedy returns.

Patent Lawsuit Against American Idol’s SMS Voting

Posted by thelawprofessor on June 28, 2010  |   No Comments »

The New York Daily News reported that a Texas retiree, Edward Lyda, has sued hit TV show, American Idol, in New York State Supreme Court. Lyda apparently claims that American Idol “ripped off” his idea about using live audience voting using SMS in a television show, which is allegedly patented.

Palm Pre = Pre-mature For Safe Usage?

Posted by thelawprofessor on January 30, 2010  |   No Comments »

I was intrigued by Verizon’s release of the Palm Pre Plus, having been a long time Palm Treo user. Using it for my own web site and law office management purposes, it seemed that the hardware keyboard and other capabilities would be a major boon. After peeking at the WebOS, I was very impressed but had several basic questions about how synchronization and backup processes function amongst several others. After performing research, I’m wondering whether Verizon Wireless appears hesitant to promote the exclusive Palm Pre Plus, perhaps what may still be the premature release of a new smart phone for business operation.

Apple iPad Flouts Trademark Infringement – What’s Next?

Posted by thelawprofessor on January 28, 2010  |   No Comments »

Either the arrogance at Apple has greatly exceeded that at Microsoft at its peak or I should be sending in my resume to Cupertino with all due haste. Apparently Apple decided to launch its iPad product without regard or care for existing trademarks that may have been filed in the United States. Apparently Fujitsu filed in 1993 for the iPad trademark for a “HAND-HELD COMPUTING DEVICE FOR WIRELESS NETWORKING IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT” and you can find the Fujitsu iPad product brochure here. Apple apparently sent a letter in opposition to this trademark for undisclosed reasons (rumors are afloat that it is under the doctrine of “divine right.”)

Review of Windows 7 & IE 8 – Greatness & Mediocrity

Posted by thelawprofessor on January 25, 2010  |   No Comments »

Windows 7 is truly a great, smooth, enjoyable operating system to use. It looks like Microsoft finally got it right… well… almost. There are two items that I find positively irritating and fortunately there are alternatives. Here is a very quick review of Windows 7 and my “off the cuff” impressions after working with Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, 64-bit, for the past several months.

The $7 Million Star Trek Memorabilia Lawsuit

Posted by thelawprofessor on December 23, 2009  |   No Comments »

Is a misunderstanding regarding a poker table and poker visor with uniform allegedly worn by Lieutenant Commander Data of the Starship Enterprise worth $7 million in damages? Apparently lifelong Trekkie, Ted Moustakis, believed it was after being denied in case his against Christie’s auction house by the New York State Appellate Court for fraud and negligent misrepresenation.

Dating & Romance Scam Targets Women in Asia

Posted by thelawprofessor on December 13, 2009  |   6 Comments »

Are you a woman, most likely from some Asian country, who has been approached on a dating or professional social networking web site by what seems to be a nice European man, perhaps in the United Kingdom? He says wonderful things about you… he seems eloquent and charming. He will send you heart warming pictures of himself and his purported family. If you want to view and talk to him via web cam, sorry… he doesn’t own one. If you’re an Asian woman, your culture might lead you not to ask specific questions as doing so might be considered “rude” in your country.

Facebook Used to Prove Cure for Depression

Posted by thelawprofessor on November 22, 2009  |   No Comments »

A 29 year old Quebec woman claims to have lost her health benefits due to photos posted on Facebook showing her having fun frolicking on the beach, enjoying a birthday party, and having a good time at Chippendales. After being diagnosed with depression approximately a year and a half ago, the Manulife insurance company reportedly sent an ex-IBM employee monthly payments for an extended sick leave to help her cope with her illness. Am I the only one who thinks that using Facebook to question an “illness” is  hardly the issue?

  • About The Law Professor

    Michael M. Wechsler is an experienced technology attorney, Internet entrepreneur, noted speaker and quoted author. He founded Apple online community EastNet in 1992 (featured by David Pogue in Macworld Magazine) and later founding TheLaw.com. For several years he served as legal counsel to iVillage, was as an e-discovery legal consultant for Kroll Ontrack, was recently SVP of Business Strategy at Zedge, and is currently at the helm of The Law Network.
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