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Business & Tax Law News
  
  

July 22, 2020

In this issue:

  

  

  
  

Golden Rules for Selecting Foreign Distributors and Agents

Jean G. Schtokal

Companies engaging foreign distributors or agents to assist with foreign sales growth, whether venturing to a foreign market for the first time or expanding to a new foreign market can benefit from some simple best practices and strategies that have proven successful across various industries and business sectors and across various markets and continents.

Here are some Golden Rules to consider for your own company practices...

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   Jean Schtokal

Jean G. Schtokal

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   Trademark   

What's in a Name? Protecting Your Business's Name from a Look-Alike

Andrew C. Vredenburg and
Jim W. Scales (Summer Associate)

As the old phrase goes: what’s in a name? For any business, a name is a brand. A name is tied to a reputation, a marketing strategy, and a presence within an industry. We have all laughed at off-brand products in grocery store aisles: Mountain Mist masquerading as Mountain Dew. Other times, similar names represent companies in unrelated industries: Domino Sugar vs. Domino’s Pizza or Delta Airlines vs. Delta Faucets.

But when does a company’s name cross the line into violating another company’s rights?

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   Diversity & Inclusion   

Latest Trend in Executive Compensation: To Include Diversity & Inclusion or Not?

Amanda J. Dernovshek and Cody A. Mott

Companies are increasingly tying executive compensation to diversity and inclusion (“D&I”) initiatives in an effort to increase female and minority representation among the workforce and management. Despite progress in recent years, an overwhelming majority of executives in the United States remain Caucasian males.

Many companies have previously adopted diversity measures at the directorship-level; however a lack of diversity remains at the management level and among the rank and file employees...

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Reminder: Small Business Grants and PPP Loans

To support Michigan small businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic, the Michigan Small Business Restart Program is continuing to accept applications to provide grants to eligible small businesses that need working capital for payroll and other expenses. All applicants must apply through michiganbusiness.org regardless of past applications.

The grant application period will run through August 5, 2020. For businesses still looking to apply for PPP loans, applications are still being accepted until August 8, 2020.

If you are thinking of applying for either but have questions about meeting the required criteria or if the programs are right for your organization, contact:

  

  

  
  

Resources to Assist Businesses During the Pandemic

Coronavirus Resource Page

During these difficult times, Foster Swift has been consistently updating a resource page relevant to the current pandemic and its impact on Michigan's small businesses, financial institutions, municipalities and other entities. This resource page is dedicated to providing attorney-written articles and recorded podcasts/webinars, along with other online resources relevant to Coronavirus/COVID-19 and its impact on numerous aspects of professional life.

Cybersecurity Hotline

With the current pandemic forcing many businesses to work remotely to protect their employees, cybersecurity and data protection are issues of increasing concern to entities of all sizes. Foster Swift's Cybersecurity Hotline provides callers (businesses, municipalities and other organizations) with quick access to experienced cybersecurity attorneys to assist in controlling potential threats. For assistance regarding a cybersecurity incident or data breach, dial the hotline at (517) FS1-Task or (517) 371-8275 to speak with an attorney.

  

  

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Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC E-Newsletters are intended for general information for our clients and friends. This newsletter highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how this information applies to any specific situation.

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