Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Michigan Business Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Can I work for a staffing agency internally and as an employee contracted out by the agency to a client?

I work for a staffing firm that does payroll/hr/admin contracting for a large client. I’m a corporate employee who manages the hr system for both the staffing agency and the client, in the past I managed payroll for both companies as well (the contracted agency employees and the direct client... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 15, 2021

As a practical matter, I'm not sure it's to either company's benefit for you to manager HR for the both of them. Payroll is another matter, which I don't think is much of an issue.

The arrangement is likely legal; "best practice"? probably not.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Health Care Law for Michigan on
Q: Operating a diagnostic ultrasound facility in Michigan

Hi,

I was thinking about opening a small diagnostic ultrasound clinic in Dearborn, Michigan. I am an experienced sonographer with more than 10 years of experience. I want to cater to clients/patients who will be self pay. I will not be billing insurance companies. I wanted to know what the... View More

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
answered on Sep 17, 2021

You will likely need to seek out an attorney who has experience in health care law. I would inquire about whether or not a sonographer can operate independently, the type of license a diagnostic facility requires, and whether or not a diagnostic facility needs a physician in a director role. And, I... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law for Michigan on
Q: what's the rule of law? Im a business major and struggle to understand what it is especially in this case
Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Sep 2, 2021

The "rule of law" to me means that in the conduct of our nation's affairs, we follow rules, rather than be governed by the whims of a dictator. The phrase could also refer to the rule that governs the outcome of a particular case.

Your question is more of a definitional...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Can money be returned after 6 months?

My company accidentally sent a check to a company ( Company A) with the exact same name as the actual receipt company of the check (Company B). When the check was sent it had all of company As information and was deposited without an issue. Unfortunately that check was sent and cashed in early... View More

David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on Jun 18, 2021

Company A cannot keep the monies for work or services it had not performed. Should you decide to bring an action against them it is very likely you would prevail. From your facts as presented, this should not be difficult to resolve.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Michigan on
Q: If a product has a similar purpose as another BUT it is a different design and material is a patent infringement?

My mother sews and saw a product a few years back that was neat - She thought it would work better with a different design and material - however it serves the same purpose - the other company that has a patent-pending on it contacted us today and I was curious where we can find the exact info on... View More

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Jun 17, 2021

It is hard to say without specifics, but if there is an activity like sewing that has been around for thousands of years, and a company comes up with a new product to help workers perform the activity better, the company will likely patent the product, as well as a method of using that product.... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: For a Video of themed addresses Owner Release / permission required if I only use publicly obtainable images and info?
Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
answered on May 3, 2021

It's not entirely clear what you're asking. But, publicly obtainable images doesn't mean the images are in the public domain. And videos containing images that are not properly licensed, particularly ones produced with a commercial purpose, may create unnecessary liability and risk... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Ref: CHAP13;indivdual;only one case. What is the length of CHAP 13 "automatic" stay ? Is it minimum 60 days ?
David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on Mar 29, 2021

An automatic stay to prevent a property from going to foreclosure will remain in effect until the bankruptcy court lifts the stay. If a debtor follows the bankruptcy protocal on a chapter 13 plan, the stay remains in force. There is no set time frame for the stay to be removed unless there is non... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law and Trademark for Michigan on
Q: If something isn't properly copyrighted or trademarked can it end up in the Public Domain?

The 1968 film "Night of the Living Dead" wasn't properly trademarked due to an error and ended up in the Public Domain. Various Comic book Characters from the Golden Age of Comics in the 1930s and 1940s also entered the public domain when their publishers went out of business. I just... View More

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
answered on Mar 12, 2021

First, be generally aware there is a difference between 'registered' copyrighted works, works protected by copyright, and works with expired copyright protections, and 'works' without copyright protection.

Second, intellectual property is quite a bit like any other type...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: Our waste removal contract requires 60 day notice to cancel before our expired contract auto renews. Can we break this?

The contract expires 3/8/2021. We notified the waste removal company that we intend not to renew the contract on 2/23/2021, but contract terms force us into renewal unless a certified letter was mailed on or prior to 1/8/2021. We are not happy with service, and we would like to avoid this ongoing... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Feb 23, 2021

The renewal provision is probably enforceable.

If the hauler is not performing in accordance with the contract, notify it in writing of the deficiency. Perhaps you can terminate the contract if the deficiency is not cured. Without a copy of the contract, I am at a disadvantage in trying...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Can majority merge LLC with a newly created LLC that has an Operating Ammendment to buyout partners involuntarily?

I am being forced out of an business in which i own 4% of in Michigan. The operating agreement currently states that you can be bought out only voluntarily, or under circumstances of bankrupty, death, etc. However, not involuntairy.

After bringing up we are not interested in selling, we... View More

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
answered on Jan 22, 2021

Maybe.

Generally, Michigan LLC members, whether constituting a majority or minority have different rights. The operating agreement that you're referring to as well as the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act allocate such rights and procedures. Minority members do have some rights....
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Partnership withdrawal and contract debt dispute

If we started a buisness with 5 people and one of the partners volunteer to leave and just wanted what they put in and we oked that in the contract and signed it to be paid evenly between the last 4 partners and the after 5 months 3 of the partners paid there portion already but the last partners... View More

Patrick Duff
Patrick Duff
answered on Jan 12, 2021

It will depend upon the language in the contract you signed to buy out the first partner. If the contract says each remaining partner is reliable for his/her own share, then you're ok. If it says the business is responsible as a whole, you may have to pay and go after the non-paying partner... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Michigan on
Q: How do I divest myself of interest in an LLC; 50/50 Members in a dispute. Accountant says I can turn it over to State.

Accountant says I can turn it over to State of Michigan division of corporations.

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Dec 11, 2020

There is no procedure for the state to accept a transfer to it of a membership interest in an LLC. It should be possible to resign as a member. You should consult with an attorney who can review the entire situation, and the accountant may be useful for advice as to potential tax consequences or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: LLC in its own right may not sue a 50 percent Member shareholder except for what circumstances? Are there citing cases?

Business Court. I need an attorney for limited scope representation to dismiss an action by a LLC against a Member of the LLC. The question is whether the LLC in its own name may sue a Member without 90 day notice in advance and under what circumstances.

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Dec 5, 2020

The Michigan LLC Act does not require advance notice prior to a suit against a member. Does the operating agreement for the LLC so provide? If not, and unless the LLC was formed in a jurisdiction that has an advance-notice requirement, there is no such requirement.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: LLC is suing a Member. Does the Member have to be represented by counsel to defend their own interest. Not the LLC

LLC is suing a Member by another Member who has equal share. The defending Member is not representing LLC. Does Member being sued have to represented by counsel. If so, why, if the Member is not defending the LLC

Sarah S. Shepard
PREMIUM
Sarah S. Shepard
answered on Dec 4, 2020

The general rule in most states is that business entities, such as LLCs, must be represented by a licensed attorney in court. Individuals generally may appear pro se, meaning that they may represent themselves, in court proceedings and lawsuits.

That said, it is best generally best...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Michigan on
Q: Does Michigan LLC Member have to be represented by an attorney when answering a complaint filed by a Member for the LLC

LLC filed a complaint against a MEMBER in the LLC on behalf of the LLC and the Judge said I have to have an attorney but a lawyer told me I don't need a lawyer because I am not defending the LLC

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Dec 3, 2020

Yes. The LLC is a separate entity that cannot represent itself and therefore must be represented by an attorney.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Does Huntington's trademarked "welcome" prohibit if I say "Welcome to Crossnik Media" in a single advertisement?

I have a business called Crossnik Media. We are getting ready to run an introductory ad with the goal of getting some brand recognition for our new local business in Midland, MI. At the end, we say "Welcome to Crossnik Media", because throughout the ad, we're explaining our... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on Oct 19, 2020

In order to give definitive advice to you I would want to know all of the facts, including your proposed use, but I can say for certain that the bank does not have exclusive rights to that the word "welcome". I don't see any possibility of confusion if you are using "welcome... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Libel & Slander for Michigan on
Q: So I used the likeness of another person to sell a product without their permission. This person found out.

I used his Linkdlen profile without his permission in my sales presentation but I did not profit from using his likeness. He then said I was a fraud and con man to many other people.

He has now threatened to sue me. What is my best course of action?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 28, 2020

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. As a starting point, without regard to any applicable state-specific laws, you could try to diffuse the person's anger by providing assurances you ceased and will continue to cease to use his person, his... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Copyright and Trademark for Michigan on
Q: Can I use an acronym like G.O.A.T. in my business marketing materialand website? Or can someone actually trademark this?

The name of my business is GOAT Nails and I am wanting to make sure it is ok for me to use the acronym G.O.A.T.throughout my website.

Kathryn Perales
Kathryn Perales
answered on Aug 5, 2020

Interesting question - I would have thought that G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) would be too generic to trademark, but I see that some people have successfully done it. You should check the TESS database (tess2.uspto.gov) to search for all of the US registered trademarks with the word GOAT in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Business Law for Michigan on
Q: I have renters who have not paid rent for 2 months can I evict them yet due to Covid 19?

They don’t think I can evict them and they have said they have no intention to move or pay rent I would evict them but I don’t think I can right now

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 1, 2020

They (and you) are right. The moratorium on evictions is extended (currently) until July 15.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law for Michigan on
Q: Q: XYz plumb. sole prop. lies, states he's after hours phone service for XyZ & Mech. LLC. Recourse for the LLc?

People call the ph. number of xyz plumbing, a sole proprietor, by mistake. They want XYZ plumbing & mechanical LLC. Instead of xyz plumbing telling the person he has the wrong number, XYZ plumbing states falsely he is the "after hours" phone number for XYZ plumbing & mechanical... View More

Ana Maria Del Valle-Aguilera
Ana Maria Del Valle-Aguilera
answered on Jun 12, 2020

First, confirm that XYZ Plumbing is registered to use the assumed name in your state and in your county. Michigan law requires that a sole proprietor or co-partnership file the business name (if different than the real name of the person) at the county clerk's office, and maybe also with the... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.