December 2003  
Keeping Company Computers Safe Online
10 Steps to Help Stay Safe Online

Most businesses are becoming aware of the dangers of hackers and viruses in the online world of the Internet. However, just as people do not stay locked in their homes because they fear muggers or catching the flu, business can not stay off line and give up a huge and growing marketing and business channel because of fear. However, unless a company's computers have been targeted, it is difficult to realize how seriously an attack could affect a business. If a company computer is attacked by a hacker or virus, important company and personal information, as well as software stored on the server, could be taken, contaminated or destroyed. There would also be the loss of valuable time, lost sales and lost client contact, while the damage is repaired. The company's computer network could even be used to attack other computers.

For the entire article CLICK HERE
(www.smrfirm-it.com/articles/12-03-art1.htm)

Trademark: The Ignored Asset
Part 3 of 3: What is Trademark Infringement?

by William S. Wyler
Schwartz, Manes & Ruby

In Part 1 of this series, we looked at the nature of what is a trademark or service mark. In Part 2 we explored trademark registration and why it is valuable. In the final part of this series we will look at trademark infringement and some common misconceptions. As is Part 2, the term trademark will apply to both trademarks and service marks.

Imagine opening the newspaper one morning and finding an advertisement for a competing product or service which is using the same trademark or at least a confusingly similar trademark to the name used on your own products or by your services. You do not have to be a genius to know that would be a major problem. The trademark is the only way to identify for the consumer what you are offering for sale and differentiate it from the goods or services that others are offering.

For the entire article CLICK HERE
(www.smrfirm-it.com/articles/12-03-art2.htm)

Federal Anti-Spam Act
President Signs First U.S. Attempt to Stop Spam

President Bush signed the new anti-spam law into effect on December 16, 2003. While the enacted legislation has not been reviewed at the time ITL was issued, Senate Bill 771 is very close to the final version of the Anti-Spam Act. This act, while being called ineffective by many commentators, is at least a first step in what will be a long war against spam. While there is clearly much left to do, it was and is unrealistic to assume that spam will be cured by a single piece of legislation.

For the entire article CLICK HERE
(www.smrfirm-it.com/articles/12-03-art3.htm)

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