In Security for Bars, Taverns and Nightclubs, bars and taverns security expert witness Ralph Witherspoon, CPP, CSC, writes:
Risks
What are your risks (in dollars) for criminal or negligent acts by your employees or on your property? or, direct costs/loss for such acts? or, litigation costs? or, loss of reputation and customers?
Software patents expert witnesses may provide reports regarding computer patents, design patents, international patents and associated matters. In the news, United Services Automobile Association has filed a lawsuit stating they did not infringe on Mobile Deposit(R) patents issued to Mitek Systems. Mitek says the USAA branchless banking product infringes on their mobile deposit application.
In Security for Bars, Taverns and Nightclubs, night club security expert witness Ralph Witherspoon, CPP, CSC, writes:
Risks
Some establishments have a history of fights or violence. These taverns or clubs often cater to a younger, more risk prone crowd. Trendy nightclubs, especially on weekends, may have long lines of young persons eager to get into the current “hot spot.” Some bars and nightclubs located near colleges and universities attract young (and frequently underage) people, who then often engage in “binge drinking” or other risky behavior. The playing of pop music, especially by a live band or DJ (often involving a pounding beat), may also be a risk factor since it often creates an atmosphere of intense physical activity, sometimes even reckless abandon. A flashing strobe light show or similar “enhancements” may also heighten the atmosphere, and the risk!
In Alcohol Impairment, Robson Forensic bar and nightclub experts write that when when alcohol is identified as a factor in an injury incident, it is often assumed to be the only cause. Bars and lounges expert witnesses determine if alcohol played a causative or contributing role. Elizabeth A. Trendowski has been working in the liquor and hospitality industry for over twenty years and as an expert she evaluates the actions of establishments serving alcohol and addresses the standards of care in issues of underage drinking.
Patent infringement expert James Bessen, a lecturer at Boston University School of Law, commented this week on the increase in patent litigation, specifically the $1.1B sale of AOL patents to Microsoft. Bessen studies the economics of innovation and patents. His book, Patent Failure: How Judges, Bureaucrats, and Lawyers Put Innovators at Risk, highlights the problems caused by poorly defined property rights (“patent notice”).
Antitrust expert witnesses may provide reports concerning unfair trade practices, the free market, and the Clayton Act. In the news, the Justice Department and several states have sued Apple Inc. and major book publishers in an antitrust lawsuit alleging a conspiracy to raise the price of electronic books. US Attorney General Eric Holder says the pricing practice has added $2 to $5 to the cost of each e-book.
Patents expert witnesses may opine on software patents, invention patents, and international patents, as well as related issues. In the news, AOL sold 800 patents to Microsoft for about $1.1 billion. The sale will be scrutinized by the Justice Department in regards to patent and anti-trust laws.
Parties in the case against Heartstone Management Inc., Texas City Assisted Living Ltd., IPH Health Care Services Inc. and Dr. Folasade M. Ojo are asking for more time for discovery and to hire medical and nursing home expert witnesses. Christopher Murphy died of acute renal failure and had infected wounds after a fall at the Texas City Heartstone assisted living facility.
The motion was filed before Judge Barbara Roberts, Galveston County Court.
Robert Hambright will serve as an attorney’s fees expert witness in the age discrimination case against Motiva Enterprises. Kurt Floersheim alleges he was terminated in order for younger engineers to be hired.
Motiva Enterprises LLC operations include nearly 7,700 Shell-branded gasoline stations, three refineries with a combined capacity of 740,000 barrels per day, and ownership interest in 41 refined product storage terminals with an aggregate storage capacity of approximately 19.8 million barrels.
In Security for Bars, Taverns and Nightclubs, night club security expert witness Ralph Witherspoon, CPP, CSC, writes:
The goal of most bars, taverns and nightclubs is to provide a hospitable gathering place where patrons can have a good time, often by listening to entertainment and/or dancing, while purchasing and consuming the establishment’s primary product – alcoholic beverages. However, it is the latter item, the consumption of alcoholic beverages that tends to lessen or remove inhibitions in many people, which is the frequent cause of problems and, increasingly, litigation for tavern and club operators.
While potentially applicable to all types of establishments as their circumstances and clientele dictate, this article is primarily targeted toward larger bars and nightclubs, including dance clubs and adult entertainment aka. gentlemen’s clubs.
