In this issue

Featured insight

A duty of care for computer security and information privacy
A recent class-action lawsuit filed in South Carolina highlights evolving standards of care organizations now face with respect to protection of computer security and personal information privacy. Although the case is currently pending, it illustrates basic principles of computer system and information management now essential for all enterprises.
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C-suite strategies: Data incident risks and five steps to manage them
The value of an organization's information is extensive; however, in the last four years, over 1,900 data breaches occurred, with a 60% increase from 2011 to 2012.
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Best practices

The art of avoiding unpleasant surprises in proper due diligence
Proper due diligence is more than a necessity; in today's business environment, it's the first line of defense against potential disasters. The headlines are filled with examples of troublesome business relationships that have resulted in unpleasant surprises. How well do you know the people and entities with whom you're doing business?
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In-house perspectives

Role of counsel in strategic and business planning
I was recently asked to provide my thoughts on the role of the general counsel position, regardless of whether the position is filled by an in-house lawyer or the services are provided by a trusted business counselor who is regularly employed by an outside law firm acting as the legal advisor to the company. The answer to this question, like many others, is "it depends".
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Legal insights

In Nike trademark ruling, Supreme Court issues cautions
Guest contributor, Jeremy Byellin, reviews the Already, LLC v. Nike, Inc. case, decided by the Supreme Court on January 9, and discusses the two notable warnings to corporations involving trademark legal disputes.
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Don't let interoffice relationships lead to lawsuits
Do your company's policies on interoffice relationships effectively protect it from a nepotism or workplace harassment lawsuit? More importantly, how well do employees know and respect those policies?
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