Citing their authority pursuant to the CARES Act, on May 1, 2020 the U.S. federal agencies which administer federal trademark and copyright registrations each announced further extensions of certain key deadlines for parties impacted by COVID-19. Read More
On April 29, 2020, Dunnington partners Ray Dowd and Olivera Medenica filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of The Authors Guild, The Dramatists Guild, The American Society of Journalists and Authors, and former Register of Copyrights Ralph Oman at the United States Supreme Court. The case involves a dispute among John Steinbeck’s heirs over who should benefit from copyright termination rights. Read More
Join our Partner William F. Dahill for the Italian Table Talks webinar, “NOW WHAT? Critical Thoughts and Practical Strategies on Restoring Our Restaurants,” hosted by Gruppo Italiano on Wednesday, May 6th at 3:00pm (est).
RSVP here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2XkUIXszRu268biBEDFHgw
On April 22, 2020, pursuant to Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) sections 212(f) and 215(a) and 3 U.S.C. section 301, President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation “pausing” immigration into the United States of America for foreign nationals who:
- Are outside the United States on April 23, 2020;
- Do not have a valid immigrant visa on April 23, 2020; and
- Do not have a valid official travel document (such as a transportation letter, boarding foil, or advance parole document) on the effective date of the Proclamation, or issued on any date thereafter that permits travel to the United States to seek entry or admission.
Join our Partner Donna Frosco for the webinar, “What is Your Game Plan,” hosted by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 29th at 12:00pm (est).
RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wXlqtbN9QlKHHy_rUN3ocQ
On April 16, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo extended “New York on PAUSE” to May 15, 2020. Given current circumstances, social distancing and remote work is expected to continue into the future to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Yet, despite the current and potential future constrictions, business must continue. To do so, documents—contracts, legal papers, and others—are required and they still require signatures. Electronic signatures provide an alternative to handwritten signatures. If you are not familiar with electronic signatures—now may be the time to become acquainted. Read More
On April 12th, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a new Executive Order No. 202-16. Among other provisions, the Order mandates that previously defined “essential” businesses and entities which have employees in the workplace must provide such employees with, and those employees must wear, “face coverings” when in direct contact with customers or members of the public. The face coverings must be provided at the employer’s cost. This new provision becomes effective at 8:00 pm EDT on April 15, 2020.
See Executive Order 202.16 here:
Estate Planning In A Pandemic
Susan Rothwell, Partner
April 13, 2020
Note: Current Status of the Surrogate’s Courts. As of this writing, the New York Surrogate’s Courts, which deal with wills, estate and trust issues, guardianships and adoptions, are open right now on a limited basis and only for essential and urgent matters. What constitutes an essential and urgent matter for the Surrogate’s Court is being decided on a case-by-case basis and depends on which county you are in. At the moment, anyone in NY county who needs access to a Surrogate’s Court Judge on this “essential” basis may have a private phone call with the Chief Clerk guidance and must submit any paperwork by regular mail. No one may walk into the court without calling ahead. All trials and hearings including guardianships and adoptions are postponed until further notice.
Estate Planning Now
In light of the devastating death toll and the ongoing threat of contracting COVID-19, it’s not surprising if you’re thinking about estate planning. Here are some things to think about when you review your estate planning documents or consider drafting new ones if you don’t yet have a will or a trust. Read More
April 9, 2020 – The Empire State Development Agency today released further guidance on determining whether a business enterprise is an “Essential Business” subject to mandatory workforce reduction pursuant to New York Executive Order 202.6. The link to this guidance is provided below.
Last Updated: April 7, 2020
The United States government, the State of New York and the City of New York has adopted legislation intended to provide economic relief to businesses and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The following is a review of various loans, loan forgiveness provisions, and other benefits created by these recent acts.* Read More