The US federal courts have embraced various interpretations of patent law as it applies to business methods over the years. With In re Bilski, heard 8 May, the court again took up the issue, and its ruling will have a major impact on patent law, writes Greg Reilly of Morrison & Foerster. 21 Aug 2008
Just because open-source software is free, doesn't mean that you can change it. 15 Aug 2008
If the video game watchdog group What They Play has it right, parents are more worried about their kids being exposed to adult-themed video games than they are about kids drinking alcohol or viewing pornography. Some have questioned the study's use of "Grand Theft Auto IV" as an example; the researchers say they had to pick a specific, known game in order to avoid misleading survey takers. 14 Aug 2008
Hard-pressed consumers will no longer have to carry any costs of payment distribution following an agreement between the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and credit providers regarding the cost of distribution of payments to credit providers. 12 Aug 2008
An "action plan" is to be launched to assist South Africa's beleaguered clothing and textile sector in November - one month before the quotas on Chinese imports are meant to end - it was reported1 yesterday, 11 August 2008. 12 Aug 2008
NEWSWATCH: Pepsi Cola is looking to cut down the size of its canned drinks in China from 355ml to 330ml to combat the inflationary pressures of rising aluminium costs - Packaging Digest reports. Meanwhile, Madonna and Guy Ritchie could be in trouble after reports have surfaced of alleged price fixing at their pub in London - Tonight. 11 Aug 2008
A new agency with the powers to regulate all medicines and health products in South Africa, including health foods and cosmetics with medicinal claims, has been proposed by the Department of Health. 30 Jul 2008
Apple may be making a lot of noise lately with its new iPhone 3G, but when it comes to fighting software pirates, Steve Jobs' company prefers to speak softly and carry a big stick - the stick, of course, being legal action like its recent lawsuit against computer maker Psystar for producing machines that can run Apple software. 29 Jul 2008
Chinese textile company Tai Yuen is to ask the Labour Court to review a R17,5m award made against it by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). 28 Jul 2008
Earlier this week, the US Food and Drug Administration ordered the makers of certain antibiotics to add a 'black box' label warning - the FDA's strongest - to alert patients of possible tendon ruptures and tendonitis. 10 Jul 2008
NEWSWATCH: The Competition Commission's recent investigations into the complaints of Elite Breeding Farms and Astral Operations anti-competitive behaviour have been referred to the Competition Tribunal, IOL reports. 6 Jul 2008
A number of Black business organisations including the National African Federated Chambers of Commerce (NAFCOC), Black Management Forum (BMF) and Black Lawyers Association (BLA) have reacted with anger to a recent High Court judgement that found that Chinese South Africans now qualify as BBBEE and EAA beneficiaries. 3 Jul 2008
Milk producers fail in attempt to have a complaint of anti-competitive behaviour against them withdrawn. 24 Jun 2008
We're all familiar with branded content and are used to seeing brands featuring in our favourite TV shows. But when does it become too much? Some US groups reckon the line has been reached when a script is crafted around a brand, and they reckon branded content needs to be curbed. 20 Jun 2008
If insurance premiums for manufacturers and suppliers increase once the Consumer Protection Bill is passed into law, is it likely that those costs will be passed on to the consumer? 20 Jun 2008
The Single Exit Price legislation introduced by the Department of Health has resulted in an approximate 20% savings for consumers on medicines, according to Board Healthcare Funders (BHF) of Southern Africa. 12 Jun 2008
Microsoft has launched a salvo of piracy lawsuits against computer resellers the corporation claims have sold PCs with pirated copies of Windows and Office pre-installed. Microsoft investigators say they gained several tip-offs from the company's anti-piracy phone hotline as well as its Genuine Advantage verification system. 12 Jun 2008
The US Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has closed its investigation of the joint venture between SABMiller Plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company. 9 Jun 2008
The regulatory framework, which will enforce the Energy Conservation Programme (ECP) and penalise consumers who use electricity excessively, is being finalised. 6 Jun 2008
A proposal to scrap VAT on poultry meat products has upset red-meat producers. 4 Jun 2008
