| Do you know how much your business is losing to piracy and counterfeiting?
The recently released 2017 Update to the IP Commission Report on the theft of intellectual property estimates the loss to the U.S. economy may be as high as $600 billion dollars a year. Every sector of the economy is vulnerable, from software to counterfeit perfumes and makeup. Meanwhile, companies like Alibaba blame problems on weakness in laws and enforcement and seek to be removed from the U.S. Trade Representative blacklist.
If you are pursuing matters involving theft of trade secrets, counterfeiting, or other intellectual property losses, Asterion’s consultants may be able to help you document and analyze your claims.
Will you be ready for the next whistleblower suit?
Last month saw the federal government’s involvement in two high profile, large dollar whistleblower actions. In a $100 million lawsuit against Lance Armstrong seeking return of sponsorship monies paid to him and his team by USPS, the government’s involvement survived a summary judgment motion. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice also joined a suit alleging UnitedHealth Group overcharged Medicare by hundreds of millions of dollars. The number of whistleblower actions may continue to rise. A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision may have broadened the definition of what constitutes a claim under the False Claims Act.
Asterion’s experts have experience in whistleblower matters. Whether you are the whistleblower or an entity defending against such a claim, you may want to consult with us about your case.
On the Lighter Side: Are you still skipping your vegetables?
Now that broccoli can be grown year-round, and the latest studies recommend eating 10 servings a day of fruits and vegetables, at least you can feel guilt-free putting real butter on your vegetables again.
The Thread Recommends: Reading the fine print, unless you want your new dog to damage your credit.
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