Blog Category: Court Reporting

Are you considering taking depositions in Europe but you’re unsure where to start? Don’t worry, our international experts are here to assist you from start to finish! We’ve already covered more depositions throughout Europe in the first four months of 2024 than all of 2023, in locations like Finland, London, Paris and Madrid; and our resume from years past includes countless more locales.

Our international scheduling team has years of experience helping clients navigate the intricacies of international depositions, and Europe is no exception. We understand the importance of a seamless and efficient scheduling process, and we are committed to prioritizing an effortless experience for all involved, while doing our best to keep you informed about additional international considerations.  

If you have an upcoming deposition in Europe, here are a few things to keep in mind:  

Rules and Regulations 

Most European countries either allow depositions of willing witnesses without restriction or have restrictions that apply only to their own citizens, not to U.S. citizens. For instance, depositions in the United Kingdom and Finland can take place without any restrictions, no matter the nationality of the witness. However, countries such as Germany, Switzerland and France have stricter regulations for witness of all nationalities, requiring prior permission and/or that depositions take place only at the Embassy or Consulate. 

Resources 

In Europe, court reporters, videographers, interpreters and conference rooms are typically booked four to eight weeks in advance and maintain strict cancellation policies. Additionally, interpreters in Europe work in pairs, which can affect both availability and costs.  

We have teams across Europe able to travel and attend depositions in-person, which is a significantly more cost-effective option than having a team travel in from the U.S. Even so, it is still essential to plan ahead! Short-notice requests (anything scheduled with less than two weeks of notice is considered last-minute in Europe!) will likely result in increased travel costs and/or limited availability, as teams local to large cities book up quickly and may not be available for last-minute requests in their home city. In these instances, we would have to have a team from another city or country travel in, and travel fees would apply. 

Remote Alternatives 

Fully remote and hybrid depositions are viable options for witnesses across Europe. We are flexible and can accommodate any attendance arrangement you prefer. Remote attendance is a convenient alternative that ensures a deposition can proceed even if there are last-minute changes to travel plans, or if having a team travel in is not financially feasible. 

If you’re preparing for a deposition in Europe, our knowledgeable international scheduling team is here to assist you every step of the way. You can reach us by phone at 888.433.3767 or by emailing international@planetdepos.com.  

To learn more about our expertise with international depositions, request your complimentary copy of the 2024 Planet Depos International Deposition Guide.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a game changer across various sectors, and intellectual property (IP) law is no exception. As AI technologies continue to evolve at a rapid pace, legal professionals will see a surge in IP litigation, ranging from patent infringement cases to copyright issues surrounding AI-generated content.  

One of the primary hurdles of AI-driven IP disputes is the interpretation and application of existing legal framework, as traditional IP laws were not crafted to accommodate the distinctive characteristics of AI. For instance, AI algorithms can conceive new ideas or concepts, making it challenging to determine the rightful inventor. Furthermore, AI systems can learn from vast data sets, raising concerns about data ownership and the resulting intellectual property.  

Establishing ownership of AI-generated work is quickly becoming a complex matter. Unlike traditional IP, where human authors or inventors are easily identifiable, AI-generated content blurs these lines. Legal implications can arise when disputes over ownership occur. These disputes can involve multiple parties, such as AI creators, organizations that use AI systems and individuals claiming ownership, rights of use or infringement.  

As legal professionals adapt to this new landscape of AI-driven IP litigation, they will face unique, unprecedented challenges that demand specialized expertise and resources. Experienced firms like Planet Depos are well-equipped with a seasoned team of court reporters and technical specialists that can provide unmatched support throughout the IP litigation process. You’ll also have access to realtime services and interpreters if needed. 

If you have an upcoming IP case, Planet Depos can help. Schedule online at any time or call us at 888.433.3767 to get started.   

If you have an upcoming international deposition in Hong Kong, we’ve got you covered! Follow these top tips and recommendations for a memorable experience:

1) Taxi Tips in Hong Kong

Once you’ve arrived in the city, you’ll likely need to get from the airport to either your hotel or deposition location. If you’re looking to hail a cab, it’s important to note that there are two separate lines for taxi stands at the airport. Be sure to double-check which line is appropriate for your destination. It’s also wise to have your destination address translated in Cantonese on your phone, as some taxi drivers may refuse to pick you up if they can’t understand where you need to go. Additionally, keep in mind that taxis only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and have some Hong Kong dollars (HKD) on hand when you’re ready to leave the airport.

2) Get an Octopus Card

If it’s your first time in Hong Kong, consider getting an Octopus card. This handy card can be purchased at major subway stations and costs 200 HKD. That price includes a 50 HKD deposit that can be refunded, along with 150 HKD that you can use immediately for the subway, ferry or other local transportation within Hong Kong. It’s also widely accepted in many stores and shops, making this a “must-have” item for your stay!

3) Stay Cool in an Urban Jungle

Hong Kong is known for its towering skyscrapers and concrete streets, which can get scorching hot during the summer months. If you’ve ever experienced a Florida summer, you’ll find the heat comparable. Fortunately, there are many connected buildings that offer respite from the heat as you navigate the city, so take advantage of this whenever you can!

4) Explore the Sights

During your downtime, we encourage you to explore the vibrant attractions Hong Kong has to offer. Consider visiting the Man Mo Temple on Hong Kong Island for a unique cultural experience. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Hong Kong Zoo and Zoological Park offer the opportunity to observe orangutans up close.

On the Kowloon side, take a stroll along the Avenue of the Stars to capture a picture with Bruce Lee’s statue. Nearby, you’ll find the K11 mall that features different styles of art on each floor. If you’re looking for contemporary art, we recommend visiting the M+ and the Museum of Modern Art. If you’re a history buff, take some time to explore the Kowloon Walled City Park, which is a former infamous locale that now serves as a peaceful park with a memorial and small museum.

If you’ve only got an hour or two to spare, we recommend trying to at least take a ride on the star ferry. It costs just 4 to 5 HKD, and it’s the most iconic Hong Kong experience you can fit into a small window of time!

5) Nearby Attractions and Side Trips

If you have a full day to spare, consider a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. Despite being the smallest park in the Disney franchise, it’s an enjoyable experience, especially on weekdays! Don’t be afraid go through the “Mystic Manor,” which is Hong Kong’s twist on the wildly popular and well-known Haunted Mansion ride.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a side trip to Macao, which is easily accessible from Hong Kong by ferry. Just remember to bring your passport. Alternatively, you can venture into mainland China, but this requires a Chinese visa. Without one, you can explore Shenzhen with a Visa On Arrival, but your exploration will be limited to that city.

6) Embrace the Fast-Paced Lifestyle

Last but not least, be aware of your surroundings! People here move at lightning speed, and it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. Watch where you step as well, as parts of Hong Kong, especially the island, consist of hilly terrain. It’s not uncommon to encounter sudden declines or slippery stairs!

Remember these tips and tidbits when it’s time for your next international deposition in Hong Kong! For even more information about depositions in Hong Kong and other parts of the world, check out the latest edition of the Planet Depos International Deposition Guide or submit an international inquiry online.

Whether taking a deposition in person or remotely, having a clear record is essential for use at trial, possible settlement and/or impeachment. We’ve polled hundreds of court reporters with thousands of reporting hours under their belts and compiled their top tips for creating a clear record.

DO:

• Introduce yourself to the court reporter, present your card and indicate which party you represent.
• Always ask the witness to state and spell his/her full name so the record accurately reflects the correct spelling.
• Remind the witness to speak loudly and clearly so that the court reporter can hear and understand every word.
• Ask the witness to allow you to finish your question before answering because the court reporter can capture only one person speaking at a time. This will eliminate a transcript filled with dashes which may cause confusion later.
• Remind the witness to give a verbal response as the court reporter can capture only verbal responses. Nods or shakes of the head cannot be captured, and, similarly, it is often difficult to understand the meaning of ‘uh-huh’ and ‘unh-unh.’
• Restate in words when the witness gestures in any way, e.g., “For the record, the witness is indicating about three feet.”
• Indicate when quoted material begins and ends and provide the court reporter with a copy of any documents that are read into the record.
• Ask the witness (or the interpreter if one is present) to sit next to the court reporter to ensure he/she can both see and hear the witness/interpreter (for in-person depositions).
• Allow the court reporter to mark and keep track of the exhibits, which will ensure consistent and sequential numbering.
• Wait until the reporter completely marks the exhibit before asking your next question.
• Clearly state when going off or back on the record. In accordance with the reporter’s Code of Professional Ethics, all parties must consent to go off the record. If one party objects to going off the record, the reporter is obligated to stay on the record.
• For telephone depositions, state your name before speaking so that you are properly identified in the transcript.
• Consider retaining the services of an interpreter if the witness’ English is poor or if he/she has a heavy accent. This will avoid unpleasant surprises at trial.
• Take a short break every 1.5 hours and at least 30 minutes for lunch.

DON’T:

• Avoid asking the court reporter for his/her opinion of the witness or the testimony. Court reporters are Officers of the Court and must remain impartial at all times.
• Refrain from rustling papers, clicking pens, etc., as microphones are very sensitive. As such, they can also pick up quiet whispers or communication between you and your client.
• Don’t share your copy of the transcript with other counsel unless you represent the same party because the court reporter earns his/her living by selling deposition transcripts.

Remember, you and the court reporter have the same goal: to create a readable and useful transcript, and you both can make that happen by working together. Schedule your next deposition today, or reach out to our scheduling team for more information.

Who isn’t trying to be more economical these days? It’s 2023, and you have to tighten your belt with everything going on. Law firms are no different, trying to cut costs for frugal clients looking for any expenses they can cut. Large cases are necessarily more expensive, and their court reporting budgets are not small – realtime, rough drafts, streaming and video alone tally up big invoices. To help save time and money on your depositions, keep these 8 points in mind:

1. Build a Relationship

This is true in so many arenas. If you take your car to the same shop every time, you see the difference in treatment, the willingness to give you a slightly better discount, etc. Establishing a relationship with one court reporting agency has the same benefits. You are seen as a valued client, which comes in handy when you need a court reporter at the last minute, or need an invoice reduced or even waived altogether.

2. Have a Secure Repository

You should be able to access all of your transcripts 24/7. A secure repository provides this benefit, so you can log in and download a transcript, exhibit, invoice, etc. This can save time when preparing for a case and finding yourself in need of a certain file – it is accessible to you in the time it takes you to log in and download. And again, it’s 2020, and everything is virtual!

3. Consider a Videoconference

This is a no-brainer for cost-savings. Eliminating expensive travel arrangements, and the time spent traveling, videoconferencing is an excellent option for a one-day deposition of a witness residing far away, even overseas. Remote depositions through videoconference also make a great option when in-person depositions just aren’t an option. Videoconferencing not only saves on cost, but can keep litigation moving forward when in-person proceedings can’t move forward.

4. Obtain Court Reporting Agency Emergency Contact Information

If you’re not already working with an agency that is reachable 24/7/365 (like Planet Depos), be sure to get a phone number and email address for emergencies. This is invaluable if you need to reach someone after hours to inform of a last-minute change, or schedule, or handle some other urgent matter. Last-minute changes are part of the discovery process, and it is imperative to have a means of communicating them to your agency. The relationship mentioned in point 1 guarantees an immediate, helpful response to those emergency communications.

5. Encourage Opposing Counsel to Use Your Court Reporting Agency

When all parties use the same court reporting agency, cost savings are passed to everyone involved. Additionally, the case calendar, transcripts, exhibits, errata sheets and invoices are all housed in that same repository with 24/7 access. This also ensures consistency and continuity of reporters, transcripts and invoices, for both taking and defending attorneys.

6. Compare Rates Between Court Reporting Agencies

Obtain quotes from multiple agencies to confirm the rates you are being quoted are competitive. Ask if the agency can cover in other states, or internationally, and verify those prices are competitive as well.

7. Get Quality Transcripts and Legal Videography

Working with a reputable court reporting agency ensures there are no nasty surprises at trial. There’s no need to worry about reading a transcript for the jury and stumbling over spelling and grammatical errors, or worse. You won’t need to worry that your video clip has poor audio. Develop a relationship with the reporter who really wowed you and the legal videographer who demonstrated savvy technological skills, and request to work with them on all your depositions whenever possible. You cannot overstate the value of experienced, professional court reporters and legal videographers.

8. Utilize Electronic Delivery

Receiving final transcripts in electronic format only saves money, trees, storage costs and space (don’t forget the secure repository with round-the-clock access!). Ask about a Standing Order Form as well, to ensure the firm has your email distribution list for rough drafts and final transcripts, as well as your preferred file types.

Bonus: Ask About Free Conference Rooms

Finding an affordable and convenient location to take a deposition, whether locally or around the world, can be a challenge. It takes time and valuable resources for the litigation team to locate an appropriate conference room. Your court reporting agency should have the ability to provide you with a location at no charge.

This can save you and your clients thousands of dollars every year. Whether you need a large conference room for a deposition in your hometown or a conference room for your deposition anywhere on the planet, your court reporting agency should be able to accommodate your request.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions all over the world for over a decade.  For more information, cost-savers, or to schedule, contact Planet Depos at 888.433.3767 or schedule your deposition online.