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.
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.
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rescind any existing non-competes and inform current or former employees who are bound by a non-compete that they are no longer in effect.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.
Ed Boucher, a top construction lawyer at Kotz Sangster, was awarded the 2023 W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award by the Washtenaw Contractors Association (WCA) as part of their annual Pyramid Awards on March 10, 2023. The award is given annually to construction industry leaders who make an impact on the Washtenaw community.
On March 16, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 4 (“SB 4”), which amends and expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (“ELCRA”) to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, housing and real estate. Here's a brief breakdown of the amendment and what employers should know.