In This Issue...

America Invents Act

U.S. EPA Issues New Draft Wetland Guidance Manual

Terminating a Contractor? Dot Your "i's" and Cross Your "t's" to Preserve Claims

The Final Paycheck

August 2011

America Invents Act

Now that the debt crises debates have been resolved, it is widely speculated that President Obama and Congress will focus on its efforts to reform the U.S. Patent System. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has announced that the patent reform bill will be one of the first items taken up for consideration by the Senate when it returns in early September.

Read more about the Government's changes to the Patent System

U.S. EPA Issues New Draft Wetland Guidance Manual

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, has published a new draft guidance to interpret what the agencies will consider to be waters of the United States, including regulated wetlands, under the Clean Water Act. The draft guidance is an attempt by the agencies to consolidate the various judicial and agency directives concerning what is considered to be a "water of the United States" and when a particular body of water would be considered a regulated wetland.

Read more about the EPA's new Wetland Guidance Manual

Terminating a Contractor? Dot Your "i's" and Cross Your "t's" to Preserve Claims

A recent Indiana Court of Appeals case establishes that failure to follow contractual termination provisions in construction contracts and performance bonds will result in a waiver of claims. In Town of Plainfield v.
Paden Engineering Co., Inc., owner entered into a contract with contractor to provide a steel package for an aquatic center.

Read more about details on contract termination

The Final Paycheck

Payrollnews

As attorneys to the company, we field this type of question from time to time. Often the circumstances of the employee's death are unexpected or tragic. The employer is in the awkward position of trying to be sympathetic and helpful to the family while navigating through a murky area of probate laws not often addressed in the employee handbook.

Read further on paycheck inheritance

Follow Ice Miller LLP:

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader must consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader's specific circumstances.