by Ron Holmes. The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) has been the go-to reference rate for trillions of dollars in real estate secured loans, and other loans. In the real estate industry, it is “the” alternative index rate for floating rate loans. That is changing. As a result of the rate rigging scandal that surfaced …
By Scott A. Meyer. We’ve all seen the Peloton exercise bike commercials with the physical fitness models laughing and enjoying their way to perfect bodies using Peloton equipment. Unfortunately for Peloton Magazine, they weren’t paying attention enough. While obtaining a trademark registration with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”) is basically required in …
We are excited to announce that Scott A. Meyer has joined the firm as a shareholder to lead the firm’s corporate and intellectual property practice. Scott’s corporate practice includes entity formation, operational agreements, sales, acquisitions and mergers of businesses, corporate governance and employment matters. His intellectual property practice includes trademark, licenses and various service agreements …
By Ron Holmes I don’t know about you, but I know a down cycle is coming. Also, just like you, I have no idea when that is going to occur. However, it does not appear a down cycle is in the immediate forecast. Notwithstanding trade tariffs, The Hill turmoil, continuing Middle East issues, acts of …
By: Donna J. Yarborough A Baby Boomer is a term used to describe people that were born right after World War II and they make up 28% of the population. Baby Boomers are also responsible for over half of consumer spending. As this generation’s age increases, so does their chances of getting diagnosed with dementia. …
By: Brian Fisher The 2019 Texas legislative session enacted several significant changes to Texas ad valorem (or property) tax law. Among the more significant changes affecting developers of real property is House Bill 1743. Texas law permits land to be taxed at an “agricultural” value significantly lower than the land’s market value provided the land …
By Trent Appleby House Bill 2439 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbot on June 14, 2019, after garnering overwhelming support from both the House (133 to 9) and Senate (26 to 5). The law went into effect September 1, 2019, and provides – with some exceptions – that a city may not regulate …
By: JD Reed Clients are always looking for ways to cut legal costs and keep themselves out of protracted litigation. Contracts may have included binding arbitration clauses and mandatory mediation provisions, but you may have learned that arbitration costs just as much, if not more, than simply litigating in court. The Texas Legislature’s recent passage …
By Ron Holmes Condominium construction defect litigation initiated by a condominium owner association can almost be expected. Typically, the COA sues on behalf of all unit owners for collective damages rather than the unit owners suing for their individual damages. The Texas legislature has created a platform for relief from construction defect litigation brought …
By: Trent Appleby Homeowners affected by the recent storms in north Texas need to be aware of a newly enacted law prohibiting the payment of policy deductibles by contractors and roofers. In the past, it was common practice for contractors to offer to waive or absorb a policyholder’s deductible for repairs after storms. The new …