Ludwig Pllc

Choosing between a will and a living trust in Washington state can be confusing for various reasons. You may feel that you don’t know which estate planning tool will help you manage your financial portfolio or complex assets. You may be worried about your privacy during the probate process and prefer the confidentiality of a living trust. Complex family structures or unique considerations for loved ones may add layers of complexity.

Employee or Independent Contractor? New Rule From the Department of Labor Clarifies Distinction

On February 12, 2024, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) released guidance and a solicitation for public comments on assessing inventorship in the context of inventions aided by artificial intelligence (AI). This guidance, which took effect on February 13, 2024, clarifies that inventions facilitated by AI can still be patented and underscores the importance of human involvement in the inventive process to qualify for patent protection. The essence of this directive is to promote and reward human creativity and innovation.

On March 1, 2024, Judge Liles C. Burke of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act is unconstitutional in National Small Business United v. Yellen, No. 5:22-cv-1448. The plaintiffs sought an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). They argued that the law exceeded congressional authority under Article I of the Constitution and violated the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments.

Traditionally, real estate must pass through a deed signed by all grantees of the last vesting deed, or if one of the grantees has passed away, then a probate proceeding allows a court to transfer title for the deceased grantee. The probate process can be time-consuming and frustrating as the court reviews the assets, settles any debts, and decides how to distribute the remaining assets to heirs.

A living trust, also known as an “inter vivos” trust, is a trust that you create while you are still living. Trusts can be understood as a type of contract between the funder of the trust (“trust grantor”), the trustee, and the beneficiaries. Some trusts, called testamentary trusts can be created in your will, and be funded through probate. Using a living trust ensures that your chosen beneficiaries receive your property upon your death without needing to go through the probate process to transfer your assets because you transfer your assets into your living trust during your lifetime. This necessary process is called trust funding.

In its 2023 Brand Protection Report, Amazon reveals its efforts to eliminate counterfeit products. Bolstered by more than $1.2 billion in investment and 15,000 personnel, from machine learning scientists to specialized investigators, the company secures its platform from counterfeiting, fraud, and abuses. Among its achievements, Amazon reports that over 700,000 bad actors have been deterred from making seller accounts. In addition, Amazon claims to have decreased valid infringement notices by more than 30% since 2020 with the help of advanced AI. Over 7 million counterfeit products were seized and disposed of, and the company revealed increased consumer awareness of the dangers of counterfeit products. Find out more about the platform’s initiatives in the full report.

In a landmark settlement, a property management company and its landlord have agreed to pay a significant sum following allegations of violating the...

According to research from Harvard Business Review, the vast majority—between 70 and 90 percent—of mergers and acquisitions fail. Successful corporate transitions begin by anticipating potential challenges.

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.