- Michigan Proposes Ban on Noncompete Agreements
Earlier this year, Michigan legislators introduced House Bill 4040, which aims to prohibit employers from implementing or enforcing noncompete clauses in employment contracts. The proposed legislation contains narrow exceptions only for situations involving the sale of business ownership interests or when an employee is responsible for selling the majority of a company’s assets.
Why it Matters: The proposed legislation comes amid significant national attention on noncompete agreements following the FTC’s attempted ban and the subsequent nationwide injunction blocking its enforcement. This has prompted many states to reconsider their noncompete policies. If passed, Michigan would join a select group of states including California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. We will continue to monitor for new developments regarding this legislation.
———
- Navigating Through Life’s Toughest Obstacles
When facing charges of any kind, criminal law experience matters most. You need someone on your side with inside knowledge to provide guidance for a solid defense. We have extensive experience representing individuals and businesses in all stages of criminal proceedings.
Why it Matters: Helping clients for more than two decades, Rob is an experienced criminal defense and professional licensing attorney who has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts in felony and misdemeanor cases in more than 50 counties across the state of Michigan. He is passionate about what he does, and, understanding the direct and collateral consequences that a criminal conviction or professional licensing sanction can bring, he compassionately works with his clients to focus on what matters most to them. Learn more.
———
- Michigan’s First Quarter Cannabis Sales in 2025 Hits $766 Million
In Michigan, total first quarter sales in 2025 for adult-use and medical cannabis totaled $766,198,323.48.
Why it Matters: Though there are reports of declining sales of cannabis starting in 2025, the prices of cannabis and cannabis-related products continue to decrease and make consumers happy. Growers on the other hand are seeing profits decrease.
———
- NLRB Establishes Standard for Workplace Rules
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a ruling in Stericycle Inc., adopting a new legal standard for evaluating the lawfulness of employer work rules. Under the previous standard, an employer was not required to narrowly tailor its rules to promote its legitimate and substantial business interests without unnecessarily burdening employee rights.
Why it Matters: Workplaces may need to review existing policies to their employee handbooks to ensure compliance, and tailor their workplace rules to service legitimate business interests.
———
- Ensuring Your Business is Secure Through Patent Protection
Whether it is a symbol that you use for branding or a formula that makes your product unique, your intellectual property assets need to be protected. Some of the most recognizable forms of intellectual property fall under copyrights, patents, and trademarks.
Why it Matters: A patent is a legal monopoly for protecting a utilitarian device, system, machine, composition or process. When should you file? Timing is of the essence to prevent a competitor from winning the race to the Patent Office. Our patent law attorneys can help you think through the issues and take the actions necessary to ensure your work and business are protected. Learn more.
Related Practice Groups and Professionals
Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Criminal Law | Robert Andretz
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin