News

Check(ered) Mate?

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

On March 18, 2021, Nike filed a cancellation action at the Trademark and Trial Appeal Board against Vans’ recently granted registration on the Supplemental Register for a checkerboard pattern that goes down the sleeve of shirts, sweaters, jackets and coats.

President Biden’s Cybersecurity Executive Order

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

As many of our readers are aware, President Joseph Biden issued an executive order on May 12 to improve the nation’s cybersecurity. While much of the executive order focuses on strengthening the federal government’s networks from cybersecurity threats ......

Sustainable finance and ESG in Hong Kong

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

Background – global drivers of sustainable finance and ESG - In recent years, there has been increasing attention globally on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, with accelerated focus following the 2020 outbreak of the pandemic on concerns of sustainability and broader social issu

Masks Off for Fully Vaccinated Employees?

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

A few weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated recommendations for individuals who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, sparking a multitude of discussions nationwide as states and localities address the confusion, and raising even more questions for busi

Energy Tax Implications of the Administration’s FY2022 Budget Tax Proposals

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

On May 28, 2021, the Biden administration (the “Administration”) released its FY2022 budget (the “Budget”), which includes proposed investments related to infrastructure, clean energy and research and development.

CFPB Auto Finance Consent Order: A Sign of Things to Come for Add-On Products?

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

On May 21, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and 3rd Generation, Inc. d/b/a California Auto Finance entered into a Consent Order in which the CFPB alleged unfair acts or practices in connection with an auto finance add-on product. What was the add-on product?

Massachusetts Enacts Legislation Providing COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave to All Employees

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

On May 28, 2021, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed legislation providing every full-time employee up to 40 hours (pro-rated for part-time employees) of job-protected, emergency paid sick leave for certain COVID-19 reasons, including to obtain the COVID-19 vaccination or to recover from

Transportation Company to Pay $40,000 to Settle EEOC Race Harassment Lawsuit

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

Barge Company Employees Displayed Nooses in the Workplace, According to Lawsuit - NEW ORLEANS – American River Transportation Company (ARTCO), headquartered in Decatur, Ill., will pay a former employee $40,000 to resolve a racial harassment lawsuit brought by the U.S.

Taxation of Forgivable Portion of CEBA Loan in 2020

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

As the corporate income tax filing deadline approaches for corporations with a December 31 year end, businesses that received the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Loan in 2020, should be aware of the tax implications of the forgivable portion of the loan....

Repo Market Disruptions: In Reverse

By EsqSocial Corporation 02/06/21

It was previously reported that there were significant repurchase agreement (repo) disruptions with consequent disruptions in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).

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