Search CompleteMarkets

Basic Facts About Registering A Trademark, Part 5
Part 5 of 5 Statement of Use Under 37 CRF 2.88 With Declaration to the Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks Applicant Name: Notice of Allowance Issue Date: Applicant requests registration of the above identified trademark/service mark in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the Principal Register established by the Act of July 5, 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1051 et. seq., as amended). Three specimens per class showing the mark as used in commerce are submitted with this statement.  Check here if a Request to Divide under 37 C.F.R. 2.87 is being submitted with this statement. Applicant is using the mark in commerce on or in connection with the following goods/services: (check one)  Those goods/ services identified in the Notice of Allowance in this application.  Those goods/services identified in the Notice of Allowance in this application except: (identify goods/services to be deleted from application) Date of first use of mark in commerce that the U.S. Congress may regulate: Specify type of commerce (e.g. interstate, between the United States and a specified foreign country): The undersigned, being hereby warned that willful and false statements and the like so made are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both under 18 U.S.C. 1001, and that such willful false statements may jeopardize the validity of the application or any resulting registration, declares that he/she is properly authorized to execute this Statement of Use on behalf of the applicant; he/she believes the applicant to be the owner of the trademark/service mark sought to be registered; the trademark/service mark is now in use in commerce; and all statements made of his/her own knowledge are true and all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true. ________________________________ ______________________________ Date ..._________ ________________________ (Typed or printed name of person mailing (Signature of person mailing paper & fee) paper & fee) This form ought to take 15 minutes to complete, including time required for understanding instructions, gathering necessary information, record keeping and actually providing the information. Any comment on the amount of time you require to complete this form should be sent to: The Office of Management and Organization U.S. Patent and Trademark Office U.S. Department of Commerce Washington, DC 20231 and to: The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Office of Management and Budget Washington, DC 20503 Do not send forms to either of these addresses. Trademark Processing Fees 361 2.6 (a) (1) Application for registration, per class .................................. $245.00 362 2.6 (a) (2) Filing an Amendment to Allege Use Under 1 (c), per class 363 2.6 (a) (3) Filing a Statement of Use under 1 (d) (1), per class 100.00 364 2.6 (a) (4) Filing a Request for a Six Month Extension of Time for Filing a Statement of Use under 1 (d) (1) per class 100.00 365 2.6 (a) (5) Application for renewal, per class 300.00 366 2.6 (a) (6) Additional fee for late renewal, per class 100.00 367 2.6 (a) (7) Publication of mark under 12 (c), per class 100.00 368 2.6 (a) (8) Issuing new certificate of registration 100.00 369 2.6 (a) (9) Certificate of Correction 100.00 370 2.6 (a) (10) Filing disclaimer to registration 100.00 371 2.6 (a) (11) Filing amendment to registration 100.00 372 2.6 (a) (12) Filing 8 affidavit, per class 100.00 373 2.6 (a) (13) Filing 15 affidavit, per class 100.00 374 2.6 (a) (14) Filing combined sec. 8 and 15 affidavit, per class 200.00 375 2.6 (a) (15) Petition to the Commissioner 100.00 376 2.6 (a) (16) Petition for cancellation, per class 200.00 377 2.6 (a) (17) Notice of opposition, per class 200.00 378 2.6 (a) (18) Ex parte appeal, per class 200.00 379 2.6 (a) (19) Dividing an application, per new application (file wrapper) created 100.00 Trademark Service Fees 461 2.6 (b) (1) (i) Printed copy of each registered mark, regular service $ 3.00 462 2.6 (b) (1) (ii) Printed copy of each registered mark, overnight delivery to PTO box or overnight fax 6.00 463 2.6 (b) (1) (iii) Printed copy of each registered mark ordered via expedited local service 20.00 464 2.6 (b) (4) (i) Certified copy of registered mark with title and/or status, regular service 10.00 465 2.6 (b) (4) (ii) Certified copy of registered mark, with title and/or status, expedited local service 20.00 466 2.6 (b) (2) (i) Certified or uncertified copy of trademark application as filed, regular service 30.00 467 2.6 (b) (2) (ii) Certified or uncertified copy of trademark application as filed, expedited local service 30.00 468 2.6 (b) (3) Certified or uncertified copy of trademark related file wrapper and contents 50.00 469 2.6 (b) (5) Certified or uncertified copy of trademark document, unless otherwise provided 25.00 470 2.6 (b) (7b) For assignment records, abstracts of title and certification per registration 25.00 475 1.19 (g) Comparing and certifying copies, per document, per copy 25.00 480 2.6 (b) (9) Self-service copy charge per page 0.25 481 2.6 (b) (7) Recording trademark assignment, agreement or other paper, first mark per document 40.00 482 2.6 (b) (6) For second and subsequent marks in the same document 25.00 484 2.6 (b) (10) Labor charges for services, per hour or fraction thereof 30.00 485 2.6 (b) (11) Unspecified other services At cost 488 2.6 (b) (8) Each hour of X-SEARCH terminal session time 40.00 490 1.24 Trademark coupons 3.00

Basic Facts About Registering A Trademark, Part 4
BASIC FACTS ABOUT REGISTERING A TRADEMARK Part 4 of 5   PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE SERVICES Trademark Assistance Center The Patent and Trademark Office was established to provide service to trademark applicants, registrants, and the general public. Many PTDLs have on file all full-text patents issued since 1790, trademarks published since 1872, and select collections of foreign patents. All PTDLs have the patent and trademark sections of the Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The full-text utility and design patents are distributed numerically on 16-mm microfilm, and plant patents on color microfiche. Patent and trademark search systems are available on CD-ROM at all PTDLs to enhance access to the information found in patents, and trademarks searches can be conducted through the numerically arranged collections. All information is available for use by the public free of charge. Facilities for making paper copies of patent and trademark information are generally provided for a fee. STATE Name of Library Telephone Contact Alabama Auburn University Libraries (205) 844-1747 Birmingham Public...g (Class 35) August 27, 1990 First Use in Commerce: Magazines (Class 16) January 15, 1992 Consulting (Class 35) August 27, 1990 Design: A zebra Sample Drawing-Typewritten 8 1/2" x 11" (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) Applicant's Name: A-OK Software Development Group Applicant's Address; 100 Main Street, Anytown, MO 12345 Goods: Computer software for analyzing statistics Date of First Use: Intent to Use Application Date of First Use in Commerce: Intent to Use Application Theorytec Sample Specimen for Goods (Issue of Magazine) April-May 1992 $2.00 Pinstripes "The Magazine for the Business Professional" In this Issue Managing business in tough times The need for quality in everything redefines priorities Managing turned inside out Employee ideas can really count Our business report on Washington, D.C. Working together to create new markets and new jobs In business to stay Investing feature: Future outlook on futures Pinstripes forever (our humor column) Sample Specimen for Services (Advertisement) If better business management solutions are what you're after, think of Pinstripes for consulting. We'll come wherever you are to offer a wide range or consulting services for diverse industries, including high-tech fields. You'll like the results-and our competitive price. The more you get to know us, the more you'll realize that we're the best choice for consulting and can make a big difference. Call or write us. Pinstripes Inc. (123) 456-7890, 100 Main St., Anytown, MO 12345 Sample Specimen for Services (Business card showing mark and reference to service) Business Management Consultants John Doe, President 100 Main Street Anytown, MO 12345 U.S.A. (123) 456-7890 Sample Specimens for Goods (Label affixed to computer disk) Theorytec Version 5.0 A-OK Software Development Group Theorytec Version 5.0 A-OK Software Development Group Trademark/Service Mark Application, Principal Register, with Declaration   To the Assistant Commissioner for Trademarks Applicant's Name: Applicant's Business Address: Applicant's Entity Type (Check one and supply requested information) Individual-Citizen of (Country): Partnership-State where organized (country, if appropriate): Names and Citizenship (Country) of General Partners: Corporation-State (country, if appropriate) of Incorporation: Other (Specific Nature of Entity and Domicile): Goods and/or Services: Applicant requests registration of the trademark/service mark shown in the accompanying drawing in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the Principal Register established by the Act of July 5, 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq., as amended) for the following goods/services (SPECIFIC GOODS AND/OR SERVICES MUST BE INSERTED HERE): Basis for Application (Check boxes that apply, but never both first and second boxes. Supply requested information related to each box checked.) [ ] Applicant is using mark in commerce on or in connection with the above identified goods/services (15 U.S.C. 1051 (a), as amended). Three specimens showing the mark as used in commerce are submitted with this application. Date of first use of the mark in commerce that the U.S. Congress may regulate (for example, interstate or between the United States and a foreign country): Specify the type of commerce (for example, interstate or between the U.S. and specified foreign country): Date of first use anywhere (the same as or before use in commerce date): Specify intended manner or mode of use of mark on or in connection with the goods/services (for example trademark is applied to labels, service mark will be advertisement): Applicant has a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce on or in connection with the above identified goods/services and, accompanying this application, submits a certification or certified copy of a foreign accordance with 15 U.S.C. 1126 (e) as amended. Country of registration: __________________________ Registration Number: ___________________________ Note: Declaration on reverse side must be signed. Declaration The undersigned, being hereby warned that willful false statements and the like so made are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both, under 18 U.S.C. 1001, and that such false statements may jeopardize the validity of the application or any resulting registration, declares that he/she is properly authorized to execute this application on behalf of the applicant; he/she believes the applicant to be owner of the trademark/service mark sought to be registered, or if the application is being filed under 15 U.S.C. 1051 (b), he/she believes applicant to be entitled to use such mark in commerce; to the best of his/her knowledge and belief, no other person, firm, corporation, or association has the right to use the above identified mark in commerce, either in the identical form thereof or in such other form, to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive; and that all statements made of his/her own knowledge are true, and all statements made on his/her information and belief are believed to be true. _________________________________ ____________________________ Date Signature _________________________________ _____________________________ Telephone Number Print or Type Name   Instructions and Information for Applicant To receive a filing date, the application must be completed and signed by the applicant and submitted along with: The prescribed fee of $245 for each of the goods/services listed in the application; A Drawing Page displaying the mark in conformance with 37 CFR 2.52; If the application is based on use of the mark in commerce, THREE SPECIMENS (evidence) of the mark as used in commerce for each class of goods/services listed in the application. All three specimens may be in the nature of: (a) labels showing the mark, which are placed on the goods; (b) photographs of the mark as it appears on the goods; (c) brochures or advertisements showing the mark as used in connection with the services. An Application with Declaration (this form). The application must be signed for the application to receive a filing date. Only the following person may sign the declaration, depending on the applicant's legal entity: (a) the individual applicant: (b) an officer of the incorporated applicant, (c) one general partner of a partnership applicant; (d) all joint applicants. Send Application Form, Drawing Page, Fee and Specimens (if appropriate) to: Assist

What is Directors’ & Officers’ Liability Insurance for Chambers of Commerce? Directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability insurance helps protect board members, officers, and sometimes volunteer leaders of a chamber of commerce from personal loss if they are sued for alleged wrongful acts while managing the organization. It covers legal defense, settlements, and judgments related to claims such as breach of fiduciary duty, wrongful termination, or misuse of funds. This coverage complements other protections like commercial liability, event liability, and property coverage to address governance and oversight risks. Who needs it Chambers of commerce, local business associations, trade groups, and nonprofit business coalitions commonly purchase D&O coverage. Smaller volunteer-run organizations and larger staffed chambers both face exposures when making policy, hiring staff, or running programs. For related contexts and options, see Directors and Officers Liability Insurance for Cooperatives, which discusses similar governance risks for member-run entities. What it typically covers Standard D&O policies generally provide: Defense costs for lawsuits against directors or officers Settlements and judgments for covered claims Employment-practice related claims (e.g., wrongful termination, harassment) Claims alleging breaches of fiduciary duty or financial mismanagement This coverage is distinct from participant accident coverage, equipment coverage, or commercial auto exposure, which address different operational risks. For a discussion of D&O solutions for community-focused organizations, you may also find Directors and Officers Insurance for Commercial Communities useful. Common exclusions or limitations Typical exclusions include intentional illegal acts, fraud, bodily injury and property damage (which are usually handled under general liability or property policies), and claims known before the policy inception. Policies also vary on whether they cover volunteer directors and how they handle claims related to mergers or insolvency. Reviewing exclusions carefully helps identify gaps that may require additional endorsements or separate coverages. Factors that influence cost Underwriting factors include the chamber’s size and budget, number of employees and volunteers, financial controls, claims history, the scope of programs and events, and the limits and deductibles chosen. Risk management considerations—such as board training, clear conflict-of-interest policies, and regular financial oversight—can reduce premiums or improve marketability. Proof of insurance & compliance Chambers may need to provide proof of insurance when applying for grants, signing vendor agreements, or partnering on events. A certificate of insurance typically lists the policy type, limits, and effective dates. If a sponsor or host requests confirmation of governance coverage, provide the certificate and discuss any additional insured or loss-payee needs with your broker. How to get a quote To request coverage tailored to your chamber’s size and activities, gather basic financials, a list of board members and officers, any prior-claims information, and a summary of programs or events. Compare limits, defense provisions, and exclusions across carriers. When you’re ready to start, Get a quote to begin the process with a specialist who can explain available options and endorsements. Frequently Asked Questions Does D&O insurance cover volunteer board members?Many D&O policies include volunteers, but coverage varies—verify the policy definitions and request specific language if volunteer protection is important. Will D&O pay for defense if a director is sued personally?Yes. A primary purpose of D&O is to cover defense costs and potential settlements for directors and officers acting on behalf of the organization, subject to policy terms and exclusions. How does D&O differ from general liability?General liability covers bodily injury and property damage from operations or events, while D&O focuses on claims related to governance, management decisions, and fiduciary responsibilities. Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert. ...

Setting Occupational Safety And Health Standards
INFORMATION DATE 19920218 DESCRIPTION USDOL Program Highlights, Setting Occupational Safety and Health Standards TOPIC Setting Standards SUBJECT Setting Occupational Safety and Health Standards ABSTRACT The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 authorizes the Secretary of Labor through OSHA to set mandatory occupational safety and health standards applicable to businesses affecting interstate commerce through public rulemaking. An overview is provided of the safety and health standard setting process. U.S. Department of Labor Program Highlights Fact Sheet No. OSHA 92-14 SETTING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 authorizes the Secretary of Labor through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 'to set mandatory occupational safety and health standards applicable to businesses affecting interstate commerce' through public rulemaking. OSHA safety standards are designed to reduce on-the-job injuries; health standards to limit workers' risk of developing occupational disease. Most OSHA standards are horizontal-they cover hazards which exist in a wide variety of industries. These are compiled as the OSHA General Industry Standards. Vertical standards apply solely to one industry. OSHA has promulgated vertical standards for the construction, agriculture, and maritime sectors. Some general industry standards apply to construction, agriculture, and maritime as well. Getting Started. The impetus to develop a new safety or health standard can come from a variety of sources: OSHA's own initiative; the U.S. Congress; information from the Department of Health and Human Services' National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) referral; public petitions; or requests from OSHA advisory committees. Standard Setting Process. Standard setting may begin with publication in the Federal Register of a request for information (RFI), an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM), or a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). Through an RFI or an ANPRM, OSHA seeks information to determine the extent of a particular hazard(s), currently used and potential protective measures, and costs and benefits of various protective strategies. OSHA has also sought to begin work on new standards by developing consensus through negotiated rulemaking. The agency forms an advisory committee representing the interest groups affected including industry and labor, which meets to hammer out an agreement serving as the basis for a proposed rule. The process is intended to shorten the rulemaking timetable and discourage legal challenges to the final standard while at the same time providing for full public comment on the issue. Information gathered in any of these ways and/or other available information such as injury and fatality data is used to develop a proposal. Sometimes OSHA circulates early drafts of proposals for informal comment from affected interest groups. Formal proposals are published in the Federal Register with a public comment period usually over the next 60 to 90 days which occasionally may be extended at the request of interested parties. Commentors may also request a public hearing on a proposal. Public hearings are presided over by a Department of Labor administrative law judge who certifies the record after all data are received , though decisions affecting the final standard are made by OSHA as the agent of the Secretary of Labor. Hearings are followed by post-hearing comment periods-usually 30 or more days. OSHA uses all of this information to prepare and publish in the Federal Register a final standard or a determination that no standard is needed. Standards take effect in 90 days or less, although some provisions such as requirements for detailed programs or engineering controls may be phased in over a longer period. OSHA final standards may be challenged in the appropriate U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by adversely affected parties. Special Requirements for Health Standards. Based on Supreme Court decisions and a Presidential Executive Order, OSHA follows a four-step process for developing occupational health standards. First, the agency must demonstrate that a particular hazard poses a significant risk to worker health. Second, the agency must show that an OSHA standard would eliminate or substantially reduce that risk. Then the agency selects the most protective exposure limit that is economically and technologically feasible. Finally, the agency looks for the most cost-effective ways for employers to meet the exposure limit. Standards Priorities. The Department of Labor publishes in the Federal Register a semiannual agenda of the standards being actively worked on, including target dates. The agenda usually appears in April and October and covers regulatory activity anticipated for a one-year period. Special Standards. During its first two years, OSHA was authorized by the act to promulgate national consensus standards and other federal standards as OSHA standards. Where standards differed, the Act required OSHA to choose the most protective. National consensus standards came from voluntary standards developed by such groups as the American National Standards Institute and the National Fire Protection Association. Many OSHA safety standards were adopted in this way. Safety and health standards were adopted from the Walsh-Healey Act standards. OSHA also has the authority to promulgate emergency temporary standards when it determines that workers are exposed to 'grave danger' from toxic substances or physical conditions and could be protected by an OSHA standard. During the six-month life of an emergency temporary standard, OSHA is charged with developing a permanent standard to protect employees. The emergency temporary standard remains in effect until superseded by a permanent standard. State Standards. States are encouraged to establish and maintain their own job safety and health programs subject to Federal approval. State-plan states' standards must be 'at least as effective' as the federal standards, with comparable state standards to be issued within six months after new OSHA standards are published in the Federal Register. States also can develop standards covering areas or issues not regulated by federal OSHA. These state standards, when applicable to products distributed or used in interstate commerce, must be 'required by compelling local conditions' and not 'unduly burden interstate commerce.' Variances. The Act also provides, through the 'variance' procedure, an alternative to compliance with specific requirements of an OSHA standard. A permanent variance may be granted to an applicant (employer) who can demonstrate to OSHA's satisfaction that the proposed alternative (condition, method, practice, or the like) will provide an employee environment as safe and healthful as that which would be afforded by compliance with the standard. The Agency may also grant a temporary variance to an applicant who can demonstrate to OSHA that additional time will be needed to comply with a newly promulgated standard beyond the effective date. Keeping Track of OSHA Standards. Notices of OSHA standard-setting activities are published in the Federal Register. All OSHA standards are available in the 29 Code of Federal Regulation as well as on a compact disc with read-only memory (CD-ROM) for paying subscribers. Standards interpretations, directives, documents, the OSHA Field Operations Manual, chemical sampling information, the OSHA Technical Manual, Federal Register index, hazard information bulletins, congressional testimony, memoranda of understanding with other agencies, corporate-wide settlement agreements, library catalog, and other program information maintained on the OSHA Computerized Information System (OCIS) also are on the disc. The subscription is $88.00 for the service with three quarterly updates. A single disc is available for $28.00. Visa or MasterCard number along with expiration date or a check made payable to Superintendent of Documents may be used to order the service (order number 729-013-00000-5). The disc may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, D.C. 20402-9352; telephone (202) 512-0000; or purchased from a local GPO Bookstore. See the government listing in the telephone directory for GPO's local address. This is one of a series of fact sheets highlighting U.S. Department of Labor programs. It is intended as a general description only and does not carry the force of legal opinion....

Traditional Vs. E-Commerce Insurance
TRADITIONAL VS. E-COMMERCE INSURANCE   by Dave O'Neill   Managing e-business calls for a comprehensive risk management approach and a thorough understanding of the multifaceted nature of the exposures. It's imperative to incorporate an ingrained awareness of e-business exposures in a business' employees and to provide them with the necessary tools to analyze, quantify, and manage those exposures. This document by Dave O'Neill takes a look at why traditional insurance products aren't up to the task.     The Industrial Revolution, especially the period of the early 1800s, contributed to modern business methods with inventions of the telegraph, transatlantic cable, telephone, and wireless communication services. But, development of the first microprocessor in the late 1960s, followed by the creation of the Internet, marked the beginning of what can now be called the E-Business Revolution.   Electronic Business, or Electronic Commerce, began with the Internet. The ability to work, learn, teach, research, bank, invest, purchase, sell, and communicate can be performed from almost any location with access to a telephone line.   The advent of the Internet has transformed the way firms conduct business with extraordinary cost effectiveness and innovative business opportunities. Although companies that don't partake in the latest technological advances risk losing customers, those firms that have joined the e-business revolution have risks of their own. Typical business risks such as loss of revenue, business interruption, fraud, and loss of reputation are magnified for those businesses engaged in e-commerce. Additionally, the paperless environment of the electronic age serves to further increase the risk of theft of confidential data, which can be accessed online.   For the most part, companies have relied on their insurance agents or business consultants for recommendations regarding traditional business insurance purchases. Unfortunately, those traditional insurance products might not meet all of the needs of today's electronic businesses. The very same products that have provided insurance coverage for physical assets against physical threats were developed at a time when the term ‘cyberspace' was considered science fiction. The electronic business exposures must be analyzed against traditional insurance coverages in order to identify the coverage gaps and ultimately find a solution to close those gaps. PROPERTY INSURANCE Property insurance is based on physical protection for losses resulting from covered causes of loss, which cause physical damage or destruction. The following are typical characteristics of traditional Property insurance: It does not cover damages caused by viruses, nor does it recognize the inherent value of assets in electronic form, such as intellectual property or proprietary software. It excludes dishonest and fraudulent acts committed by the Insured or employees of the Insured. It excludes losses arising out of human programming errors. The coverage territory is limited to a specified region, such as the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico — the Internet knows no boundaries. BUSINESS INCOME/EXTRA EXPENSE Business Income coverage pays for actual loss of business income due to suspension of operations during the period of restoration. The traditional coverage characteristics include:   The suspension must be caused by direct physical damage or loss to property (or personal property within 100 feet) at the premises described in the policy declarations. The loss or damage must be caused by, or result from, a covered cause of loss. It defines ‘period of restoration' as the period of time that typically begins 24 to 48 hours after the time of direct physical loss or damage for Business Income coverage and ends when the damaged property should be repaired with reasonable speed or business is resumed at a new permanent location. In the world of electronic commerce, a 48-hour waiting period might be more damaging to business than the loss itself. GENERAL LIABILITY General Liability insurance is also directly connected to physical exposures, designed to cover tangible bodily injury and property damage. Often, insureds misinterpret coverage for incidental exposures to be broader than intended. Limited coverage for advertising liability, only applies to offenses committed in the course of advertising your goods, products or services. Many home pages have information not specific to an insured's own products. It excludes an offense committed by an insured whose business is advertising, broadcasting, publishing, or telecasting. The coverage territory is limited to a specified region, such as the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico — the Internet knows no boundaries. DATA PROCESSING MEDIA An insured might choose to purchase Data Processing Media coverage, or coverage might be included within a package of other Property or Inland Marine coverages. This type of coverage typically features:  It covers the actual cost of reproducing the data and the cost of the media. It only applies to Data Processing Media at a Covered Location described on the policy declarations page. Again, the coverage territory is limited to a specified region, such as the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. It excludes dishonest or criminal acts by the insured or the insured's employees. CRIME COVERAGES A Computer Crime Policy (CCP) is designed to cover loss resulting from various forms of crime. However, where does the protection against loss resulting in an electronic environment generally begin and end? A key element of the CCP is protection against the loss of money and securities resulting from transferring, paying, delivering, debiting, or crediting an account following the modification or destruction of electronic data, media, or programs perpetrated by unknown third parties. Coverage is lso provided for damage or destruction to programs, data, and media (hackers, virus', time bombs, and the like) in which case the afforded protection only pays the costs to replicate the lost materials.  Under the CCP no coverage is given for: Loss of inherent value of intellectual property or proprietary software resulting from misappropriation. Loss of income. Expenses incurred in order to establish the amount of loss. Programming errors and omissions or malfunctions. Expense of hiring a public relations firm to mitigate a reputation loss. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS D&O coverage is triggered by a claim resulting from a wrongful act of a director and/or officer. Conceptually, it does not protect the corporate entity and therefore doesn't avail itself to the types of day-to-day electronic exposures inherent in the provision of professional services by a financial institution. D&O coverage also normally excludes: Loss of income. Errors and omissions by anyone other than the directors and officers, except for the management oversight function. Libel, slander, or defamation. PRE-SCREENING Financial institutions in particular want to ensure their e-business activities aren't vulnerable to potential losses resulting from security breaches, such as network hacking, viruses, and electronic thefts. Now that we've addressed all of the traditional insurance a financial institution typically has in place, certain criteria must be met before they can consider e-business insurance in order to determine the scope of their e-commerce exposures. Is there a current, documented security policy? Are documented procedures in place for user and password management? Are remote users authenticated before being allowed to connect to internal networks and systems? Although this isn't a comprehensive listing, a negative response to these questions represents a critical internal control weakness that would need to be corrected before e-commerce insurance can be considered.   LOSS CONTROL MEASURES Financial institutions must implement loss control measures to lessen their e-business exposures before additional insurance can be put in to place. Such measures might include: A documented, published corporate security policy. Such a statement is key to the successful implementation of an IT Security Program. It should spell out the institution's approach and commitment to an active Security Program, allocate management responsibilities, and advise employees of the need for their active involvement. Access controls to ensure that only authorized users access your systems and networks and can provide you with an audit trail to aide in investigations that might be needed. Passwords, the most common method for verifying the authenticity of system users, are the most likely to be compromised. Ensure that they are changed often. FILLING THE GAPS E-business insurance provides a broad range of electronic business activity protection that helps to cover gaps in traditional existing insurance coverage, even if your electronic systems are under the control of a third party service provider. This might include: Business Income coverage that can replace not only the business income and additional expenses incurred as a result of interrupted services, but can also pay for the cost of investigating the reason for the loss of service. Loss Event Liability that covers liabilities to third parties for e-business losses, including reasonable expenses incurred in the defense or appeal of claims. Intellectual Property coverage to protect against the loss of proprietary information or software through deliberate or inadvertent misappropriation. Public Relations coverage for the expenses incurred to help rebuild a company's reputation from negative publicity resulting from an e-business exposure. Electronic Publishing Liability to cover liabilities incurred from publishing information electronically including defamation of character, libel, and slander, as well as copyright infringements, plagiarism, or misappropriation of ideas. Rewards coverage that pays for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any indi...g or trying to commit any illegal act against the insureds e-business activities. Managing e-business calls for a comprehensive risk management approach and a thorough understanding of the multifaceted nature of the exposures. It's imperative to incorporate an ingrained awareness of e-business exposures in a financial institution's employees and to provide them with the necessary tools to analyze, quantify, and manage those exposures.   We recommend grasping the golden opportunity presented by e-business, but it's always of importance to ensure that there's an adequate return to compensate for the risk assumed. E-business insurance helps make this decision easier.   David T. O'Neill is Vice President of e-Business Solutions for Zurich North America Financial Enterprises. He is responsible for directing the global marketing initiatives of Zurich North America Financial Enterprises' e-commerce insurance product, E-Risk.