October 2015 A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design (or some combination of the foregoing) that designates origin of a product or service and distinguishes it from competitors. What is eligible for trademark? Trademark registration can be granted on distinctive names, logos, and slogans. What is the difference between a registered and unregistered… Read more »
May 2015 Since 2011, RBMN’s Craig Coburn has been serving as pro bono counsel to the Utah Stream Access Coalition (USAC) in lawsuits seeking to restore public recreational access to as many as 2,500 miles of Utah streams that was effectively eliminated in 2010 under Utah’s ill-named Public Waters Access Act. Craig and another pro… Read more »
May 2015 A Receivership case is an insolvency proceeding, roughly akin to a bankruptcy. However, the rules governing Receiverships are not as well-defined as in a bankruptcy proceeding. It is possible for someone who has made an investment or purchased an interest in a company or property to be drawn into a Receivership case based… Read more »
February 2015 A recently released report from the Brookings Institution entitled “America’s Advanced Industries: What They Are, Where They Are, and Why They Matter” highlights the strength and diversity of Utah’s economy. The report defines an industry as an “advanced industry” if it meets two criteria: 1) the industry spends heavily in research and development… Read more »
February 2015 Kingston v. State Farm http://www.utcourts.gov/opinions/appopin/kingston150205.pdf The Court of Appeals affirms the district court’s grant of summary judgment to State Farm on a question of UIM coverage under an automobile policy and a separate umbrella policy. The substitution of a vehicle and an automatic renewal of a policy do not constitute “new policies” which… Read more »
Zack Peterson February 2015 Pentalon v. Rymark http://www.utcourts.gov/opinions/appopin/pentalon150205.pdf The Court of Appeals reversed the district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the lender in a mechanics’ lien foreclosure action. The district court ruled that excavations for footings and foundations were not sufficient improvements to constitute commencement of work under the 2008 version of… Read more »
February 2015 In a case still unfolding in United States District Court for the District of Utah, there is a lesson to be learned for all who want to ensure protection of their intellectual property. In December 2013, the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah granted partial summary judgment in favor of the… Read more »
June 2014 On June 12, 2014, the United States Supreme Court ruled that an IRA inherited by an individual (other than a spouse) is subject to a debtor’s creditors in a bankruptcy proceeding. Clark v. Rameker, 573 U.S. 7th Circuit (2014). In order to allow a debtor a fresh start, the bankruptcy code allows the debtor… Read more »
July 2014 IRS Announces Simplified Application for Small Charities Applying for 501(c)(3) Starting July 1, 2014, small charities may be eligible to apply for tax exempt status by filing the Internal Revenue Service’s new Form 1023-EZ. Until recently, all non-profit organizations seeking tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) were required to: pay the $850 filing fee; complete the 26… Read more »
January 2015 Richards Brandt clients China Manufacturers Alliance, LLC (“CMA”) and Double Coin Holdings Ltd Obtain Favorable Outcome on Petition for Inconsequential Determination Before the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (“NHTSA”). Double Coin is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of truck, industrial, and off-the-road tires. CMA is the North American subsidiary of Double Coin…. Read more »