By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli The much anticipated Rhode Island Sick and Safe Leave Time Law (the “new law”) will go into effect next week and impacts virtually all Rhode Island employers. While the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has indicated that they will not enforce fines contained within the...
Client AlertsU.S. Supreme Court Ruling Expands States’ Capacity to Require Out-of-State Sellers to Collect and Remit Sales Tax
June 22, 2018
Overview On Wednesday June 21, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., et. al., (585 U.S. __ (2018)) holding that South Dakota’s sales tax statute does not violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The decision opens up the door for states to tax out-of-state sellers including sales over...
Client AlertsCorporate & BusinessAbandon That: What to do when your customers don’t come back to claim their goods
June 18, 2018
Does your business service or repair property for customers? If yes, your next questions may be: What do I do with property if a customer abandons it and doesn’t pay me? How long must I hold unclaimed property for the owner’s benefit? What rights do I have to protect my interests? The answers to these...
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborMassachusetts Equal Pay Law: Major Impacts on Insurance Agencies With Mass. Employees
June 8, 2018
Overview A new Massachusetts law, set to go into effect on July 1, 2018, could have major consequences for insurance agencies that have employees located in Massachusetts, regardless of location or primary state of organization. The Massachusetts Equal Pay Law requires employers to provide the same compensation to male and female employees who are based...
Client AlertsCorporate & Business5 Crucial Contract Provisions For Mature Construction Cycles
May 23, 2018
This article discusses the current construction cycle, “mature,” and, more specifically, some of the most crucial contracting terms for this cycle. We generally recognize four construction cycles; namely, rock bottom, burgeoning, mature and declining. Different construction cycles require different contract terms because each cycle presents its own benefits and challenges. For example, during the burgeoning...
Client AlertsIntellectual PropertySaving Costs in the U.S. Trademark Registration Process
May 18, 2018
Because of the complexities of the U.S. trademark registration system, many trademark owners from other countries, and their counsel, are reluctant to file national or international applications in the United States. One of the reasons often given is the higher cost of obtaining trademark protection in the United States due to the statutory requirements and...
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborShould you be using blockchain technology in your business?
May 11, 2018
There has been a lot of press and hype about the use of blockchain technology. Although the technology sounds “cool,” it may not be the best solution for every business. What is blockchain technology? Blockchain technology is one version of a broader technology called “distributed ledger technology,” or DLT. Think of how businesses generally collect or...
Developing land or repurposing existing structures can be profitable. It can also be frustrating, confusing and expensive. Before undertaking any development project, the developer must assemble a strong “team” of professionals. Usually, the team is comprised of: Site engineer Traffic engineer Architect Land Use Attorney Wetlands expert/engineer Depending upon unique circumstances, other specialties may be hired....
Client AlertsIt is Not an Early April Fools’ Joke: Give Your Employees the Required Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Notice TODAY
March 30, 2018
By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli The Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (the “Act”) goes into effect on Sunday, April 1st, 2018. The Act, which applies to all Massachusetts employers with six or more employees, requires employers to provide pregnant workers or workers with pregnancy-related conditions with reasonable accommodations and protection from discrimination...
Businesses often have misconceptions when it comes to intellectual property issues. Here are a few questions and answers on topics about which clients often ask us for advice: Q: The Name is available at the Secretary of State’s Office, so it’s OK to use, right? A: Not always. Federal and common law trademark rights supersede...
