This past June, the IRS issued a Private Letter Ruling (201623001) which impacts surviving spouses in community property states. The decedent and the surviving spouse were married in 2004 and lived in a community property state. They had a son, whom the decedent named...
PLDO Law Blog
Adam Greshowak
New Guidelines for Private Management Contracts
In a move that should help facilitate public-private partnerships ("P3s"), the Internal Revenue Service has issued new 'safe harbor' guidelines for private management contracts involving bond-financed municipal assets. Revenue Procedure 2016-44, issued August 22,...
Succession Planning: Confronting the “What’s Next” Question in a Family Business
The "what's next" stage in the family business owner's life is challenging in that decisions have to be made in terms of succession to family members or selling the business and retiring. Yogi Berra would say that when you arrive at this fork in the road, "take it."...
Changes to Rhode Island’s Medical Marijuana Laws Are On the Horizon
Without a doubt, this Fall will be a decisive period for the United States as it relates to national cannabis policy. Voters in five states, Massachusetts among them, will have the opportunity to dictate whether cannabis will be legalized for recreational use, joining...
Why LLC Operating Agreements Protect You and Your Business
Forming a limited liability company, or “LLC,” does not require an attorney. Articles of organization are filed with the Secretary of State and the LLC is then created; no attorney necessary. However, while registration with the Secretary of State is all that is...
U.S. Supreme Court Opens the Door to “Generic-dot-Com” Trademarks
Booking.com, an on-line travel agency that books hotel reservations and provides other services to customers, filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) to register the trademark “Booking.com.” The application was rejected based on...
Comparing Start-Up Valuation Methods
In our Business Law practice, we routinely deal with entrepreneurs and investors who are trying to structure an investment opportunity on the basis of the company’s value before the outside investment is closed. This challenge exists whether the investment will be...
Due Diligence Considerations for Entrepreneurs and Investors
Representing clients seeking to invest in a venture or finance a new business opportunity is a challenging experience for the lawyer as it routinely involves outlining the steps and various issues that are involved in the process of either type of transaction. The...
Investment Structures in a Business Transaction
The process of negotiating an investment opportunity is oftentimes intimidating for first time investors or entrepreneurs. The business jargon is confusing, while the terms and conditions vary for each investment. The non-equity investment terms will vary from lender...