Americans love to proudly show off their red, white and blue. Businesses, too, love to adopt the flag for logos and marketing, but there are limits to what they can do with that symbol. U.S. law is clear that any trademark which “consists of or compromises” the American flag or any other state, municipality or […]
Intellectual Property Advisory: Limits to flag designs in registered trademarks Read More »
On June 4, 2024, the Allegheny County Council unanimously voted to move up the 2025 Allegheny County property tax assessment appeal deadline to October 1, 2024 from March 31, 2025. Assuming this legislation is executed by the Chief Executive, this change shortens the appeal window by 6 months. Property owners will benefit from an even
Background On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule, “Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees,” which increases the salary threshold for employees to be considered exempt. The current wage rate to be exempt from overtime is set at $684 per week
Employment Update: DOL Increases Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees Read More »
Background The Federal Trade Commission approved the Final Non-Compete Clause Rule (“Final Rule”) on April 23, 2024. The Final Rule’s effective date is 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. This rule will ban non-compete provisions for most employees, except for the following: (i) “Senior Executives” who have existing non-compete provisions in place prior
Employment Update: FTC Bans Non-Compete Provisions Read More »
On January 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) released the final details of their independent contractor status test. The final rule goes into effect on March 11, 2024, and revises the DOL’s guidance on how to analyze employee/independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). This test, detailing when companies can
What is the Freelance Isn’t Free Act? The Freelance Isn’t Free Act was signed into law by Governor Hochul and will take effect May 20, 2024. The state Act will apply to contracts entered into on and after May 20, 2024. The state Act builds off of, and is substantially similar to, the existing New
Client Alert: New York’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act Read More »
After several years of working to implement a rental registration program, last month, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously approved a new rental registration ordinance with several rules for landlords and property owners, including routine property inspections and a requirement that landlords share contact information with the city in case of problems. Though many attorneys and businesses
NCAA Student Athlete Compensation As of July 1, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) altered its long-standing rules against student athlete compensation for name, image, and likeness (“NIL”). While there is currently no federal law governing NIL in student athletics, the NCAA opened the door to states and universities to enact policies of their
Client Alert: Name, Image, and Likeness in Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletics Read More »
Derek Markle wrote for Developing Pittsburgh magazine, examining how property owners and builders should be planning for the increase of electric vehicles and the future of American transportation. The trends present challenges for public and private leaders alike, as they seek solutions to prepare infrastructure for a changing world. From new zoning policies to construction considerations
Derek Markle writes for “Developing Pittsburgh” Read More »
What is the current AI landscape? Across every industry, people are learning about evolving applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhancing workplace efficiency and communications, educating companies and their clients, and producing new assets and ideas. Generative AI is a form of AI that relies on natural language processing, massive training datasets, and technologies like
Client Alert: Exercising Caution with AI and Legal Advice Read More »
David Oberdick and Maxwell Briskman Stanfield were recent guests on the “Smell Ya Later” podcast, discussing how to trademark a scent and how intellectual property intersects with the fragrance industry. Listen to the podcast at this link or through the player below:
David Oberdick and Maxwell Briskman Stanfield on the “Smell Ya Later” podcast Read More »
When planning for how your estate will be distributed upon death or management of your assets while disabled, have you considered what happens to your pets? People often neglect to plan for the care of their pets when they are no longer able to. They often assume that someone will love and care for them
Private Clients Advisory: Pet Trusts for Pet Owners Read More »
Today, more than ever, owners need to begin to plan for their business succession well in advance of their ultimate retirement. More often than not, owners also need to ensure that they are providing competitive salary and benefit packages in an effort to retain key employees that may be critical to the future success of
ESOP Advisory: An Introduction to ESOPs: Should I Consider One for My Business? Read More »
Dennis Unkovic joined Tyler Matheson and Contessa Brewer on Power Lunch, along with Michael O’Hanlon from Brookings Institution earlier this week to discuss the impact of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen visiting the United States and how it will impact domestic businesses’ economic forecasts, especially around chip production. Watch the interview by clicking here or via
Dennis Unkovic discusses chip production on “Power Lunch” Read More »
Dennis Unkovic was recently interviewed by Casting Source Magazine for the article, “No Going Back … The New Global Supply Chain.” Over the course of the discussion, they discuss the current state of the global supply chain and how it has changed by recent technological and political changes, what risk mitigation steps businesses need to
Dennis Unkovic interviewed by Casting Source Magazine Read More »
To discuss how we can help you navigate your legal questions, problems, or concerns, please contact us today.