Features

Syndicated Commercial Real Estate Loan Transactions In Today's Market
Larger commercial real estate mortgage loans are often originated by a group or "syndicate" of lending institutions that each contribute a portion of the overall loan proceeds and share the benefits and risks. This article describes several significant features of a "syndicated" real estate loan that are not commonly known or understood.
Features

Corporate Bankruptcies and the Restructuring Solution
Recent, big-name Chapter 11 filings have brought to the light the importance of insurance solutions for companies in financial distress, as companies in this situation face oftentimes new and uncharted issues.
Features

Buyout Provisions In Commercial Lease Litigation
Litigation frequently involves an attempt by one party to enforce the terms of the buyout provision through specific performance. But that remedy may be less readily available than the parties might assume. This article explores the reasons why, and suggests some drafting considerations.
Features

Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Panel Holds Lack of Timely Objection Bars Objection to Homestead Value Exemption
In In re Masingale, the U.S. Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the Ninth Circuit held that in the absence of a timely objection, debtors who claimed a homestead exemption of "100% of FMV" in their residence had a valid exemption claim for the full fair market value of the property.
Columns & Departments
IP News
Federal Circuit Affirms the Board's Finding of Anticipation Because Prior Art Patent and References Incorporated Therein Inherently Meet the Disputed Claim Limitations Federal Circuit Affirms a Finding of Infringement Because the District Court Correctly Construed "a" and "said" and Rejects Anticipation Argument on Waiver Grounds Federal Circuit Vacates Judgment of Non-Infringement Because the Underlying Stipulation Failed to Provide Sufficient Detail for the Court to Resolve Certain Claim Construction Issues
Features

Bankruptcy Court Rules Limited Partnership Agreement Is Not an Executory Contract
Certain types of agreements, such as real estate leases, clearly are executory contracts subject to assumption or rejection in bankruptcy cases. But what about the partnership agreement itself?
Columns & Departments
Bit Parts
"Sister Sledge" Sibling's Use of "Sister Sledge Sledgendary" Isn't Trademark Infringement
Features

Courts and Plaintiffs Lawyers Question Viability of 'Texas Two-Step'
As defendants increasingly seek bankruptcy as a resolution to multidistrict litigation claims, plaintiffs firms and judges are starting to ask questions about the legitimacy of the tool commonly referred to as the "Texas Two-Step."
Columns & Departments
Landlord & Tenant Law
HSTPA Does Not Violate Taking or Due Process Clauses Landlord Liable for Bite By Tenant's Dog Tenant Not Liable As Holdover Absent Offer and Acceptance of Rent Payments Issues of Fact Preclude Summary Judgment on Habitability Claim
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- Abandoned and Unused Cables: A Hidden Liability Under the 2002 National Electric CodeIn an effort to minimize the release of toxic gasses from cables in the event of fire, the 2002 version of the National Electric Code ("NEC"), promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, sets forth new guidelines requiring that abandoned cables must be removed from buildings unless they are located in metal raceways or tagged "For Future Use." While the NEC is not, in itself, binding law, most jurisdictions in the United States adopt the NEC by reference in their state or local building and fire codes. Thus, noncompliance with the recent NEC guidelines will likely mean that a building is in violation of a building or fire code. If so, the building owner may also be in breach of agreements with tenants and lenders and may be jeopardizing its fire insurance coverage. Even in jurisdictions where the 2002 NEC has not been adopted, it may be argued that the guidelines represent the standard of reasonable care and could result in tort liability for the landlord if toxic gasses from abandoned cables are emitted in a fire. With these potential liabilities in mind, this article discusses: 1) how to address the abandoned wires and cables currently located within the risers, ceilings and other areas of properties, and 2) additional considerations in the placement and removal of telecommunications cables going forward.Read More ›
- Guidance on Distributions As 'Disbursements' and U.S. Trustee FeesIn a recent case from the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, In re Paragon Offshore PLC, the bankruptcy court provided guidance on whether a post-plan effective date litigation trust's distributions constituted disbursements subject to the U.S. Trustee fee "tax."Read More ›