Articles

Federal Court Throws Out NLRB’s New Joint-Employer Rule

March 20, 2024
construction worker working in a neon vest

On March 8, 2024, Judge J. Campbell Barker of the Eastern District of Texas vacated the National Labor Relations Board’s proposed joint employer rule. This decision by the federal judge means that for the time being, the rule created in … →

Posted in Labor and Employment, Litigation, Regulatory

Are You an Independent Artist? You Need an Attorney.

March 8, 2024
artist at work in low light

In the dynamic world of independent music, art, and athletics, having a dedicated lawyer by your side is not just a choice; it’s a strategic necessity. Independent creators, be they musicians, artists, or athletes, invest immense time and energy developing … →

Posted in Corporate, Education, Litigation

Is AI Assisting You, or Are You Assisting AI? 

February 26, 2024
artificial intelligence or ai robot looking at a screen

This might seem like a distinction without a difference but if you are going to patent any inventions you develop with the assistance of artificial intelligence, you need to know which it is. On February 13, the United States Patent … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Regulatory

File a High-Quality Provisional Patent

February 19, 2024

Understanding Provisional vs. Non-Provisional Patent Applications  Navigating the patent application process can be complex, particularly when distinguishing between provisional and non-provisional patent applications. Provisional patents, often seen as the first step in securing a patent, are informal and do not … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Regulatory

The Basics of Magisterial Courts

February 12, 2024

Magisterial District Courts, or small claims courts as they are sometimes known, are the lowest tier of the Pennsylvania judicial system and the ones with which most people will interact. Despite their colloquial name, nothing about the magisterial court system … →

Posted in Litigation

Employee or Independent Contractor?

February 5, 2024

In a pivotal move, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule on January 9, 2024, set to take effect on March 11, 2024. This rule fundamentally revises the guidelines for classifying workers as employees or independent contractors … →

Posted in Labor and Employment, Regulatory

The 10 Benefits of Mediation

January 30, 2024

In today’s fast-paced legal environment, Alternative Dispute Resolution methods like mediation are becoming increasingly popular. Mediation offers a variety of benefits over traditional litigation, particularly in terms of cost, time, and emotional well-being. Here are ten reasons you may be … →

Posted in Alternative Dispute Resolution

To Prenup or Not to Prenup

January 23, 2024

There are two common reasons clients cite as to why they don’t need a Prenuptial Agreement:  “I don’t have a lot of money or assets; I don’t need to plan for divorce.”  “I don’t want to plan for failure or … →

Posted in Family Law

The New Corporate Transparency Act 

January 16, 2024
calculator pen and spreadsheet

The landscape of corporate legislation and governance is always evolving, and this year is no different. On January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect, which will impact the regulation of small businesses in Butler County and … →

Posted in Announcements, Corporate, Regulatory

Navigating the New USPTO Trademark Search System

January 15, 2024

On November 30, 2023, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) made a significant transition away from its legacy system, the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). After two decades, the Bibliographic Retrieval System underpinning TESS was deemed obsolete. The announcement, … →

Posted in Intellectual Property, Regulatory