ALFA International Publications

The “process of Creative Destruction is the essential fact about capitalism.” Joseph SchumpeterCapitalism, Socialism, and Democracy Over the past decade, society, its members, and the economy have undergone what seem to be unprecedented shocks, changes, transitions, and disruptions. Brexit, the “Great Recession” triggered by the mortgage-backed securities meltdown, Covid-19, immigration, the war…

The Jetsons, Dick Tracy, Blade Runner, Star Wars and numerous other fictional characters and stories forecast a picture in the 1960’s and 70’s of what our future world would look like with computers, robots, communication devices, holograms and other “whimsical” inventions. We are now seeing these fantasies of the past become our reality as smart phones, tablets, laptops and virtual meetings have …

The world today is a global village. The rapid advance in technology has only made it easier for companies and corporations to conduct business across the borders of their domestic countries. Trade, transactions and partnerships occur every day between entities from different countries.  Of course, with increased interactions, there can be an increasing number of problems, sometimes resulting in l…

For better or worse, in modern society more and more of social and business interaction is conducted through our cell phones. While we may cringe when looking at data about how many times we pick up and look at our phones each day, or how much time we spend on social media, as business people and legal professionals it is important to recognize how this digital interface drives business and the le…

Generations are defined not only by the time period in which their members were born, but also by the characteristic traits of those members. There are generally five different categories of current generations: (1) the Silent Generation, (2) Baby Boomers, (3) Generation X, (4) Millennials, and (5) Generation Z. Although the boundaries vary, the Silent Generation is typically defined as having bee…

Why There Is a Need for a Wellness Program? As John Williams Davis, an American politician and lawyer, said, “True, we [lawyers] build no bridges. We raise no towers…. [But] we take up other [people’s] burdens and by our efforts we make possible” a peaceful life in a peaceful state. Many lawyers have substantial responsibilities that often have major consequences for clients. The demands that flow…

Pandemic Impact on Employee Mental Health The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in December 2019, caused a global health crisis.  By July 2022, the number of confirmed cases was over 561 million and the death toll exceeded six (6) million worldwide [i]. Studies continue to show that large employers remain concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic’s long-term impact on employee well-being, retention, a…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion While the merits of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DE&I”) in the workforce have long been discussed, it was only after the murder of George Floyd and the demand for social justice reform, did DE&I initiatives come to the forefront.  However, DE&I is often thought of as a “hot topic.”  But the term “hot topic” evokes a certain thought process that th…

Patent Due Diligence Issues Considering the purchase or substantial investment of a technology-based company?  Patent due diligence will be important. Patent due diligence can encompass a variety of reviews, but typically key purposes of patent due diligence before an investment in a technology-based company (the “target” company) are to check the patents and applications of the target compa…

The conversion from internal combustion engine (“ICE”) vehicles to electromobility is perhaps the most ambitious and largest world-wide public-private sector collaboration not prompted by a world war. It will have an extraordinary impact on the day-to-day mobility of millions of citizens on all continents who are dependent on personal vehicles, as well certain segments of those who rely on public …