Articles Archives - Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLP

Employment Law Update: FTC’s Non-Compete Rule Will Not Go Into Effect on September 4

On August 20, 2024, the Federal Court in Texas issued a final ruling on the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule stating that the FTC “(i) promulgated the Non-Compete Rule in excess of its statutory authority, and (ii) the Rule is arbitrary and capricious. ” The Court held the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule was unlawful. The Court ordered that […]

Employment Law Update: FTC’s Non-Compete Rule Will Not Go Into Effect on September 4 Read More »

Construction Advisory: Landmark Ruling – Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Upholds Verbal Contract Cancellations Under HICPA

In a landmark decision, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court recently ruled in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Attorney General v. Gillece Services, L.P., 2024 WL 3282546 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2024) that contractors must honor customers’ cancellation requests, irrespective of the medium of communication. This ruling underscores the importance of consumer rights and the obligations of contractors under

Construction Advisory: Landmark Ruling – Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Upholds Verbal Contract Cancellations Under HICPA Read More »

Employment Law Update: Ongoing Cases Provide Uncertainty of Proposed FTC Ban on Non-Compete Provisions

On July 3, a Federal Court in Texas issued a preliminary injunction halting the implementation of the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule. However, the Order applies only to the named Plaintiffs in the Texas case. The Texas court is expected to issue a final ruling on August 30. The Court found the FTC lacks the statutory authority

Employment Law Update: Ongoing Cases Provide Uncertainty of Proposed FTC Ban on Non-Compete Provisions Read More »

Real Estate Advisory: Don’t Miss Your Deadline to File a 2025 Tax Assessment Appeal in Pennsylvania

Taxpayers have a limited window each year to file an annual property tax assessment appeal and seek a significant reduction in assessed value and property taxes. Make sure you know the deadline for your county. Property owners must file 2025 tax assessment appeals as early as August 1, 2024, if they want to take advantage

Real Estate Advisory: Don’t Miss Your Deadline to File a 2025 Tax Assessment Appeal in Pennsylvania Read More »

Intellectual Property Advisory: Limits to flag designs in registered trademarks

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 »

Real Estate Advisory: 2025 Allegheny County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Deadline Moved Up to October 1, 2024

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

Real Estate Advisory: 2025 Allegheny County Property Tax Assessment Appeal Deadline Moved Up to October 1, 2024 Read More »

Employment Update: DOL Increases Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees

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 »

Employment Update: FTC Rule on Non-Compete Provisions

Update – August 20, 2024 FTC’S Non-compete rule will not go into effect on September 4 On August 20, 2024, the Federal Court in Texas issued a final ruling on the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule stating that the FTC “(i) promulgated the Non-Compete Rule in excess of its statutory authority, and (ii) the Rule is arbitrary

Employment Update: FTC Rule on Non-Compete Provisions Read More »

Employment Advisory: U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes Independent Contractor Regulation

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

Employment Advisory: U.S. Department of Labor Finalizes Independent Contractor Regulation Read More »

Client Alert: New York’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act

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 »

New Rental Property Requirements and What They Mean for Residential Landlords in Pittsburgh

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

New Rental Property Requirements and What They Mean for Residential Landlords in Pittsburgh Read More »

Client Alert: Name, Image, and Likeness in Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletics

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 writes for “Developing Pittsburgh”

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 »

Client Alert: Exercising Caution with AI and Legal Advice

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 on the “Smell Ya Later” podcast

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 »

Articles

How Can We Help You?