Cheating on Educational Discount
Results in Damage Award,
Mail-Fraud Conviction
August 15, 2003
Hewlett-Packard announced yesterday that it had recovered some $1.8 million from a company that bought computers using an educational discount but then resold them to commercial customers. See story.
(Perhaps of greater interest to corporate managers, the company’s owner reportedly pleaded guilty to related federal mail-fraud charges.)
Lesson: Don’t lie about being eligible for discounts or other special deals — that is, unless you think you might look good in handcuffs.
Allegedly Out-of-Date Comparative
Advertising Triggers Lawsuit
August 14, 2003
Comparative advertising sometimes begets litigation. An advertiser can take some simple steps to discourage its targeted competitor from running to the courthouse.
Rigging a Promotion Costs Coca-Cola Big Bucks
and Triggers Grand-Jury Investigation
August 13, 2003
From the Career-Limiting Moves Department: Coke agrees to pay up to $21MM to Burger King for rigging results of market testing of Frozen Coke at BK restaurants. Wouldn’t you hate to be in the shoes of the marketing managers who did that . . . .
Welcome; Cautions; Disclaimers
August 13, 2003
Welcome to Business Lessons. I use this blog for note-taking about my business-related reading. Some of that reading is law-related, because I’m a lawyer by training.
Now for some customary cautions and disclaimers:
1. This site is presented for general information only. It should not be read as business advice or legal advice about your specific situation, and of course it doesn’t establish an attorney-client relationship between you and me.
2. Any opinions expressed here are mine (or those of the commenter, if applicable) and not those of my employer, my former law firm, or any of its clients.
3. Remember that in legal matters, small changes in facts can make a big difference in outcome. For your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction who has expertise in the appropriate subject area.