October / November
Showing 65–80 of 469 results
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COVID-19 forces a focus on operating costs
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Nonprofit Agendas
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting recession have put many nonprofits in an unprecedented predicament. Revenues have dropped sharply as organizations struggle to continue their missions in a dramatically different environment. And they face mounting unexpected costs as they try to protect the health and safety of their employees, clients and volunteers while doing so. It’s almost inevitable that most nonprofits must cut their operating costs — but where to begin? This article focuses on four key targets: staffing, capital projects, vendor arrangements and marketing. A sidebar spotlights the consequences of staff reductions on employers that pay unemployment benefits on a case-by-case basis.
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Supreme Court: Sovereign immunity sinks copyright claims
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: When copyrights are infringed by a state, copyright owners are likely out of luck. That’s the result of a unanimous decision from the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a federal law that allowed copyright owners to sue states in federal court for infringement. This brief article reviews the case and its implications. Allen v. Cooper, No. 18-877, March 23, 2020, U.S.
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Will they or won’t they? SCOTUS makes it easier to recover trademark infringer’s profits
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 630
Abstract: In yet another eventful season of important U.S. Supreme Court rulings, one decision brings welcome news to trademark owners. The unanimous landmark decision resolved a split among the federal appellate courts. This article reviews the Supreme Court’s decision finding that, while willfulness isn’t a prerequisite to the issue of a profits remedy, the inquiry into willfulness isn’t irrelevant. Romag Fasteners, Inc. v. Fossil Group, Inc., No. 18-1233, April 23, 2020, U.S.
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The limits of artificial intelligence – PTO restricts “inventorship” to natural persons
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 564
Abstract: Decades after “2001: A Space Odyssey” hit theaters, artificial intelligence (AI) is finally gaining ground in everyday life — but not without legal limits. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), for example, recently ruled that AI systems can’t be listed as an “inventor” on a patent application. This article discusses why the agency found that the application required identification of a natural person as inventor. In re Application of Application No.: 16/524,350, No. 50567-3-01-US, April 27, 2020, U.S.P.T.O.
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Federal Circuit cuts the line on patent-ineligible fishing method
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Ideas on Intellectual Property Law
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 840
Abstract: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has thrown back yet another patent aimed at what it considers a patent-ineligible abstract idea. While many of the earlier cases in which the court has applied the so-called Alice/Mayo test for patent eligibility have involved computer-implemented processes or software, the recent case revolved around something much more simple. This article highlights the Federal Circuit’s continuing trend to deny patents for abstract ideas. In re: Rudy, No. 2019-2301, April 24, 2020, Fed. Cir.
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Estate Planning Pitfall – A significant portion of your wealth is concentrated in a single stock
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 315
Abstract: When building a nest egg, it’s important to remember not to limit investment holdings to only a handful of winners. It’s often said that past performance isn’t a guarantee of future results. This brief article explains the risk of losing one’s nest egg because of having high-risk stock exposure.
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Is now the right time to forgive intrafamily loans?
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Whether one made intrafamily loans years ago or perhaps this year in response to a loved one’s financial troubles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consider forgiving those loans. Why? A record-high gift and estate tax exemption amount and a low-interest-rate environment add up to an ideal time to forgive intrafamily loans. This article explains the reasons to forgive a loan and details the income tax considerations of doing so.
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FAQs about QPRTs
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 750
Abstract: Using a qualified personal residence trust (QPRT) to transfer ownership of a home to a trust can avoid potential estate tax pitfalls without drastic changes during one’s lifetime. Essentially, a person can continue to live in the home for a stated term of years. When the trust ends, the remainder interest passes to designated beneficiaries, such as one’s children. This article answers FAQs about QPRTs.
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No free lunch for the sandwich generation
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Insight on Estate Planning
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 937
Abstract: The sandwich generation is the name given to people caught in the middle between caring for elderly parents or in-laws and raising young, and sometimes not-so-young, children. And, of course, they still have to handle their own affairs. This article explains how to develop a comprehensive estate plan that accommodates the needs of all the parties by approaching the situation in a logical and organized manner. As the main article mainly focuses on dealing with elderly parents, a sidebar explores ideas on how to accommodate child-related needs.
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Can you lend to a convicted felon? Understanding the ins and outs
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: Not every loan applicant comes to a lender with a pristine background. Some prospective borrowers may have a criminal record. This article looks at the ins and outs of evaluating a loan application from a convicted felon. It offers several steps to take, such as including legal counsel in any meeting with the prospective borrower to ensure the process is fair, and reviewing the institution’s lending policies and procedures for guidance.
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Suggest contract compliance reviews to help borrowers
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 574
Abstract: Companies are scrambling for any advantage that will help combat the current economic downturn. Monitoring contract compliance can help businesses create more liquidity at a crucial moment in their operations. This article points out that helping borrowers understand the importance of contract compliance reviews in possibly saving costs and generating cash flow will be beneficial to borrowers — and to lenders’ loan portfolios.
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How to uncover hidden liabilities in financial statements
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 553
Abstract: When applying for loans, borrowers may try to appear more attractive to lenders by failing to disclose unfavorable financial information. But lenders have the responsibility to look further than financial statements to ensure they have everything they need to make a sound lending decision. This article explains how lenders can search for undisclosed liabilities and risks. It notes the importance of working with an accounting professional and the borrower’s management team to find and resolve any issues before the risks of a loan outweigh the rewards.
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Lending to restaurants after COVID-19
October / November 2020
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 820
Abstract: Restaurants have been struggling to maintain business and attract customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article offers some factors to consider that can help assess the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic and whether lending to a restaurant is prudent in today’s uncertain conditions. Lenders need to look at a restaurant’s current financial performance, business strategies and compliance with government guidance, among other considerations. A sidebar suggests five questions lenders might want to ask prospective restaurant borrowers before meeting with their loan committees.
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Painting an accurate picture – What to look for during a walk-through
October / November 2019
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 474
Abstract: Lenders often conduct walk-throughs of borrowers’ facilities, particularly warehouses and manufacturing operations. But business owners who are intent on deception might reveal only what they want their lenders to see. This article explains how lenders can ensure that a walk-through provides a complete picture of the business and offers some questions lenders need to ask as they tour a company’s facilities. It suggests that a methodical, inquisitive approach can help make site visits more effective at catching potential problems early.
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How to evaluate a start-up
October / November 2019
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 723
Abstract: Whether to lend to a start-up is one of the most difficult decisions a lender faces. This article contains advice on how lenders can evaluate the pros and cons and determine the potential for success — or failure. The article points out that start-ups have only limited operating histories and may have never generated positive cash flow, or even revenue. It also notes that a start-up can provide a good lending opportunity — but only if the business plan is viable and based on reality.
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Help your borrowers avoid bad debt write-offs
October / November 2019
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 627
Abstract: Lenders can help borrowers avoid bad debt write-offs and strengthen their own loan portfolios by offering tips on how to improve the effectiveness of billing processes. This article suggests several ways businesses can improve payment schedules, including making reminder calls and conducting due diligence on customers. The article notes that providing useful advice to borrowers can enhance lending relationships.