Blog
The American Families Plan- President Biden’s Tax Proposals
June 3, 2021 By: Ami S. Longstreet
On April 28, 2021, President Biden announced his American Families Plan, which outlines his agenda for raising taxes on the wealthy. Interestingly, unlike his tax proposals during his campaign, the American Families Plan does not propose reducing the Federal Estate Tax Exclusion amount (the amount before which an estate would owe Federal estate tax), which…
Read moreChanges to the New York State Power of Attorney Law
June 3, 2021 By: Ami S. Longstreet
On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law changes to the New York power of attorney (“POA”) law, which will take effect on June 13, 2021. These changes will not impact the validity of an existing POA form and statutory gifts rider if it is executed in accordance with the provisions of the current…
Read moreCongress Passes Trademark Modernization Act
April 1, 2021 By: Brandan Ray
Congress Passes Trademark Modernization Act Here’s What That Means for You, Your Business and Your Business’ Trademarks At the tail-end of 2020, the Trademark Modernization Act (“TMA”) was signed into law. The TMA, which received broad bi-partisan support in Congress, was passed to curb a substantial volume of improperly registered trademark registrations from so-called “bad…
Read moreBiden Immigration Bill
January 22, 2021 By: Ramón E. Rivera
Two Key Features of President Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021: President Biden sent a bill to Congress on his first day as President that would modernize our immigration laws. The bill creates an earned roadmap to citizenship for undocumented individuals by permitting them to apply for temporary legal status with the ability to apply…
Read moreImmigration Blog
January 19, 2021 By: Ramón E. Rivera
The Department of Labor (DOL) reissued a rule previously struck down by three federal courts finding that the agency had violated the Administrative Procedures Act by failing to show good cause in not providing the public notice and an opportunity to comment as required before expediting implementation of a final rule changing the way in which…
Read moreMaintain Lower Tax Assessment by Purchasing Membership Interests or Stock vs. Real Estate
November 16, 2020 By: Frederick W. Marty
When a person or entity purchases real estate in New York State a deed is recorded in the county clerk’s office of the county in which the property is located evidencing the conveyance of the real estate. In order to record the deed the purchaser must also submit a New York State Real Estate Transfer…
Read moreUnique Estate Planning Opportunities in 2020
September 11, 2020 By: Ami S. Longstreet
The federal gift and estate tax exemptions (the amount an individual can give away during lifetime and at death before which there is a federal estate or gift tax) have varied wildly over the last few years. Below is a chart demonstrating the drastic changes in the federal gift and estate tax over the years.…
Read moreCivil Jury Trials to Re-Commence on September 8th as Part of Phase IV.I Court Reopening Plan
August 28, 2020 By: Christopher A. Powers, Megan K. Thomas
On August 10, 2020, New York’s Fifth Judicial District, which includes Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis and Herkimer Counties, entered Phase IV.I of its reopening following the emergency closure caused in March 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of Phase IV.I, civil jury trials are scheduled to restart on a limited basis beginning September…
Read moreCan I trademark “[insert food here].com”? The Supreme Court says “Maybe!”
July 23, 2020 By: Brandan Ray
Recently, the Supreme Court concluded another historic term, handing down landmark decisions in employment discrimination and executive immunity, among others. However, this also means cases like United States Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com, B.V. (“Booking.com”), a case decided at the end of June with broad application in the area of trademark law, do not…
Read morePhase Four of COVID19 Requirements for New York Business Re-Openings and Statewide Guidelines for Certain Industries
June 24, 2020 By: Mary Anne Cody
Central New York will enter Phase 4 of the COVID19 New York State business re-opening on Friday June 26, 2020. New York State will be allowing the re-opening of businesses by region in four phases as follows: Phase 1: Construction, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, Retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup/drop off), Manufacturing and…
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