Futurelawyer

ArchPatent Research Tool Wins Prize

University of Alabama in Huntsville team develops patent search engine | al.com. ArchPatent, the new patent search tool for lawyers, has won a "proof of concept" funding prize. Now in beta, the search tool promises to become a go to destination for lawyers searching for patents in their research, and will likely be used for general curiosity searches as well. ArchPatent is easy to use, comprehensive, and will serve both experts and new users alike.

One Minute Law School With Father Guido

From Execupundit, I give you the Five Minute University routine by Father Guido Sarducci. If you aren't familiar with the good padre, you should be. However, while the five minute university is great, I really love the one minute law school at the end. Where was the good Father when I needed him?

Will Apple And Samsung Kiss And Make Up? Not

Apple and Samsung meeting date set for May 21st and 22nd. A Judge required two day meeting between the chief patent litigants, Apple and Samsung, has been scheduled for May 21st and 22nd. I have been in some tense mediations; and, I would love to be at this one. However, the fact that the Judge has required this one makes it unlikely, in my opinion, that any far reaching agreement will be consummated. But, talking is always good; and, it certainly can't hurt. At the very least, such a meeting might narrow the issues. This isn't strictly a mediation; no neutral will be present to calm the waters. But, when a Judge says sit down and talk, you do it.

If The Secret Service Needs Chaperones...

Chaperones assigned to embarrassed Secret Service | Minnesota Public Radio News. I could not make this stuff up. The new rules for the Secret Service require chaperones to monitor secret service agents on assignment. No word on whether the job requirements include stints as den mothers. Do the chaperones have to sign non-disclosure agreements? Will they carry weapons? If they spot bad behavior, will they be permitted to arrest the offenders? Of course, now the White House has to hire additional personnel to watch the chaperones. Seriously. I could not make this stuff up. Hey, I have an idea. How about crossing guards on Presidential motorcade routes? 

Senator Reid Wants To Save The U.S. Postal Service. Can You Guess Why?

Sen. Harry Reid: The Postal Service Must Be Saved Because 'Seniors Love Junk Mail' | Techdirt. Is Harry Reid serious? As I close in on senior citizen status, I am insulted that Senator Reid thinks that my only way to feel connected to the world is reading junk mail sent to me in my mailbox, and delivered by the United States Postal Service. Senator Reid, I like junk mail for the articles, not the pictures! I have become an expert on the relative merits of hearing aids through junk mail. I like it because it is educational, by gum! Senator Reid belongs in the United States Senate. Or, if he tires of his day job, he could always make a living as a stand up comic.

After You Make This DIY Cell Phone Case, Call The Owner To Make A Ransom Demand

How to Make a Duct Tape Cell Phone Case: 8 steps (with pictures). And, in this Sunday's edition of "stupid things you can make with duct tape", I give you the duct tape cell phone case. Essentially, you wrap the phone in duct tape, sticky side out, and then wrap it again with the duct tape sticky side in. Then, you make a flap with, you guessed it, duct tape, which you open and unopen using that other twentieth century marvel, velcro. And, to think, I wasted ten dollars buying a case with a belt clip, made out of leather!

Apple Challenged For Tax Avoidance By The New York Times

Apple%u2019s Tax Strategy Aims at Low-Tax States and Nations - NYTimes.com. Apple has played the counter cultural hero since its inception; the little guy fighting against the IBM computer in the nineties. Now, however, Apple is the "man", and it pays taxes like the "man". Tax avoidance is perfectly legal; but, is it ethical in the case of a multi-national corporation like Apple? Apple's effective tax rate is under 10% in a world where WalMart pays an effective tax rate of 25%. Apple has billions of dollars in its war chest, and avoids taxes in the 2 to 3 billion dollar range by putting offices in Nevada? Apple's excuse? Everybody is doing it. Well, maybe everybody shouldn't be doing it?

How About A Home Office In The Forest?

Man Builds Secret Tree House in Canadian Forest. This guy built this tree house home by himself, with no carpentry skills. It would make a great home law office; but, there are a couple of problems. First, he built in on Government land without a permit. A lawyer wouldn't do that, right? Second, how do the clients get to you? I don't see them climbing mountains and trees to come for a visit. This would have to be a completely virtual practice. Hey, he is using a computer in the video. Wait, three, he is lighting the thing by candlelight; so, how is he charging the computer? I don't see any high voltage cables running through the trees. Now, if he builds this thing on private land, in a forest closer to the electrical grid, this might make a nice retreat to work and live in. No question, though, the guy has skills. 

Jim, I Hope Your Phaser Is Set On Stun!

This is a real video, of a real geek, destroying innocent balloons with a Phaser built in his basement. I do not make judgments about how other geeks spend their time; but, I still ascribe to the Boy Scout motto, and I do not destroy innocent balloons in my basement. 

Another Acronym To Watch Out For

Microsoft backs away from CISPA support, citing privacy | Security and Privacy - CNET News. The Cyber Intelligence Sharing And Protection Act (CISPA) is making its way through Congress. Microsoft, an early supporter, has apparently heeded recent privacy activist arguments that its language goes too far. In essence, it permits the Department of Homeland Security and Governmental agencies fighting cyberterrorism to share threat information with private companies. We walk a fine line when we task our Government agencies with protecting us from terrorism, when we try to write a bright line they cannot cross without invading individual freedom. However, the language is very broad, and very vague, and, well problematic. This is a task for lawyers with a facility for language and a healthy respect for personal privacy. I don't want the job. Do you?