Rain Tax Repeal Under Consideration
Can the state government require local governments to collect certain taxes Taxes are usually a prominent thought on everyone's minds this time of year, and they were certainly a major issue in Maryland's recent gubernatorial election. Governor Hogan criticized his predecessor for creating various new taxes and is now seeking…
Wendy’s Restaurants Sues Maryland-Based Franchisee
What business and contract requirements can a franchisor impose on a franchisee Wendy's, the fast-food restaurant chain, has sued one of its largest franchisees for failing to meet company requirements, including remodeling restaurants and installing new technology. DavCo Restaurants LLC and DavCo Acquisition Holding Inc. (DavCo), based in Crofton, Maryland,…
Riverbed Ownership: Legal Decisions That Can Affect River Use
Federal and state courts have historically ruled on issues that affect land and river ownership, and often these decisions impact outdoor companies andoutdoorrecreation enthusiasts. Recently, there have been a few cases making decisions on riverbed ownership, and therefore making decisions regarding control of the river that could affect kayakers, canoeists,…
The Importance of Filing Taxes
As the April 15th federal tax filing deadline arrives, many people delay preparing their tax returns if they are likely to owe federal or state taxes. While no individual or entity wants to owe taxes, it is important that even if you cannot afford to pay your liability at the…
Arbitration: Is It Your Best Contract Choice?
When you are signing or drafting a contract, one of the decisions that you may face is whether to include an Arbitration Clause into the contract. Often, most business and commercial parties will insert a simple Arbitration Clause into a contract, but they usually do so without truly analyzing whether…
The Importance of Liability Waivers and Releases for Sports and Recreation Activities
Most companies or businesses that allow participants to engage in sports or outdoor activities (such as white water kayaking, whitewater rafting, adventure races, skydiving, SCUBA diving, rock climbing, mountain climbing, snow skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, sailing, camping, hiking, triathlons, and surfing) usually have all of the participants sign liability waivers…
Longman & Van Grack Attorney to Speak at American Bar Association’s Live Ethics CLE Presentation
On Wednesday, Longman & Van Grack Attorney Robb Longman will be a featured speaker at aLive Ethics CLE Webinar titled: "Going Out on Your Own and Changing Firms - Practical and Ethical Considerations"sponsored by the American Bar Association's (ABA) Section of Taxation. Details and registration for the event can be…
Bethesda Health Management Company Acquired By Fortune 500 Corporation
How does a start-up with one employee grow its business Bethesda, Maryland-based Live Healthier has been acquired by Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 health insurance company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Live Healthier will remain in Bethesda with the company's founder, Mary Moslander, as CEO and president. Live Healthier provides…
Sports Apparel Dispute: Under Armour Sues Salt Armour for Trademark Violations
How can you stop a business competitor from infringing your trademark rights In a recently filed lawsuit, sports apparel maker Under Armour says that fishing apparel maker Salt Armour has violated its trademark rights. The similarity between the two names, says Under Armour, is creating brand confusion among consumers. Baltimore,…
Bethesda Continues to Transform Into Upscale Urban Oasis
How are new demographics changing real estate development Downtown Bethesda was once a modest community with a concrete company at one of its busiest intersections (that is now the site of Federal Realty's Bethesda Row). Today, there are luxury retailers, high-end restaurants, an Apple store, modern gyms and other urban…
Social Security Administration Pledges to Stop Seizing Tax Refunds
Can a government agency take away my tax refund Imagine expecting a tax refund only to find out that you won't be receiving it due to payments that went to your parents when you were a child. That was the reality for approximately 400,000 taxpayers when the Social Security Administration…
Some Maryland Companies Set Sights on Cuba
What business opportunities are Maryland corporations exploring in other jurisdictions Maryland and Cuba once had such close ties that, in 1922, a Maryland Senator described the island as "a suburb of Baltimore." Baltimore-based companies doing business there included McCormick & Co. and the Baltimore Spice Co. A refinery on the…
