Business Management

In today’s digital era, the world of intellectual property is evolving rapidly. With technology making the technical aspects of filing trademark applications more accessible than ever, it might seem like the process is becoming straightforward. And to a certain extent, it is. With user-friendly USPTO interfaces, AI-driven tools, and abundant resources, the barriers to entry are indeed lowering.

However, while the “how” of trademarking is becoming more accessible, the “why” and “what next” are where the true value of
Continue Reading The Human Touch in Trademarking: Why Soft Skills Matter in a Digital Age

After a 6-week hiatus, I am back again with more updates about the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) journey through federal court. For those of you tuning back in, this post relates to our firm’s series about the Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Reporting. Please follow the link here to see all our firm’s posts on this topic.

When I last posted about legal challenges to the Corporate Transparency Act in federal court (see here), a federal court
Continue Reading The Corporate Transparency Act is Here (Kind of). Now It’s in Court (Several More Times)?

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) and its beneficial ownership reporting requirements are back in effect. Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the federal government’s request to stay (i.e., pause) the nationwide block on enforcing the CTA.

The merits of the CTA are still under review by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, with oral arguments scheduled for March 25, 2025. With the Supreme Court’s decision today, the CTA is currently enforceable unless the 5th Circuit rules otherwise based
Continue Reading Livin’ on a Stay: The CTA Saga Continues

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2025 optional standard mileage rates today for computing the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes. The most notable change is the per mile increase for business use mileage.

Effective January 1, 2025, the optional standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 70 cents per mile driven for business use.  This is an increase from the rate

  • Continue Reading IRS Releases New Mileage Rates for 2025

    The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and gratitude. However, it’s also a great opportunity to take stock of your business and personal affairs. As a business owner, you’re likely busy with year-end tasks, holiday parties, and family gatherings. But don’t forget to carve out some time to address your business and estate planning needs.

    Holiday Insights for Business Owners
    1. Year-End Business Planning:

    • Review Your Business Goals: Take a moment to reflect on your business’s achievements


    Continue Reading ‘Tis the Season to Plan: Holiday Insights for Business Owners

    As an extension filer for almost the entirety of my adult life, I’m all too well aware that while the US Treasury might give you an extension on the time to file, there is never an extension of the time to pay your taxes. This applies to income tax and excise tax – and if you’re a distillery that is subject to a bond requirement because your excise tax remittances and production volumes are high enough, ensuring you have
    Continue Reading Breaking Bond – Why Withdrawal Coverage Matters For Your Distillery

    “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants,” said Sir Isaac Newton of the contributions his predecessors made to his own work.1

    The same might be said by a young physician today, reflecting on the legacy of those who pioneered the free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC), just over 50 years ago. Little could those early innovators imagine the complexity and scope of the procedures now performed in this type of facility.

    As
    Continue Reading Succession Planning for Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Their Physician Investors

    We are in the Fourth Quarter of the calendar year. That means that all the stuff that needs to be done by December 31, 2024 are coming due really soon.  Many, however, don’t realize that until around Thanksgiving, and then it is a mad dash. It doesn’t have to be that way.

    Here are some easy things to check off your list now:

    • Did your business file its Annual Report?
      • Yes, if you are an LLC or corporation


    Continue Reading Year End Isn’t That Far Away

    There are impending deadlines under The Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”), which is a new Federal law that will impact almost all closely-held entities, such as LLCs, corporations, and limited partnerships.

    For more information about the CTA, please read our previous Legal Update: What You Need to Know About The Corporate Transparency Act.

    Filing Obligations and Deadlines
    Entities formed before January 1, 2024, must file their initial report by January 1, 2025. For entities formed on or after
    Continue Reading Filing Obligations and Deadlines for The Corporate Transparency Act

    Posted on October 03,2024 in Business Law
    Corporate bylaws govern a Wisconsin corporation’s internal operations. They are generally drafted by an attorney before a company’s initial incorporation. While a company’s articles of incorporation are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (FDI), the bylaws are an internal legal document governing important aspects of how the company is run and are not filed with the FDI. Although Wisconsin business law does not require bylaws, they contain important company policies
    Continue Reading How May a Wisconsin Corporation Make Changes to its Bylaws?

    The 2018 Farm Bill made a significant change to the definition of “marijuana” by introducing a THC threshold. Specifically, it now requires a concentration of at least 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis for something to be considered marijuana. In simpler terms, if a plant—or any product derived from it—contains 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less, it’s not classified as marijuana and therefore, not illegal to possess.
    What Does “Dry Weight Basis” Mean?
    “Dry weight basis” might sound
    Continue Reading Understanding the 0.3% THC Threshold

    This is a guest blog post written by Atty. Dave Espin of Pettit Law Group S.C.
    In light of the recent Koble Investments v. Marquette decision, it is now more critical than ever for landlords who hold rental properties in their personal names to consider transferring them to limited liability companies. If a tenant files a lawsuit (or a counterclaim in an eviction action) against you, landlords who hold properties in their personal names could face large money judgments
    Continue Reading Avoid ‘Fraudulent Transfers’ When Conveying Rental Property to LLCs

    In last week’s post, we talked about the Connelly case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which involved a fight between an estate and the IRS about whether money from a Key Person Insurance policy (that a company takes out on the lives of its shareholders) should count toward the company’s fair-market valuation for the purposes of estate taxes for the shareholder’s estate. The link for last week’s post can be found here.

    With the context and case last
    Continue Reading Connelly: How to Pull the Wrench from the Works

    Do I Need a Business License to Operate in Milwaukee?
     Posted on September 23,2024 in Business Law
    Many businesses in Milwaukee are required to obtain a business license before they can legally operate. Whether you are starting a restaurant, retail store, or professional service firm, a license is often necessary to ensure your business complies with local regulations. Even home-based businesses or online operations may need certain permits depending on the type of work you do.

    Checking the specific
    Continue Reading Do I Need a Business License to Operate in Milwaukee?

    Are Wisconsin Noncompete Contracts Legal in 2024?
     Posted on September 11,2024 in Business Law
    Noncompete agreements are contracts between employers and employees that restrict the employee’s ability to work for a competing business or start a competing company for a certain period of time after their employment ends. These agreements can help protect a business’s trade secrets, customer relationships, and other confidential information. However, there has been growing concern that noncompete agreements unfairly limit workers’ ability to seek new
    Continue Reading Are Wisconsin Noncompete Contracts Legal in 2024?

    As the golden days of summer start to wane, the mornings greet us with a hint of chill, and the evenings slip into darkness a bit too soon. It’s already noticeable how dark it is by 7:30 p.m. or how it still lingers at 5 a.m. The purpose of this post isn’t to depress you (though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little sad about the upcoming change of seasons) but to encourage you to finish
    Continue Reading Finish Summer Strong While Prepping for Year-End Success