Maryland Legal Alert - February 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:FOURTH CIRCUIT LIMITS ABILITY TO CHARGE CONVENIENCE FEES

CFPB Seeks Comment on Hidden or Back-End Fees

On January 26, 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published a

Marijuana Banking or Lack Thereof

Many state-licensed cannabis businesses face a cruel twist of federalism — federal law largely impedes their access to basic banking services.

Know if Someone Else Will Own the Copyright in What Your Freelance Writer Creates

Be sure to understand who owns the copyright when you hire someone to contribute to your project.

Relating to Real Estate - January 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:MORTGAGE LOAN SERVICERS CANNOT CHARGE FEES ON ONLINE PAYMENTS

Developer’s Action Against Protesting Residents Dismissed as SLAPP Suit

In a case of first impression by a Maryland state appellate court, the Court of Special Appeals (CSA) upheld a decision of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City that found that a developer’s lawsuit

Notice of Mechanics’ Lien Filing? Take These Five Steps

While common in the construction world, the anxiety and stress of mechanics’ lien filings never get easier with time.

Four O’Clock Means Four O’Clock, Or Don’t Ask Your Grandson to Send Your Bank Wires

In Ko v. Messer, Chapter 11 Trustee,No.

Unlicensed Landlord May Evict Residential Tenants

In Velicky v. Copycat Bldg. LLC, --- Md. ---, Nos. 1 & 2, Sept. Term 2021, 2021 WL 5562319 (Nov.

Mortgage Loan Servicers Cannot Charge Fees for Online Payments

On January 19, 2022, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (Court) held that mortgage servicers are debt collectors under the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA), and $5 convenience fees ch