The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued Miscellaneous Order No. 61-1 on January 15, 2021 that prohibits filing of Highly Sensitive Documents in CM-ECF (Pacer), the e-filing s...
Another Round of PPP Loans Becoming Available to Businesses
The Small Business Administration (SBA) issued new guidance on which businesses are eligible and how to apply for the new round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds as part of Congress’s C...
Governor Walz Issues Executive Order 21-01 Allowing Indoor Dining and Resuming Other Activities
Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order 21-01 issued January 6, 2021, modifies the current COVID-19 restrictions yet again. Specifically, Governor Walz’s order does the following (most changes effec...
Labor Department Creates New Independent Contractor Rule
On January 6, 2021, The U.S. Labor Department adopted a rule that created a shorter and simpler test for the question, who is an “employee” and who is an “independent contractor” under the Fai...
New COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed Into Law
On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill and President Trump signed the bill into law on December 27, 2020. The bill includes the following: Stimulus Checks. The stimu...
COVID-19 Vaccine Update for Employers/Employees
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance on December 16, 2020 regarding whether employers may require that all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The below summarizes ...
Governor Walz Issues Executive Order 20-103 Lessening Restrictions on Certain Activities.
Governor Tim Walz, via Executive Order 20-103 issued December 16, 2020, lessened restrictions on social gatherings, restaurants/bars, and gyms. Specifically, Governor Walz’s order does the followi...
Dallas-Fort Worth Rolls Back Reopening
North Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, has rolled back its COVID-19 reopening in light of rapidly increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations. Under Texas Governor Abbott’s order, counti...
Federal Trademark Fees Increasing January 2, 2021
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) announced it is making some significant fee increases effective January 2, 2021. Specifically, the fee increases will affect new application...
Governor Walz Issues Executive Order 20-99 Placing Further Restrictions on Social Gatherings
Governor Tim Walz, via Executive Order 20-99 issued November 18, 2020, placed further restrictions on social gatherings, restaurants, and bars in Minnesota. Specifically, Governor Walz’s order doe...