Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig

07/03/2024

Change is an inevitable part of the corporate lifecycle. Corporations often find themselves at a crossroads where adapting to new market conditions, enhancing efficiency, or pursuing strategic growth becomes imperative.

Read the full article written by Wright Lewis, "A Brief Guide to Corporate Restructuring Practices" on our site: https://bit.ly/3WErWgO

07/03/2024

Join DBL Partner Claire Gibson on the ABA’s Litigation Radio as she discusses the challenges women face in the legal profession and her essay “Recognize the Obstacles Ahead: A Deeper Dive into the Statistics Affecting Women and Women of Color in the Legal Profession” featured in a new book by the American Bar Association Litigation Section's Woman Advocate Committee.

Listen to the podcast episode here: https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/litigation-radio/2024/04/her-story-obstacles-women-still-fight-in-the-legal-profession/

Her Story: The Resilient Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Conquering Obstacles, Book 2 is available now at ambar.org/herstory2

07/02/2024

🎉 We're thrilled to announce that DBL Partner Dominique Braggs has been recognized as #6 in the 2024 JD Supra Readers Choice Awards for Wealth Management!

🌟Out of over 1,450 authors, Dominique's insights on estate planning and wealth management have stood out. Congratulations, Dominique! Visit https://bit.ly/3xmkgFY to see the full list.

07/02/2024

PRESS RELEASE: Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig (DBL) is proud to announce the establishment of a dedicated Small Business and Inventor Hub aimed at guiding innovators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses through the process of protecting their intellectual property. The DBL Small Business and Inventor Hub provides comprehensive patents and trademarks assistance to clients, including free resources, FAQs, and custom service packages.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/dbl-launches-small-business-and-inventor-hub/

To learn more about the Small Business and Inventor Hub, visit https://www.dbllawyers.com/empowering-innovators/

07/01/2024

Due diligence may not be glamorous, but it is the bedrock of a successful deal. Put simply, due diligence is the process of meticulously examining every nook and cranny of a target company’s operations, finances, and legal standing to ensure that a merger or acquisition is a smart business move.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/an-overview-of-key-ma-due-diligence-processes/

By: Clare Schuller

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.

07/01/2024

In this episode, host Tom Dunlap discusses the landmark Supreme Court case, Matal v. Tam, and its profound implications on trademark law and free speech. Through the story of Simon Tam and his band The Slants, Tom explores the journey of challenging the disparagement clause of the Lanham Act—a case that ultimately led to a unanimous Supreme Court decision supporting the right to re-appropriate racially disparaging terms under the First Amendment. Join Tom as he unpacks the intricacies of trademark regulations, the concept of commercial speech, and how this case has reshaped legal precedents and cultural dialogues around offensive trademarks.

Listen here: dbllawyers.com/monday-minutes/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ST9mdcGTotDX6oITDk6cG
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blackletter/id1453759189

07/01/2024

Our experienced attorneys have a track record of going above and beyond.
Visit bit.ly/3EZB314 to learn more about our reputation.

06/28/2024

Friendly reminder that our offices close every Friday at 1pm until August 30th, so our attorneys and staff can enjoy the summer with their families!

06/28/2024

In this episode of the Blackletter podcast, host Tom Dunlap discusses the intricacies of real estate and real property law with Guest and partner at DBL, Ryan Kennedy. The spotlight of the discussion is on the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a major class action lawsuit, which has introduced significant changes in the way cooperative compensation is handled in the real estate industry. Ryan sheds light on how these changes could potentially reshape the dynamics between buyers’ and sellers’ agents, affect commission structures, and influence the overall cost of housing.

👉Listen Here: https://www.dbllawyers.com/podcasts/episode-130-s11e11-nar-settlement/

▶️Subscribe to our YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dzfp1QN6Wko

In this episode of the Blackletter podcast, host Tom Dunlap discusses the intricacies of real estate and real property law with Guest and parter at DBL, Ryan...

06/28/2024

DBL Partner Aaron Jackson spoke this week about his new book “Cynical: Overcoming America’s New Mindset with Seven Principles of Hope and Humanity“ at the DBL Women’s Network meeting. Thank you for sharing your unique insights as a veteran, a father, a lawyer, and now as the author of a groundbreaking book!

Check out the book here: https://a.co/d/0fOalQPP

06/27/2024

We are sitting at the crest of a new wave set to push through music: AI. AI programs are becoming increasingly competent at creating music that sounds near-indistinguishable from human-created music. But with this progress comes a new breed of copyright infringement suits.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/major-record-companies-claim-ai-copyright-infringement/

By: Michael Shafer

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.

06/27/2024

The staff at DBL's Leesburg and Tysons offices recently delivered canned food and non-perishables to Loudoun Hunger Relief.

Loudoun Hunger Relief relies on donations year-round, not just during the holiday season! In our area, many children rely on food banks during the summer as their sole source of meals while schools are closed. Join us to donate non-perishables to Loudon Hunger Relief this summer!

06/26/2024

DBL associate Whet Smith has been coaching the Henrico High School Mock Trial team. This year, they were ranked third (undefeated!) at the Mock Trial National Championships and won all 13 trials in the season.

"These kids work really hard, and they are some of the most amazing kids you would ever meet. It is incredibly rewarding to help them", says Smith.

06/25/2024

Did You Know?

Did you know these important milestones in American voting history? They symbolize key moments in the ongoing fight for equality and inclusivity, ensuring all citizens can vote freely, regardless of race, s*x, or age.

Our DBL lawyers have assisted campaigns and candidates at every stage of an election.

Visit bit.ly/3EZB314 to read about Regulatory & Government.

06/24/2024

As we previously discussed, CMMC 2.0 creates a tiered approach to assess how DoD contractors meet necessary cybersecurity requirements based on the sensitivity of data and information that is shared with a defense contractor. In our previous article, we analyzed the requirements present under Level One, and a subset of Level 2 DoD contractors and suppliers, who must perform an annual self-assessment and certify that cybersecurity standards are compliant with FARS Clause 52.204-21(b)(1), Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/do-i-need-to-be-assessed-and-certified-by-a-c3pao/

By: Tracy Pearson

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.

06/24/2024

Failing to plan is planning to fail, especially when it comes to the future of your loved ones. We work with clients to develop an effective long-term plan for their estate and ensure that the plan is correctly implemented when the time comes.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3QarORf

06/24/2024

Join Tom Dunlap on this week’s episode as he discusses the fascinating history and legal battles of the "Happy Birthday" song. Once subject to stringent copyright claims by Warner Chappell Music, this beloved tune has finally entered the public domain. Discover how filmmaker Jennifer Nelson challenged these claims, leading to a landmark 2015 ruling that freed "Happy Birthday to You" from copyright restrictions. Tom explores the complexities of copyright law, changes over the decades, and what this means for public access to creative works. Don't miss this insightful exploration of copyright, creativity, and the liberation of one of the world's most famous songs.

Listen here: dbllawyers.com/monday-minutes/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KqpxKylTNHU7UKhLfm9O6
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blackletter/id1453759189

06/21/2024

One key question in any distributorship dispute is whether it’s governed by your state’s enactment of the Uniform Commercial Code, or “UCC” for short. This is not a simple question: Whether the UCC applies depends on whether a contract is for goods or services, but distributorship contracts involve both goods (e.g., the product being distributed) and services (e.g., the distributor’s work in promoting the product). However, this question can be critical should a dispute arise under the agreement.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/ucc-or-not-ucc-that-is-the-question-for-distributorships/

By: Erick Poorbaugh

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.

06/21/2024

Clients need to understand the impact of the choices they make as well as the shifting laws, administrative hurdles, and political challenges they may face in campaigns and elections. We have advised and represented political parties in disputes, including in litigation in federal and state courts.

Visit bit.ly/3EZB314 to read about Regulatory & Government.

06/20/2024

PRESS RELEASE: Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig is proud to announce that their distinguished Partner, Aaron Jackson, has released a thought-provoking new book entitled "Cynical: Overcoming America’s New Mindset with Seven Principles of Hope and Humanity". This compelling work explores the growing tide of cynicism in American society and offers a transformative roadmap for rediscovering hope and humanity.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/dbl-partner-releases-groundbreaking-book/

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com

DBL Partner Aaron Jackson released a new book entitled "Cynical: Overcoming America’s New Mindset with Seven Principles of Hope and Humanity"

06/20/2024

Join us in congratulating DBL Partner Jennifer Morris for her Top-Read article on JD Supra!
You can read "The Role Of A Cybersecurity Law Firm In Safeguarding Digital Assets" here: https://bit.ly/3Xh4mH9

06/20/2024

The process of taking a company from privately held to publicly held, or “going public,” is both a significant and complex milestone. There are positive and negative aspects to going through an initial public offering (IPO), which I will highlight in this article. Further, there are very good alternatives to an IPO, many of which can achieve the same goals with significantly less regulatory work, less risk, and at a much lower cost.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/key-legal-requirements-for-initial-public-offerings/

By: Thomas Dunlap

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.

06/19/2024

Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig’s estate planning lawyers counsel clients in developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to protect their wealth and assets.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/3QarORf

06/19/2024

Dunlap Bennett and Ludwig offices will be closed today to celebrate Juneteenth!

Learn more about the history behind this federal holiday here: https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth

06/18/2024

We are grateful for the opportunities we get to spend with our team. After our associate meeting for Virginia attorneys, we headed to Goosecup for drinks and some good old quality time.

06/17/2024

Today, we're joined by attorney Ryan Kennedy from Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, who brings a wealth of experience in real estate and real property law. With over 15 years in the field, Ryan shares his journey from an intrigued law student to a seasoned attorney deeply involved in property development and zoning cases. Tune in as we explore some of Ryan's most challenging and rewarding cases, including a significant zoning opposition that protected sensitive wetlands. Whether you're a legal professional, a business leader, or just curious about the interplay of law and real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities and impacts of real property law.

Listen Here: https://www.dbllawyers.com/podcasts/episode-129-s11e10-real-estate-law-community-impact/

Subscribe to our YouTube: https://youtu.be/81IcrijHfSs

Today, we're joined by attorney Ryan Kennedy from Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, who brings a wealth of experience in real estate and real property law. With over ...

06/17/2024

Empowering businesses, protecting innovations, and advocating for justice.
At DBL, we're committed to doing better law.

To learn about the professionals at Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig, visit bit.ly/3EZB314 today!

06/14/2024

Today and every day, we salute the stars and stripes that represent the values of our nation. Happy Flag Day!

06/14/2024

Intellectual property (IP) drives business success and innovation in today’s knowledge-driven economy. Whether it’s groundbreaking innovations, unique brand identities, or creative works, companies invest significant resources in developing and safeguarding their IP assets. IP assets are intangible assets created by law that can be legally protected, independently identified, are transferrable, and have an economic life (which can be greater than their legal life). As the value of these intangible assets continues to soar, so do the frequency of IP disputes and litigation, from patent infringement claims and trademark disputes to copyright infringement lawsuits and trade secret misappropriation cases.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/why-intellectual-property-valuation-matters-in-litigation/

By: Thomas Dunlap

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.

06/13/2024

The Department of Justice has been clamping down on false certifications in the System for Award Management (“SAM”), in government contracts, and on invoice submissions. New laws are being created, new frameworks are being put into place, and ever more agencies are coming out with penalties for inaccurate or false certifications of compliance. For example, on October 6th, 2021, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Civil Cyber Fraud Task Force, whose sole duty is to analyze government contractors and pursue those who fail to follow federal cybersecurity standards.

Read more: https://www.dbllawyers.com/evidence-of-compliance-is-critical-for-government-contractors/

By: Alex Rowan

To learn more about Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, visit dbllawyers.com.