Contracts are a part of our day to day lives. Once a contract has been made, most might assume that it is binding from the moment that the acceptance has been done. However, most tend to forget that, in certain occasions, contracts can be revoked. Understanding the...
Business Litigation
What is the importance of nondisclosure in the automotive industry?
A non-disclosure agreement is nothing new in employment. Many industries use these agreements to protect sensitive information. A company wants to ensure that an employee does not pass information onto competitors or otherwise use what he or she learns on the job to...
Understanding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Most business owners in Michigan understand and comply with federal anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. These regulations help protect businesses from unfair competition with other companies. One such law, known as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, protects U.S....
What to include in a noncompetition agreement
Many manufacturing or automotive companies may realize they need a noncompetition agreement to protect their business. A previous blog covered the basics of a noncompetition agreement. It is also important for people to understand what they should include in this...
Sole proprietorship and the risks involved
If you wish to start your own business, you have many potential business structures to choose from. The most basic of these is the sole proprietorship, which is typically owned and operated by one individual and remains unincorporated. There are potential benefits to...
How can I ensure a client pays at the end of a project?
Billing your clients for services rendered can sometimes be challenging. For instance, late and non-payment of invoices is extremely frustrating, and you might feel like you have little recourse to resolve the issue. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure...
Understanding copyright infringement versus plagiarism
In the Michigan business world, there are several ways to protect intellectual property and ensure that ideas are not stolen by other businesses. Intellectual property is protected by patents, trademarks and copyrights and when material is used without permission, the...
Pontiac pension fund wins shareholder action against Walmart
After seven years of battling Walmart, the Detroit Free Press reports on how a tiny Michigan pension fund reached a $160 million settlement. This is a success not only for the fund's retirees, but for all of the retailer's shareholders. Every stockholder has a right...
What is a noncompetition agreement?
In manufacturing and the automotive industry, there is a lot of competition. There are also a lot of jobs in Michigan in these sectors. Turnover is also not uncommon. So, it is very possible that an employee working for you today could turn around and be working for a...
What constitutes intellectual property?
As Michigan businesses grow, it is important to protect ideas, products and services that are unique to the brand and business. While there are tangible products that you can copyright or trademark, there are also concepts, ideas, images and even an arrangement of...