Scott M. Smiler

Jul 25, 2024 | law.com | Scott M. Smiler |Michelle Quinn

If you’ve been watching the news recently, you’ve undoubtedly seen the havoc caused by squatters claiming their lawful rights to remain in place. This has become a national phenomenon and has taken center stage in New York in the past several months. Scott M. Smiler, partner at Gallet Dreyer & Berkey. Courtesy Photo The squatter stories run the gambit. A property owner in Flushing was arrested for changing the locks on a vacant house she owned after she found two men camping out inside.

Jul 23, 2024 | bakerbotts.com | Sulaiman Abdur Rahman |Scott M. Smiler |Michelle Quinn |Ryland West

A recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has changed the standard approach to evaluating questions of patent validity—in particular, the question of whether a patented design is obvious—for design patents. Following the principles of the less rigid approach to evaluating obviousness for utility patents in the Supreme Court’s decision in KSR International v. Teleflex, the Federal Circuit has now extended those broad-view principles to design patents.

Aug 2, 2023 | mondaq.com | Scott M. Smiler

Many property owners aren't aware of the potential risks associated with the booming short-term rental industry. First things first for financial advisors with clients who are renting out their second homes: Make sure they get paid for the entire season upfront, not month-to-month. Americans are getting out of town in droves this summer, with 64% planning to rent vacation properties.

Jul 13, 2023 | mondaq.com | Scott M. Smiler

When your neighbor knocks on your door and asks for access, there are a few preliminary steps that should be taken. Take a stroll through New York City, and you're bound to see a dog walker wrangling a pack of mixed breeds as he passes by the 24-hour corner bodega. And on his way to pick up his Sunday morning bagel with cream cheese and lox, he will most definitely pass under, and meander around, a sidewalk shed.

Jun 19, 2023 | law.com | Scott M. Smiler

Take a stroll through New York City and you’re bound to see a dog walker wrangling a pack of mixed breeds as he passes by the 24 hour corner bodega. And on his way to pick up his Sunday morning bagel with cream cheese and lox, he will most definitely pass under, and meander around, a sidewalk shed. This often unassuming overhead protection, made up of scaffolding-like support legs topped with green plywood, are sprinkled throughout the city.