Space Empires V or ridiculous lawsuits? What is the connection?

[geoschmo]

Tbontob, I'm not a lawyer. I wasn't aware of the legal difference between negligence and recklessnes. I should have said negligent.

[Fyron]

Isn't "SEV" a registered character for a sci-fi channel show?

That hardly matters as MM uses the name Space Empires V, not SEV. SE3, SEIII, SEIV, SE4 are not trademark of Malfador Machinations, they are just abbreviations. So MM could not be sued over the name of SEV because SEV is not an official name.

[tbontob]

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Tbontob, I'm not a lawyer. I wasn't aware of the legal difference between negligence and recklessnes. I should have said negligent.

Actually you did.

Narf poit chez BOOM spoke of recklessness.

I just thought it would help to understand the situation by having a clear understanding of the difference.

EDIT: I also thought your commentary on McDonalds was valid and to the point.

[ May 30, 2003, 23:51: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[tbontob]

Just read the older Posts. Should have done that in the first place.

So McDonalds were found liable.

Question is, are they going to appeal the decision?

Many a decision has been overturned on appeal. And then overturned again on the next court of appeal.

Whatever the merits of the case, I think the perceived effect an appeal will have on the public will be a major factor in deciding whether to appeal or not. They do have to be careful of not giving the impression of the big corporate giant versus the little guy on the street. Especially when the little guy on the street is a customer.

The odds are good that they will opt for better consumer relations, pay up and change their practices.

Wonder what they'll do? Put up signs? Prepare two coffees of different temperatures and give the customer the option? Or go back to luke-warm coffee?

EDIT: George, the fact that punitive damages were awarded means that the arbitrator (judge, civil jury?) felt that McDonald's was more than just negligent. While there are many reasons for giving punitve damages (such as being callous and uncaring), there very well could have been an adjudication of recklessness in addition to negligence.

[ May 31, 2003, 00:52: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[Phoenix-D]

"Wonder what they'll do? Put up signs? Prepare two coffees of different temperatures and give the customer the option? Or go back to luke-warm coffee?"

The case has already been resolved. Now you see little "CAUTION: HOT!" signs on everything. Even other places are adding the stupid things.

[Fyron]

I just thought it would help to understand the situation by having a clear understanding of the difference.

I have noticed that there is a great tendency for such efforts to fail on this forum...

[Iggiboo]

Either way, SEX will sell big time, but it just becomes a question of false advertising by the fans - which there seem to be a whole lot of! lol

[ May 31, 2003, 15:40: Message edited by: Iggiboo ]