Patent protection is intended to encourage innovation and development. The cost of ignoring patent laws is not only high, but it poses a threat to innovation and research within the U.S. This is particularly relevant to companies in San Diego, which hosts a large IP industry.

The online content industry long has complained about Google's hands-off approach to copyright infringement and content piracy. Google recently produced a 25-page report defending its position regarding copyright infringement issues. The company hopes the report addresses the concerns of copyright holders in regard to the services offered by Google.

BP may have been responsible for dumping more than 200 million gallons of oil into pristine waters in 2010, but the company is only now fighting its legal ramifications. California environmental activists and business litigation experts alike are watching closely as the company tries to counter a new Environmental Protection Agency ban stemming from the Gulf of Mexico disaster. BP is challenging a temporary moratorium against getting any new U.S. leases or government contracts for oil exploration.