Structuring a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund—What You Need to Know
Since the enactment of the Opportunity Zone program over a year ago, the focus has been on gaining a better understanding of the workings of the program and its various applications. While the education curve has been demanding, it has not deterred taxpayers from taking advantage of the program.
Taking Stock of Your 2019 Cybersecurity Resolutions
Did you decide that 2019 will be the year you tackle those cybersecurity threats to your organization that keep you up at night? It’s February, and a good time to take stock of whether your organization is following through on its cybersecurity goals. Some estimate that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February.
$3.5 Billion in 2018/2019 New Markets Tax Credits to be Awarded in March 2019
In anticipation of the announcement of the $3.5 billion of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocation awards by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund next month, Stites & Harbison will conduct its fifth annual New Markets Tax Credits Workshop on Wednesday, February 13th.
New Guidance from the USPTO Aims to Clarify Patent-Eligible Subject Matter Determination
On January 7, 2019, the USPTO released updated guidance on how Patent Examiners should determine whether an invention is directed to subject matter that is eligible for patent protection under 35 U.S.C. § 101.
Supreme Court Settles Age-Old Arbitrability Debate
Many construction contracts designate arbitration as the means to adjudicate disputes which are not resolved through executive negotiation, mediation or some alternate method. Occasionally, a question arises whether the claim falls within the scope of the arbitration clause.
2018 Farm Bill Finally Blossoms Into Law, Hemp Here to Stay
On December 20th, President Donald J. Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law, ending any speculation surrounding the bill’s in-limbo status. Following a series of rejections and revisions, the bill’s newest version was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate 87-13 on December 11, 2018, and passed by the House in a lopsided 369-47 vote the next day.
Supreme Court of Kentucky Holds Claim-Preservation Requirements Not Barred by KFCA; Strictly Enforced Notice Provisions
On Thursday, December 13, 2018, the Supreme Court of Kentucky, reversed an appellate court decision and reinstated the trial court’s order granting partial summary judgment in favor of the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District.
Trump Goes All In On Opportunity Zones with Recent Executive Order
President Trump’s recent executive order offers a full-throated endorsement of the Qualified Opportunity Zone Program. The Order, signed on December 11, 2018, establishes the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.