| Volume 77 Number 10 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Even if you don’t pay rent, a landlord may not lock you out. A landlord may change the locks but must make a key available to the tenant to come and go 24-hours a day. Click here for more.
Apple Wins Big Against Samsung
In the spring of 2011, Apple began litigating a string of patent infringement cases against Samsung Electronics. On August 24, 2012, a California jury awarded Apple over $1 billion in damages. Samsung was awarded nothing in its countersuit. According to the jury, the majority of Samsung mobile devices violated Apple patents, including patents for appearance and features. Initially, Apple sought $2 billion in damages while Samsung countered for $500 million.
Apple lawyers will next seek an injunction against Samsung. Then, Apple lawyers will likely ask the judge to triple the damage award to $3 billion since the jury found Samsung "willfully" copied the patents.
Although the jury's award is unlikely to significantly damage Samsung's bottom line, it will mean fewer options for consumers. Why? Click here for more.
FTC Wins $470M From Scam Marketers
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission won a $478 million judgement against the companies and individuals associated with three popular "get-rich-quick" schemes. According to the lawsuit, nearly all of the million consumers who bought into the programs sustained losses. Although consumers could buy in at $39.95, some paid up to $14,995 for personal coaching. If you've ever bought into "John Beck's Free & Clear Real Estate System," "John Alexander's Real Estate Riches in 14 Days," or "Jeff Paul's Shortcuts to Internet Millions," you may be entitled to a recovery. To read about the judgement,
Click here for more.
Your Money
Want to pay off your debts as quickly as possible? Check out this calculator on restructuring debts for accelerated payoff! Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Collection letter cannot be sent c/o debtor’s employer. The Ninth Circuit held that a law firm violated federal debt collection law by sending a collection notice addressed to the debtor in "care of" her employer. Click here for more.