How Can My Business Avoid a Commercial Lease Dispute?
- July 25, 2016
- William Heyman
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Companies doing business in Maryland and throughout the United States frequently require commercial space to conduct their operations. In some cases, the commercial space may be an office or a manufacturing or production facility. In other commercial ventures, securing retail…
FINRA Charges Former Ameritrade Broker with Engaging in Outside Business Activity
- July 5, 2016
- William Heyman
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Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides brokers and brokerages with a framework to guide relations between the parties. While FINRA can provide certain benefits to brokers including the ability to transition into a new employment role, brokers also are constrained…
Maryland Quiet Title Bill to Impact Residential and Commercial Property Disputes
- June 29, 2016
- William Heyman
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The equitable and predictable disposition of property based disputes is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of a court of law. Courts throughout Maryland and the nation fill this role and hear ranging from problems relating to the title, adverse…
Defend Trade Secrets Act Signed into Law by President Obama
- June 22, 2016
- William Heyman
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Up until about a month ago, trade secret law was dominated by state laws and state courts. The rights a company had to pursue damages and protect misappropriated intellectual property due to the theft of trade secrets was largely limited…
Broker Dealers are Prohibited from Preventing Customers from Following a Financial Advisor after his/her Departure for Greener Pastures
- June 20, 2016
- William Heyman
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I’ve counseled hundreds of registered reps who, for one reason or another, have decided to leave their current broker dealer and move to a new platform. Of course, they want “their” clients to move with them. And usually, the firms…
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Issues Draft Rule on Bank Arbitration Clauses
- May 31, 2016
- William Heyman
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Media outlets like the New York Times have long called attention to the increasingly widespread practice of the use of arbitration clauses in contracts and agreements with businesses. In an October 31, 2015, Times article the author noted that even…
METLIFE to Pay Record FINRA Fine Due to Annuity Practices
- May 26, 2016
- William Heyman
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FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) is Wall Street’s industry-funded watchdog. FINRA engages in a range of activities including oversight and enforcement activities, drafting rules and guidance, and providing education and training. The organization also provides an investor compliance center where…
Department of Labor Amends Final Fiduciary Rule in Attempt to Address Industry Worries
- May 24, 2016
- William Heyman
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Many federal agencies have, at times, been characterized as less than business-friendly in its approach to issues. In fact, the unveiling of a higher fiduciary standard back in 2010 resulted in intense and, at times, vociferous opposition that led to…
EEOC Lawsuits Over Sexual Discrimination May Portend a Shift in Federal Anti-Discrimination Law
- March 11, 2016
- William Heyman
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Aside from the federal floor on prohibited workplace conduct set by provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the courts’ interpretations of these laws, some states have also enacted higher standards including additional classes and additional types of…
Businesses Must Understand the Unfair Competition Causes of Actions Available to Consumers in Maryland
- March 10, 2016
- William Heyman
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Unfair competition laws are intended to ensure that consumers who enter into a business deal receive the benefit of the bargain they were promised. The consumer protection and unfair competition laws apply to all industries including financial, healthcare, and even…