- Court Blocks DOL’s FLSA Salary Threshold Increases Nationwide
A federal district court in Texas recently struck down the Department of Labor’s planned increases to minimum salary requirements for overtime-exempt employees under the FLSA. The ruling invalidates both the July 2024 increase to $43,888 annually and the planned January 2025 increase to $58,656, reverting the federal threshold back to $35,568 per year for employers nationwide.
Why it Matters: The ruling means the lower $35,568 annual salary threshold for determining overtime exemptions for white-collar workers under federal law is again applicable (at least for the time-being). However, employers should continue to monitor potential appeals or new federal rulemaking on this issue.
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- Intellectual Property and Rebranding: What Business Leaders Need to Know
After you’ve launched your brand, your work isn’t over yet. Now comes the ongoing task of protecting your new brand. First and foremost, you need to monitor the marketplace. Keep an eye out for any businesses using names, logos, or other branding elements that are similar to yours. The earlier you catch potential infringement, the easier it is to address.
Why it Matters: But protection isn’t just about policing others—it’s also about maintaining your own rights. For example, use your trademarks consistently and properly. If you’ve registered a logo, make sure you’re using it in the form in which it was registered. Keep records of how and when you use your trademarks in commerce. Be proactive and make IP an important strategic consideration for your business. Read more.
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- Fraser Trebilcock Announces 2025 Board of Directors
The Shareholders of Fraser Trebilcock, one of Michigan’s long-established full-service law firms, have re-elected Thaddeus E. Morgan as President of the firm. Shareholder Ryan K. Kauffman was re-elected to the Board of Directors, where he will serve as Vice President & Treasurer. Shareholder Jared A. Roberts was elected to the Board of Directors, where he will serve as Secretary.
Why it Matters: When it matters in Michigan, we are the trusted advisor for businesses and individuals requiring planning and consulting services, or facing legal and regulatory challenges, and our capabilities extend to wherever clients require counsel. The annual election of the Board of Directors allows Fraser Trebilcock to continue its tradition of exceptional client service, dedicated community involvement and professional excellence. Read more.
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- Michigan CRA Publishes November ’24 Data: Average Price Decreases
Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in November was $71.80, a decrease from $73.99 in October. This is a decrease from November 2023, where the average price was $97.51.
Why it Matters: While the prices of cannabis and cannabis-related products continue to decrease and make consumers happy, growers on the other hand are seeing profits decrease resulting in them seeking ways to halt new licenses to be granted in an effort to steady prices.
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- FinCEN Motion to Stay
On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, FinCEN filed its first substantive response to the nationwide injunction ordered by a United States District Court in Texas. The response, a “Motion to Stay Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal” highlights the time and expense incurred by government in implementing the CTA, including the build out of the online reporting system, community outreach events, and an ad buy in excess of $4.3 million.
Why it Matters: Businesses and other would-be reporting companies are advised to keep a close eye on these proceedings, as the reporting requirements could be revived and enforcement resumed effective January 1, 2025. If that happens, it could be quite a scramble for the 20+ million reporting companies. Accordingly, FinCEN advises that online the reporting system remains open for “voluntarily” filings. Read more.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee