EPA's Final Rule Accepts New ASTM Standards for All Appropriate Inquiries
On December 30, 2013, EPA issued its Final Rule which recognized that complying with the latest version of the ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Standards (E 1527-13) complies with the EPA all appropriate...
Sixth Circuit refuses to enforce HUD's 10 Factor Affiliated Business Arrangement Policy Statement
On the day before Thanksgiving, the Sixth Circuit handed down an important RESPA decision in Carter v. Welles-Bowen, Inc.1—one that may not have left the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in a particularly thankful mood...
Stites & Harbison brings patent expertise to Bioworks
In an effort to enhance expertise in patent cases among U.S. district judges, the 10-year Patent Pilot Program went into effect assigning patent cases to 14 federal district courts in 2011. The U.S. District...
U.S. Supreme Court enforces forum selection clause in a construction contract
As 2013 rushes to a close, we pause to thank our clients, colleagues and friends for your interest in our Client Alerts and your feedback. It has been an exciting year. The construction industry...
Patent Fees Savings - Starting January 1, 2014
While most of the changes resulting from the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) have been implemented, some fee provisions that will save applicants money will go into effect for fees PAID after January 1...
OSHA focuses on safety of temporary workers
OSHA has launched an initiative to protect temporary workers. Last April, OSHA issued a memorandum to its regional administrators asking them to focus on the safety of temporary workers. The memorandum was prompted by...
October 1 - Deadline for employer notification of Health Insurance Exchange
By October 1, 2013, employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) should provide a written notice to their employees that describes certain elements of the Health Insurance Exchanges expected to go into...
Recent Bankruptcy Ruling on Unrecorded Mortgage Gives Bank Win Over Trustee
The Bankruptcy Code does no favors for a bank holding an unrecorded mortgage at the time the bankruptcy petition is filed. The Code allows a trustee to avoid the bank’s lien and pursue the...