
An ethics blog for IP attorneys
Many situations arise in the work place where young lawyers find themselves facing real ethical dilemmas. For example, your supervisor has asked you to do something that you believe may violate the Rules of Professional Conduct. Or you become aware that another lawyer has engaged in conduct already that may be unethical. Or a close […]
Read MoreI am solicited on an almost daily basis by overseas organizations offering deeply-discounted patent application drafting services. It may very well be that such services, which typically originate from countries where there is an abundant supply of technically-skilled labor, can offer a competitive product at significant cost savings compared to fees charged by U.S. patent […]
Read MoreLike voluntarily sticking one’s head into a lion’s den, communicating with Disciplinary Counsel can be a risky proposition. Whatever the reason for the communication, attorneys should be mindful not only about what they are saying but how they are saying it. This is not a difficult concept for most to grasp, but the Bar expects […]
Read MoreFor federal court practitioners, sanctions have long existed as a deterrent to litigation misconduct and a weapon against gamesmanship. The federal rules of civil procedure provide a range of tools for litigators who believe their opponents are not abiding by their obligations: Rule 11 checks improper pleadings and other court filings; Rules 26, 30 and […]
Read MoreMoney can buy many things. When a lawyer and client have a dispute, such as a client’s claim for legal malpractice, money often can buy “peace.” And when clients and their lawyers settle such a dispute, it is common for the parties to agree by contract to dismiss—or refrain from filing—a civil complaint. But a […]
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