Since Michael D. Steger started practicing law in 1993, he has sought to help solve his clients’ problems and expand their business opportunities. Whether in business transactions, litigation and other disputes, or counseling behind the scenes, he has focused on providing value to the individuals, companies and other entities that he has served. Mr. Steger founded the firm in 2005.
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Copyright Owners Rejoice! The Discovery Rule Lives
Copyright owners can breathe easier for a while. On June 16th, the Supreme Court again declined to address longstanding copyright doctrine holding that the statute of limitations for an infringement claim starts to run upon the plaintiff’s discovery of the...
Appeals Court Finds Blatant Theft Does Not Equal Fair Use
The fair use exception in the Copyright Act provides an affirmative defense to an infringement claim. Section 107 of the Copyright Act provides that the use of copyrighted material for "purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching . . . scholarship or...
GET OUT: HOW TO WITHDRAW ETHICALLY AND PRACTICALLY (AND STILL GET PAID)
An attorney’s withdrawal from litigation can be a tricky thicket to navigate: the litigator must comply with ethical guidelines and avoid compromising the client’s case, while trying to ensure receiving compensation for the value provided to the client. As with any...
Getting Goofy – Mickey Mouse in the Public Domain
Megan J. Abner, Associate January 1, 2024, this year’s so-called “public domain day,” marked the partial release of the world’s most famous mouse into the public domain. Disney’s iconic “Steamboat Willie” and lesser-known “Plane Crazy,” both released in 1928, marked...
Clearing the Deadwood: Tools for Cancelling Dormant Trademark Registrations
Just as broken limbs or downed trees that fall during a storm can block your path, defunct trademarks can block a trademark owner from registering a new mark. Let’s examine some different ways to clear the deadwood that is impeding your client’s way forward. Do Your...