According to McKibben, a lower court held that Facebook violated Leader’s patent on 11 of 11 claims, but then invalidated Leader’s patent by finding that Leader had tried to sell its technology too soon (“on-sale bar,” in legal parlance.)

“Leader asked the Federal Circuit to overrule this verdict, because the company’s patent interests were protected by a ‘no-reliance’ agreement that negated any possibility of making offers before we had signed contracts,” said McKibben. “But the court ignored these agreements, accepted Facebook-doctored evidence, and misquoted my testimony to justify their decision.”

“We are extremely disappointed,” McKibben added. “The appeals process is supposed to correct legal errors by juries, not simply root around for new evidence to justify not overturning a jury that was fooled by Facebook tricks.”

McKibben may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. “We firmly believe that the jury erred in their one finding against Leader,” he says. “Facebook is using our invention, as the jury agreed, without our permission. This court just condoned hacking of intellectual property and fabrication of evidence as acceptable business practices.”

The case is Leader Technologies Inc. v. Facebook Inc., 2011-1366, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (Washington). The lower court case is Leader Technologies Inc. v. Facebook Inc., 08-cv-862, U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington).

More information about Leader: http://www.leader.com .

News Source: Leader Technologies Incorporated :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

At trial, Facebook was judged to be “literally infringing” Leader’s U.S. Patent No. 7,139,761 on 11 of 11 claims, and the jury also found that the invention was not obvious over the published prior art. Put simply, this means that the software engine driving Facebook is Leader’s invention.

However, the jury found the patent invalid on the theory that Leader had engaged in premature commercial activity more than one year before the patent application was filed. According to Leader, while much evidence was presented on both sides regarding infringement and prior art, Facebook presented no evidence to support its allegations of early commercial activity. Facebook had the “heavy burden” to present “clear and convincing evidence” to prove its allegation that Leader disclosed the invention prematurely. The clear and convincing standard was recently reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in Microsoft v. i4i.

Leader argues that an attempt to invalidate computer software inventions requires hard evidence like source code, engineering documents, developer testimony, drawings, schematics and expert witnesses to prove early commercial activity. Facebook provided no such proof. Leader cites cases where invalidity verdicts were overturned when infringers failed to provide hard evidence.

The law on Facebook’s burden of proof requires Facebook to prove that each and every element of Leader’s invention was present in the alleged 2002 offers. Leader states that various products were sold in 2002, but none of them included the invention “because it did not exist at that time.”

Leader argues that Facebook had all versions of Leader’s source code and engineering documents, and that Facebook would surely have used the code had it actually discovered any evidence of Leader’s alleged early commercial activity. CEO Mike McKibben said, “Facebook didn’t produce any of our source code because the programmer notations in our code prove they are wrong.”

Leader argues that “if requiring clear and convincing evidence of invalidity is to be more than an empty semantic exercise, it must mean that the jury’s verdict here cannot stand.”

Facebook’s response is due according to the court Rules.

About Leader:
Leader Technologies Incorporated is located in Columbus, Ohio and may be reached thru John Needham at 614-890-1986 or online at www.leader.com .

- RSS news feed for Leader: http://send2pressnewswire.com/author/leader-technologies-incorporated/feed .

News Source: Leader Technologies Incorporated :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Company President Steve Klinkefus finds that “Our clients increasingly are looking to replace plastic and wood pallets with metal pallets in their warehouse operations. They tell us our metal pallets are an excellent value because of their low cost and durability. They also like that metal pallets lower the amount of product damage inside their facilities, and eliminate debris left behind from broken plastic and wood pallets.”

Metal pallets outperform wood pallets and plastic pallets in many ways. Metal pallets provide a superior return on investment due to their affordable cost and durable construction. Over time, the cost per trip of a metal pallet is less than a plastic pallet or wood pallet since metal pallets last longer.

In addition to lowering costs, corporations are realizing the environmental and safety benefits of metal pallets versus wood and plastic pallets. While damaged plastic pallets usually cannot be repaired, steel pallets can be repaired numerous times for a much longer lifecycle. Metal pallets also have an “end of life” value as recycled galvanized steel.

Unlike plastic pallets and wood pallets, which present dangerous fire hazards in warehouse applications, steel pallets are not flammable. Steel pallets also create less debris and don’t have splinters, reducing workplace injuries resulting from broken and damaged pallets.

Metal pallets also reduce product loss incidents during transport compared to typical plastic and wood pallets. Large multinational companies have used the 48 inch x 40 inch metal distribution pallet for more than 18 months with loss rates less than 3 percent. A single metal 48 inch x 40 inch distribution pallet has a static load capacity of 40,000 lbs and a dynamic load capacity of 10,000 lbs with 4 entry points. Additionally, the metal pallet is robotically machine welded together with no rivets or clamps for increased durability.

Another benefit of the steel pallet is that some types can support up to 3,500 pounds in an open edge racking system. Custom metal pallets are also available for environments where special sizes and performance requirements are necessary.

In addition to steel pallets, Compliance Packaging International also offers manufacturers aluminum pallets and aluminum containers as well as stainless steel pallets for hygienic environments. To learn more about metal pallets, please visit the website at http://www.metalpallets.us .

News Source: Compliance Packaging International Ltd. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Mid-America Food Processors Association provides information, programs, and university agricultural and food department research grants to strengthen the productivity of food processors in the Midwest.

Katz will discuss how mid-sized food companies and brands should manage internal and external communications to avoid typical food company crises, have crisis management marketing strategies in place, and mobilize external communication to protect consumers and restore the company’s reputation.

Katz is a food and beverage brand marketing expert and Adjunct Instructor of Brand Management at the Fisher College of Business MBA Program at The Ohio State University.

When asked about the session Katz replied, “Food companies must protect the quality of their products and brand reputation. Even companies with impeccable quality assurance, product development, and supply chain processes have product recalls and other food safety crises. Upfront planning and proactive communication ensures that your company can survive, and thrive during a media crisis.”

The presentation will offer attendees practical ways to avoid product recalls and other food safety crises, and address them if they do occur.

The techniques include:
1. Effective product development processes
2. Comply to product specifications
3. Independent quality assurance communication
4. Cohesive and responsible external communications
5. Partner with regulatory agencies
6. Effective media relations
7. Harness social media
8. Rebuild consumer trust and loyalty.

About Katz Marketing Solutions:
Katz Marketing Solutions (www.katzmarketingsolutions.com) is a brand and marketing consulting firm that specializes in growing food and beverage and brands and businesses and is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Photo Caption: Tammy Katz, Chief Executive Officer, Katz Marketing Solutions.

News Source: Katz Marketing Solutions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The Adige LT8 Tube Laser excels in having the greatest flexibility, quality and precision cutting on a tube diameter range from .472 to 8.66 inches and a bar weight up to 23.5 pounds per feet.

“Our laser fabrication services cater to a wide range of manufacturers in an array of industries,” says Rick Sulc, general manager for Laserflex. “And, we are now proud to be among the very few to provide the most efficient and advanced laser tube processing equipment in the region.”

Laser processing can reduce manufacturing cost by eliminating manufacturing sequences. Laser tube processing can drill, bevel, miter and cut-to-length in one operation. Part geometry is determined by the laser path which is computer numerically controlled (CNC), thereby eliminating the need for high-capital expenditure dies, tooling or stamping presses. And, because no hard tooling is required, both high and low volumes are economically justifiable when using this equipment.

Markets that will benefit from tube laser-cutting systems include: home and hospital equipment; industrial lifting equipment; motor homes; truck accessories; health and fitness equipment; construction scaffolding; agricultural equipment; store fixtures; and much more.

From simple cutting and joining to metal fabrication, prototype development, and reverse engineering, Laserflex has the experience and ability to get the job done right, on time and within budget.

The company’s Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Management system (CIMM) provides immediate access to every job in process and each completed project.

About Laserflex:
Laserflex is a precision metal fabricator that uses technology to provide full service laser cutting services for industrial laser cutting, forming, welding, machining and finishing needs. It has two strategic locations: Columbus, Ohio; and Duncan, South Carolina.

The company has a reputation for advanced technical knowledge and experience in metal cutting and joining. It operates an efficient production shop that features the latest in laser-cutting technology. Using a team concept, it aligns technology, experience and a serious commitment to service.

For more information and to watch a video of this new product in action, visit: www.laserflex-inc.com .

News Source: Laserflex Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

The download is free from the App Store, and comes in both a Lite (free) version for casual users and a Pro version for “power users.”

According to McKibben, “You can handle all your audio conferencing needs on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, and still enjoy all our advanced features.”

The Leader Phone iPhone app is different from other audio conferencing apps because it taps the power of the innovative engineering of both Leader Phone and the iPhone.

“The Leader Phone iPhone App actually syncs your conference calling with your iPhone contact list and iPhone calendar,” says McKibben. “This allows you to use our instant Call Now! feature to eliminate PINs altogether if you choose.”

The Leader Phone iPhone app includes advanced features such as call recording, call reminders, group calling (the Call Now! feature) and automatic add-in of late participants.

Present Leader Phone users are happy to see this new app coming from Leader. Mike Strall, National Accounts Executive for Memphis-based Empire Foods says: “Empire has been delighted with Leader Phone audio conferencing – great quality, innovative features, along with improved productivity. We are looking forward to using their new iPhone app – it will only make our conference calling even more convenient.”

About Leader®:
Leader Technologies® Incorporated is a software development and marketing company specializing in social media and unified communications. Its technologies are patented and patent pending. Its brands include Leader Phone® audio conferencing; Leader Meeting™ web conferencing; Leader Alert® for voice, text and email alerting; Leader® Voice Mail for social services virtual voice mail; and Leader2Leader® social media platform. Leader provided the primary communications and collaboration system for the Governor of Louisiana in the state’s Hurricane Katrina life-saving and disaster response. Leader has also provided counter terrorism support and alerting technologies to the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, Leader Alert® is now deployed with increasing frequency within secondary and higher education for school safety and security applications.

Leader Technologies, Inc. vs. Facebook, Inc.:
On July 29, 2009 Leader and Facebook met in the State of Delaware in a federal patent infringement trial filed by Leader – Leader Technologies, Inc. v. Facebook, Inc., Case No. 08-CV-862-LPS where a jury ruled against Facebook for “literal infringement” of Leader’s patented technology U.S. Patent No. 7,139,761 that is the engine driving the Facebook website. In the split decision, the jury ruled against Leader for alleged premature commercial activity. Leader has asked the judge to set aside the adverse rulings on commercial activity for lack of any evidence as a matter of law. Both sides have filed post-trial motions and await the judge’s rulings. Click http://www.leader.com/leader-v-facebook-cv-08-862-JJF-LPS to view post-trial motions.

For additional information, go online to Leader Phone® http://www.leaderphone.com or contact John Needham at (614) 890-1986.

News Source: Leader Technologies Incorporated :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®. View all current news at: http://Send2PressNewswire.com .

Plain text copy of press release: send2pressnewswire.com/mediadrome/2011-01-0113-002.txt .
PDF copy of release: send2pressnewswire.com/mediadrome/news_2011-01-0113-002.pdf .

Alumwire and MBA Focus have transformed and streamlined MBA recruiting processes through their interactive recruiting platforms that connect top MBA school candidates to leading corporations that seek to hire them, all in real time. The partnership gives both companies’ corporate clients online virtual career fair and integrated video chat booth recruiting capabilities.

“Internet-based video communication tools are a critical new way for MBA Focus’ corporate recruiting clients to reach and recruit top MBA school candidates at our 60+ partner schools worldwide. It’s another way for MBA Focus to help the world’s top employers connect with top MBA students and alumni and recruit more efficiently. Our partnership with Alumwire lets us provide even more recruiting tools to our current corporate clients as well as attract new customers,” said Jack Gainer, Chief Executive Officer at MBA Focus.

“We’re thrilled to expand Alumwire’s powerful professional recruiting media to more corporations and students through this partnership. We have had tremendous response to our virtual career fairs, online chat, and video interviewing tools and see the great growth potential with MBA Focus’ corporate clients and prospects,” said Aaron Sahagun, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Alumwire, Inc.

MBA Focus and Alumwire will launch their new services globally later this month. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Alumwire, Inc.:
Alumwire, Inc. (www.alumwire.com) is located in San Francisco, California and is a professional network that provides career opportunities for the members of alumni networks. Alumwire’s mission is to effectively consolidate the most important career resources for college alumni, students and faculty via a professional network. Alumwire is the unique platform that bridges the gap between alumni networks and corporate recruiters through resume collections, job postings, and their chat booth technology.

About MBA Focus:
Based in Columbus, Ohio, MBA Focus (www.mbafocus.com) is the leading provider of recruiting management systems that help corporations source the world’s top-ranked MBA school student and alumni talent. The company gives corporate recruiters access to the world’s top graduate business school students and alumni with recruiting management platforms, resume databases, and job boards. MBA Focus partners with career services offices at 29 of 30 of the world’s top-ranked graduate business schools.

News Source: MBA Focus and Alumwire, Inc. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source by Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

» Plain text copy of press release (and media contact)
» PDF copy of press release (and media contact)

“MBA Focus is building on its successes as a technology innovator that has improved the effectiveness and efficiency of corporate recruiting for top business talent. Our partnership with Katz Marketing Solutions will help us accelerate our plans to strengthen our market position with top business schools and corporate recruiters and develop new products that increase our customers’ ability to target the most qualified candidates,” said Jack Gainer, Chief Executive Officer of MBA Focus.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to extend MBA Focus’ brand leadership position and effectively market their breakthrough recruiting products and services,” said Tammy Katz, Chief Executive Officer of Katz Marketing Solutions.

About MBA Focus:

Based in Columbus, Ohio, MBA Focus is the leading provider of business recruiting tools that help corporations source the world’s top MBA school student and alumni talent. The company gives corporate recruiters access to the world’s top graduate business school students and alumni with resume databases and job boards. MBA Focus partners with career services offices at the world’s top graduate business schools – including 29 of 30 of the world’s top-ranked business schools. For more information, please contact MBA Focus at (614) 791-9435 or visit http://www.mbafocus.com .

About Katz Marketing Solutions:

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Katz Marketing Solutions is a marketing and brand management consulting firm specializing in consumer products and business-to-business marketing. For more information, please contact Katz Marketing Solutions at (614) 252-7824 or visit http://www.katzmarketingsolutions.com .

Plain text copy of press release (and media contact)

PDF copy of press release (and media contact)


STORY REFERENCES: MBA Focus Selects Katz Marketing Solutions for Brand Marketing Strategy, katz marketing solutions, mba focus, jack gainer, tammy katz, brand marketing, business recruiting, business recruiting tools, columbus, ohio, brand strategy

The jury concluded that Facebook literally infringes all of the asserted claims of Leader’s patent, and that the published prior art cited by Facebook did not anticipate or make obvious Leader’s invention. Facebook had alleged numerous technologies that predated Leader’s invention, but these were rejected by the decision.

The jury found for Facebook when they agreed with Facebook’s claim that the patent was invalid due to commercial activity by Leader prior to the patent’s issuance.

Company founder and CEO Mike McKibben said: “We are very pleased with the jury’s findings that Facebook infringes our patent. We were disappointed with the invalidity finding, and will ask that it be set aside. We believe that Facebook presented no ‘clear and convincing’ evidence that would invalidate our patent.”

Attorney Paul Andre from King & Spalding, the firm that represented Leader, said that if the invalidity finding regarding commercial activity is set aide, the jury’s decision that Facebook infringes Leader’s patent will stand.

Both Facebook and Leader will present briefs to the court beginning on Monday, and the case will remain in litigation for some time.

About Leader:

Leader Technologies Incorporated is located in Columbus, Ohio and offers other communications and alerting products and may be reached thru Jim Sobwick at 614-890-1986 or online at www.leader.com .

News Source: Leader Technologies Incorporated :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Katz will discuss how small and mid-sized food companies and brands should use interactive marketing and social media strategies to grow their brands. Katz is a food and beverage brand marketing expert and Adjunct Instructor of Brand Management at the Fisher College of Business MBA Program at The Ohio State University. During the session, participants will review examples of some of the industry’s best practices and case studies, including: Stacy’s Pita Chips, Little Debbie, Sopakco, CafeMom, Hungry-Girl . com, and Whole Foods Market.

When asked about the session Katz replied, “Food companies must focus on their marketing strategy and goals, and not overreact to new tactics. While mid-sized companies can adapt and capitalize on high-growth platforms like Facebook and Twitter, they also should seize growth opportunities from more basic tools like web optimization, database marketing, and customer service.”

The presentation will offer attendees practical ways to focus on practical and immediate ways to grow sales through interactive marketing and social media, including:
1. Build competitive web presence.
2. Build and harvest customer/consumer databases.
3. Leverage customer service 2.0.
4. Monitor and listen to target consumers.
5. Capitalize on personal social media; prioritize Facebook, communities, and YouTube.
6. Network and develop business with business social media; leverage LinkedIn.
7. Market consistently across media.
8. Measure and refine programs.

About Katz Marketing Solutions:

Katz Marketing Solutions, www.katzmarketingsolutions.com, is a brand and marketing consulting firm that specializes in growing food and beverage and consumer products brands and businesses and is based in Columbus, Ohio.

News Source: Katz Marketing Solutions :: This press release was issued by Send2Press® and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.