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October 14, 2025

In this issue:

  

  

  
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The Implications of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 Expiring

Taylor A. Gast and Lindsey M. Mead

The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (“CISA”) expired on September 30, 2025.

CISA was designed to encourage private organizations to share cybersecurity information with other private sector entities and the federal government through the Department of Homeland Security, aiming to strengthen overall monitoring capabilities and bolster collective defense against cyber threats. Additionally, CISA provided legal protections to reporting private entities in order to encourage their participation...

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Top Five Legal Considerations for Women Entrepreneurs: A Practical Guide

Amanda J. Dernovshek and Lindsey M. Mead

Women entrepreneurs and business owners are trekking down new paths in the modern economy, setting trends and shattering ceilings across every industry. However, for many women, the entrepreneurial journey often brings distinct legal and practical challenges that may not be encountered by their male peers.

Below, we explore our top five legal essentials every woman entrepreneur should prioritize, and how each step can contribute to a more resilient, thriving business...

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What Business Owners Need to Know About the New Tax Law

Michael C. Zahrt and Olivia K. Reid (Law Clerk)

This past July, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”) was enacted, completely altering the landscape of tax and estate planning for business owners. One of the most significant changes? A permanent increase to the federal gift and estate tax exemption.

Yes, you read that right, permanent...

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Understanding Copyright Protection for Creative Writers

Lindsey M. Mead and Mikhail Murshak

If you are crafting a book, screenplay, film, or any other creative work, copyright law can be both a shield and a tool for protecting your ideas. Imagine spending years finalizing a creative work only to discover another has come along that shares your plot twists and characters. Is this coincidence, intellectual property theft, or infringement?

To answer that, it is crucial to understand what copyright protection actually provides and what it does not, especially if you stumble upon a work from another party that seems strikingly similar to your own...

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New IP Blog to Assist Businesses with Brand Protection

Intellectual Property (IP) protection is one of the most overlooked – yet critical – components of running a successful business. To help fill that gap, Foster Swift IP attorney Mikhail “Mike” Murshak has launched the IP Monday Law Blog.

“Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a growing enterprise, or managing institutional portfolios, understanding IP - trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets - is essential to protecting your brand, products, and creative works” Murshak says.

The blog is designed to demystify IP law, providing practical insights and strategic guidance.  Each post aims to help businesses safeguard their ideas, avoid costly legal pitfalls, and unlock the full potential of their intellectual capital...

  

  

  
  

Tune into these Podcasts: Businesswomen and Sports Talk

Businesswomen Talking Podcast

To encourage women business leaders and entrepreneurs in Greater Lansing and around Michigan, Foster Swift business attorneys Amanda Dernovshek and Lindsey Mead host the monthly storytelling podcast: Businesswomen Talking.

Each episode features local businesswomen leaders, owners and entrepreneurs sharing their personal experiences such as how they got started, difficulties they have faced along the way and other valuable insight.

All episodes are available on Spotify and Foster Swift’s YouTube page as well as the following landing page: fosterswift.com/f-businesswomen-talking-podcast-episodes-resources.html

Sports Talk Podcast

Hosted by experienced sports and business law attorneys Dave RussellCharlie Sarchet and Tony Dalimonte, the Foster Swift Sports Talk podcast breaks down the legal side of high school recruiting and college athletics in a way that’s clear, practical, and relevant for student-athletes and their parents.

With recruiting season in full swing, high school athletes and their families are facing a fast-changing world in college sports. From NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals to shifting NCAA rules, and the establishment of the College Sports Commission (CSC), understanding what’s ahead can feel overwhelming.

All podcast episodes are available on Apple Podcasts as well as Spotify. Notable guests have included MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl and 2000 National Championship MSU Basketball player, Andre Hutson.

  

  

  
  

Family Advocate Blog Provides Plain English Perspective

When Family law is referenced, divorce is often the first thing that comes to mind. Divorce however is only one of a number of areas that encompass this area of law. 

Many people often underestimate family law and the value of skilled family law counsel as an absolute necessity. To provide an interesting and informative perspective to those with similar legal needs, be sure to visit Your Family Law Advocate Blog. 

The purpose of this blog is to guide readers through the maze of legal issues and topics facing couples and families, allowing focus for what is most important: focusing on the well-being of your family. See more at yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com.

  

  

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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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Copyright © 2025 Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC.

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