Posts written by buteralaw
Franchisor/Franchisee Relations in Pennsylvania – – Redressing the Balance of Power
Except for specific regulations that apply to certain businesses such as car dealerships or beer distributors, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania engages in very little regulation of the franchisor/franchisee relationship. Although it is commonly assumed that the franchisor holds disproportionate power in this relationship and it… Continue reading
Landlords and Property Owners: Inspect and Maintain Your Properties!
Personal injury lawsuits brought by tenants and their invitees are often based upon the owner/landlord’s failure to inspect and remedy dangerous conditions on the property. The most common conditions leading to personal injury lawsuits include the following: Dangerous surface conditions on sidewalks and pedestrian areas,… Continue reading
The Queen’s English – Compliments and Complements
Compliment and complement, both as verbs and as nouns, when spoken, sound alike and are nearly identical in their spelling; however, they differ substantially in meaning. Compliment as a verb is to make a laudatory comment (“The teacher complimented the class on the high quality… Continue reading
Lease Guaranties When They Should Be Used; What They Should Say and How to Preserve Them
It is commonplace for landlords to require guaranties of their tenants’ lease obligations. Such guaranties are useful to almost all landlords, whether the lease in question is for a large “anchor tenant” in a shopping center or a much smaller transaction, such as, for example… Continue reading
Can the Budget Deadlock in Harrisburg Lead to Liquor Reform?
In an effort to resolve the ongoing budget battle in Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a $30.3 billion Republican-backed state budget that calls for increases in the cigarette tax, new revenue from internet gaming and major changes to the liquor code. The Pennsylvania House… Continue reading
The Queen’s English Prepositions: Where They’re At
From Jack Lynch’s delightful The English Language – – A User’s Guide, the following bit of sage advice: Along with split infinitives, a favorite bugbear of the traditionalists is the rule that you should not end a sentence with a preposition. Whatever the merit of the rule —… Continue reading
Shipping Goods – Risk of Loss, Cost of Shipping, etc.
Shipping terms are vital for anyone in the business of producing goods. If you are a buyer or a seller, products need to arrive at a certain point, they need to arrive on time and they need to be intact and in good quality. All… Continue reading
Jerk-And-Jolt
We have all experienced the sudden movement of a train or bus upon boarding and while wending our way to a seat. As we lurch, we reach out to grab the closest pole or overhead straps to steady ourselves and to prevent our being tossed… Continue reading
Retirement Contribution Limits (It’s Not Too Late!)
The following chart illustrates the contribution limits for retirement plans for calendar years 2015 and 2016: Plan Type Contribution Limit IRA (under 50) … Continue reading
Planning for Your Digital Estate
In the current environment, more and more of our financial and even personal activities are carried on on-line, and more and more data about ourselves is located (sometimes exclusively) on-line. This can prove difficult when a person dies or becomes incapacitated. Activities as varied as… Continue reading