I’ve had several clients contact me recently with the similar and familiar problem where municipalities or other regulatory authorities attempt to change the rules for permitting signs after the submission of the permit application. This tactic usually takes the form of the city simply trying to expedite the passage of […]
The new attorneys fees discount program for IBO members seems to be working as Chris Cowlbeck and I hoped, as I’ve received several inquiries from IBO members across the country about a variety of billboard litigation and transaction issues. For example, I was recently contacted by IBO members who had […]
Chris Cowlbeck and his fantastic team at IBO are planning a fun and educational Spring Conference at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on May 5 through 8. While the last couple of conferences were enjoyable and helpful as usual, they were largely relegated to virtual presentations and smaller audiences because […]
The Texas Legislature is in session, and as the case far too often, it is demonstrating how to pass an unconstitutional law. The subject of the constitutional shenanigans this time is so-called “bandit signs,” those pesky paper signs illegally placed on trees, utility poles, street medium, and other sites in […]
On March 15, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an interesting First Amendment decision with potentially broad impact on the out of home industry. The case is PETA vs Hinckley, and you can access the opinion here. The case arises from the request […]
Chris Cowlbeck, General Manager of IBOUSA, and Richard Rothfelder, partner at Rothfelder & Falick, have jointly announced a program for discounted legal services for members of IBOUSA. Rothfelder is a frequent contributor to Billboard Insider and presenter at IBOUSA and OAAA conferences, and he co-authored “Billboard Insider’s Guide to Leases, […]
During the last week, Billboard Insider published a couple articles on related Constitutional clauses. First, Insider reminded us in What the Senate Said About Amortization while cautioning that the regulatory concept had actually been enacted into an ordinance by Wenatchee, Washington last year. Wenatchee and other governmental entities utilize the amortization […]
Billboard Insider published an interesting article in its February 8th edition entitled Reed vs Gilbert and Panhandling? According to the article, the City Council of Spokane Valley, Washington is considering amendments to the City’s sign code to regulate panhandling (I suppose the politically correct term is actually “street solicitation,” but […]
Good riddance to 2020, which will likely be remembered as the Year of Covid, along with the economic downturn, racial and social tensions, political upheaval, and other challenges sparked by the pandemic. Indeed, my first two legal predictions for the outdoor advertising industry in 2021 are also largely influenced by […]
On October 27th, Amy Coney Barrett was sworn in as the third and most recent of President Trump’s nominations to the Supreme Court, joining Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch. The “new” Supreme Court is decidedly conservative, led by Chief Justice Roberts, Justices Alito and Thomas, and now, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch, and Barrett. […]
