Trademarks and How Applications are Affected by COVID-19
A Federal Trademark is a powerful thing. Trademarking a phrase or logo allows you or your business to prevent others from copying what makes you unique. Think of Nike. Everyone immediately recognizes a Nike product by the “Nike swoosh logo.” Think of Google, Yahoo, and Twitter. All three of these were unique names that at
Michigan Property Tax Appeal Changes Due to COVID-19
On Thursday, May 14, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2020-87 extending the filing deadlines for property tax appeals in Michigan. Under normal circumstances, a township or local unit of government’s Board of Review meets the second week of March to hear protests from residential real property owners regarding their property tax assessments. If
Michigan Court of Appeals Rules that a Short-Term Rental is not a Residential Single-Family Use for Zoning Purposes
The Michigan Court of Appeals issued a published case in the area of short-term rental regulation. In Reaume v Township of Spring Lake, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed that a short-term rental of a residential property is a commercial use of the property and is not a residential single-family use for zoning purposes. Reaume
Solar Panels Allowed on PA 116 Property
Michigan now allows land enrolled in the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program, also known as PA 116, to be used for solar farm and commercial solar panel array purposes. PA 116 is a tax credit program for the preservation of land in Michigan from development and often used by Michigan farmers to enhance farming
Employment Law Update: Developing a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
Michigan’s stay at home order requires open in-person businesses to prepare a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan. Although the plan is currently required for COVID-19 any plan would also be useful for any future infectious disease preparedness. Any plan should include the following: Restrict the number of employees present on premises to no more than
Remote Notarization and Witnessing for Estate Plans and Real Estate Documents
Remote Notarization and Witnessing is now allowed in Michigan under Executive Order 2020-41 throughout Michigan’s COVID-19 emergency. Physical presence in front of notary and the requirement for physical original signatures have been temporarily suspended under Michigan’s Notary Act and the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. A licensed notary with a valid notarial commission may
Real Estate Law Update: Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Extending Moratorium on Evictions to May 15th
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order extending Michigan’s moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 emergency to May 15th. Governor Whitmer first suspended evictions on March 20 allowing tenants to remain in their homes even if they do not pay rent on time. Many Michigan District Courts have already imposed their own separate eviction freezes
Business Law Update: Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order to Reopen Construction and Real Estate Industries on May 7th
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an Executive Order on Friday, May 1st allowing the construction and real estate industries to go back to work starting at 12:01 am on Thursday, May 7th. Allowed activities include: Construction industry, including contractors such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians and similar workers. Real estate industry, including agents, appraisers, brokers, inspectors,
Small Business Exclusion under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which among other things will provide mandatory emergency FMLA leave and sick leave, is effective April 1, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020. Employers must post a notice about leave entitlements in a conspicuous location at their business. If you require a copy of the notice, please contact Shinners
Employment Law Update: Impact of New Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 18th the Senate passed, and the President signed, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which among other things will provide paid family and sick leave to individuals in the U.S. affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. The new law has a significant future impact on businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The law is