News + Insights

What's in a Name Anyway? Trademark Basics for Community Associations

Written By Erica B. E. Rogers

This article explores the essentials of trademark rights, their relevance for community associations, and the balance between protecting these trademarks versus respecting the free speech of homeowners. I. What is a Trade…

Legal Pause: Preliminary Injunction on Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement

Written By Adam M. Beaudoin and Matthew A. Jones

On December 3, 2024, in the matter of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, et al., the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Sherman District) issued a preliminary injunction against the Corporate…

Ward and Smith Grows Litigation Practice with Two Key Hires

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce Gavin Parsons and Madison Waller have joined the firm. Both bring experience in complex commercial disputes and will be valuable assets to our clients. Litigator Gavin Parsons joins …

Join North Carolina’s Economic Leaders at the 23rd Annual Economic Forecast Forum

Discover what lies ahead for North Carolina’s economy at the 2025 Economic Forecast Forum on January 14, 2025. This forum, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, promises insightful discussions on economic trends…

Media Mention: Jenny Boyer and Matt Thompson Share Estate Planning Insights in Business North Carolina

Trusts and estates attorneys Jenny Boyer and Matt Thompson are featured in the November issue of Business North Carolina with their insightful article, “Death and Taxes for North Carolina Business Owners.” Thi…

Securing Your Legacy: How Marital Estate Rights and Divorce Impact Your Estate Plan

Written By William S. Durr, Melody J. King, and Zachary F. Lamb

Once married, spouses acquire a number of rights in and to the estate of the other spouse.  Marital estate rights create the potential for catastrophic consequences should a spouse pass away at a time when the partie…