Businesses often use words, phrases, and images, i.e., their “marks”, associated with their goods and services, particularly in advertising, labeling and branding in connection with their products and services. There are several benefits for businesses in registering their “marks” under the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101, et seq. (the “Copyright Act”), including […]
Did you know that it is unlawful for any employer in the State of Michigan to discriminate against you because you are pregnant, you intend to become pregnant in the future, you were pregnant in the past, or because you have a medical condition related to pregnancy? Furthermore, if you are a nursing mother […]
If you are the owner of a small or midsized company, in addition to navigating the latest technology and marketplace of your particular business, you need to navigate the pitfalls and dangers pertaining to employment law, disability law, injury law and other employment defense issues. Employment Protection Laws Today’s Michigan business owners need to be […]
Majority shareholders in the State of Michigan need to be careful that their actions do not unfairly prejudice fellow minority shareholders. The state of Michigan has enacted a Minority Shareholder Oppression Statute which empowers minority shareholders with rights and corporate leverage it previously did not possess. These minority rights appear to be prevalent more in […]
Many small and midsized sole proprietorships overlook the most basic and least expensive form of business protection available to them: business formation. The state of Michigan offers many different business entity options depending on the particular needs and preferences of a business. In function, however, these business entities operate in much the same way by […]
In the excitement of starting a business and the amount of work involved, it becomes increasingly likely that at some point an important business decision will be overlooked. One way to mitigate this risk is to hire legal counsel, but the upfront cost of an experienced attorney can cause businesses to hesitate to reach out […]
With the WSJ citing an increase of more than 60% in noncompete clauses to contracts over the past decade, it comes at no surprise that noncompete litigation is also on the rise. In response to this increase employers both big and small are considering more than ever strategies to protect themselves when hiring employees from […]
Pop quiz. Which of these drivers should automatically pay medical expenses for their own injuries after the accident described? Motorcyclist Flat Tire A young man on a motorcycle is driving 55 on a state road when all of a sudden he loses control of his bike and slams into a vehicle next to him and […]
Starting a new business can lead to rewards both financially and personally in the future, but you will probably face a number of challenges when starting out your endeavor. The demands on your time will be greater than you anticipate, and enough money to keep things going can also be a problem. With smart planning, […]
So you’re a Michigan State fan in the middle of a sea of maize and blue. While you may endure rude, obnoxious or even crass behavior the week of the big game, this does not exactly legally constitute a “hostile work environment”. If that’s the case, Michigan State coaches and staff are in a hostile […]