Association and MLS services
Larson Skinner meets a variety of association and MLS client needs, especially where understanding of the real estate industry and the practices of brokerage firms and multiple listing services throughout North America can be of assistance. Services include:
Intellectual property: Advising association and MLS clients regarding copyright and trademark law. Registering copyrights and clearing trademarks for use. Aiding in enforcement of rights and interdiction of infringers.
Rules and regulations: Developing operational policies and rules and regulations for multiple listing services (MLSs) taking into account antitrust policy and business needs of participating real estate brokerage firms. Drafting policies to reduce ambiguity and improve opportunities for MLS staff to enforce policies fairly and effectively.
Vendor contracts: Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing major client contracts, including MLS vendor and electronic lock box contracts.
MLS data licensing: Developing strategies and drafting standard contracts for MLSs to use when licensing listing data to brokerage participants and to third parties.
Presentations and strategy: Presentations to association/MLS staff, elected leaders, and the brokerage community regarding a wide variety of topics.
Association and MLS engagements
Brian Larson has performed as legal counsel and consultant to more than 100 REALTOR® associations and multiple listing services. Engagements have included the following:
- Advising clients regarding their intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademarks.
- Assisting clients in enforcing intellectual property rights through cease and desist letters, arbitration, litigation, and other forms of dispute resolution.
- Developing operational policies and rules and regulations for multiple listing services (MLSs) taking into account antitrust policy and business needs of participating real estate brokerage firms.
- Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing major client contracts, including MLS vendor and electronic lock box contracts.
- Developing strategies and drafting standard contracts for MLSs to use when licensing listing data to brokerage participants and to third parties.
- Providing subject matter advice in client litigation where client’s local counsel is handling court appearances, etc.
- A wide variety of other engagements where knowledge of the real estate or association industries is essential or beneficial.