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 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.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) compliance is at the forefront of employers’ minds. Concerns surrounding employment and hiring processes are under the microscope like never before. While many might believe they already have appropriate policies and practices in place, there are serious legal consequences for businesses found to be in violation of civil rights laws.
Divorce is an emotional and difficult time. Social media has a tendency to exacerbate heated conversations. When these two merge together, the results can be disastrous for divorce proceedings and both parties involved. Even highly responsible, ethical and “well-adjusted” people make mistakes during the emotional difficulty of divorce.
Owning a vacation home can create complicated family estate and income tax issues. Planning for the transfer of the family cottage requires a series of thoughtful steps. The cottage can be any vacation home and, whether it's a ski chalet or condo, waterfront property or hunting land, all have financial and emotional ties to a family.
Electronic communications—such as emails or texts—have become the primary form of communication among organizations and individuals. In the modern world, businesses large and small communicate internally and externally using electronic communications...
Tax Alert: Key income and estate tax law changes proposed by U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in Democrat's budget reconciliation bill, "Build America Back Better Act."
Litigation surrounding a breach of contract is rarely as simple as it may superficially seem. While the breach itself can be cause for legal action, it does not take into account the additional torts endured by the plaintiff resulting from it. In this piece for the Michigan Bar Journal, Kotz Sangster lawyer Jovan Dragovic explores how historical Michigan cases have addressed the simultaneous liability of the defendant for both breach of contract and any tangentially-related damages that result from that breached contract.
On Sunday evening, December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill which was passed by Congress early last week.
The Honorable John E. Dewane (ret.), leading Kotz Sangster’s office in St. Joseph, Michigan, has been honored by the State Bar of Michigan as a 50-year member.