Fifth Circuit Holds that Disguised Financing is not Entitled to Administrative Priority Claims

“To Lease or Not to Lease?” Whether an equipment lease is characterized as a true lease or a disguised financing in a bankruptcy setting determines what rights and remedies are available to the lessor. For example, if the lease is deemed to be a disguised financing, a debtor may retain possession of the leased property […]

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Delaware Bankruptcy Court Finds Misappropriated Trade Secrets are Subject to Avoidance and Turnover

In Corporate Claims Management, Inc. v. Shapier, et al. (In re Patriot National Inc.), Adv. Pro. No. 18-50307 (Bankr. D. Del August 8, 2018), the Delaware Bankruptcy Court found that alleged misappropriation of trade secrets could constitute a violation of the automatic stay under section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code and be subject to turnover under […]

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Could the “Collapsing Doctrine” be Used to Avoid an Extraterritorial Transfer?

In LaMonica v. CEVA Group PLC, et al. (In re CIL Limited), Adversary No. 14-02442 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y June 15, 2018), the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York was tasked with deciding whether the “collapsing doctrine” could be used to determine the situs of a fraudulent transfer, which was part of an international, […]

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Removed Divorce Action Remanded on More Rigorous Grounds

In Topfer v. Topfer (In re Topfer), Case No. 5-18-ap-00066 RNO (M.D. Pa. July 25, 2018), the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania remanded a three-and half year old divorce proceeding that had been removed to bankruptcy court. But, the remand became more complicated than it needed to be. The chapter 7 debtor […]

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Fourth Circuit Upholds Bank’s Disclaimer of Liability

Banks regularly enter into commercial relationships with their customers such as opening new depository accounts. These relationships are often contractual in nature and seem relatively straightforward until an unexpected incident occurs that causes the relationship to unravel. What then are the duties owed by each party to each another? The default rule seems to be […]

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Can Golden Shares Block a Bankruptcy Filing?

The term “golden shares” is often referred to equity interests held by a specific party—commonly a lender or investor—that authorize such party to block or prevent a corporate entity from filing bankruptcy. Such shares are often negotiated by a party that wants to ensure that its consent is obtained before any bankruptcy is commenced. Without […]

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