SAFE TO WORK Act Would Provide Liability Protections for Coronavirus-Related Claims
On July 27, 2020, Senator John Cornyn, for himself and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, introduced the SAFE TO WORK Act (the “Act”) as part of the Senate’s new $1 trillion stimulus proposal. This bill would provide significant liability protection for claims related to the coronavirus brought against businesses, educational institutions, health care providers, non-profits and government agencies.
Supreme Court Rules That Generic Terms + .com May Be Capable of Federal Trademark Registration
On June 30, 2020, the Supreme Court decided United States Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com B.V., Case No. 19-46, 589 U.S. ____ (June 30, 2020) held, with only one dissent, that it is possible for a domain name comprised of a generic term appended by “.com” to qualify for federal trademark registration.
Creditors Take Notice: Changes to House Bills 155 and 411
Two recent bills were signed into law following the 2020 Regular Session of the Kentucky Assembly which impact creditors. House Bill 155 and House Bill 411.
Enhancing the Prospects for Contractors to Have Insurance Coverage for Their Subcontractors’ Defective Work
When a construction contractor engages in a construction project, it generally purchases a commercial general liability policy (“CGL”) to broadly cover it and, frequently, the property owner for claims that might arise during the course of construction. These insurance contracts are standard forms issued by the Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) that cover accidental damage to property or personal injury claims.
PPP Loan Application Extension Signed Into Law As Congress and White House Debate Repurposing of Funds
On Saturday, July 4, 2020, following a surprise vote by the U.S. Senate earlier in the week and quick passage in the House of Representatives, a bill extending the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application deadline from June 30, 2020 to August 8, 2020 was signed into law by the President. However, with a recently reported $130 billion out of the $669 billion in total funding allocated to this stimulus program still unspent, policymakers in Washington are considering whether these monies should be repurposed.
$5 Billion of New Market Tax Credits in Search of High Impact Projects
It is anticipated that the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (“CDFI”) will announce $5 billion in New Markets Tax Credits (“NMTC”) allocation awards within the next several weeks.
U.S. Senate Unexpectedly Passes Bill Extending PPP Application Deadline
On the evening of June 30, 2020, a few hours before the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application deadline was set to expire, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill amending the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) to extend the deadline from June 30 2020 to August 8, 2020.
Main Street Loan Program
Recently, the Federal Reserve initiated a new commercial lending facility that has been promised for months, the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), consisting of three new loan facilities: the New Loan Facility, Expanded Loan Facility and Priority Loan Facility.