Associations and MLSs

The majority of the Larson/Sobotka's clients are real estate multiple listing services (MLSs) and REALTOR associations (local and state). L/S advises them regarding policies, business strategies, licensing agreements, agency laws, and more. No other law firm can claim as large a body of clients in the MLS/association community. The firm's principals have performed a wide variety of engagements in the MLS/association communities; offers numerous resources for them; and stands ready to serve them with a wide variety of services.

Association and MLS services

Larson/Sobotka 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 nearly 70 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.