Latest news with #Attorney
Focus Malaysia
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
With Royal decree confirmed, UMNO now demands Najib's house arrest
KELANTAN UMNO is urging the immediate implementation of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's remaining prison sentence under house arrest, saying this would demonstrate transparency and fairness in the legal process now that the existence of the Titah Adendum is no longer in doubt. Kelantan UMNO chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub also called for all prosecution proceedings to be halted in line with the validity of the Titah Adendum. 'This will also help dispel the negative perceptions held by the public previously,' he said in a statement on Saturday. The request follows the Attorney General's Chambers' (AGC) confirmation of the Titah Adendum's existence on Friday (July 11). Meanwhile, UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the decree's confirmation proved his earlier affidavit to the court was true and not hearsay. Wan Rosdy further urged that court proceedings be halted and the decree implemented, emphasising that the AGC, courts, and government must uphold the separation of powers and respect the authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay Rulers. He added that he and the people of Pahang pray Najib receives justice under the decree. — July 12, 2025
Forbes
09-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Dark Side Of International Franchising: 4 Legal Pitfalls To Avoid
Mohaimina Haque, CEO at Tony Roma's. Attorney & General Counsel. Immigration, Business Law expert. Adjunct Law Professor. International franchising represents one of the most attractive pathways for rapid global expansion. The allure is undeniable: leverage local capital and expertise to build your brand across continents while generating substantial revenue streams. However, beneath this attractive surface lies a complex web of legal challenges that can not only derail your expansion plans but potentially destroy your entire brand if not properly navigated. As CEO of a major restaurant franchise and a practicing attorney, I've witnessed firsthand how legal oversights in international franchising can transform promising global expansions into costly disasters. Leading a company where my predecessors were eager to enter international markets has given me a unique vantage point. What I've realized is that no one wants to think about legal complexities when they're rushing to sign deals and capture global opportunities. But these challenges are real, and can have a disastrous impact on brands worldwide. Protection begins with understanding these four legal realities: The Intellectual Property Mirage: Why Registration Isn't Protection Many franchisors make a critical error by assuming that intellectual property protection begins and ends with trademark registration. Intellectual property protection in international franchising is a multifaceted challenge that extends far beyond simple registration. While securing your trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets in target jurisdictions is essential, true protection requires a comprehensive strategy that anticipates enforcement challenges, local legal variations and the realities of operating in diverse legal systems. In my experience, most international IP laws are specifically designed to protect local businesses, often at the expense of foreign brands. This creates an inherent disadvantage that many American companies discover too late. Local competitors can exploit regulatory loopholes, cultural differences and bureaucratic delays to their advantage, sometimes operating copycat businesses for years before any meaningful legal recourse is available. The Capital Fraud Trap: When Franchisees Become Con Artists One of the most insidious challenges in international franchising involves franchisees who view your brand not as a business opportunity, but as a fundraising tool. These sophisticated operators understand that securing franchise rights from an established American brand provides immediate credibility with investors, banks and potential partners in their home markets. The scheme is elegantly simple and devastatingly effective. They sign franchise agreements with no intention of developing the business according to your standards or timeline. Instead, they leverage your brand's reputation to raise capital for entirely different ventures, often in unrelated industries. By the time you realize what's happening, they've extracted substantial value from your brand while providing nothing in return. This type of fraud is particularly challenging to detect and prevent because these individuals often present impeccable credentials, demonstrate apparent financial capacity and express genuine enthusiasm for your brand. They understand exactly what franchisors want to hear and are skilled at providing convincing business plans and financial projections. The Jurisdiction Trap: When Legal Agreements Become Worthless The enforceability of franchise agreements varies dramatically across jurisdictions, and many franchisors discover too late that their carefully crafted contracts are essentially worthless in certain markets. This is particularly true regarding termination clauses and dispute resolution mechanisms. Unilateral termination rights that seem ironclad under U.S. law may be completely unenforceable in jurisdictions that prioritize franchisee protection or have different concepts of commercial fairness. Some countries have specific legislation that supersedes private contractual arrangements, effectively nullifying termination clauses regardless of the circumstances that trigger them. The choice of governing law and jurisdiction clauses that American companies typically favor may be rejected by foreign courts, forcing you into legal systems where you lack expertise, relationships and sometimes even basic procedural understanding. This jurisdictional uncertainty creates an environment where problematic franchisees can operate with impunity, knowing that enforcement action is practically impossible. The Copycat Conundrum: When Local Laws Protect Your Competitors Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of international franchising involves dealing with local copycat operations that exploit legal protections designed for domestic businesses. These competitors often operate with striking similarity to your brand—similar names, logos, menu items or service offerings—while remaining technically compliant with local intellectual property laws. The challenge is compounded by the fact that many jurisdictions have weak enforcement mechanisms for intellectual property violations, lengthy legal processes that favor defendants and cultural attitudes that view imitation as legitimate competition rather than theft. Building a successful case against copycats often requires years of litigation, substantial financial investment, and outcomes that remain uncertain even with strong legal positions. The bottom line? International franchising offers tremendous opportunities for growth and revenue diversification, but success requires treating legal challenges as strategic considerations rather than operational obstacles. The companies that thrive in international markets are those that build legal resilience into their expansion strategies from the beginning, rather than attempting to retrofit legal solutions after problems emerge. The investment in comprehensive legal planning may seem substantial up front, but it pales in comparison to the costs of dealing with problematic franchisees, intellectual property theft, or jurisdiction-based disputes after they occur. More importantly, proper legal architecture enables franchisors to move quickly and confidently in attractive markets, creating competitive advantages that justify the initial investment many times over. The question isn't whether these challenges exist—they're inherent in international business. The question is whether your organization is prepared to address them systematically and strategically, turning potential legal pitfalls into competitive advantages through superior planning and execution. The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter. For legal advice, you should consult with an attorney concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Federal prosecutor speaks after suspect in killing of Minnesota lawmaker appears in court
Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Joe Thompson, told reporters that the next step in the case of the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband is for a grand jury to return an indictment. AP video by Mark Vancleave
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Associated Press
Veteran Prosecutor-Turned-Defense Attorney Launches Boutique Criminal Defense Firm in Litchfield County
United States, July 2, 2025 -- Stacey Anderson Law proudly announces the launch of its boutique criminal defense practice, offering personalized legal representation to clients across Litchfield County and Western Connecticut. Led by Attorney Stacey Stephens Anderson, the firm specializes in DUI, felony, and misdemeanor defense, providing strategic and discreet advocacy for individuals navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. With over 30 years of courtroom experience, including a distinguished tenure as a felony chief prosecutor in Texas, Anderson brings a unique perspective to criminal defense. Her prosecutorial background encompasses high-stakes cases in specialized divisions such as domestic violence, juvenile justice, mental health, and child and elderly abuse. This extensive experience equips her with an in-depth understanding of how cases are constructed-and more importantly, how to dismantle them effectively. 'Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. It's not just about the legal battle-it's about your future, career, and reputation,' says Anderson. 'At a time like this, you need more than just a lawyer: a strategist who anticipates every move, an advocate who understands what's at stake, and a fighter who stands between you and the prosecution.' Anderson's practice is characterized by its selectivity and focus. By limiting her caseload, she ensures that each client receives a personalized defense strategy, direct representation, and meticulous preparation. Clients work directly with Anderson, benefiting from her hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to their cases. The firm handles a broad spectrum of criminal cases, including: Anderson's defense strategies focus on challenging weaknesses in the prosecution's case, anticipating legal challenges before they arise, and building a case narrative that protects what matters most to the client. Beyond her legal practice, Anderson is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the Litchfield County Bar Association. She also contributes to the legal community through her Substack series, Legal Time Machine, where she explores historical trials through a modern legal lens. Stacey Anderson Law is now accepting clients in Torrington, Litchfield, Goshen, Roxbury, Kent, Sharon, New Preston, Warren, Bantam, New Milford, Danbury, and surrounding areas. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please visit or contact the firm at (860) 782-5275. About Stacey Anderson Law Stacey Anderson Law is a boutique criminal defense firm based in Kent, Connecticut. Founded by Attorney Stacey Stephens Anderson, the firm is dedicated to providing strategic, personalized legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges. With a focus on DUI, felony, and misdemeanor defense, Stacey Anderson Law serves clients throughout Litchfield County and Western Connecticut. Contact Info: Name: Stacey Anderson Email: Send Email Organization: Stacey Anderson Law Address: 39 N Main St, Kent, CT 06757 Phone: (860) 782-5275 Website: Release ID: 89163335 In the event of encountering any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release, we kindly request that you immediately contact us at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your feedback within 8 hours and take appropriate measures to rectify any identified issues or facilitate press release takedowns. Ensuring accuracy and reliability are central to our commitment.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘The jury has spoken': Breaking down the jury's verdict in Diddy's trial
Watch Entertainment attorney Lisa Bonner explains why she is surprised by the jury's verdict in Sean Combs's trial.
