Welcome to Fall Business Owners! This is the ninth edition of the Johnsonese Brokerage Technology Insurance Newsletter. The goal of our quarterly newsletter is to provide useful information about insurance to independent technology businesses .
And follow-us on Facebook for updates on insurance info for tech businesses between our quarterly newsletters. Or contact me today to schedule an appointment!
Chris
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TiVo Gets $250 Million from Verizon
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Verizon has agreed to pay TiVo $250 million to settle patent  infringement claims. The claims relate to DVR technology. TiVo developed the first commercially available DVR and has already received significant payments in similar settlements with Dish Network ($500 million) and AT&T ($215 million).
TiVo also has pending lawsuits against Google's Motorola Mobility unit and Cisco Systems.
-Bloomberg Businessweek, September 24, 2012
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Zynga and EA Sue Each Other
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Electronic Arts sued Zynga in August saying that Zynga's game "The Ville" infringed on EA's own "The Sims Social". EA's lawsuit claims that Zynga learned about it's game by hiring away key employees from EA.
Zynga response is that EA's lawsuit is baseless, and that EA is unlawfully preventing its own employees from leaving to work for Zynga. Zynga's countersuit claims EA used legal threats and demands for no-hire agreements.
-Los Angeles Times, September 24, 2012
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Google and Book Publishers Settle Seven Year Lawsuit
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 After only 7 years, major book publishers and Google have settled a copyright lawsuit involving Google's digital library project. Complete terms were not disclosed.
Google will be allowed to publish portions of books still under copyright, but the publishers will get to choose which books. And those books will be available for sale through Google's digital bookstore. Publishers will also get digital copies of the books for their own use.
There is still a pending suit against Google's digital library that was brought by the Authors Guild.
-Investor.com, October 4, 2012
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Why Are Commercial Insurance Rates Increasing?
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Many commercial clients are currently experiencing rate increases when their insurance policies renew. No one likes a price increase, especially with economic growth still less than stellar. Independent Agent magazine recently gave a helpful explanation for why insurance companies are pushing rate increases at this time.
Record property catastrophe losses in 2011 are a major factor. Protracted low interest rates have decreased investment income for insurers. Insurers invest premiums to help fund future claims. Increased scrutiny by ratings agencies after the financial crisis is forcing insurers to maintain higher levels of capital to protect their credit ratings. Finally, reinsurance rates have increased. (Reinsurance is essentially insurance coverage purchased by insurance companies themselves.)
-Independent Agent, September 2012
As an independent agency our job is to find the most cost effective coverage for our clients. If you're experiencing premium increases, let us know and we will 'shop your coverage' looking for a better deal!
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The Johnsonese Brokerage can assist you with most of your insurance needs. To get started immediately call 773.857.0242 or Email info@johnsonese.com.  Christopher Johnson
(dba Johnsonese Insurance Agency LLC in CA)
insurance for innovative organizations
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About the Johnsonese Brokerage |
The Johnsonese Brokerage LLC is a licensed and bonded independent insurance agency focused on insuring independent tech businesses.
Who we insure:
- Computer Consultants
- Computer Equipment Distributors
- Computer Maintenance and Repair
- Database Developers
- Electronics Design Consultants
- Electronics Distributors
- NEDA Members
- Network Consultants
- Manufacturers Reps
- Outsourced IT Service Providers
- Software Developers
- Software Programers
- Technology Sales & Marketing
- Technology Solopreneurs
- Technology Trade Shows
- Telecom Service Providers
- Value-Added Re-sellers
- Website Developers/ Designers
We are licensed in the states of Arizona, California (license #0H55862), Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
How are we doing? Your feedback is always welcome! |
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Common Insurance Terms
This quarter we focus on Commercial Auto terms:
Comprehensive Coverage - Physical damage coverage for losses by fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects and other non-crash related perils. (Called 'Other Than Collision Coverage' on Personal Auto policies.)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - No-fault benefits in states that have enacted no-fault automobile insurance coverages.
No-Fault Insurance - Auto accident victims collect from their own insurance company regardless of who was liable for the accident.
Auto Loan/ Lease Gap Coverage - In the event of a total loss to an auto that is subject to a loan or lease , the amount of outstanding indebtedness will be paid if it is greater than what the insured could otherwise recover.
Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist - Coverage for accidents for which another driver is liable, but who is unable to pay due to having insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.
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We Are a Trusted Choice ® Agency
Trusted Choice® agencies are insurance firms whose access to multiple companies and commitment to quality service enable us to offer our clients competitive pricing, a broad choice of products and unparalleled advocacy.
"You need an independent insurance agent"
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We Appreciate Referrals!
As a service business, referrals are our biggest source of new clients.
If you know of any other business needing insurance, please let us know. We promise to give them the same personal and professional service that you've come to expect from the Johnsonese Brokerage.
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Our Business Partners
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AmWins -
AXA -
Berkley -
Chubb -
CNA -
Hartford -
HCC Specialty -
Insurance Noodle -
Markel -
Philadelphia -
Risk Placement Services
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