Now You Know It Archives – Page 16 of 67

Businessperson performing due diligence of intellectual property when buying or selling a business

In Due Course

April 11th, 2023

A major part of buying a business with value tied to its intellectual property portfolio is due diligence on how it owns and protects its intellectual property. Companies with brand recognition or products that rely on trademarks and patents will nee… Read More

In Exchange

April 4th, 2023

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code provides a valuable tax deferral mechanism for real estate investors. The provision, commonly referred to as a “like-kind exchange,” allows for the exchange of one investment property for another… Read More

Michigan Civil Rights Law Expanded

March 28th, 2023

Contributor: Evan M. Chall

On March 16, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 (“ELCRA”) to extend protection based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. The amended legislation makes it illegal to di… Read More

Copyrighting Software

March 21st, 2023

In the early 1900s, the Supreme Court recognized the copyrightable nature of the encoded sequence of instructions used by player pianos, called “piano rolls.” That idea of copyrighting encoded instructions ultimately led to the rationale for copy… Read More

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

March 14th, 2023

Contributor: LeClair L. Flaherty

I heard yesterday from a client who discovered that uncashed checks made payable to her deceased father were turned over to the state of Michigan as having been abandoned. In order to claim the funds, she must reopen dad’s probate estate and get ne… Read More

Close up of employee using CBD oil while working

Managing a Workplace Drug Policy

March 7th, 2023

Years ago, when both state and federal law outlawed the use or possession of marijuana, most employers maintained a zero tolerance policy for employees testing positive for drugs or alcohol. As states like Michigan began to legalize marijuana … fir… Read More

Risky Business

February 28th, 2023

Once your corporation or limited liability company is formed, its legal status must be maintained by keeping it in good standing. This requires filing annual reports with the state of its formation and any other state where the company is authorized… Read More

For rent sign on the side of commercial building

Get the Memo!

February 21st, 2023

Many commercial leases contain a provision either permitting or prohibiting the parties from recording a Memorandum of Lease. Although a Memorandum of Lease is not the most complex aspect of any lease, it may provide crucial protection to certain ren… Read More

Surveillance of remote employee during virtual meeting

Bringing Work Home

February 14th, 2023

Contributor: Evan M. Chall

The wave of telecommuting triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many companies to adopt more stringent employee monitoring practices. While certain measures are permissible, employers should be mindful of privacy considerations. The federal… Read More

The Winds of Change

February 7th, 2023

Contributor: LeClair L. Flaherty

Sweeping retirement plan changes, intended to encourage retirement savings, were signed into law at the end of 2022. These changes are found in the SECURE 2.0 Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation rolled into the larger Consolidated Appropriation… Read More