Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, LLC

$117,542

Corporate Law

Trial court awarded Westside Storage $117,542 against Country Contractors and its shareholders, piercing the corporate veil. The Court of Appeals reversed the judgment against the shareholders, ruling that undercapitalization was not assessed at the time of formation, there was no causal link between the lack of corporate records and injustice, and the absence of a remedy for the plaintiff does not justify piercing the corporate veil.

$90,000

Contract Law

Indiana Supreme Court overruled the Court of Appeals, holding that buyers breached a condo purchase agreement by demanding repairs for minor electrical problems. The seller was awarded damages of over $90,000, correcting a previous ruling that limited damages to $117 based on mitigation.

Nonprofit Law

Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a case involving a nonprofit corporation, the Doermer Family Foundation, Inc. The court held that the expiration of a director's term prior to reelection did not automatically invalidate subsequent board actions, citing a statutory safety net provision.

Trademark Law

Friendly Family Productions, LLC settled a trademark infringement lawsuit against a nonprofit museum, Little House on the Prairie, Inc., regarding the use of the 'LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE' trademark on merchandise and its website. The museum subsequently changed its name and domain.

Contract Law

Dr. Krad sued BP for additional compensation after signing a survey report for a lease without reading it, which described a larger property than originally discussed. Dr. Krad lost at both the trial court and Indiana Court of Appeals, as he was presumed to understand what he signed.

Criminal Defense

Criminal defense appeal handled by Susan D. Rayl.