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236 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingSteve and Lisa (husband and wife legal team) discuss the latest in legal and current event news!
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Episodes
Can my business or corporate lawyer handle our software audit?
October 12, 2016 18:30 - 8 minutes - 6.44 MBSoftware Licensing & Infringement Law Firm - when Compliance is on the line, we can help!! Top FIVE reasons to hire our firm instead of your "corporate" or "business lawyers." 1. We have knowledge of the "tricks and traps" of the software audit process 2. In many cases we have pre-existing relationships with the copyright lawyers for the BSA, SIIA, Autodesk, etc. 3. We have day to day experience negotiating deals (in the trenches). While many lawyers may claim to be great negotiators ...
Can a software company sue for breach of EULA agreement?
October 08, 2016 12:30 - 7 minutes - 6.03 MBSoftware licensing litigation - the EULA In this pocast episode of Vondran Legal Hour, Attorney Steve is joined by his fabulous wife Frontline Lisee (office manager at the law firm) and they discuss software end user licensing agreements and whether a breach of the agreement could result in a federal copyright litigation case (with potentiial for $150,000 damages for willful copyright infringement) or a simply breach of contract action for failure to keep the promises made (i.e. "covenants")...
What your company needs to know about software font audits by Attorney Steve
October 07, 2016 16:00 - 13 minutes - 11.8 MBSoftware Audit Tips - What is a font license audit? In this exciting episode of Vondran Legal Hour, Attorney Steve, the copyright lawyer, talks about business software alliance audit demand letters that may be requesting your company to engage in a "voluntary" software audit of all fonts used across your enterprise, company or organization. This can be stressful where you have no clue what you have installed on the various servers, computers and laptops, and you are not sure if you have any...
Attorney Steve and Frontline Lisee disuss Malibu Media lawsuits
October 06, 2016 12:30 - 11 minutes - 9.73 MBMalibu Media Lawsuits explained If you received a notice of copyright infringement or legal demand letter (or notice of subpoena from your ISP such as Comcast), you might want to listen to this podcast. In this episode of Vondran Legal Hour we discuss how some peopel feel when they realize they might be named in a John Doe lawsuit (usually filed in Federal Copyright Court, example in the 9th Circuit) and how our copyright law firm can potentially help you. Click here for more resources on ...
Are software audits really voluntary?
October 05, 2016 00:00 - 7 minutes - 6.19 MBSoftware License Compliance Essentials - Understanding the "voluntary audit." In this exciting episode of Vondran Legal Hour, Attorney Steve - fresh from the software trenches - discusses the so called "volutnary" audit demand which usually comes with a not-so-subtle threat of a federal copyright lawsuit and $150,000 in monetary damages, plus attorney fees. Are these audits really voluntary? Can you just "opt out" and not respond? What happens if you do? If you received a demand letter...
CCP 425.17(c) commercial speech exemption writ v. appeal explained
October 04, 2016 02:00 - 5 minutes - 4.17 MBAnti-SLAPP law overview - appealing an adverse ruling on CCP 425.17 "commercial speech exemption." In this episode of Vondran Legal Hour "Attorney Steve" explains the difference between a WRIT and an APPEAL. An appeal may be taken as a matter of right unless the judge denied the motion on grounds that commercial speech was at issue. In those circumstances, filing a "writ" or petition to review the lower court ruling is the avenue to pursue per case law. Keep in mind, most writs (approxima...
The role of software license verification in mergers and acquisitions
September 30, 2016 22:30 - 4 minutes - 3.45 MBSoftware Audit Essentials - Buying and Selling a business and taking over their software Our firm was recently retained on a case where one company purchased another company and they took over all the existing computers, laptops, servers, and other infrastructure. Both the selling company and the acquiring company were represented by counsel. However, even so, nobody bothered to ask any questions about whether or not the software on the computers (ex. Autodesk Autocad or Revit Architecture...
Software audit survival tips and the transfer of licenses from old entity to new
September 29, 2016 16:30 - 9 minutes - 7.64 MBSoftware Audit Essentials - Potential Defense of License Transfer We have been helping companies across the United States resolve software audits with major companies like Autidesk (Autocad and Revit software), Microsoft (often times a "Office" issue), Adobe, Vero Software and others. In these cases, you want to be able to explore all possible defenses to copyright infringement and seek to be aware of all potential negotiating tools. Anything you can find to try to help make a great deal, ...
Facebook Live Copyright Infringement Overview
September 29, 2016 02:00 - 10 minutes - 8.87 MBStreaming Live Video - Legal Aspects Welcome to another exciting episode of Vondran Legal Hour. In this episode Frontline Lisee and Attorney Steve discsuss the new facebook "go live" feature and the potential copyright infringement implications of using copyrighted music, songs, lyrics, etc. The video also discusses briefly the "creative commons" coypright system and you can learn more about that here: VIDEO: Attorney Steve creative commons copyright overview. MORE INFORMATION: Click her...
California anti SLAPP law explained - CCP 425.17 commercial speech exemption
August 12, 2016 13:00 - 12 minutes - 10.6 MBCalifornia free speech anti-SLAPP attorney This podcast discusses generally (this podcast is not legal advice or a substitute for legal advice) what you need to know about the Cal SLAPP law and the commercial speech exemption set forth in CCP 425.17(c). The Defendant in a case may file a special "Motion to Strike" the complaint on first amendment grounds. The 425.17 exemption can shoot that down if the facts apply. Listen to Attorney Steve the business and real estate lawyer as he explain...
Attorney Steve overview of Bittoren lawsuits for illegally sharing videos SD
July 24, 2016 13:00 - 13 minutes - 11.1 MBSan Diego | Los Angeles | Orange County | San Francisco - Malibu media defense cases. Bittorent Defense Atty Steve Vondran discusses what happens when you get a notice of subpoena from your ISP, or property manager, and it appears you are facing a lawsuit for illegally downloading and sharing adult ographic movies online via an internet swarm. The P2p (peer-to-peer) file sharing websites make it easier to share digital content with your friends and family, but it could also lead to a claim ...
Overview of BSA software piracy reporting program
July 11, 2016 12:30 - 13 minutes - 11.6 MBAnti-piracy rewards program explained I had someone ask me last week (on my of SIIA audit clients as I recall) what the rewards were for "turning in their boss" for not having properly licensed software at their company. I discussed how these software trade assocations (the Software Alliance being the other one), offer fincial rewards programs for "nailing their bosss." Since this is an important issue affecting many companies who find themselves dealing with the "secret informant" ex-empl...
anti-slapp law in California
July 10, 2016 19:30 - 11 minutes - 10 MBFirst Amendment Lawyer California - Anti-SLAPP statute explained The first amendment is a good thing, it allows people to speak freely on public issues, sports, politics, etc. But as they say "free speech is not absolute" it has limits. In this general legal podcast, Attorney Steve Vondran explains the CAL SLAPP law and how it works and how the judges might view the cases brought before them under CCP 425.16 and CCP 425.17 (commercial speech exemption). The gist of the "anti-SLAPP" motion...
Parental Warning - Bittorrent use can lead to unwanted legal liability
July 08, 2016 18:00 - 9 minutes - 8.14 MBIntellectual Property Issues on the Internet - Beware of illegal file sharing of movies, videos, games, comics and software IP litigation attorney Steve Vondran discusses the rise in Bittorrent related lawsuits and notices of copyright infringement to ISP's seeking name and address to add a subscriber to a DOE lawsuit. These cases appear to be on the rise and if you received a subpoena notice from your internet service provider, you should contact a p2p attorney ASAP. These cases are broug...
SIIA anti-piracy software program explained
July 05, 2016 04:30 - 11 minutes - 9.91 MBSIIA reward policy for reporting software piracy In this exciting episode of Vondran Legal Hour Attorney Steve, the IP lawyer, discusses the general terms and conditions of the SIIA anti-piracy program. Under this program, software whistleblowers can earn from $500 up to a MILLION DOLLARS if they take a case that settles out of court (if a copyright lawsuit is filed the "informant" gets NOTHING). There are certain conditions and limitations so login and to hear this great legal show. If y...
Software Alliance audit general info
July 01, 2016 01:00 - 4 minutes - 2.86 MBSoftware Alliance Technology Lawyer Steve Vondran discusses whether you need to hire a lawyer to respond to the Software Alliance. This podcast will help you understand if your "inside counsel" or "corporate lawyer" is equipped, trained and experienced to handle a BSA audit demand letter, evaluation, review of copyright defenses, negotiation and settlement. If your business needs help and legal support on the complex area of licensing compliance, call us at (877) 276-5084. We offer a free...
Attorney Steve Vondran discusses "voluntary" software audits by BSA and SIIA
June 29, 2016 22:00 - 7 minutes - 5.99 MBSoftware Compliance Legal Insights Steve Vondran, the Software Attorney explains whether or not audits are "voluntary" or must be complied with. For example, if your company received what we affectionately refer to as "the love letter" from major software publishers such as Oracle, Bentley, CNC, Minitab, Symantec, Rosetta Stone, etc. are you legally OBLIGATED to comply? Can you just throw away the letter? What happens if you do? Will the continue to come back at you until you provide an ...
How to remove a bad review from Google by Attorney Steve
June 28, 2016 13:30 - 12 minutes - 10.3 MBInternet Defamation of a Business - How to handle negative posts and reviews One of the most frustrating things that can happen to your business is having a person (ex. past client) defame you on google. Since it is in writing the defamation is known as "libel." But what can you legally do about? Can you sue Yelp or Google? Can you file an defamation lawsuit against the person or is their "opinion" protected by the first amendment and the ANTI-SLAPP laws? Attorney Steve the business, rea...
Can you file a lawsuit against a DMCA copyright bully?
June 22, 2016 15:30 - 9 minutes - 7.55 MBCopyright Litigation Essentials - DMCA 512(f) "bad faith" mispresentation bully cases Thank you for listening to this episode of "Vondran Legal Hour." If you enjoy our legal podcast (this is general legal information only and not legal advice), feel free to share the link on your social media website. If you need immediate help, visit BadFaithDMCA.com Introduction When you are trying to run a business on eBay or Etsy, or having fun (ex. parody) with a video on Youtube or Vimeo, Google, F...
Civil extortion in software audit cases?
June 21, 2016 19:00 - 12 minutes - 10.7 MBCopyright & Software Settlemenets - Is this legal or civil extortion? Welcome to another exciting episode of Vondran Legal with Attorney Steve Vondran. Introduction In this episode we are talking about what happens when ypu complete a software licensing audit and are moving to get your case settled. The intellectual property attorney for the software company (note it could be attorney for copyright bully in a BIttorrent illegal file sharing case) has been authorized by their client to set...
Motion to Quash Subpeona explained by Attorney Steve
June 19, 2016 00:00 - 5 minutes - 4.06 MBWhat is a Subpoena and do you Squash it or Quash it? Civil lawyer Steve Vondran explains what it means to try to "quash" a subpoena. For example, if you get a notice of copyright infringement from your ISP claiming you illegally downloaded music or videos and someone wants to sue you (ex. in A Bittorrent file sharing lawsuit), you may need to discuss with an intellectual property lawyer about whether or not you have grounds to QUASH the subpoena or not. This podcast provides a general over...
What is the SIIA?
June 05, 2016 13:00 - 6 minutes - 4.94 MBWhat is the Software & Information industry Association? Attorney Steve explains this industry tradegroup that monitors and enforces the intellectual property rights (i.e. copyrights) of its member companies and engages legal counsel to send out what's known as "voluntary audit letters" from regional law firms who then seek to have your company audits its books and records and submit valid proofs of purchase and licensing evidence to prove that you are paying for the software you are using t...
Are Software Audit Raids Legal in the United States?
June 04, 2016 19:30 - 10 minutes - 9.09 MBThe legal side of software raids Are software companies legally allowed to conduct a software raid on your business if they have a suspicion that your company is using software that is pirated, or illegally downloaded from file sharing websites such as "bittorrent" or others, or that you are using counterfeit software, or using crack-codes to run software without paying for it, and without a legal license? This podcast from Steve Vondran, Esq. will address this key legal issue in general te...
Attorney Steve, the copyright lawyer discusses the software audit checklist
June 02, 2016 05:30 - 7 minutes - 6.14 MBSoftware Compliance & Copyright Infringement Law - Things to know before you engage in a software audit with Microsoft, Autodesk, the SIIA or BSA This podcast discusses the ESSENTIAL checklist you must go through line by line if you received an audit lettter asking you to engage in a "voluntary" audit of your computers, networks and servers and laptops of your business. This is not fun and games when you get the "love letter" and you need to take this serious, especially since in most cases...
BitTorrent and the Copyright Bully Phenomena
January 15, 2016 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8.14 MBIllegal downloading of ographic movies Copyright law is heating up with demand letters based on illegal downloading of adult ograpy on p2p file sharing websites such as BitTorrent. Attorney Steve, the copyright lawyer discusses this interesting situation to be aware of when you are downloading and uploading movies, books, audio tapes, games (ex. xbox and playstation), software, comics, anime and other digital content where the copyrights are help by other persons. We can help you explore y...
Defamation defined by Attorney Steve
January 07, 2016 18:00 - 16 minutes - 14.3 MBThis Vondran Legal Hour podcast discusses the tort of defamation.
SIIA software audits explained
January 03, 2016 01:00 - 7 minutes - 5.96 MBSIIA software defense law firm The Software & Information Industry Association ("SIIA") is a private trade group (not law enforcement) that seeks to enforce the intellectual property rights (ex. copyrights in software programs) of its member companies such as Google, Facebook, Adobe and others. Copyright lawyer Steve Vondran discusses what this entity is, explains some sample members and discussses in general what to do if you receive a software audit letter from one of the SIIA member comp...
what is the business software alliance?
December 21, 2015 20:00 - 16 minutes - 14.5 MBBSA Defense Lawyer discusses the Business Software Alliance ("BSA") When your company is involved in a software licensing audit with an industry trade organizaation such as the BSA, you need to know what you are up against, and what you will be dealing with. You need to understand the issues and defenses. Attorney Steve Vondran, the Software Lawyer, provides another great podcast, this time discussing the role of the Business Software Alliance. We offer a wealth of free resources and info...
Stop talking to the Business Software Alliance (BSA)
December 08, 2015 20:00 - 10 minutes - 8.69 MBSoftware Audit Attorney Insights Our firm has helped many different types of companies handle their software licensing infringment cases, whether the auditing company is Autodesk, Microsoft, Adobe, Bentley, BSA or SIIA or even a third party "software compliance group." These cases are rarely as easy to resolve as some people think. In this exciting episode of Vondran Legeal Hour, Attorney Steve Vondran discusses some things you might be in for if you decide to handle the case by yourself (...
Legal hurdles to suing Charlie Sheen
November 24, 2015 20:00 - 11 minutes - 9.81 MBNegligence and Intentional Torts Laws in California In this episode of Vondran Legal Hour Steve and Lisa discuss the Charlie Sheen case and California law relating to giving other people HIV, aids, herpers or other STD. Some of the torts discussed are: 1. Negligence 2. Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress 3. Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress 4. Fraud 5. Civil battery. Civil extortion is always discussed. As always, feel free to share this legal podcast on your s...
Subpoena explained
November 18, 2015 13:30 - 8 minutes - 6.76 MBWhat is a subpoena? Attorney Steve explains what a subpoena is and how to respond in this episode of "Vondran Legal Hour." If yo uhave been served with a subpoena or need to serve one, we can help. Find us on the web at www.AskAttorneySteve.com Motion to Quash When you are served with a subpoena, one thing you might need to do is to file a motion to quash. This is a motion you file with the relevant court to demand that you do not have to follow the subpoena or respond to it. You might...
USPTO office action letter responses
October 18, 2015 18:30 - 6 minutes - 5.46 MBAttorney Steve discusses the "office action letter" you might get from the USPTO if your trademark application (or servicemark) is intially denied. If so, you will have 6 months to respond and cure the defects in your application, disclaimer certain things, provide a specimen etc. If you need help with intellectual property legal issues such as trademark (including trade dress), copyright, or trade secrets give us a call at (877) 276-5084 or go to AskAttorneySteve.com. We work with busines...
Fair Use defense in DMCA take down cases
October 16, 2015 17:00 - 10 minutes - 8.8 MBCopyright Law Basics - The Fair Use Defense This Vondran Legal Hour podcast discusses things copyright holders must consider before firing off a DMCA take down notice. The case of Lenz v. Universal Music Corporation has set the standard in the 9th circuit which means that copyright holders (artists, songrwriters, musicans, software and game developers, and others) must consider (and should document their findings as of a particular date) the FOUR FACTOR FAIR USE TEST before getting agressiv...
Software informants - the role of the informant in software licensing audits
October 13, 2015 17:00 - 9 minutes - 7.37 MBThis Vondran Legal Hour legal podcast discusses the role of the "informant" in software audit cases. Some things to consider asking the opposing party (usually an intellectual property law firm) when faced with a voluntary audit: 1. Who is the informant? 2. What information did they give you? 3. We believe confidential trade secrets have been stolen (you are assisting that) 4. Did the informant sign a "declaration" under penalty of perjury? 5. How do you know they are telling the t...
AutoCad Audit Overview
August 10, 2015 17:30 - 6 minutes - 4.85 MBOverview of Software Licensing Audits Engineeer and Architechts be on notice - Autodesk, Adobe and Microsoft can audit your internal coroprate installations of Autocad software and make sure you have properly licensed, and are properly pahying for your companies usage of these companies software products. Small to mid-size, and even large businesses in the archtiecture and engineering field are subject to a "voliuntary" (at risk of a federal copyright lawsuit) software audit if they are usi...
Litigation tips -how to respond to form interrogatories in a California lawsuit
August 02, 2015 03:30 - 3 minutes - 2.32 MBThis video discuss form interrogatories in California. How do you respond to these? What are they? Attorney Steve, the business and real estate lawyer discusses.
Consumer "Rings the Bell" against Time Warner Cable for $229,500 under TCPA
July 09, 2015 18:30 - 3 minutes - 2.14 MBTelephone Consumer Protection Act - [47 U.S.C. 227] We all hate those annoying phone calls from "robodialers" but did you know in some circumstances Plaintiffs can turn these pesky violations into nearly a quarter million dollars? Listen to civil litigation attorney Steve Vondran explain the newest case to hit the press. In this case, Judge Alvin Hellertsein of Manhatten Federal Court, ruled the violations were "particularly eggregious" and he tripled the $500 damage award making it $1,500...
How to discharge willful copyright infringement judgments in bk court
June 14, 2015 05:30 - 11 minutes - 19.1 MBThis episode of Vondran Legal Hour discusses copyright infringement and whether or not you can go into bankruptcy and discharge a unsecured judgment for willful copyright infringement. If you are accused of willful copyright infringement in a Microsoft software audit, or Autodesk or Bentley, call one of our intellectual property lawyers. We may be able to settle your case without trial, or if you are facing and adversary proceeding, we can represent both creditors and debtors in the intellec...
Common legal defenses in software licensing audit cases
June 11, 2015 07:30 - 12 minutes - 21 MBFederal Copyright law - Software infringement defenses to allegations of willful copyright infringement Our intellectual property and copyright attorneys defend companies that are facing an Autodesk audit for AutoCad or Microsoft software audit. This may arise as part of a BSA or SIIA audit or a standalone software audit. When you are faced with a charge of federal copyright infringement, you need to take it serious and hire a lawyer to protect you, as an officer and director, and protect ...
Everything you need to know about Arizona Commercial Courts
May 27, 2015 13:30 - 14 minutes - 24.8 MBMaricopa County Arizona has launched a new "business court" where only commercial, business and commercial real estate disputes will be heard, Some cases have to have a miminum $50,000 amount in controversy requirement. Some dont. Tytpes of cases that can be heard in this court polit program are breach of contract, UCC, trade secret theft,, copyright, trademark, unfair competition and more. Listen to Attorney Steve describe the two types of cases that can be heard. Feel free to share th...
California financial elder abuse pre-judgment writ of attachment
May 26, 2015 14:00 - 11 minutes - 18.7 MBIntroduction When you are involved as a Plaintiff in a financial elder abuse case in California, you need to understand the pre-judgement writ of attachment process. This legal procedure allows you to go after the assets of one or more defendants and levy personal and real property BEFORE the case is over if the judge approves and signs the order of attachment. This real estate law podcast discusses this interesting concept that every litigator should be aware of. Once the writ of attachm...
Attorney Steve explains the lis pendens process in California
May 24, 2015 18:30 - 15 minutes - 27.4 MBIntroduction When you are involved in real estate litigation that affects title or possession to real property, you need to know what a lis pendens is and how it works. You need to understand what it means to "cloud title" and what it means to "slander title." These are very important real estate concepts that every litigator and land owner should be aware of. Attorney Steve, the real estate lawyer, gives you the legal definition of lis pendens and explains the process to follow to get th...
Financial elder abuse overview under California law
April 24, 2015 22:00 - 23 minutes - 20.4 MBIntroduction Financial elder abuse is on the rise in California. People are living longer due to advances in science, medicine, health, fitness and nutrition. At the same time, "seniors" (those over 65 years of age - which is still relatively "young" if you think about it) are some of the sole survivors of the "mortgage meltdown" and they are oftens the victims of financial fraud and "elder abuse." This husband and wife podcast discusses what elder abuse is, how to spot it, and the types ...
Autodesk Audit Tips
February 20, 2015 17:30 - 11 minutes - 9.72 MBLegal insights regarding Autodesk Software Licensing Audits This episode of Vondran Legal Hour deals with tips for those companies facing Autodesk Audits. Software licensing compliance can be complicated and frustrating, but Attorney Steve explains the process of undergoing a BSA software licensing audit with the architecht and engineering software Autodesk, which has over 10 million users. For more information about our services in the software licensing legal compliance visit our website...
California Real Estate Brokers acting as lawyers in Small Claims Court?
January 06, 2015 19:30 - 6 minutes - 9.89 MBCan a real estate broker represent a California property owner in a small claims court in a dispute involving the property? Yes. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure, there is a way that a real estate broker (property management) can represent the property owner. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.540 CCP 116.540 states: (h) A party who is an owner of rental real property may appear and participate in a small claims action through a property agent under contract with ...
What is a cumis counsel lawyer?
January 05, 2015 17:00 - 16 minutes - 13.8 MBCumis Counsel Lawyer What is cumis counsel? Sometimes in your practice of real estate (ex. as a property manager, commercial real estate or residential agent, or mortgage loan originator) you will be sued for your role in the transaction. A plaintiff in a civil lawsuit might sue you for any or more of the following: FraudConstructive FraudBreach of ContractNegligenceFinancial Elder AbuseMisrepresentationBreach of fiduciary duty These are just some of the common lawsuits (and requests for a...
Reverse domain name hijacking explained
November 26, 2014 18:00 - 8 minutes - 10.2 MBReverse domain name hijacking overview This epsiode of Vondran Legal Hour discusses the growing phenomena of the "trademark bully." This show is general legal information only and not legal advice. A trademark bully is a company that owns a federally registered trademark that believes it can force other pcmpanies (by use of threats, intimidation, fear, and express or implied threats of litigation) to force you to turn over control of your property (i.e. your domain name) to them, usually f...
California civil code section 1542 defined
November 23, 2014 19:00 - 13 minutes - 17.2 MBDemsystifying California Civil Code Section 1542 release agreements California litigation attorney Steve Vondran discusses the 1542 general release that pops up in business, real estate, personal injury and intellectual property settlements in CA. From settling a wrongful foreclosure case to a copyright or breach of contract, a settlement agreement will normally ask you to "waive all your claims whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, and waive any and all rights under secti...
California Civil Code Section 2924.19 defined
November 22, 2014 21:30 - 10 minutes - 12.7 MBCalifornia Civil Code 2924.19 defined Attorney Steve Vondran explains what California Civil Code Section 2924.19 means. This is a part of the California Homeowner's Bill of Rights ("HBOR") and is a remedy provision for dealing with "material" violations of the law. There is a difference between whether or not you file suit before a non-judicial foreclosure sale (seek a TRO, Injunction, file lis pendens and seek attorney fees). Post-sale, your rights might be limited to seeking damages, an...
What to do if you are charged with copyright infringement for pornography videos
November 05, 2014 20:00 - 7 minutes - 8.44 MBAttorney Steve Vondran discusses copyright infringement lawsuits. Legal issues that arise when you download copyrighted videos on the internet without paying for them.