Lamar Outdoor Advertising v. Country Side Restaurant, Inc. (In re Country Side Restaurant, Inc.), 2012 WI 46, 2012 WL 1557322 (May 4, 2012).

On Friday, May 4, 2012, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its opinion in the case of Lamar Outdoor Advertising v. Country Side Restaurant. von Briesen Attorneys Thomas S. Hornig and Kraig A. Byron represent Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the case has been ongoing for nearly three years.

The issues involved to what compensation sign owners are entitled when their permitted signs are taken for highway improvement or other public projects. The court concluded, in reversing the court of appeals (which had affirmed the trial court) in a seven – zero decision that sign companies are entitled not only to relocation benefits but to compensation for their lost interests in the leasehold, permit and location as well.

The victory for Lamar is of significant state-wide importance to the outdoor industry as well as to the industry nationally.