Issue 14 / Winter 2005

• Trademark Trashing The Internet is replete with gripes, complaints, accusations and grievances directed toward corporations. Such negative opinions are usually posted by unhappy customers, disgruntled former employees or other discontented individuals who feel somehow wronged by the particular corporation. A nominal fee and simple registration procedure will confer upon the cybergriper the domain name (the unique on-line identifier of a Web site, e.g., sgrlaw.com) of his/her choice, which is generally identical to the corporation’s trademark.
• TURBULENCE in the Airline Industry It is difficult these days to avoid news stories on the troubled U.S. airline industry. Three of the seven largest U.S. passenger airlines are currently in bankruptcy. Over the past four years, the U.S. passenger airline industry has lost more than $32 billion, with an additional $9—10 billion loss projected for 2005. Have you ever wondered why this happened, where the industry is going and what the future of flying will be like? Do these events represent an extended dislocation in the industry or are they the harbinger of a vast structural change?
• Due Diligence: Does It Ever Really End? The closing has occurred, documents have been executed, and the consideration has been delivered. There are handshakes and congratulations all around, perhaps followed by a closing dinner and then, finally, a good night’s sleep.
• THE SUPREME COURT:A look at the unique position of Chief Justice, and a preview of key cases to be decided in the October Term 2005 This summer marked an unusual time in American legal history. With the resignation of Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, two positions on the United States Supreme Court were simultaneously available to be filled.