Kotz Sangster has been recognized in Michigan's regional-specific areas by Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers in America®. Additionally, thirteen of the firm's attorneys have been recognized in the 30th Edition of Best Lawyers and another four in the 4th Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Intellectual property is one of the most often overlooked assets on the balance sheets of businesses today. The intangible nature of these assets leaves them susceptible to being out of sight, out of mind, and, therefore, unprotected. The following 3-step assessment is a great start toward identifying and protecting your intellectual property asset portfolio.
Kotz Sangster attorneys have been named as 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
The Michigan Supreme Court has overruled the lower court’s ruling in the case of MSSC Inc. v. AirBoss Flexible Products Co., setting an new precedent for business relationships between material buyers and sellers that directly impacts industrial suppliers and buyers alike. Both should take immediate action to review their existing contracts, paying close attention to the language and clarifications. Read on for more information.
On June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) went into effect, providing pregnant workers with additional protections under federal law. Employers with 15 or more employees should ensure their accommodation policies are in compliance with the PWFA.
Kotz Sangster is proud to have served as platinum sponsor for the 2023 "Birdies Fore Bears" fundraising event to support the St. Joseph High School's athletics department, which included a scramble-style golf outing, silent auction, cigar rolling, live auction, reception and awards.
On June 15, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed into law the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or CROWN Act, expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. Read to learn more about this new law.
The U.S. Department of Labor has released additional clarifications around implementing the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act ("PUMP Act"), which President Biden signed into effect back in December 2022. The document, Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2023-2, provides guidance to its field staff on the PUMP Act and its enforcement. Read to learn more about implementation of the PUMP Act.
On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a proposed rule that would ban the use of non-compete clauses, also known as restrictive covenants, in employment agreements. The proposed rule is very broad, and its application would be far-reaching. The proposed rule would prevent employers from entering into non-competes and would also require employers to rescind any existing non-competes and inform current or former employees who are bound by a non-compete that they are no longer in effect.
The business world is abuzz with implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance strategies, often abbreviated ESG. These multi-part strategies outline practical guidelines the company operates within through a series of related policies. While ESG-type practices have existed far longer than the buzzword itself, transparency via technology has become an enormous factor. As companies of all sizes continue moving toward transparency in their ESG practices, the requirements they impose will likely extend into their supply chain as well. Here are a few reasons why mid-market companies should prepare for ESG to extend to their supply chain and examples of policies they may consider looking for in prospective supply partners.