tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8364218967447687612024-03-05T21:34:36.727-05:00Legal Notionslegal commentary and insight from the lawyers of Brown, Paindiris & ScottBrown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-88465595870116104882016-03-03T10:30:00.002-05:002016-03-03T10:30:52.462-05:00The House That Social Media Built<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqtCbfINjRV1wj1Qd3-dknKrth792vx9UDv4livr2vhvuioT8j2MOq1ONoI3PRsidZHtmmA4v8YQe1_aA1XnF-V1c2Q50kA1qRFP3hzZlig6YIWTRZod6Sb1BUDP1ixu100mqoMD_6Pn-/s1600/socialmedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqtCbfINjRV1wj1Qd3-dknKrth792vx9UDv4livr2vhvuioT8j2MOq1ONoI3PRsidZHtmmA4v8YQe1_aA1XnF-V1c2Q50kA1qRFP3hzZlig6YIWTRZod6Sb1BUDP1ixu100mqoMD_6Pn-/s200/socialmedia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">As anyone who has built or renovated
a house knows, lot of decision-making goes into giving a home a proper
makeover.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> House</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> flipper Mike Riccio and
realtor Nicole White recently embarked on a </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehousethatsocialmediabuilt/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">social
media-fueled</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> renovation project.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The house they've chosen is a Dutch colonial
located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Instead of choosing cabinet types, paint
colors, trim finishes, appliances and other details on their own, White and
Riccio have been putting it to a vote <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehousethatsocialmediabuilt/" target="_blank">on Facebook</a>. Interested participants have
48 hours to vote for their favorite choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">White and Riccio have
so far garnered hundreds of votes on various renovation options. In videos posted after the voting period ends, they announce the winning choice.
Comments on Facebook have been overwhelmingly full of support and
excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKkCKBvWVANAD_MERtqllwxmrqpWs6qBvwwbhnCU6bYpFDabjw5YYuklGYWMcMfbbC2oCyWMMGKtRza6r1bM6zQA31qd2sRqEKtAs6yMIIYYTbMRPQdVN8kganHib4ELqmGv4tPjlC1c6/s1600/thisoldhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKkCKBvWVANAD_MERtqllwxmrqpWs6qBvwwbhnCU6bYpFDabjw5YYuklGYWMcMfbbC2oCyWMMGKtRza6r1bM6zQA31qd2sRqEKtAs6yMIIYYTbMRPQdVN8kganHib4ELqmGv4tPjlC1c6/s200/thisoldhouse.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nicole White noted that most home consumers
at least start their search online, and Riccio romantically described the
project as one that builds community, because everyone gets the opportunity to
be part of the design process. Ideally
someone who participates in voting on the design will end up as the proud new owner of the House That Social Media Built. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The process should take about twelve
weeks and is still going on. You can view before and after pictures of the house and vote
on future design options by visiting the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehousethatsocialmediabuilt/?fref=ts">The House
that Social Media Built</a> Facebook page. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-19267146695590654332016-02-11T12:51:00.000-05:002016-02-11T12:51:04.545-05:00What are my rights if I’ve been injured on the job?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Workers-Compensation/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVasQkO-feHYNw_nZl7ksPbygESQp9If2HS3BVCXkkh3j1FXfBSvLIA7oCZZDdquZU5pi7HeJUN8OWa8kMd72p1trLhFQF5GVJL7W87DHa-hbXvsEwOMyIB2H6o7Ki7XPznWSx8jI6SSmn/s1600/i-workerscompensation.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The </span><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_568.htm"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Connecticut
Workers’ Compensation Act</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> provides benefits for workers
injured in the course of their employment.
Under the Act, a number of benefits
exist for the injured employees. Such
benefits include compensation for periods of time an employee cannot work, compensation
for a permanent disability or limitation
from the injury, payment of medical bills, future related medical expenses, as
well as a job retraining program for employees whose injury prevent them from
returning to the kind of work they used to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Workers’ Compensation covers nearly all employees,
including minors, non-citizens, and part-time employees. In some cases, injured workers may be eligible
for Worker’ Compensation benefits even when they sustained an injury outside of
the workplace, such as when while traveling for work or working remotely..
Additionally, the State of Connecticut has a no-fault system of Workers’
Compensation, meaning an employee may receive benefits for his or her injuries
even if the accident was the employee’s own fault.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While the employer is responsible for providing the
initial medical treatment, usually through an occupational health provider, the
employee has the right to choose his or her own treatment providers after the
initial visit with the employer designated medical practitioner. However, if the employer participates in an
approved medical care plan, the employee must choose a physician from the list
of doctors included in that plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Often a workers’ compensation insurer is required to
issue a Voluntary Agreement, essentially accepting liability for the employee’s
claim and defining important aspects of the same, such as the employee’s
compensation rate under the Act. The employee has the right to not accept a
Voluntary Agreement, which is especially important if the employee believes it
contains an error, such as a miscalculation in the rate of compensation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most importantly, the workers’ compensation regime in
Connecticut includes a Commission, where employees can force the insurer to
provide them with the benefits and compensation they are entitled to under the
act. As an injured employee, it it is
crucially important that you have a devoted and experienced attorney to
advocate for their rights before the Workers’ Compensation Commission to ensure
that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">More detailed information, including answers to
frequently asked questions regarding workers’ compensation, can be found on the
</span><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Workers-Compensation/FAQ-Workers-Compensation.shtml"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Brown,
Paindiris & Scott website</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have any questions about this or any other
workers’ compensation matter, contact the workers’ compensation attorneys at
Brown, Paindiris & Scott at 860-659-0700 or </span><a href="mailto:cguarnieri@bpslawyers.com"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">cguarnieri@bpslawyers.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.
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Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-15871347389017851282016-02-05T12:59:00.000-05:002016-02-05T12:59:21.439-05:00The NFL’s Super Monopoly over the Super Bowl<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
NFL obtained federal trademark protection for the mark “SUPER BOWL” on December
9, 1969. This registration secured a virtual monopoly for the NFL, granting it
the exclusive right to use the mark “SUPER BOWL” in connection with football
exhibitions. Individuals and businesses alike are therefore prohibition from
using “SUPER BOWL” in any way which could be construed as an endorsement by or
affiliation with the NFL. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In
2008, the NFL made headlines when it sent a letter to the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013103958.html"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Fall
Creek Baptist Church</span></a> in Indianapolis demanding the church cease and desist
from advertising its “Super Bowl Bash.” The result was that groups hosting
parties for the “Big Game” have had to turn to more creative means of
advertising, without using the term SUPER BOWL. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><a href="http://on.cc.com/1h7qSvh"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Stephen Colbert poked fun</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
at the NFL’s aggressive protection of its trademark prior to the 2014 Super
Bowl, jesting that he would get around having to use their trademark on “Super
Bowl” by instead providing coverage of the “Superb Owl.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnqeKVKnPgko27ftiJ_jMspu_P2y_VcHlXffCPUcLRnlJWm-Zh6fcHscyK9ng2JMCVvDMwL9IT_wC6iboSnr_67T1qDp_f18Xc2z-TlfnA-hHu9nvwEb4CR2FWx0l6rQTa32d17lu2Buk/s1600/Colbert.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnqeKVKnPgko27ftiJ_jMspu_P2y_VcHlXffCPUcLRnlJWm-Zh6fcHscyK9ng2JMCVvDMwL9IT_wC6iboSnr_67T1qDp_f18Xc2z-TlfnA-hHu9nvwEb4CR2FWx0l6rQTa32d17lu2Buk/s1600/Colbert.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So
why is the NFL so adamant about enforcing its exclusive rights to its trademark
on “SUPER BOWL?” There are two central reasons, but they both come down to
money. The first is that the NFL must protect its trademark from dilution.
There are two types of dilution described in the </span><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1125"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Trademark
Dilution Revision Act of 2006</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">: Dilution by Blurring,
which occurs when the distinctiveness of the famous mark is impaired; and
Dilution by Tarnishment, which is where harm is done to reputation of the
famous mark. For a trademark owner, either form can spell disaster. The NFL
depends on revenue it receives from advertisers that battle over who will be
the official sponsor of the Super Bowl. If the reputation of the Super Bowl
were diminished, so would the demand to have one’s brand advertised in conjunction
with it.<br />
<br />
The second reason is that it needs to remain the exclusive rights holder in
order to keep its monopoly on the advertising revenue over all things Super
Bowl. When a trademark owner allows others to freely use their trademark, it
can lose its significance as a mark, no longer holding any meaning as a source indicator.
This is known as abandonment or “genericide” (</span><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1125"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">15 U.S.C. § 1125</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">).
For example, the Bayer pharmaceutical company formerly held a trademark on the
name “ASPIRIN” to refer to its drug, acetylsalicylic acid. But over time, the
public’s generic use of “ASPIRIN” to refer to the drug caused the mark to be
declared abandoned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
result is that the NFL has no choice but to strictly enforce its trademark
rights because the mark’s value comes from the fact that others can’t use it
without permission. If “SUPER BOWL” was used freely by the public, it could ultimately
succumb to genericide. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But
giving the NFL exclusive control of the phrase “Super Bowl” creates a problem
for those who are simply looking to talk about the sporting event, not
advertise or profit from it. This is where an exception to trademark rights
known as nominative fair use comes into play. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Nominative
fair use is essentially the idea that using another’s trademark in a way that
does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by the trademark holder is acceptable
(</span><a href="http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/metaschool/fisher/integrity/Links/Cases/newkids.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">New
Kids on the Block v. News Am. Pub., Inc., 971 F.2d 302, 307 (9th Cir. 1992)</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">).
This provides narrow protection for individuals such as newscasters and
commentators that want to say “Super Bowl” for the ease of communication rather
than to imply a sponsorship or endorsement by the NFL. For example, it would
probably be a nominative fair use to announce “the Super Bowl is next Sunday,”
but it would probably be infringement to announce “our Super Bowl Extravaganza
is next Sunday.”</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This
is just one example of how powerful a trademark registration can actually be.
The exclusive rights a federal trademark registration grants its owner can be
leveraged to produce tremendous profits. A trademark registration can be
obtained for words, phrases, symbols, designs, and more. For additional
information about trademarks please visit the </span><a href="http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">United
States Patent and Trademark Office (UPTO) website</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">While
the USPTO is an excellent resource for information regarding trademarks, it is
not permitted to provide specific legal advice related to your individual or
business needs. The USPTO recommends contacting a private attorney who
specializes in intellectual property for assistance with your specific needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If
you have any questions about this or any other trade<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>mark,
trade secret, or copyright matter, contact the <a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Attorneys/Regina-Von-gootkin.shtml"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Intellectual
Property attorneys</span></a> at Brown, Paindiris & Scott at 860-659-0700 or </span><a href="mailto:rvongootkin@bpslawyers.com"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">rvongootkin@bpslawyers.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span> </span><br />
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<br />Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-19653096966812321792016-02-01T09:30:00.000-05:002016-02-01T09:30:08.604-05:009 Attorneys Honored as Super Lawyers<div style="text-align: center;">
Brown, Paindiris & Scott is honored to have nine of its attorneys recognized as</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in 2015. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALAt25w_JS6luGjFc1oX0Cb8L6sBCTp-BICMiVz-EnQ_7lwI083ICmodREIZAFr2GzDy1X_UGLQ115VMi0bRIfWJzlGOMfy5ncUgXamqYvCvSv9qCin5lUd6W9z0XbU2NgowuxXmt-vh4/s1600/1E7A7349SuperLawyersinside.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALAt25w_JS6luGjFc1oX0Cb8L6sBCTp-BICMiVz-EnQ_7lwI083ICmodREIZAFr2GzDy1X_UGLQ115VMi0bRIfWJzlGOMfy5ncUgXamqYvCvSv9qCin5lUd6W9z0XbU2NgowuxXmt-vh4/s320/1E7A7349SuperLawyersinside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Seated (L to R): Kate Haakonsen*, Richard Brown*, John Maxwell*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Standing: Cody Guarnieri**, Regina von Gootkin**, Ronald Scott*, J. Larry Price*, Barry Armata*, Kristina Lenda**</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Chosen to 2015 Super Lawyers **Chosen to 2015 Rising Star</span></div>
<br />
We are a full-service law firm representing individuals and small to mid-sized businesses in the Greater Hartford area for more than 30 years. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and giving each client the time and respect they deserve.Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-89256848616571591402016-01-28T09:34:00.000-05:002016-01-28T09:34:13.250-05:00Proposed VA Rules to Impact VA Aid and Attendance Benefits<div class="MsoNormal">
Important changes are coming that will impact Veterans and
their families who apply for the Aid and Attendance (AA) pension. Although the public comment period has
expired, it is not yet known when these changes will take effect. Some of the changes involve significant
departures from prior regulations and will require advanced planning before
applying for benefits. If you or a loved
one are considering applying, it is best to do so now before these new changes
commence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the proposed changes involves new asset and income
limits in order to qualify for AA benefits.
The proposed net worth limits will track that of Medicaid, which is
$119,220.00 for 2016. Both income AND
assets will be added together when determining whether an applicant qualifies
for benefits. An important excluded
asset is a claimant’s home, provided it is a primary residence in a residential
lot not to exceed 2 acres. If the
primary residence is more than 2 acres, unless the additional acreage is not
marketable, the additional acreage could cause a claimant to be over assets and
disqualify him/her for benefits. In
addition, annuities and trusts are deemed “covered” assets, meaning the value
of them can be included in the asset/income calculation to disqualify a veteran
or spouse. Likely the most notable change involves the addition of a look
back period, similar to Medicaid.
However, the look back for the VA is three years (36 months), versus
five years for Medicaid. If there are
improper transfers during that period of time, the VA may impose up to a 10
year penalty period. Here, like with
Medicaid planning, careful attention must be paid to asset transfers within the
36 month look-back period because the VA has proposed a short window to remedy
an issue if a penalty is imposed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In another proposed regulation that is similar to Medicaid,
provided a claimant meets all of the requirements to qualify for AA benefits, the
VA has proposed that all pension beneficiaries complete annual Eligibility
Verification Reports (EVR) to verify their income. This means that the VA will monitor
recipients of the pension benefit to ensure ongoing qualification<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, the VA has proposed regulations that seek to define
covered medical expenses. To receive
reimbursement for custodial care the claimant must require either regular
assistance with two or more activities of daily living (ADL’s) or custodial
care and assistance because a mental disorder makes it unsafe for the veteran
or surviving spouse to be left alone.
ADL’s include bathing, showering, dressing, eating, toileting and
transferring. Payments to facilities
will only be paid if the primary reason for the veteran or surviving spouse to
be in the facility is to receive <i>health
care services</i> or <i>custodial care</i>
that the facility provides. If the care is not for health or custodial
care related services, it will not be considered an allowable medical
expense. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above list is not exhaustive and only highlights some of
the proposed changes that the VA intends to implement. If you are thinking of applying for these
benefits or have questions, you should contact an experienced attorney to
assist you before these new regulations take effect. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any questions about this or any Aid and
Attendance pension matter, contact the attorneys at Brown, Paindiris &
Scott at 860-659-0700 or <a href="mailto:klenda@bpslawyers.com">klenda@bpslawyers.com</a>. </div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-6012449552680926272016-01-26T09:27:00.003-05:002016-01-26T09:27:49.528-05:00Short Sale Deficiency Forgiveness Extended through 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
During the
subprime mortgage crisis, beginning in 2007, short sales became a common way
for homeowners to dispose of their property.
In a short sale, the bank allows you to sell your property for less than
what is owed. The difference between the
amount owed and the sale price, also known as the deficiency, would normally be
considered taxable income under 26 U.S.C. 61(a)(12). For example, if a homeowner owes $200,000 on
a home, and the bank receives $150,000 from the short sale, the difference of
$50,000 would be considered taxable income to the homeowner, because it is
money owed to the bank that the homeowner does not have to pay. This creates a
large tax burden and is extremely problematic for people who are in the
position of needing to short sale their property.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In response, Congress passed the
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (MFDRA) in 2007.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The MFDRA amends the IRS code to essentially
exclude any short sale deficiency from counting toward an individual’s taxable
income.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In other words, that $50,000
owed to the bank that the homeowner does not have to pay will no longer be
taxable as income to the homeowner.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">There are of course, exceptions, and it generally only applies to the
short sale of principal residences where the deficiency is $2 million or less.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The MFDRA originally applied to
short sales completed through December 31, 2014.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Pursuant to the Protecting Americans from Tax
Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH), it has now been updated to retroactively apply to
short sales made in 2015 and to short sales made in 2016.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Further, PATH allows the MFDRA to apply to
short sales “subject to an arrangement that is entered into and evidenced in
writing before January 1, 2017.”</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This
means that taxpayers will not be taxed on the discharge of indebtedness related
to a short sale completed in 2015 or 2016, or on a short sale agreed to in writing
in 2016 but which doesn’t close until 2017.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any questions about this or any other real
estate matter, contact the real estate attorneys at Brown, Paindiris &
Scott at 860-659-0700 or <a href="mailto:rvongootkin@bpslawyers.com">rvongootkin@bpslawyers.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
26 U.S.C. 61: <a href="https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title26/pdf/USCODE-2011-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapB-partI-sec61.pdf">https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title26/pdf/USCODE-2011-title26-subtitleA-chap1-subchapB-partI-sec61.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, 110 P.L. 142,
121 Stat. 1803: <a href="https://www.congress.gov/110/plaws/publ142/PLAW-110publ142.pdf">https://www.congress.gov/110/plaws/publ142/PLAW-110publ142.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, 161 Cong
Rec E 1821, Sec. 151: <a href="http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20151214/121515.250_xml.pdf">http://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20151214/121515.250_xml.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-91532340365586404292015-10-15T10:24:00.000-04:002015-10-15T10:24:00.569-04:00Attorney Cody Guarnieri Appointed as Connecticut Bar Association Presidential Fellow<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 32px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.67em; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The law firm of Brown, Paindiris & Scott would like to congratulate Attorney Cody N. Guarnieri on his appointment as a Connecticut Bar Association Presidential Fellow. The Presidential Fellowship is a prestigious distinction and is related to a CBA program in its inaugural year. Attorney Guarnieri's Presidential Fellowship is with the Criminal Justice Section of the CBA. As a Presidential Fellow, Attorney Guarnieri is an ex-officio member of the executive committee of the Criminal Justice Section and is expected to be an ambassador to younger and transitioning lawyers in engaging with CBA and Criminal Justice Section programming and professional opportunities. His two year term began on September 18, 2015.</span></h1>
<article class="content" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
Attorney Guarnieri graduated with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 2012. His legal practice focuses primarily on representing adults and children accused of crimes, defending professional licenses as well as in personal injury and workplace injury matters. He is also the current President of the Hartford Rotary Club. He lives in South Windsor with his wife and son.</div>
</article>Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-20134229317824706642015-10-14T10:23:00.000-04:002015-10-14T10:23:00.211-04:00Class Action Lawsuit Filed for Volkwagen “CleanDiesel” Emissions Fraud<h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 32px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.67em; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 1.5em;">Attorneys Bruce E. Newman and Cody N. Guarnieri commence class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America and its Parent Company Located in Germany.</span></h1>
<article class="content" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
Cody Guarnieri and Bruce Newman have filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Drew Mizak of Plainfield, Connecticut, and others similarly situated nationwide, against Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., and Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, located in Wolfsburg, Germany. This lawsuit follows the discovery and release of those companies having defrauding consumers worldwide. It is alleged that Volkswagen intentionally misled consumers regarding their "CleanDeisel" automobiles models sold in the United States from 2009 to 2015, including the VW Jetta, VW Beetle, VW Golf, VW Passat and Audi A3, all of which included 2.0L Turbocharged Diesel Injection engines ("TDI"). The German carmaker is claimed to have marketed and sold these models as both highly efficient and emissions reducing. In reality, Attorneys Newman and Guarnieri allege, Volkswagen installed a "defeat device" in the form of sophisticated software was installed in these models which only suppressed emissions to comply with the Clean Air Act when subjected to federal testing. Under non-test conditions, these automobiles are alleged to have emitted up to 40 times the allowable emissions under federal standards.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
This is believed to be the first and only claim brought in the Federal District of Connecticut to date, and one of few in New England, as well as which incorporate claims against the German parent company of Volkswagen. Up to 500,000 cars are believed to be effected in the United States, as well as more than another 10.5 million worldwide.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
If you are an owner or lessee of an affected car or have questions, call Attorney Guarnieri at (860) 522-3343 or Attorney Newman at (860) 583-5200.</div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
WNPR: <a href="http://wnpr.org/post/plainfield-connecticut-teacher-sues-volkswagen-over-clean-diesel-cars" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://wnpr.org/post/plainfield-connecticut-teacher-sues-volkswagen-over-clean-diesel-cars</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
Hartford Courant: <a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-volkswagen-lawsuit-brown-pandiris-20151003-story.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.courant.com/business/hc-volkswagen-lawsuit-brown-pandiris-20151003-story.html</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
National Law Journal:<a href="http://www.nationallawjournal.com/id=1202738747122/VW-Hit-with-Onslaught-of-Class-Actions-Across-32-States?slreturn=20150905113157" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.nationallawjournal.com/id=1202738747122/VW-Hit-with-Onslaught-of-Class-Actions-Across-32-States?slreturn=20150905113157</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
International Business Times: <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/volkswagen-emissions-scandal-us-vw-owner-sues-company-joining-long-list-suits-filed-2124517" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.ibtimes.com/volkswagen-emissions-scandal-us-vw-owner-sues-company-joining-long-list-suits-filed-2124517</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
Norwich Bulletin:<a href="http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20151002/NEWS/151009878" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20151002/NEWS/151009878</a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<br /></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box;">
JD Journal: <a href="http://www.jdjournal.com/2015/10/05/nearly-200-class-action-suits-filed-against-volkswagen/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">http://www.jdjournal.com/2015/10/05/nearly-200-class-action-suits-filed-against-volkswagen/</a></div>
</article>Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-62337270686661013192015-10-13T10:21:00.002-04:002015-10-13T10:21:29.431-04:00"Secret" Probate Lien Went into Effect Oct. 1<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Connecticut
Public Act 15-05 Introduces a New Unrecorded Probate Fee Lien Upon the Death of
the Owner of Connecticut Real Estate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Upon
the death of an owner of Connecticut real property, Connecticut General Statute
§12-398(d) creates an inchoate estate tax lien in favor of the state. Often
called a “secret” lien, it is not recorded on the title but a release must be
obtained and recorded before the new owner can convey clear title to a buyer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
with the passage of Section 454 of Public Act 15-05, there is a new inchoate or
“secret” lien to be aware of when a property is being sold by an estate or
beneficiary. This section creates a lien in favor of the State to secure the
probate fees payable by the estate. Similar to the inchoate estate tax lien,
any person buying real property from a title successor is charged with notice
of its existence even though it is not recorded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
lien will impact all real estate practitioners who represent a buyer in a real
estate transaction from an estate or beneficiary of any estate. In addition to
requiring the release of the Connecticut estate tax lien, counsel will now also
need to require from seller a release of the lien for probate fees from the
probate court. This process will represent another step that may require some
lead time and it is best to be mindful of the logistics involved in this new
process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">have</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> any questions about this or any real estate matter, contact the real estate attorneys at Brown, Paindiris & Scott at 860-659-0700. </span></span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-24582310085529428022015-07-06T15:23:00.001-04:002015-07-06T15:23:20.657-04:00David Rintoul was interviewed today on the <a href="http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2015/07/06/this-morning-with-ray-dunaway-july-6-2015/" target="_blank">Ray Donovan Show </a> on WTIC regarding President Obama’s recent announcement that the regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act will be changed so more employees will be eligible for overtime. Many employees who make less than $50,400 annually will now be eligible for overtime. Previously, the limit was set at $23,600, less than the federal poverty level for a family of four. Employees who made more than this only qualified for overtime by satisfying a complex and arcane test dependent on the duties they performed. The change will give both employees and employer more certainly about who is entitled to overtime. David discussed the effect on workers and employers in Connecticut President Obama’s overtime changes. If you have any questions about overtime pay in Connecticut, send David an email at drintoul@bpslawyers.com, or go to his profile at<a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Attorneys/David-S-Rintoul.shtml" target="_blank"> here</a>Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-19303578943816470762015-05-26T15:37:00.001-04:002015-05-26T15:37:19.614-04:00Home Sweet Home: The Perils of Co-Ownership for Unmarried Couples<br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You found the perfect home, well, not perfect but it has
potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and your partner can
scrape up enough for the deposit and your combined income will allow you to
manage the hefty mortgage payments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why
are you anxious?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not buyer’s
remorse, it’s your common sense reminding you of one important fact: you and
your partner are not married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
you are both previously divorced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
you have philosophical objections to marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever the reason, your marital status is a relevant factor in this
transaction and you should consider the risks carefully.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What happens if you part ways or if one of you dies?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The law often does not provide clarity for
such situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you both sign a
mortgage note you will both be liable for the full amount of the loan until it
is paid in full, often thirty years from now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s imagine the worst case scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fast forward five years and your situation
could be vastly different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
relationship has soured and you want out of this situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your partner is uncooperative about selling
the property, refuses to move out and cannot afford to pay the monthly expenses
associated with the property on their own. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All conversations with your partner have become
emotionally charged and heated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
your liability?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is your
recourse?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your legal exposure can be significant, especially
considering that in most areas buying a home involves borrowing several hundred
thousand dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the mortgage goes
into default the lender will eventually foreclose, seriously jeopardizing your
credit and leaving you subject to a possible deficiency judgment for the
difference between the value of the property and the debt when the foreclosure occurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any investment you made in the property is at
risk of being lost, as foreclosure actions can quickly eat up some or all of
your equity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may also have personal
responsibility for other expenses associated with the property such as
association fees, taxes and utilities that are in your name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are your rights?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can you force your partner to move out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Can you force them to contribute monthly to the carrying costs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only with a court order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what’s the legal authority that allows
courts to enter such orders?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
where it gets tricky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Co-habitation
cases, as they are often called, are a newly evolving area of the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not a lot of legal precedent for
these types of cases, therefore, not a lot of certainty exists in terms of the
possible outcome. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may also be unique
tax consequences for unmarried couples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
thing you will know from the outset is that it will be expensive, with the
legal costs of each side capable of escalating quickly into tens of thousands
of dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Co-habitation cases are not cookie-cutter court actions
similar to no-fault divorce actions where judges routinely divide up a couples’
property according to well-established legal principals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Co-habitation cases are civil actions, each with
their own unique factual claims, such as who put in how much, who paid the
mortgage, who paid for improvements, what was the “deal” at the outset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while the law will continue to evolve in
this area, it may take decades to become somewhat uniform and the specific
circumstances of each case will still be subject to dispute and interpretation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how do you protect yourself now, before
you commit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You invest in a pound of
prevention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consult with an attorney who
has experience in drafting co-tenancy agreements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a contract drawn up which recites in
detail how the deposit is being paid, how closing costs are being paid and how
the monthly expenses going forward are to be paid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Address how improvements you make to the
property will be managed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider how
you will hold title, as tenants in common so that your respective estates will
take your share if you pass, or as joint tenants with rights of
survivorship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one or both of you have
children from a prior relationship you may feel conflicted about allowing what
may be your most significant asset to go to your current partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can remedy this by each taking out a life
insurance policy on one another that would let you “buy out” the other persons
estate if one of you should pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The agreement
should address what happens if one person moves out, including how the monthly
carrying costs should be paid and whether either partner has a right to buy the
other out and, if so, how the buy-out price will be calculated and paid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are uncomfortable raising this suggestion with your
partner consider the fact that a co-tenancy agreement can benefit both
parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A home is a serious investment
with many responsibilities. You owe it to each other to handle it in a
responsible way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it, you
would not let your automobile insurance lapse, risk losing your health
insurance benefits or gamble with your retirement fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because you know the possible cost for taking such risks could be more
than you can afford to absorb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why take
unnecessary risks when buying a home?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For most people housing is their largest recurring expense
and sharing that expense with your partner can be financially beneficial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Co-ownership may be the best choice for you,
but it’s important that you and your partner discuss your expectations and,
ideally, reduce it to writing with the assistance of legal counsel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s always best to be informed, and whenever
possible, prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cannot provide
for every possibility, but at least you can address the most obvious sources of
potential conflict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Address this issue
before closing and you can move on to more pleasant topics, such as what color
to paint the kitchen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Questions? Comments? Contact Attorney <a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Attorneys/Bridget-C-Gallagher.shtml" target="_blank">Bridget Gallagher</a> at 860-659-0700 or <a href="mailto:bgallagher@bpslawyers.com">bgallagher@bpslawyers.com</a>. </span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</o:p>Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-73711009849887004782015-04-23T09:15:00.001-04:002015-04-23T09:15:12.290-04:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Rintoul was quoted in the Connecticut Law Tribune this week regarding the recent ERISA case of <u>Haddock v. Nationwide Life Insurance Co. </u>in which a class action settlement was approved with a payment of $140 million to class members, and attorneys’ fees of $49,000. Here is a link to the article<a href="http://www.ctlawtribune.com/id=1202724138345/Conn-Judge-OKs-140-Million-Settlement-in-Retirement-Benefits-Case?mcode=1202615402746&curindex=6" target="_blank"> article</a> (free registration required). If you are interested more information on ERISA, David has a <a href="http://ctltdlawyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> discussing ERISA and the process of applying for and winning long-term disability benefits.</span>Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-42486726142265810662015-04-22T09:00:00.000-04:002015-04-22T09:00:03.932-04:00Legal Battle Between Edible Arrangements and 1-800-Flowers Heating Up<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">Deliveries from 1-800 Flowers and
Edible Arrangements usually bring smiles to recipients’ faces, but that is not
the case when the organizations are delivering lawsuits. In November 2014,
Edible Arrangements International filed a </span><a href="http://www.newsday.com/business/1-800-flowers-sued-by-edible-arrangements-for-trademark-infringement-1.9642754"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">$97.4-million trademark infringement
lawsuit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> against 1-800
Flowers. Edible Arrangements alleged
that 1-800 Flowers’ website, FruitBouquets.com, contained hidden code and used
keyword advertising designed to deceive customers into thinking that Edible
Arrangements was associated with FruitBouquets.com. Specifically, Edible
Arrangements alleged that the phrase “edible arrangement” is embedded in
FruitBouquet.com’s code and the site’s title that is displayed in browsers is
“Edible Fruit Arrangements.” Overall, Edible Arrangement’s alleged that 1-800
Flowers incited a campaign to </span><a href="http://www.law360.com/articles/598383/edible-arrangements-delivers-97m-ip-suit-to-1-800-flowers"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">intentionally infringe Edible
Arrangement’s trademarks</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">
and confuse customers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">Recently, 1-800 Flowers responded by </span><a href="http://www.floristunite.com/2015/03/06/floristunite-news-blast-1-800-flowers-countersues-edible-arrangements/"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">filing a countersuit</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;"> against Edible Arrangements sounding
in allegations of “anticompetitive activities.” Specifically, 1-800 Flowers
claims that Edible Arrangements has improperly claimed trademark rights in
generic terms, such as “edible” and “edible arrangements,” which competitors
need to use to market their products. 1-800 Flowers claimed that Edible
Arrangement’s activities, lawsuits, and threats of lawsuits have chilled
competition in the marketplace and will continue to chill competition unless
Edible Arrangements is enjoined from engaging in these activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-70110140725442932872015-04-19T16:43:00.000-04:002015-04-19T16:43:16.538-04:00No "Blurred Lines" in Jury's Decision Finding Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams Liable for Copyright Infringement<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">The song “Blurred Lines” was
undoubtedly one of the summer of 2013’s biggest hits. Nearly two years later,
this song is still making headlines after a jury recently found singers Robin
Thicke and Pharrell Williams liable for copyright infringement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">In 2011, singer Marvin Gaye’s family
filed suit alleging that “Blurred Lines” copied protected elements of Marvin
Gaye’s 1977 song “Got to Give it Up.” Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’s
attorneys argued that the similarities between the two songs were not substantial
and that “Blurred Lines” was intended to evoke an era and to be emblematic of
the disco genre. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">Nevertheless, the jury awarded more
than <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/business/media/blurred-lines-infringed-on-marvin-gaye-copyright-jury-rules.html" target="_blank">$7.3 million in damages</a> to Gaye’s family; two of Gaye’s children received
$4 million in damages and $3.3 million of Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’s
profits from the song. Rapper Clifford Harris, Jr., who is also known as T.I.,
was not found liable for copyright infringement. Recently, attorneys for Marvin
Gaye’s family filed <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-blurred-lines-legal-battle-explained-what-comes-next-20150320" target="_blank">post-trial motions</a> to stop sales of the song so that an
agreement regarding future revenue sharing could be negotiated. At this time,
it is unclear whether the parties will appeal this decision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif;">In light of this decision, some members
of the music and legal communities are concerned as to the impact that this
will have on future creative pursuits. Some musicians believe that this
decision will chill creative expression as many musicians will avoid using
common arrangements and eschew the tradition of borrowing from earlier works.
While there are only so many ways in which chords and notes can be arranged in
musical compositions, musicians still have the opportunity to utilize protected
elements of other works by availing themselves of licensing processes to
request permission to incorporate the elements into their works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-74408308245821996452015-03-20T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-20T09:00:01.662-04:00The Future of Cover Versions of Songs Could be Dim<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">With advancements in technology, the
United States Copyright Office has recognized the need to revise provisions of
the Copyright Act. Recently, the Office completed its review of the </span><a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/big-shake-up-music-licensing-770512"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">music licensing regime</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">. Among other recommendations, such
as ensuring that music creators are fairly compensated and that the licensing
process is efficient, the Copyright Office suggested that artists should have
the right to </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Tyler/Desktop/BPS/%E2%80%A2%09http:/www.billboard.com/biz/articles/6465240/us-copyright-office-releases-proposals-for-fundamentals-of-music-copyright"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">preclude musicians from recording
cover versions</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> of
their songs and posting them on YouTube and selling them on iTunes. Presently,
many indie artists perform and record cover songs in order to showcase their
musical talents and build their fan base by playing songs that are
recognizable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Presently,
</span><a href="http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#115"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Section 115</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> of the United States Copyright Act
governs compulsory licensing. Per Section 115(a)(2), an individual can make a
cover version of a work as long as the individual has obtained a compulsory
license. Per Section 115(a)(1), a person may distribute phonorecords of musical
works to the public if the person obtains a compulsory license.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">In
its study, the Copyright Office recommended revising Section 115 to afford
songwriters and publishers the right to stop people from posting cover versions
of songs on interactive and download sites. Publishers would have the option to
negotiate interactive streaming and digital phonorecord delivery (DPD) rights
for their song catalogs, which would include the ability to authorize the
distribution of cover versions of songs. If a publisher elects to not negotiate
interactive streaming and DPD rights for their songs, then a musician who wants
to produce a cover version of a song will need to obtain a voluntary license if
the musician wants to post the song on a streaming or download site.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">The Copyright Office maintains that persons
should still be able to record cover versions of songs on physical cds and to
play covers on broadcast radio and in live concerts.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">While
these are just recommendations at this time, the Copyright Office’s position
demonstrates that it is attempting to balance the rights of musicians seeking
to record cover versions and publishers who own the copyrights to popular
songs. Nevertheless, many indie musicians may not have the resources necessary
to obtain voluntary licenses in order to post their cover versions on streaming
sites, which may lead the musicians to receive limited exposure.</span></div>
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Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-19381543145234529342015-03-18T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-18T09:00:01.958-04:00Bill in Connecticut Legislature Strives to Decrease Marketing on Social Media Sites<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">When you are using social media
sites, are you frustrated by the number of advertisements that ask you </span><a href="http://www.bna.com/connecticut-bill-targets-b17179922713/"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">to allow the site or application to
access your contacts list</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">?
Connecticut legislator, Representative Mitch Bolinksy, recently introduced a </span><a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5779"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">bill</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> that would limit how often a site
could request access to a user’s contacts list in order to send unsolicited
email marketing messages to a user’s contacts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The
bill is the first of its kind in the nation and is designed to protect
Connecticut’s consumers from deceptive marketing practices. Presently, upon
gaining access to a user’s contacts list, social media sites and applications can
send unsolicited marketing messages to third parties without the user’s
permission. If this bill passes, social media websites and applications that
operate in the state and presently request access to customers’ contacts lists
will undoubtedly need to revise their marketing approaches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-32999447349494416142015-03-16T09:00:00.000-04:002015-03-16T10:57:33.008-04:00Connecticut Bill Could Provide Student-Athletes at Public Colleges and Universities with State Employee Status<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Representative Matthew Lesser
recently introduced a </span><a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5485"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">bill</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> in the Connecticut legislature that
would amend the Connecticut General Statutes so that student-athletes attending
public universities and colleges would be considered employees for the purposes
of entering into and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. As the bill
is presently drafted, to be considered an employee, a student would need to
receive a scholarship for at least 900% of the cost of tuition; the scholarship
would need to be materially related to the student’s expected participation in
intercollegiate athletics; and the revenues generated by the institution for
the athletic program that the student would be participating in would need to
meet a certain threshold. Per the </span><a href="http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-huskies/hc-ncaa-paying-athletes-union-0208-20150207-story.html#page=1"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Hartford Courant</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">, UConn football and basketball
players would be the only college athletes in the state who would be considered
employees if the bill is passed as-is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Connecticut
General Statutes Section 5-271(a) provides that employees are protected in the
exercise of their right to self-organize by forming, joining, or assisting any
employee organization in collectively bargaining to resolve concerns related to
wages, hours, and employment conditions. While being able to participate in
collective bargaining may be advantageous for student-athletes, there are
concerns that the costs associated with supporting unionization could decrease
the funding that universities are able to allocate to other sports that do not
generate revenue. The</span><a href="http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/press-releases/ncaa-responds-union-proposal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> NCAA</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> has taken the position that student-athletes
should not be considered employees, and in December, Michigan Governor Rick
Snyder signed a </span><a href="http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/12/college_student-athlete_unioni.html"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Public Act</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> banning student-athletes enrolled in
public universities and colleges from unionizing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-42718880500467031742015-03-13T21:27:00.000-04:002015-03-13T21:27:00.705-04:00What Must the Government Prove to Sustain the Conviction of a Tippee in an Insider Trading Case? <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">In its recent decision in </span><a href="http://www.wlrk.com/docs/insidertradingconvictionsoverturned.pdf"><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">United
States v. Newman</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">, </span></i><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">the Second Circuit held that, in an insider trading case, the government must
prove that the tippee, the individual who received nonpublic, material
information from an inside source, knew that the corporate insider received a
personal benefit in exchange for disclosing confidential company information.
This </span><a href="http://www.americanbar.org/publications/blt/2015/01/keeping_current_kopp.html"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">holding</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> will require the government to prove
that the tippee was aware that the tipper, who provided the inside information,
received a personal benefit for the disclosure. This holding will also likely
limit the scope of liability for individuals, such as financial analysts and
portfolio managers, who trade on information that is not publicly accessible
but who have no direct relationship with the individuals who provided the
inside information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Todd
Newman and Anthony Chiasson made millions of dollars for their hedge funds in
2008 by trading on inside information about the earnings for Dell and
NVIDIA. Newman and Chiasson did not
personally know the individual who had originally provided the nonpublic
information about Dell and NVIDIA, and they had received information from
various sources. Nevertheless, the trial court convicted Newman and Chiasson of
securities fraud. The Second Circuit vacated Newman and Chiasson’s convictions
because the court found that there was not enough evidence to prove beyond a
reasonable doubt that Newman and Chiasson knew that the tipper had received a
personal benefit for providing the inside information and that they were
trading on information that the tipper had obtained by breaching his or her
fiduciary duties to his or her employer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">An
individual is not liable for insider trading simply because he or she traded on
information that the individual knew was confidential and nonpublic. To be held
liable, an individual must know or should have known that the individual who
provided the insider information, who is known as the tipper, breached his or
her fiduciary duty by providing the inside information and received a personal
benefit for the disclosure. Thus, in light of the <i>Newman</i> decision, to convict a tippee of insider trading, the
government must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;">(1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The corporate insider or tipper owed
a fiduciary duty to the company that he or she is disclosing nonpublic
information about; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;">(2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The corporate insider breached his or
her duty by disclosing confidential information to the tippee in exchange for a
personal benefit; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;">(3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The tippee knew of the tipper’s breach,
knew that the information was confidential and knew that the tippee shared the
confidential information for a personal benefit; and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;">(4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">The tippee used the information to
trade in a security or provided the information to another individual for
personal benefit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Preet
Bharara, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has </span><a href="http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/bharara-appeals-second-circuits-decisio-33805/"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">petitioned the Second Circuit for a
rehearing</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> in this
case and argues that the court’s decision reflects a departure from precedent
and may impede enforcement of securities laws.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-20331654214847756662015-02-14T13:23:00.000-05:002015-02-16T14:38:20.591-05:00Does Katy Perry Have a Copyright Interest in the Infamous “Left Shark” in her Super Bowl Halftime Show?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">References to </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmcWZ2Bzoho"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">“Left Shark”</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> flooded social media after Katy Perry’s Super Bowl halftime show as viewers were puzzled by the left shark’s </span><a href="http://www.today.com/style/katy-perrys-left-shark-finds-fame-after-super-bowl-2D80478607"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">unique dance moves</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">. As “Left Shark” has become somewhat of an overnight phenomenon, Katy Perry’s legal team is aggressively asserting its ownership of the “Left Shark’s” likeness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Fernando Sosa uses his 3-D printer to create sculptures of political figures and sell them on his website. After the Super Bowl, Sosa created and printed a shark figurine modeled after the “Left Shark,” which he sold on his website. Shortly thereafter, Sosa received a </span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/05/entertainment/left-shark-perry-cease-desist/"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">a cease and desist letter</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> from Perry’s legal team demanding that he stop manufacturing, distributing, selling, and marketing the figurines as his actions were infringing </span><a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150205/16305829921/katy-perry-claims-copyright-over-left-shark-issues-takedown-over-3d-printable-version.shtml"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Perry’s exclusive rights</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> to reproduce, display, and distribute the “Left Shark’s” likeness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Given Katy Perry is attempting to assert a copyright interest in a shark costume, it is questionable whether she would succeed on her claim of copyright infringement in court. The United States Copyright Office has taken the position that </span><a href="http://www.copyright.gov/history/mls/ML-435.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">costumes are useful articles</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> and are generally not afforded copyright protection unless there are separate artistic features that do not contribute to the utilitarian nature of the costume, which can receive copyright protection. Presently, the standard for identifying separable artistic elements is ill-defined, but the Copyright Office has stated that “fanciful costumes” can obtain copyright protection if they contain pictorial or sculptural elements that are independently recognizable and do not add to the utilitarian purpose of the costume. In the present case, it appears that the “Left Shark” costume is a useful article, and there do not appear to be any unique artistic or pictorial elements that materially distinguish the “Left Shark” costume from any other standard shark costume presently on the market. </span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-30780741682536566232015-02-09T23:35:00.001-05:002015-02-13T15:44:15.592-05:00Cybersecurity Attack on Anthem Inc.’s Networks Compromises Customers’ and Employees’ Personal Information<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> Health insurer, Anthem, Inc., is the latest organization to become a victim of a </span><a href="http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/health_insurer_says_hackers_got_info_on_80_million_customers_and_workers_in"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">cyberattack</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">. On January 29, 2015, Anthem, Inc., which is the parent company of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Connecticut’s largest health insurer, determined that hackers had invaded its network and obtained the personal information of more than 80 million customers and employees. Based on preliminary </span><a href="http://www.anthemfacts.com/"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> reports</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">, it is believed that the hackers obtained customers’ and employees’ names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, email addresses, employment information, income data, and medical identification numbers, but the hackers did not obtain medical and financial information.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> In Connecticut, the breach could impact more than 1 million customers. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has </span><a href="http://www.courant.com/business/connecticut-insurance/hc-connecticut-anthem-data-breach-20150205-story.html#page=1"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">instructed residents to monitor</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> all financial accounts because individuals may use the obtained information to open new lines of credit, open new credit cards, and steal tax refunds. In addition, </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/business/experts-suspect-lax-security-left-anthem-vulnerable-to-hackers.html?_r=0"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">experts</span></a><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">have cautioned that hackers may use the combination of an individual’s Social Security number and medical information to perpetuate identify theft and email phishing scams, and to file false insurance claims.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"> It has been reported that the compromised information was particularly vulnerable because Anthem did not </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/06/business/experts-suspect-lax-security-left-anthem-vulnerable-to-hackers.html?_r=0"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">encrypt the data</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that covered entities and health plans, such as health insurers, encrypt electronically </span><a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2007-title45-vol1-sec164-312.pdfhttp:/www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title45-vol1/pdf/CFR-2007-title45-vol1-sec164-312.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">protected health information</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">. Specifically, the HIPAA Security Rule establishes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that entities must use to protect the confidentiality and security of individuals’ electronic protected health information. Given that encryption can be a powerful tool in thwarting hackers’ infiltration attempts, it is worthwhile for businesses to encrypt confidential personal information even if businesses are not legally mandated to do so. </span><br />
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Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-57808773738623692262014-11-20T18:04:00.000-05:002015-02-06T10:26:51.555-05:00New Department of Justice Policy Bans Federal Prosecutors From Asking Defendants to Waive Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims Against Defense Attorneys<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> The United States Department of Justice </span><span style="color: #2929ee; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">recently released a new policy</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> that will ban federal prosecutors from asking defendants to waive any potential ineffective assistance of counsel claims that they may have against their attorneys as a condition of accepting a plea. Previously, federal prosecutors had the ability to ask criminal defendants, who pleaded guilty, to waive their right to bring claims sounding in ineffective assistance of counsel. Now, federal prosecutors may not include language that constitutes such a waiver in plea bargain documents, and waivers included in documents that were executed prior to the implementation of this new policy may not be enforced.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> A criminal defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel may be violated if an attorney did not adequately and competently represent the defendant and the result of the defendant’s trial or sentencing would have been different if the attorney had competently represented the defendant. Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that this </span><span style="color: #2929ee; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">new policy</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> is reflective of the Justice Department’s commitment to preserving citizens’ constitutional rights, namely the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and the Fourteenth Amendment right to due process. In addition, this new policy will ensure that individuals receive competent representation as they respond to the criminal allegations stated against them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> The </span><span style="color: #2929ee; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">criminal defense </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">lawyers of Brown Paindiris & Scott can help you navigate the criminal justice system. For more information, visit our </span><span style="color: #2929ee; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">website</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">. </span><br />
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Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-89689685853093140262014-11-07T14:09:00.003-05:002014-11-07T14:09:31.326-05:00Cell Phone Privacy and the Law<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2014, the </span><a href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">United States Supreme Court</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
addressed the issue of whether a police officer may search a cell phone without
a warrant. In </span><a href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/13-132_8l9c.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Riley
v. California</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, the Court held that police officers
may not search a cell phone without a warrant, absent some extreme
circumstances such as a terrorist attack or child abduction. The Court went on
to describe a cell phone as a “minicomputer.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Court recognized a cell phone’s ability to
serve as an address book, tape recorder or camera, among other functions, thus
making the material stored on a cell phone of a private nature. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The law is much clearer on law enforcement’s ability
to search a cell phone, as compared to the law on whether a private individual can
be civilly liable for the unauthorized search of a cell phone. Unauthorized
searches of cell phones have increasingly become an issue in middle and high
schools. Some students have sued their schools, alleging invasion of privacy or
negligence after teachers and other school personnel have seized and searched
the students’ cell phones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The cell phone privacy issue may also arise in the
context of employment situations. An employee may potentially have a cause of
action against his or her employer for the unauthorized search of a cell phone,
so long as the employee had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the cell
phone. Whether the employee had a reasonable expectation of privacy in an
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A recent decision from the </span><a href="http://www.ctd.uscourts.gov/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">United States District Court for
the District of Connecticut</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> discussed cell phone privacy in
the context of a civil lawsuit. In </span><a href="http://www2.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/Bakhit_v_Safety_Marking_Inc_CIV_NO_313CV1049_JCH_2014_BL_178367_D"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bakhit
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The issue of cell phone privacy, especially within
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increasingly sophisticated, courts and lawmakers will likely need to set
parameters regarding cell phone searchers, while taking into account the
privacy interests of cell phone users.</span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-51527830399063639372014-11-05T21:51:00.000-05:002014-11-05T21:51:02.485-05:00BPS Attorneys Richard Brown and Kate Haakonsen to Moderate Panels at 13th Annual Connecticut Bar Association Bench-Bar Professionalism Symposium<div style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On Friday, November 7, the Connecticut Bar Association, in collaboration
with the Hartford County Bar Association and the State of Connecticut Judicial
Branch, will sponsor “Raising the Bar: A Bench-Bar Symposium on Professionalism
in the Judicial District of Hartford.” In its 13</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> year, the Connecticut Bar
Association Bench-Bar Professionalism Symposium brings together attorneys and
judges for thoughtful discussions on the future of the legal profession.
</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/" target="_blank">BPS Attorneys</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Attorneys/Richard-R-Brown.shtml" target="_blank">Richard Brown</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Attorneys/Richard-R-Brown.shtml" target="_blank"> </a>and </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Attorneys/Kate-W-Haakonsen.shtml" target="_blank">Kate Haakonsen</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> will be moderating two of
the sessions at this event.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The event will
feature a presentation on the maintenance of ethical standards and the
preservation of professionalism in the legal profession, as well as a series of
panels that will focus on professionalism topics and concerns specific to
criminal, family, civil, probate, and real estate/business law. Attorney Richard
Brown will serve as the moderator of the criminal law session, while Attorney
Kate Haakonsen will moderate the family law session. Connecticut Attorney
General George Jepsen will deliver the keynote address and will discuss
maintaining and enhancing professionalism in his office, which is the state’s
largest civil law firm.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 14pt; margin-top: 14pt;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> To learn more
about the November 7 symposium, </span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://hartfordbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DRAFT-2014-Bench_Bar-Professionalism-Symposium-Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-39242338757787010872014-10-30T08:24:00.000-04:002014-10-30T08:24:10.831-04:00Does Connecticut have Permanent Alimony? <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a word “No.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>There is nothing in Connecticut law which uses the
term “permanent alimony.” Alimony, regardless of the form it takes, is simply
referred to as “alimony.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost all
alimony orders terminate on the death of either party or the remarriage of the
recipient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is commonly referred to
as open-ended alimony because it has no specific end date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost all alimony orders issued a court are
subject to modification in the event of a substantial change in circumstances
or if the payor proves that the recipient is living with another person under circumstances
which reduce his or her needs (sometimes called “cohabitation”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is common for alimony orders to end on a
specified date if alimony has not terminated earlier, but there is no specific
term for this in Connecticut law.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/pub/chap815j.htm#Sec46b-82.htm"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connecticut
General Statute Section 46b-82</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> provides the courts
with authority to award alimony. In deciding whether to award alimony, the
statute requires a court to consider the following factors in determining the
duration and amount of the alimony award: the length of the marriage, the
causes for the annulment, dissolution of the marriage or legal separation, the
age, health, station, occupation, amount and sources of income, vocational
skills, employability, estate and needs of each of the parties, property
distribution award, and if the parties have minor children, the desirability of
such parent’s securing employment. The statute makes no explicit reference to
the term permanent alimony. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Connecticut, open-ended alimony awards are fairly
uncommon. The statute was recently amended to require a court awarding open-ended
alimony to state with specificity its reasons for making this award. Once the
court issues an alimony award, the parties may request modification or
termination of that award upon a showing of a substantial change in
circumstances pursuant to </span><a href="http://search.cga.state.ct.us/dtsearch_pub_statutes.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Connecticut
General Statute Section 46b-86</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nationwide, many states have recently considered
whether to eliminate “permanent alimony.” In Connecticut, </span><a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/2014/TOB/h/pdf/2014HB-05524-R00-HB.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">legislation</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
introduced in the 2014 session purported to make it easier to modify or
terminate alimony when the paying spouse wants to retire or when the recipient
spouse cohabitates with another person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bill failed to pass at the end of the
session.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With questions on how alimony factors into your
divorce, please contact the experienced </span><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Family-Law/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">family law attorneys</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
of </span><a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Brown, Paindiris &
Scott, LLP</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00051634023486232668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836421896744768761.post-49174467021204342642014-10-03T17:01:00.002-04:002014-10-10T13:18:35.884-04:00The Connecticut Benefit Corporations Act Brings B-Corps to Connecticut<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The <a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/2014/TOB/S/2014SB-00023-R00-SB.htm"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Connecticut
Benefit Corporations Act</span></a> became effective on October 1, 2014.
This law allows for the creation of a new business structure known as the
benefit corporation or what is more commonly referred to as the “b-corp.” A
benefit corporation has two functions: to maximize profits and to help society
and the environment or to create specific public benefits. Connecticut is now
the 26</span><sup><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> state to
enact laws establishing b-corps. <a href="http://touch.courant.com/#section/2280/article/p2p-81560321/"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">More than twenty
companies registered</span></a> as b-corps with the <a href="http://www.ct.gov/sots/site/default.asp"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Connecticut Secretary of State</span></a> on
the first day the law took effect. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
non-profit company <a href="http://www.bcorporation.net/"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">B Lab</span></a> was
formed in 2006 for the purpose of promoting the b-corp structure. B Lab’s goals
in creating the b-corp were twofold: to create a business that could focus on
issues beyond shareholder profit and to implement standards to aid consumers in
distinguishing between a “good company” and a company that simply advertises as
such. An example of a well-known b-corp is Ben & Jerry’s, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/23/ben-and-jerrys-b-corp-impact-investing_n_2005315.html"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">which became a
b-corp in 2012</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directors
and officers in a traditional corporation have a fiduciary duty to make
decisions that will maximize shareholder profit. As compared to a traditional
corporation, the directors and officers of a b-corp may consider other
interests of the corporation, in addition to the maximization of the
corporation’s profits. The Benefit Corporations Act provides that directors and
officers may consider the following interests when making decisions for the
company: the impact on the corporation’s shareholders, the impact on the
corporation’s employees and others associated with the corporation, the
interests of the customers and related public benefits, community and societal
factors, the environment, and short and long-term interests of the
corporation. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Connecticut b-corp law is unique in one respect. The law contains a legacy
provision, which the b-corp can adopt after two years of existence. The legacy
provision provides that if the b-corp is dissolved, its assets must go to a
charitable organization or other b-corps with a legacy provision. Connecticut
is the first state to include the legacy provision within its b-corp laws.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
more information about benefit corporations or for assistance with the
formation of a benefit corporation, please contact the experienced <a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/Business-Law/"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">business lawyers</span></a> of <a href="http://www.bpslawyers.com/"><span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Brown, Paindiris & Scott, LLP</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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