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  • Jun 05, 2020Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate

    Richard B. Somach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., along with the firm’s Associates Matthew B. Andersen, David C. Berger, and Alyssa M. Hicks, will present the livestream webinar, “Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate,” for Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents nearly 3,000 real estate professionals.

    About the Impact on Real Estate

    Discussion topics will include:

    • What landlords must consider when renting a property to a tenant with a liquor license
    • The implications of leasing a property to a manufacturer of medical marijuana
    • The eviction process and the restrictions on property use
    • The legal vs. illegal uses of marijuana
    • The rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property buyers
    • The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal
    • The responsibilities and liability of having an animal on their premises

    When: Monday, August 17, 2020

    1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

    Where: Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy

    10 S. Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017

    Registration: glvreacademy.com

    • Members: $45.00
    • Non-Members: $65.00

    About Your Attorneys

    Rich Somach

    Rich focuses his practice on real estate, commercial law, and creditors’ remedies, representing real estate development companies, shopping centers, and local banks. He has represented real estate owners, developers, and investors in a broad range of real estate transactions, including zoning matters,  subdivisions, and shopping center development.

    As a licensed title insurance agent, Rich is the founder of the title insurance and settlement company ABE Settlement Services, creatively serving client needs. He currently serves as legal counsel to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

    As a former Assistant Lehigh County Solicitor, Rich advised the Sheriff’s Office, the Tax Assessment Office, and the Tax Claim Bureau, and frequently writes and lectures on real estate matters, including sheriff’s sales, real estate tax sales, and lien priority issues for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He has also presented numerous lectures at the annual Real Estate Institute program.

    Matt Andersen

    Matt concentrates his practice on business law and liquor law.

    In his liquor law practice, Matt works with all tiers of the alcohol industry, advising manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers. He assists breweries, distilleries, wineries, wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, and hotels on obtaining and transferring liquor licenses, obtaining state and federal manufacturing permits and licensing, complying with federal/state liquor regulations and laws, providing transactional counseling, and defending citations and protests before the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Matt has presented at numerous events held by the Brewers of Pennsylvania trade organization on subjects such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration compliance for alcohol manufacturers, legal updates affecting the industry members, and general compliance. Additionally, he has presented to a local and national audience on Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Federal laws affecting brewery and distillery businesses. Matt is a frequent contributor to the Norris McLaughlin Liquor Law Blog, Legal Liquor, and has been quoted by various newspapers and publications on liquor-related matters.

    As a business lawyer, Matt is involved in the day-to-day legal counseling of businesses, formation of business entities, general contract matters, drafting of agreements between partners, corporate restructurings, lending, and shareholder disputes. He has the experience to assist his business and liquor clients in matters that impact real estate, such as property acquisition, leasing, and zoning and land use issues. Matt’s liquor law and business law practices often coincide in the legal counseling of start-up businesses entering the alcohol industry. He frequently advises clients from the idea stage to the operational stage of their alcohol business and is well versed in discussing the issues that come up in between.

    David Berger

    David concentrates his practice on business, real estate, and liquor law. He actively counsels clients on general business topics including organization and formation, corporate governance, lease negotiations, restructurings, and finance.

    A licensed title agent, David works closely with lenders, real estate developers, and homebuilding companies. He handles both residential and commercial real estate development including acquisitions, land use and zoning matters, title review, and other due diligence requirements.

    In his liquor law practice, David handles sale and purchase of liquor licenses and provides transactional counseling, including defending licenses who have received citations from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

    Alyssa Hicks

    Alyssa devotes her practice to business law and general civil litigation.

    Alyssa actively assists clients with commercial transactions, including financing and loan documentation; asset purchases and sales; entity selection, formation, and organization; and general contract drafting and review. She also counsels businesses in all aspects of employment law including discrimination, contracts, policies, and handbook reviews. Alyssa represents companies in employment-related litigation and handles administration matters before the EEOC and PHRC.

    In her litigation practice, Alyssa handles all aspects of litigation from pre-trial counseling, discovery, and drafting pleadings and motions to representation at depositions and judicial conferences.

    Posted in: Alyssa M. Hicks, Cannabis Law, David C. Berger, Events, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Matthew B. Andersen, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach | Tags: , , , , , ,

  • Jun 05, 2020Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate

    Richard B. Somach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., along with the firm’s Associates Matthew B. Andersen, David C. Berger, and Alyssa M. Hicks, will present the livestream webinar, “Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate,” for Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents nearly 3,000 real estate professionals.

    About the Impact on Real Estate

    Discussion topics will include:

    • What landlords must consider when renting a property to a tenant with a liquor license
    • The implications of leasing a property to a manufacturer of medical marijuana
    • The eviction process and the restrictions on property use
    • The legal vs. illegal uses of marijuana
    • The rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property buyers
    • The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal
    • The responsibilities and liability of having an animal on their premises

    When: Monday, June 15, 2020

    • 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

    Registration: glvreacademy.com

    • Members: $45.00
    • Non-Members: $65.00

    About Your Attorneys

    Rich Somach

    Rich focuses his practice on real estate, commercial law, and creditors’ remedies, representing real estate development companies, shopping centers, and local banks. He has represented real estate owners, developers, and investors in a broad range of real estate transactions, including zoning matters,  subdivisions, and shopping center development.

    As a licensed title insurance agent, Rich is the founder of the title insurance and settlement company ABE Settlement Services, creatively serving client needs. He currently serves as legal counsel to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

    As a former Assistant Lehigh County Solicitor, Rich advised the Sheriff’s Office, the Tax Assessment Office, and the Tax Claim Bureau, and frequently writes and lectures on real estate matters, including sheriff’s sales, real estate tax sales, and lien priority issues for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He has also presented numerous lectures at the annual Real Estate Institute program.

    Matt Andersen

    Matt concentrates his practice on business law and liquor law.

    In his liquor law practice, Matt works with all tiers of the alcohol industry, advising manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers. He assists breweries, distilleries, wineries, wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, and hotels on obtaining and transferring liquor licenses, obtaining state and federal manufacturing permits and licensing, complying with federal/state liquor regulations and laws, providing transactional counseling, and defending citations and protests before the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Matt has presented at numerous events held by the Brewers of Pennsylvania trade organization on subjects such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration compliance for alcohol manufacturers, legal updates affecting the industry members, and general compliance. Additionally, he has presented to a local and national audience on Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Federal laws affecting brewery and distillery businesses. Matt is a frequent contributor to the Norris McLaughlin Liquor Law Blog, Legal Liquor, and has been quoted by various newspapers and publications on liquor-related matters.

    As a business lawyer, Matt is involved in the day-to-day legal counseling of businesses, formation of business entities, general contract matters, drafting of agreements between partners, corporate restructurings, lending, and shareholder disputes. He has the experience to assist his business and liquor clients in matters that impact real estate, such as property acquisition, leasing, and zoning and land use issues. Matt’s liquor law and business law practices often coincide in the legal counseling of start-up businesses entering the alcohol industry. He frequently advises clients from the idea stage to the operational stage of their alcohol business and is well versed in discussing the issues that come up in between.

    David Berger

    David concentrates his practice on business, real estate, and liquor law. He actively counsels clients on general business topics including organization and formation, corporate governance, lease negotiations, restructurings, and finance.

    A licensed title agent, David works closely with lenders, real estate developers, and homebuilding companies. He handles both residential and commercial real estate development including acquisitions, land use and zoning matters, title review, and other due diligence requirements.

    In his liquor law practice, David handles sale and purchase of liquor licenses and provides transactional counseling, including defending licenses who have received citations from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

    Alyssa Hicks

    Alyssa devotes her practice to business law and general civil litigation.

    Alyssa actively assists clients with commercial transactions, including financing and loan documentation; asset purchases and sales; entity selection, formation, and organization; and general contract drafting and review. She also counsels businesses in all aspects of employment law including discrimination, contracts, policies, and handbook reviews. Alyssa represents companies in employment-related litigation and handles administration matters before the EEOC and PHRC.

    In her litigation practice, Alyssa handles all aspects of litigation from pre-trial counseling, discovery, and drafting pleadings and motions to representation at depositions and judicial conferences.

    Posted in: Alyssa M. Hicks, Cannabis Law, David C. Berger, Events, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Matthew B. Andersen, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach | Tags: , , , , , ,

  • Jan 21, 2020CannaRiskCon 1.0 Mitigating Risk and Limiting Liability

    CannaRiskCon 1.0, a panel discussion forum sponsored by Norris McLaughlin, The John Morgan McLachlan Agency, and New Ventures Consulting, will include in-depth Q&A-style conversations about the inherent legal liabilities and potential business risks facing the cannabis industry.  This inaugural event will take place on January 29, 2020, at the Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

    Featuring leading experts risk management, insurance coverage, and the ever-expanding discipline of cannabis law, growers and dispensary operators from all levels of management and ownership will receive actionable information takeaways to help protect themselves from risk and liability and ensure their companies are successful.

    Registration for this event is FREE, but is limited to the first 100 people who register!  The information and takeaways from this event will be most valuable to growers and dispensary owners already invested in the industry, as well as those interested in starting a cannabis business or introducing cannabis products to their existing business.  Ancillary service providers, vendors, distributors, and supply chain manufacturers are also encouraged to attend.  Whatever role your business plays in delivering cannabis products to this fast-growing market, this is one program you will not want to miss.

    When: January 29, 2020

    8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Where: Bridgewater Manor

    1251 US-206
    Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807

    Registration: CannaRiskCon.com

    About Our Presenters

    Eric Alvarez

    Alvarez concentrates his practice on high-stakes, complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—as well as individuals, in a wide range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation, consumer fraud, products liability, and mass tort litigation. Alvarez handles and coordinates multi-jurisdictional cases through all stages of litigation, up to and including trial. Alvarez is also a member of the firm’s Cannabis Law Practice Group. He advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”).

    Stephanie S. Spangler

    Spangler, Co-Chair of the firm’s Cannabis Law Practice Group and a member of the Food, Beverage & Hospitality Group, focuses her practice on trademark and copyright litigation, prosecution and enforcement.  She appears in state and federal courts and before the USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in opposition and cancellation proceedings.  She counsels clients in industries including startups, technology, food and beverage, cannabis, and arts and entertainment.  She is a co-author for the firm’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition law blog, More Than Your Ma®k, and the cannabis law blog, Legally Grown.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, Events, Stephanie S. Spangler | Tags: , ,

  • Nov 14, 2019Cannabis + Vaping
    Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to have Eric Alvarez, an Associate of the firm, be a featured speaker at Revel’s upcoming event “Cannabis + Vaping.”

    Course Description

    Vaping has been making headlines in recent months due to its link to health-related problems. Speakers will use their knowledge of the cannabis industry to discuss how these headlines affect the cannabis industry. Alvarez will specifically speak on the potential product liability implications, including manufacture and design defects

    When: Wednesday, November 20, 2019

    Registration & Networking 6:30 —7:15 p.m.

    Program 7:15—8:30 p.m.

    Questions & Answers 8:30—9:00 p.m.

    Post Networking Event 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.

    Where: Subculture

    45 Bleeker Street
    New York, NY 10012

    Please click here to register.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, Events | Tags: , ,

  • Nov 14, 2019Eric Alvarez to Speak on Legal Implications Regarding Cannabis and Vaping

    Eric Alvarez, an Associate of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will be a featured speaker at Revel’s upcoming event “Cannabis + Vaping.”

    About the Event

    The “Cannabis + Vaping” event will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m., at SubCulture in New York. Vaping has been making headlines in recent months due to its link to health-related problems. Speakers will use their knowledge of the cannabis industry to discuss how these headlines affect the cannabis industry. Alvarez will specifically speak on the potential product liability implications, including manufacture and design defects.

    “I am honored Revel has chosen me as one of the speakers for their cannabis and vaping event. It’s a hot topic right now. I am looking forward to educating the audience on the legal implications of alleged vaping-related injuries, as well as learning from such great co-presenters,” Alvarez said.

    Working to promote, inspire, and celebrate entrepreneurs within the legal cannabis industry, Revel hosts many events to showcase technologies, as well as inform and educate.

    To learn more and to register, click here.

    About Eric Alvarez

    Alvarez concentrates his practice on high-stakes, complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—as well as individuals, in a wide range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation, consumer fraud, products liability, and mass tort litigation. Alvarez handles and coordinates multi-jurisdictional cases through all stages of litigation, up to and including trial.

    Alvarez is also a member of Norris McLaughlin’s Cannabis Law Group. He advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”).

    Alvarez understands that every client’s situation is unique, as are the parties involved in it. He approaches each case focused on achieving the best possible result for his client based on that client’s individual objectives and goals.

    Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Alvarez worked at an Am Law 100 firm, where he was a team member of the New Jersey Law Journal’s 2015 Products Liability Litigation Department of the Year.

    Alvarez came to Norris McLaughlin to better serve the companies and individuals in his local community. A resident of Somerset County, Alvarez is active in the local bar association. He maximizes his “Big Law” experience and better serves his client’s needs with Norris McLaughlin’s depth and breadth of experience, nimble market position, and focus on assisting businesses and individuals in the local community prosper.

    Alvarez received his J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2013 and his B.A., cum laude, from Villanova University in 2009.

    About Norris McLaughlin

    The cannabis law attorneys at Norris McLaughlin provide a full range of legal and consultation services in all areas of cannabis law for employers, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, suppliers, growers, retailers, and investors. This diverse group of attorneys navigates the complex and ever-changing laws and regulations governing the medical and recreational use of marijuana.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, News | Tags: ,

  • Oct 14, 2019Danielle DeFilippis to Discuss Cannabis Law in Food and Beverage Industry

    Danielle M. DeFilippis, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will be panelists for a cannabis breakout session on Wednesday, October 16, at the ROI-NJ Food & Beverage Innovation Summit. The event will be at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

    About the Presentation

    DeFilippis will be joined by Linda Gilbert, CEO of EcoFocus, for an industry frame of reference. She will moderate the discussion and include her trademark perspective in the food and beverage industry. For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.

    “We are excited to help food and beverage businesses understand the legal hurdles when it comes to the confusing world of cannabis,” said DeFilippis.

    About Danielle DeFilippis

    DeFilippis, Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, focuses her practice on intellectual property, contracts, and litigation. Her passion for food and beverage brands began at a young age, as she watched her father service various food brands through his work for a sales and marketing company. As the products came through her household, DeFilippis learned about marketing and branding from a retail and manufacturing perspective. Her appetite grew, and she now enjoys working with emerging and established food and beverage companies on brand development, clearance, counseling through the various stages of growth, and when the need arises, prosecuting and defending litigation. DeFilippis is an author for Norris McLaughlin’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition blog, More Than Your MaⓇk™. She has been named to New Jersey Law Journal’s 2019 list of “New Jersey Trailblazers” for her efforts in the food and beverage industry in New Jersey and for expanding those efforts on a global scale. DeFilippis received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2004 and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001.

    About Norris McLaughlin

    Norris McLaughlin’s food, beverage, and hospitality attorneys tackle the wide array of legal issues facing the food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers; food and beverage trade groups; breweries, distilleries, and wineries; restaurants, bars, hotels, conference centers, stadiums, and other public venues, including business planning, construction, corporate law, environmental concerns, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment law, litigation, liquor law, real estate and finance, and tax counseling.

    The cannabis law attorneys at Norris McLaughlin provide a full range of legal and consultation services in all areas of cannabis law for employers, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, suppliers, growers, retailers, and investors. This diverse group of attorneys navigates the complex and ever-changing laws and regulations governing the medical and recreational use of marijuana.

    Norris McLaughlin is a full service, mid-sized regional law firm of 130+ attorneys with main offices located in Bridgewater, NJ; New York, NY; and Allentown, PA. For more information, including a full practice area listing and attorney biographies, please visit www.norrismclaughlin.com.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, News | Tags: , ,

  • Sep 13, 2019Danielle DeFilippis and James Major to Speak on Liquor and Cannabis IP Issues

    Danielle M. DeFilippis, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., and Co-Chair of its Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, and James R. Major, D.Phil., an Associate of the firm, will co-present “IP Issues in the Liquor and Cannabis Industries” with Max Bookman, Attorney at Pesetsky & Bookman, and Stephen Konigsberg, General Counsel of Tikun Olam.

    About the Presentation

    The presentation, hosted by the Cardozo Intellectual Property Law Society, will be held Monday, September 16, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Reservoir Bar in New York City. The panel discussions will be followed by a happy hour networking opportunity. One professional practice CLE credit is available to participants. For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.

    “This is a really important, and often confusing, topic for many in this industry. We are excited to join this panel and contribute our thoughts on the changing legal landscape,” said DeFilippis. Major added, “Branding is critical in the cannabis and liquor space in view of the amount of composition among brands. We’re happy to have been invited to discuss these important issues.”

    About the Presenters

    Danielle M. DeFilippis

    DeFilippis focuses her practice on intellectual property, contracts, and litigation. She regularly serves as lead counsel in cases before federal and state courts, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and alternative resolution forums. She has handled cases involving trademark and copyright infringement, false advertising, commercial disparagement, business torts, deceptive trade practices, Lanham Act claims, state and federal unfair competition laws, and other business disputes. DeFilippis is an author for Norris McLaughlin’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition blog, More Than Your Ma®kTM. 

    DeFilippis has represented clients in a variety of industries, most notably, food and beverage, liquor, jewelry, cosmetics, sports, and entertainment. She enjoys working with both emerging and established food and beverage companies on brand development, clearance, counseling through the various stages of growth, and when the need arises, prosecuting and defending litigation. DeFilippis has been named to New Jersey Law Journal’s 2019 list of “New Jersey Trailblazers” for her efforts in the food and beverage industry in New Jersey and for expanding those efforts on a global scale.

    DeFilippis received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2004 and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001.

    James R. Major, D.Phil.

    Major dedicates his practice to U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters. His doctorate in immunology and virology and over 10 years’ legal experience enable him to understand the patentability of new technologies, as well as the science and data required to secure and expand patent protection in light of new statutory subject matter requirements. Major is highly experienced in rendering patentability, landscape, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity opinions, particularly in the field of biologics. He also has patent and trademark litigation experience.

    Major has extensive experience in successfully prosecuting patents for genetically-modified plants, chemical formulations, and beverages. He has also published on patent and cannabis-related matters. Recently, Major was part of a team that submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in connection with state sovereign immunity for patent and copyright matters. He assists players in the emerging cannabis industry in the evaluation and securing of patents.

    Major received his J.D., magna cum laude, in 2011 from New York Law School, where he was on the Dean’s List and was a candidate for the Trustees’ Prize for the highest average in the Evening Division. He was also Staff Editor of the New York Law School Law Review, a John Marshall Harlan Scholar, and a member of the Institute for Information Law and Policy. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Oxford in 2003 and his B.A. in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge in 1996.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, Intellectual Property, James R. Major, News | Tags: , , , ,

  • Jun 07, 2019James Major to Speak on the Cannabis Goldrush and the IP Landgrab

    James R. Major, D.Phil., an Associate of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will be a panelist for “The Cannabis Goldrush and the IP Landgrab” on Tuesday, June 25, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the New York City Bar Association.

    The recent push to legalize cannabis in New York has caused a rush to lay claim to invaluable intellectual property.  As the industry quickly evolves, there have been developments in legislation to protect financial institutions that service cannabis businesses, as well as patent infringement actions.  The panel will discuss the progression of the U.S. cannabis industry, its intellectual property assets, the current regulatory environment at the state and federal level, and the potential branding and trademark issues that cannabis businesses may face.  For more information and to register, please click here.

    Major dedicates his practice to U.S. and foreign patent and trademark matters. His doctorate in immunology and virology and over 10 years’ legal experience enables him to understand the patentability of new technologies, as well as the science and data required to secure and expand patent protection in light of new statutory subject matter requirements.  He has significant patent prosecution experience relating to small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies, chemical processes, formulations, industrial processes, and methods of treatment.  He is highly experienced in rendering patentability, landscape, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity opinions particularly in the field of biologics.  Major can assist players in the emerging cannabis industry in the evaluation and securing of patents.  He also has patent and trademark litigation experience.

    Major received his J.D., magna cum laude, in 2011 from New York Law School, where he was on the Dean’s List and was a candidate for the Trustees’ Prize for the Highest Average in the Evening Division.  He was also Staff Editor of the New York Law School Law Review, a John Marshall Harlan Scholar, and a member of the Institute for Information Law and Policy.  He received a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Oxford in 2003, and a B.A. in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge in 1996.

    Posted in: Cannabis Law, Intellectual Property, James R. Major, News | Tags: , , , , , ,

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