Eric Menkhus, Director Technology Ventures Clinic

     Eric Menkhus, an associate clinical professor and director of the Technology Ventures Clinic and adjunct professor Randy Haines were quoted in an Aug. 25 article, titled "Writer of romance novels battles with her publisher," in The Arizona Republic.

     Menkhus told reporter Erin Zlomek that the bankruptcy of Valley-based Triskelion Enterprises was an important lesson for authors, artists, freelance writers and inventors about protecting their intellectual property. Until the bankruptcy is finalized, the copyrights to several Triskelion authors' books are in limbo, Zlomek reported.

     "I think almost all small entrepreneurs are uneducated about these legal issues," said Menkhus, recommending that they look at a company's financial records and seek legal advice when negotiating contracts. "They believe that they cannot afford, or they just chose not to pay for, legal advice. Sometimes it works out, but other times not having the proper legal advice at the beginning … can be a fatal error."

     Haines, a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, said it's important for entrepreneurs to understand what their contract clauses protect them from and what is unenforceable.
     Read the rest of the article here .