No matter how hard TV shows try, they are just not the reality they portray. Prime example is law related shows. First you have the crime or the incident and then you are in trial, the most exciting part. But what happens in the middle can be the deciding factor whether your case survives, settles, or […]
As mentioned in an earlier blog, many businesses are unaware of the need and/or are unfamiliar with the procedures to extend patent rights outside the United States. This article describes some factors characteristic of the invention itself that one may consider when making the important decision to file for patent protection in foreign countries. Invention Factors […]
Is your agreement binding and enforceable?
One question that has to be answered in nearly every breach of contract case is was there a contract or was there an agreement? Although this sounds simple enough, and often times it is, there are several different types of agreements and in Florida, there are several ways to make an agreement, modify an agreement, or make a counter-offer and you may not even realize you have done it. Black’s Law Dictionary has several definitions for a contract, and lists numerous types of contracts, but the basic definition is “[a]n agreement between two or more parties creating obligations that are enforceable or otherwise recognizable at law.”
Construction Liens, Landlords, and Tenants
A landlord can be liable for a construction lien (or mechanics’ liens) if the landlord fails to take proper precautions or fails to timely respond to a contractor or other lienor. An “owner” must sign the notice of commencement for construction or improvements to begin on a premises.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A certificate of occupancy or CO in theory is very simple. It is the approval from the local jurisdiction that allows anyone other than construction workers, engineers, etc. to occupy the structure, with some exceptions that this article does not address, such as for industrial structures and projects. This sounds simple enough, but in order to receive a CO, the structure is typically required to be nearly finished, but not necessarily completely finished. It is often times the point at which substantial completion occurs, but case law is clear that they are not necessarily the same and in fact, receiving a CO is certainly strong evidence that substantial completion has occurred, but not necessarily the only evidence needed. For further information about substantial completion, visit my blog on substantial completion.
What is Construction Law?
Construction law is really a form of contract law, but a very complex and technical form of contract law that has many additional twists and turns. It can also include tort claims, as in the case of construction defects or negligence. Construction law for starters involves some form of design or construction project. The parties involved range from owners to architects and engineers to contractors and subcontractors with several parties in between.
By: J. Mason Williams IV It can be difficult to determine what type of monetary damages, if any, a party is entitled to in a breach of contract case. Even if you determine the type of damages, it can be even more difficult to prove the amount as evidenced in a recent case in Hillsborough […]
Imagine you are a patent holder, and you suspect a competitor may be infringing on your exclusive rights related to your invention. You ask your patent attorney to help you stop the infringing behavior. Your attorney (hopefully) responds by recommending an infringement analysis. You may think, “Analysis?!? What’s to think about? I just want to stop […]
