Courts order 'Markman' hearings early in cases

Article Abstract:

The "Markman hearing' is a procedural device spawned by the Supreme Court's 1996 decision in Markman v. Westview Instruments, Inc., and has emerged as an increasingly effective way of achieving rapid settlement of patent litigation. Parties are requesting and district courts are ordering, early Markman hearings to resolve the scope of a patentee's rights, which often precipitates a settlement offer or a request for summary judgment. Parties considering patent litigation should be aware of the latest trends in such hearings.

Patent law

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Congress holds hearings in price increases and program access in the cable television industry, with an eye toward reforms that may increase competition

Article Abstract:

There may not be enough competition in the industry controlling multichannel video programming distribution (MVPD), and big price increases in the cable television industry as well as complaints about poor service have led to this view. Consumers complain about program access, which was the key competition-promoting effects of the Cable Television Consumer Protection Act of 1992. Four congressional hearings on competition have already been held in 1997, and one more has been scheduled.

Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Cable and other pay TV services, Management, Laws, regulations and rules, United States. Federal Communications Commission, Investigations, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, Television program distribution companies

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Malpractice; settlement claims

Article Abstract:

Claims against an attorney for mistakes in the settlement process include failure to advise clients fully about settlements' terms and failure to advise clients fully on the law's unsettled state. Sending clients all evidence, advising them of strategic decisions and why they are made, advising them of the settlement's pros and cons, and written communications whenever possible should be protective measures.

United States

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