Tag: business

Corporate Transparency Act Update

As anticipated, the finding by a federal judge in Alabama that the Corporate Transparency Act is unconstitutional has prompted (or at least been echoed by) challenges elsewhere, including in federal courts in Maine and in Michigan.

FinCEN filed its appeal notice in the Alabama suit earlier this month, meaning that a decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals may be forthcoming. The suits in Maine and Michigan were brought in courts covered by the 5th and 6th Circuit Courts of Appeals, which could be the beginning of a series of events that brings the question of the CTA’s constitutionality before the United States Supreme Court as a result of a possible Circuit split. The matter could also make its way to the high Court in response to an injunction issued in one or more of these matters.

Therefore, reporting companies that were formed prior to January 1, 2024, may find it advantageous to continue collecting their beneficial owner information but postpone filing the report until some of these matters have worked through their respective processes. Entities created on or after January 1, 2024, however, will still need to file their reports within 90 days of filing their organizing documents, as their reporting obligations have not been excused.

This alert serves as a general summary and does not constitute legal guidance. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Robert D. Burgee is an attorney at Fraser Trebilcock with over a decade of experience counseling clients with a focus on corporate structures and compliance, licensing, contracts, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and a host of other matters related to the operation of small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits. You can reach him at 517.377.0848 or at bburgee@fraserlawfirm.com.

Navigating the Cost and Process of Hiring a Trademark Attorney

In the fast-paced world of business, protecting your brand is paramount. Whether you’re a startup or a large corporation, safeguarding your trademarks is essential for maintaining your identity and reputation in the market. However, navigating the legal intricacies of trademark registration and enforcement can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a skilled trademark attorney can be your greatest ally.

The Importance of Trademark Protection

Before delving into the process and costs of hiring a trademark attorney, let’s underscore the significance of trademark protection. A trademark is more than just a logo or a slogan; it’s the embodiment of your brand’s goodwill and reputation. Trademarks are source identifiers that distinguish your products or services from competitors and help consumers identify and trust your brand.

Without adequate protection, your trademarks are vulnerable to infringement, dilution, and misappropriation, which can result in lost revenue, brand erosion, and legal disputes. By securing federal trademark registration and enforcing your rights, you establish a legal foundation that empowers you to safeguard your brand and its value.

The Role of a Trademark Attorney

Trademark law is a specialized field that requires expertise and experience to navigate effectively. An attorney who specializes in trademark matters can provide invaluable guidance throughout the trademark lifecycle. Their services often include:

  1. Trademark Search and Clearance: Conducting comprehensive searches to ensure your proposed trademark is available for use and registration, minimizing the risk of conflicts with existing trademarks.
  2. Trademark Application: Assisting with the preparation and filing of trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or relevant authorities in other jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maximizing the chances of successful registration.
  3. Prosecution and Responses: Handling communications with trademark examiners, responding to office actions, and overcoming objections to secure trademark registration.
  4. Trademark Enforcement: Monitoring for potential infringement, sending cease-and-desist letters, and pursuing legal action against infringers to protect your trademark rights.
  5. Trademark Portfolio Management: Advising on trademark maintenance, renewal, licensing, and assignment to optimize the value of your trademark assets.

The Cost of Hiring a Trademark Attorney

The cost of hiring a trademark attorney can vary depending on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, the complexity of the matter, and the scope of services required. Trademark attorneys typically offer various fee structures, such as hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, or retainer arrangements.

For trademark registration, the fees may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as the number of classes of goods/services, the complexity of the mark, and whether any office actions or objections are encountered during the process.

While hiring a trademark attorney entails upfront costs, it’s an investment in protecting your brand’s intellectual property rights and mitigating the risk of costly disputes and legal challenges down the line. Moreover, engaging a knowledgeable attorney can streamline the process, enhance the likelihood of successful outcomes, and provide invaluable peace of mind.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of modern business, safeguarding your brand is non-negotiable. Hiring a trademark attorney is a strategic decision that empowers you to navigate the complexities of trademark law with confidence and expertise. By enlisting the support of a skilled attorney, you not only protect your trademarks but also lay the foundation for long-term brand success and resilience in the marketplace. If you have any questions, contact attorney Andrew G. Martin or your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

This alert serves as a general summary and does not constitute legal guidance. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Andrew G. Martin is an experienced registered patent attorney with history working in the automotive, electrical, and agricultural industries. He regularly advises startups and small businesses on the patent and trademark prosecution process, assisting clients from start to finish. You can reach him at 517.377.0834 or at amartin@fraserlawfirm.com.

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – April 28, 2023

  1. Effort to Mandate Hands-Free Phone Use While Driving in Michigan Stalls

Michigan House Bill 4250, the first bill of a three-bill package, failed to gain majority support in the House this week. The proposed legislation would ban the use of hand-held electronic device for drivers.

Why it Matters: 57 House members voted against the bill. One of the major concerns cited is that the penalties proposed to be imposed under the bill would be punitive, including the possibility of a license suspension of up to 90 days for a habitual offender.

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  1. Michigan Cannabis Sales Near $250 Million in March

Cannabis sales nearly hit $250 million in March, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $239,857,322.13, while medical sales came in at $9,816,894.70, altogether totaling $249,674,216.70.

Why it Matters: Marijuana sales remain strong in Michigan, particularly for recreational use. However, there still are significant concerns about profitability and market over-saturation that the industry is contending with.

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  1. May 2023 Business Education Series Program

During the May Business Education Series, Emmie Musser will discuss the challenges faced by businesses in building trust and transparency in a hybrid world, and explore strategies to overcome them including the importance of clear communication and regular updates, as well as the need to establish and maintain strong relationships.

Why it Matters: We will share practical, evidenced based tips on policies, workplace communication norms, and technology that can be used to help mitigate some of the biggest pain points of a hybrid work environment. Learn more.

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  1. Coverage Spoken Here

Commercial litigator and Chair of Fraser Trebilcock’s Real Estate Department, Jared Roberts, along with Shareholder and litigator Ryan Kauffman, successfully defended a mechanical contracting firm in an insurance coverage dispute initiated by its insurer.

Why it Matters: In this instance, in summary, the insurer argued that policy language excluded coverage for events of pollution or efforts by the insured at responding to it. Attorneys Roberts and Kauffman argued that, while some pollution-related events were clearly excluded under the policy here, the exact conduct of the insured in this case was covered, despite the exclusion. The Circuit Court agreed with the insured mechanical contractor and summary disposition was awarded in the contractor’s favor. Learn more.

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  1. CRA Publishes March 2023 Data, Average Price Hovers

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, the average retail price for adult-use sales of an ounce of cannabis is $86.87, a tiny increase from $86.00 in February. This is still a large decrease from March 2022, where the average price was $190.65.

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. Contact our cannabis law attorneys if you have any questions.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Litigation | Jared Roberts
Litigation | Ryan Kauffman

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – April 21, 2023

  1. Michigan Repeals “Right-to-Work” Law

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law legislation repealing the Freedom to Work law insofar as it applies to private-sector employees. The repealer will be effective as of March 30, 2024.

Why it Matters: When the new law takes effect, it will, for the first time since 2013, be legal for private-sector unions to negotiate and enforce “union security” requiring membership in, or financial support through “Beck Objector” fees, of those unions. Learn more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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  1. Biden Administration Proposes Title IX Rule Change Prohibiting Schools from Categorically Banning Transgender Athletes from School Sports

The Biden administration proposed a significant change to Title IX regulations via a notice of proposed rulemaking, seeking to prohibit schools from categorically banning transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identities. However, the proposal also provides flexibility for K-12 schools and universities to limit transgender student participation in cases where fairness in competition or sports-related injuries might be concerns.

Why it Matters: It’s important to note that this is a “proposed” rule, and therefore won’t take effect unless and until it becomes a final rule. However, K-12 school and higher education institutions leaders would be prudent to begin immediately preparing for the eventuality of the rule becoming final.

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  1. May 2023 Business Education Series Program

During the May Business Education Series, Emmie Musser will discuss the challenges faced by businesses in building trust and transparency in a hybrid world, and explore strategies to overcome them including the importance of clear communication and regular updates, as well as the need to establish and maintain strong relationships.

Why it Matters: We will share practical, evidenced based tips on policies, workplace communication norms, and technology that can be used to help mitigate some of the biggest pain points of a hybrid work environment. Learn more.

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  1. Proposed Legislation Introduced to Reduce Employment Age to 19 in Marijuana Industry

In March, HB 4322 was introduced to allow individuals who are 19 years of age or older to be employed by or volunteer for marijuana establishments.

Why it Matters: Currently, the age for employment in the marijuana industry is set to 21. This legislation proposes to reduce the age to 19, and allow them to manufacture, purchase, distribute and sell marijuana accessories if the individual is acting on behalf of a marijuana establishment.

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  1. Income Tax Reduced for Tax Year 2023

For tax year 2023, the state income tax will be reduced to 4.05%, but will go back up to 4.25% the following year due to a 2015 statute that requires a reduction in the income tax when revenues to the General Fund exceed inflation plus economic growth.

Why it Matters: Individuals should see a slight increase to their take-home pay, but it will not last for long as the income tax rate will go back to 4.25% starting in tax year 2024.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Business & Tax | Paul McCord

Michigan Liquor Control Commission Rescinds Half-Mile Rule

The State of Michigan voted earlier this year to rescind a longstanding Administrative Rule which prohibited liquor licensees from operating within a half-mile of another liquor licensee.

The rescission was challenged in the Court of Claims by a trade association. On April 17, 2018 the Court of Claims dismissed the law suit. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission argued that the long-standing Rule was protectionist and anti-competitive.

As of this date, the Court ruling is open to appeal by the trade association. Absent an appeal or further legal or legislative action, the rescission of the Rule will soon be effective.

Fraser Trebilcock Business Tax Attorney Edward J. CastellaniAny questions on the new matter may be addressed to Edward J. Castellani JD, CPA at 517.377.0845 or ecast@fraserlawfirm.com. This summary is for informational purposes and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Trademarks and Copyrights: How Knowing the Difference Can Help Your Business

Do you own a business, perhaps with its own logo, tagline, or offering its own unique service? If so, have you thought about whether or not you may need the protection of a trademark or copyright?

Continue reading Trademarks and Copyrights: How Knowing the Difference Can Help Your Business