21.   This doctrine is extremely valuable to patent holders, because it prevents competitors from avoiding infringement liability simply by making minor changes in what would otherwise be exact copies.

22.   Thus, the only way for a speaker to avoid liability under the C.D.A. is to refrain completely from using indecent speech.

23.   To avoid liability, states likely would have to impose harsh sentences for the listed crimes.

24.   While HUD does not certify that everything in the book is necessary, she says, it agrees that it is probably sufficient to avoid liability.

25.   Any potential Andersen merger partners are determined to avoid liabilities that might arise at Arthur Andersen as a result of its relationship with Enron.

26.   But within hours of the ruling, the New York Times Co. and Time Inc. said they would start deleting files from their databases to avoid any liability.

27.   Though they are believers, the Underwoods make no health claims on their bottle labels, to avoid legal liability.

28.   Two other lawsuits also claim the company has created companies to avoid liability.