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Equipment Lessors and Bankruptcy
Much has been written about the risk that a transaction denominated and documented as an equipment “lease” may be recharacterized a security interest. Indeed, it is old hat that UCC 1-203 is the basis of the analytical framework for determining whether an ostensible lease is actually a disguised security device. And, it is well understood that if the agreement at issue places the benefits and burdens of asset ownership on the so-called lessee, then a reviewing court will treat the transaction as a security interest and will treat the parties as secured lender and debtor, rather than as lessor and lessee. The result of such recharacterization can cause a lot of pain to the would-be lessor, unless that party made a prophylactic filing to comply with Article 9's perfection rules.
Equipment lessors seem, at least in our experience, to understand all of this. Consequently, they tend to make the requisite filing and when an oversight occurs, they tend to understand the consequences of that oversight. Interestingly, equipment lessors commonly seem to not understand all of the rights and remedies they have in the absence of recharacterization.
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment
On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office
A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.
Bit Parts
Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights
How AI Has Affected PR
When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.