Business Law and Corporate Law

Maryland has amended its franchise registration and disclosure law with changes taking effect October 1, 2026. The amendments extend enforcement authority, expand franchisee claims periods, clarify jurisdictional scope, establish franchisee association rights, and codify a fast-track renewal program for franchise disclosure documents.

International restaurant expansion often generates legal problems before anyone believes there is much legal work to do. A team finds a location and negotiates the lease before confirming that the hours, the liquor service, and the patio are permitted at that address. An executive chef flies in to train the kitchen on a visitor stamp.

On July 9, 2026, the United States District Court for the Central District of California issued its decision in So Cal Storage, LLC et al. v. UNITS Franchising Group, Inc., 2026 WL 2045621 (C.D. Cal. July 9, 2026), granting a franchisor's motion to dismiss the franchisees’ claims arising from alleged misrepresentations, software failures, vendor restrictions, and misuse of advertising fund contributions.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) recently heard oral arguments in a case that could provide important guidance on the enforceability of noncompetition covenants embedded in executive equity agreements and the proper signatory to such covenants.

The SEC has submitted a rule proposal titled "Executive Compensation Disclosure Reform" to the White House's Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, signaling imminent changes to executive compensation disclosure requirements. This development follows SEC Chairman Paul Atkins' earlier indication of broader reform plans, including potential simplification of pay-versus-performance disclosure and revisions to perquisite reporting.

The Treasury Department formally declined a request from a group of Senate Democrats to change the tax rules governing how employees value personal use of employer-provided aircraft, preserving the Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) valuation method.

Chairman Paul S. Atkins has launched a broad philosophical shift at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), directing the agency toward cutting red tape, maximizing capital formation, and embracing technological innovation. The following summarizes SEC initiatives now underway

The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed rescinding Rule 14a-8, the decades-old regulation that requires companies to include shareholder proposals in proxy statements. This fundamental shift in shareholder engagement, coupled with proposed amendments to Rule 14a-4 regarding discretionary voting authority, could reshape how shareholders communicate with companies and influence corporate governance. The proposed changes raise critical questions about alternative channels for shareholder voice and

The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed rescinding Rule 14a-8 and revising discretionary voting rules, fundamentally reshaping how shareholders submit proposals for inclusion in company proxy materials. While nothing has changed yet and current rules remain in force, boards must assess how their governance documents, shareholder-engagement practices, and proxy workflows would need to adapt if the proposals become final.

Private equity investment in law firms through management services organizations is attracting regulatory scrutiny as legislators establish boundaries around outside capital. Sponsors must navigate professional conduct rules, economic structures, and governance frameworks that differ fundamentally from traditional PE investments while building platforms designed for growth and eventual exit.

Young athletes are earning significant income through NIL deals before turning professional, yet traditional financial advisory models introduce legal and estate planning too late in their careers. How can the sports industry better protect athletes' wealth by establishing coordinated advisory teams, trust structures, and comprehensive planning during the NIL era rather than waiting until after major contracts are signed?

Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft has entered a critical second phase, shifting from questions about nonprofit mission betrayal to antitrust and competition law issues.