The often used lawyer phrase, you can “pay me a little now, or pay me a lot more later” is no more true than when advising start-up businesses.  Many entrepreneurs are so anxious to open the doors, they simply focus on generating sales without worrying about legal issues.  However, failing to address legal issues at...
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The recent case Saturn Wireless Consulting, LLC v. Aversa in New Jersey sheds more light on how non-solicitation clauses will be interpreted. Here’s the story (“CliffsNotes” version): Saturn Wireless hired Aversa. A Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Compete Agreement was signed by Aversa.  Aversa quit and set up a competing shop (outside of the non-compete radius).  Saturn Wireless sued, in...
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Benteler Automotive Corporation v. Wellington Industries, Inc.: This case stresses the importance of a well-crafted settlement agreement. More than 95% of all lawsuits filed never go to trial, they’re usually dismissed or settled out of court. Of course, a settlement is not always the perfect resolution, but an even worse resolution is when the settlement...
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There is no shortage of important legal cases that came through Michigan courts lately. Do you know what your insurance policy covers? Many businesses take out insurance coverage, and then just “set it and forget it” without thinking about how their business has changed or if their policies might no longer apply.  This danger was...
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By now you have read (or at least heard) of the new overtime regulations announced in early May by the U.S. Department of Labor.  If you haven’t had a chance to read about the regulations, then check out this list of 10 articles I put together.  These articles cover the technical aspects of the new...
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It’s not unusual for companies experiencing a cash crunch to use the IRS as a bank and not pay payroll taxes. These companies always believe a turnaround is just around the corner and they will be able to make up the delinquency.  However, if the company can’t pay, the IRS has the right to identify...
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Want a little fun reading about legal and business intrigue in Oakland County? Here’s the lawsuit filed by Van Conway against his partners and the firm he founded.
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Every business with more than one owner must have a Buy-Sell Agreement (BSA).  I use the word “must” not because there is a legal obligation to have a BSA but because it will help avoid innumerable headaches if an owners dies, becomes disabled, or simply wants to retire. Here are 5 uncommon mistakes business owners...
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The New Year hit and I decided to crank up my writing. Hopefully you saw some of my Blog Posts and Book Reviews. But just in case you missed them, you can read them right here.
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The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a complex law.  While HR pros may never know all the nuances of the law, here are 11 tricks you should know to avoid FMLA headaches. Know how many employees you have every day of the year. If you have 50 or more during 20 or more...
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