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Business Law

Contracts & Financial Transactions

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Any business needs contracts to run smoothly. Whether small or big, businesses use contracts almost every day of their existence. At John R. Foley P.C., we have extensive experience in helping various businesses come up with the best contracts. Since 1994, we have helped several business owners draft various contracts, including employment agreements, non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property licenses, and the terms and conditions of various websites.

Besides helping you to come up with the best legal documents, our attorneys are also experienced in various business transactions like cash investments, distribution of dividends, payment of borrowings as well as the borrowing of cash for use in business. If you need advice or assistance in any matter relating to the contract or any transaction in your business, talk to our attorneys.

Common Business Contracts

A business contract is a legal document where each party agrees to take part in an exchange that may involve goods, services, or money. Business contracts are crucial for the life of any business because they protect both buyers and sellers. Once every party agrees to the terms of the contract and signs the document, the other party has the right to take legal action in case the other party fails to keep their promise as indicated in the contract.

Depending on the details covered, a contract can be long or short. The important thing is that all valuable information is included in the legal document. The following are the most common contracts:

  • Intellectual Property Licenses

Abbreviated as IP, Intellectual Property is a property that originates from one’s mental effort. It is an intangible formulation of the human intellect. Even though there are many types of IPs with some countries having more types than others do, the main types are:

  • Copyrights – Owner’s right to their artistic and written work.

  • Patents – Owner’s rights about the invention of material things.

  • Trademarks – The right to a symbol or name used as identification for the source of the service or product.

  • Trade Secrets – The right to confidential information like secret processes and methods.

IP issues depend on whether one uses their materials or that of someone else. In some cases, the use of someone else’s IP is permitted but only to a certain extent. This is known as the ‘fair use’ rule. The ‘fair use’ rule is an IP law used in the United States to allow the use of IP without the owner’s permission to a particular extent. According to this law, the public can be allowed to use the IP so that they can give their opinion concerning the specific IP.

Other than offering criticism and commentary, fair use rule also applies when the IP is used in a parody, news reporting, research, or any non-profit educational use.

If the Intellectual property is used for any other purpose apart from the ones mentioned above, the person can be charged with IP rights violation.

As an IP owner, our attorneys can help you license, sell, prepare, and file for a patent, copyright, or trademark application. We also offer you guidance on the best ways of protecting your trade secrets and other IPs.

  • Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA)

As a business owner, you probably have some secrets, which you do not want your employees to speak out. Your employees may understand that and keep their mouth shut. The only problem is that you, as their employer, will not be entirely sure that they will keep their mouth shut. Thanks to a Non-Disclosure Agreement, employers can sue the employee who failed to keep their mouth shut as agreed. So long as the employee signed the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), the employer can sue them if they ever share the secret with anyone else.

Also known as, a confidentiality agreement, an NDA is a legal document that compels the person who signs the document to keep the given information as top secret. An NDA is an effective way of ensuring company information stays within the company. Protected information may include new product schematics, plans on sales and marketing, a manufacturing process that is unique to the company or client information.

Having your employees sign an NDA helps you protect your company information. It also puts you in a better position to sue for damages in case your employees go against the NDA and breach the confidentiality agreement.

Apart from helping you draft the NDA, our attorneys can also help you in the event of an NDA violation case. Both employers and employees can be accused of violating the NDA. Other business people can charge employers while employees may be charged with violating the NDA by their employer. Whatever the case, our attorneys have proper training and experience to help win your case.

  • Supply Agreements

Supply agreements ensure that goods are delivered on time. They are the legal underpinnings, which make the supply process smooth.

Many firms tend to overlook the significance of supply agreements, putting themselves at higher risks. Consult with attorneys and have your supply agreement reviewed by the best attorneys. We can also help you write a supply agreement. In case of a dispute, our attorneys can also offer you the legal advice and support you need to win your case. We serve both the suppliers and the business owners.

Without ensuring that supply chain contracts are articulated, you run the risk of affecting the operations of your business.

  • Employment Contracts

Even though employment contracts are not used in every employer-employee

relationship, they are vital documents. An employment contract is

described as

an agreement that comes between an employee and their employer.

Since they

stipulate the duties and responsibilities of both the employer and

the employee,

employment contracts help in the smooth running of the company.

They also help erase any doubt the employee may be having about

their duties.

The agreement also establishes the rights of both parties. Once

signed, an employment

agreement locks both the employer and the employee into the

working relationship

until the period stipulated in the contract elapses.

The contract may also include details concerning compensation,

such as the amount

of salary and benefits the employee can expect to receive. It also

consists of

evaluation standards, which the employer can use to evaluate the employee.

The document is essential for both employers and employees. John R. Foley,

P.C. can help you draft and review the best employment agreement for your employees.

We offer you the crucial legal advice you need when drafting the agreement.

If you are an employee, our legal team will ensure the agreement is legally enforceable as well as help you understand the terms of the contract.

Employment contracts may not be as popular in Michigan since Michigan is an ‘at-will’ employment state. However, if you need one, our attorneys will be more than happy to assist you.

  • Financial Agreements

A financial agreement is a contract between a borrower and a lender. The legal document outlines the way a particular operation is going to be financed. The necessary information in a financial agreement includes:

  • Names and the contact information of the parties.

  • A general statement on the project or business that needs funding.

  • The sum of money to be borrowed.

  • Details on how the money is going to be spent.

  • Payment terms.

  • The way any dispute will be resolved in case it occurs.

 

Despite the size of the business, it is essential to get an attorney to assist you in drafting an excellent financial agreement. Our attorneys will help you draft and understand the practical details of the contract.

  • Website Terms and Conditions

Defined as contracts between website owners and their visitors, website terms,

and conditions help in reducing the disputes that may arise between website

owners and the guests to their websites. Our attorneys use their extensive

experience and knowledge to help you draft solid terms and conditions for your website.

  • Lease Agreements

Lease agreements apply to owners of rental properties as well as people who intend to rent a property.

A lease is described as a legal document that outlines the terms set by the owner of the rental property. Before signing the contract, the person renting has to agree to comply with the terms of the lease. The lease permits the tenant to use the rental property during the lease period as long as they adhere to the conditions specified in the lease. It also guarantees the owner of the regular property payments for the period indicated in the contract.

  • Insurance Agreements

If you are seeking any insurance, it is essential to get an attorney to help you understand the legal implications of the insurance agreement segment. This will help you avoid any legal problems that may arise in the future.

Other contracts and financial agreements that our team of legal experts help you with include manufacturing agreements, consulting agreements, purchase orders, and custom software development, among other legal documents about your business.

Contracts are significant for the running and success of your business. Therefore, do not take any chances with them. Let our legal team be of help. Whether you want to sell or license, or you are undecided about signing an NDA, get in touch with us. We are ready to assist you.

Franchising, Licensing & Trademarks

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Trademarks and brands are some of the most valuable assets of any business. Besides increasing brand awareness, good trademark and licensing strategies can lead to an increase in the income that a company generates. To come up with effective strategies, you need to understand the licensing, trademark, and franchising process. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping various businesses get the most from their business.

Headed by Attorney John R. Foley, our law firm has served the residents of Michigan since its formation in 1994. Our trademark attorneys work with clients to ensure they get the most out of their trademark and brands. We do this by drafting Trademark Licensing agreements that are well-structured.

If you are a business owner who needs to know more about licensing, or you want to franchise, get in touch with us.

Definitions

Franchising: This is whereby the owner of a successful business offers a business opportunity to another person by giving them the right to use their ideas, expertise, and processes. The buyer of the business idea does not have to work hard to create awareness for their brand since they will be using a brand that has already been developed. One of the most successful companies that have significantly grown from franchising is McDonald’s. The person giving out their brand is known as the franchiser, while the one buying the brand is called a franchisee.

The franchisee gets the advantage of using the successful brand while the franchiser retains the control and licenses of the brand. The franchisee receives training from the franchiser as well as marketing and other necessary skills.

Licensing: This is an arrangement where a company allows another company to make the same product it makes for a specific payment. The owner of the Intellectual Property (IP) maintains ownership of their IP as they only permit usage of the idea by another company for a specific period.

In licensing, a trademark owner allows another business to use their trademark under particular conditions. The owner of the trademark is known as the Licencor while the person who gets permission to use the trademark or IP is known as the Licensee.

The terms of licensing vary. Our competent attorneys will help you through the process of licensing, so you do not have to worry.

Trademark: A trademark can range from a phrase to a word, symbol, or design that sets apart a particular brand from the other business brands. Logos are important because they distinguish goods and help identify the source of various products. We understand how crucial trademarks are, which is why our attorneys have dedicated their time in gathering knowledge in all matters regarding trademarks.

Licensing is a process where the entity that owns the trademark (the “Licencor”) gives another entity the power or authority to use the trademark under specified conditions (known as the “Licensee.”)

Conditions Necessary For A Franchise

For a franchise to be valid, the following characteristics must be present. If any of these conditions are missing, the franchise is not legitimate.

  • The right to use the other company’s trademark to sell or offer products

  • Significant support or assistance by the trademark’s owner

  • Payment of the license fee

The Right To Use The Trademark

Even though the trademark license may not be present in the agreement, it still applies. In such a case, the right to the brand will be implied.

Significant Assistance

When an owner of a brand offers major support and assistance to the person using their trademark, the franchisor-franchisee relationship can be said to be “legit”. The brand owner may also exercise immense control over the franchisee. Assistance or control may include:

  • Formal business training

  • Restrictions on the business location

  • Business operating hours

  • The requirement to only sell products from the franchiser

  • Design and display requirements

  • Policies on personnel

Finally, a franchisee must pay the franchiser a certain amount of money to bring about their relationship. This payment covers advertising assistance, training, promotional literature, and continuing royalties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment Of The License Fee

Sources Of Trademarks

The fact that you have come up with your trademark does not automatically mean that you legally own it. To protect your brand legally, brand ownership has to come from the following sources.

  •  Common-law– Under common-law, you obtain trademark ownership and the rights trade mark by actually using the trademark.

  •  United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Registration– This is a federal registration process. Trademark ownership obtained via USPTO registration is stronger than the one obtained via common-law.

​Even if you obtain your ownership via common-law, you will still need to register your trademark with the USPTO. This is especially if you intend to grow your trademark through franchising. Trademark rights obtained via common-law are weak and may be difficult to defend in case you find another business using a trademark similar to yours.

To avoid trademark conflicts with other businesses in the future, it is best to register your trademark with USPTO. USPTO registration is a nationwide ad that protects you from other persons who may want to use a brand that is either identical or resembles yours.

If you are seeking to register your trademark, our attorneys will offer you the legal advice you need, so you avoid conflicts.

Sources Of Trademarks

In the first stages of developing your franchise, you must conduct trademark searches. Trademark searches help you determine whether or not your trademark is protected and hence safe for franchising. Our experienced franchise attorneys will help you perform the trademark search.

If you find that another company already registered the same trademark as you, you will have to come up with another brand. This is because USPTO will not allow you to register your franchise in such circumstances. This can be cumbersome if you have already established your franchise. To avoid such a scenario, it is best to monitor your trademark registrations.

Timely Registration

In the first stages of developing your franchise, you must conduct trademark searches. Trademark searches help you determine whether or not your trademark is protected and hence safe for franchising. Our experienced franchise attorneys will help you perform the trademark search.

If you find that another company already registered the same trademark as you, you will have to come up with another brand. This is because USPTO will not allow you to register your franchise in such circumstances. This can be cumbersome if you have already established your franchise. To avoid such a scenario, it is best to monitor your trademark registrations.

Timely Registration

False claims: A franchiser may face charges if they provide their franchisee with incorrect information concerning their company. In such a case, the franchiser will be violating both federal and state laws in case they lie to the franchisee.

Breach of contract: A franchisee will face breach of contract charges if they make false statements about their earnings. Under such circumstances, the franchiser has the right to file a case against the franchisee for breach of contract. The contract between the franchisee and the franchiser is known as a franchise agreement.

Before entering into the franchise relationship, both the franchiser and the franchisee should understand the franchise agreement to avoid any problems in the future. If you are a franchiser, our attorneys can help you draft a strong, easy to comprehend franchise agreement. Our attorneys also help franchisees understand this crucial document before they sign it. Most problems that arise later usually stem from the agreement.

Conflicts of interest: In addition to the terms and conditions, the franchise contract contains payment information. Since the franchiser receives a percentage of the revenue and the franchisee gets the profits, a conflict of interest may arise when the franchisee seeks to increase the profits but pay no attention to revenue. To increase the profit, franchisees may cut down on costs or using and tricks that increase their profits. In such cases, the profits will increase while the revenue might remain the same.

Numerous legal issues may arise in the relationship between a franchiser and a franchisee. You need a franchise agreement that covers all of these issues so you can charge the guilty party in case they violate the agreement.

Our experienced trademark attorneys will guide you through all the laws of trademark, franchise, and license so you can get into a franchise-franchisee relationship or, license out your business, with full knowledge of the law. If you find anything that seems out of the ordinary in the course of your relationship, be sure to consult our attorneys so you can get the legal support and guidance you need.

Corporate Startup & Finance Practice

Justice Scale

If you are looking to venture into an innovation, speak to one of our attorneys, to explore the legal aspects of the startup. Legal needs for startup businesses include:

Structuring the type ownership: A business can be structured in four ways: sole proprietorship, limited liability, partnership, and corporation. Every form has its own set of guidelines, risks, and income as well as tax liabilities.

Sole proprietorship: A sole proprietorship has one owner. The owner has all rights to the company and receives all the profits. The individual is also responsible for all taxes and any liability concerning the business.

Even though the owner of the business gets to receive all profits, their assets are not protected from business creditors. In case they fail to pay back a loan, the creditor can easily possess their personal property, which may include their home or vehicle.

Another challenge for a sole proprietorship is that options for raising capital are limited compared to those of other types of businesses.

Partnership: A partnership has one or more owners. All owners share the profits or losses, as well as, responsibilities that may arise. Depending on the objectives of the owners, as well as, requirements of the State of Michigan, there are different types of partnerships, such as:

  • General

  • Limited Liability

  • Limited companies

Corporation: A corporation is a formal type of business where a group of people have the authorization to operate as a single entity. Even though a corporation is a business started by multiple people, the number of shares determines ownership. The party with the majority of shares has more control of the business. A corporation can be recognized as a professional corporation, a ‘C’ corporation, or an ‘S’ corporation.

Limited Liability Company: A Limited Liability Company and a corporation are similar. The only difference is that a Limited Liability Company is taxed differently. Just like in a corporation, the owners of a limited liability company are not personally responsible for the liabilities or debts of the company. This type of business combines the characteristics of a partnership with those of a corporation.

Whatever type of business you choose to venture into, we are here to assist you.

Drafting Of Agreements/Contracts

Contracts are the lifeblood of a business. Without them, a company cannot run. Our experienced attorneys will help you draft a contract so that you can avoid any future conflicts with other businesses or employees. We are here to help you draft the appropriate agreement; whether that includes a founder agreement, investment agreement, employment agreement, operating agreement, or licensing contract.

Assignments Of Intellectual Property

It is always best to assign all relevant Intellectual Property (IP) to the company by using an agreement. Intellectual Property refers to all the methods, techniques, ideas, and every aspect that makes a business what it is. It also includes trade secrets, the logo or trademark of the company.

Lease(S) Review

To save your business from future lawsuits, it is important to

have an attorney review your lease contract. Just like any other

contract, a lease is an important document. During the review,

you may notice some aspects that require fixing. The good thing

is – you can negotiate any changes you want the property owner

to make before signing the lease.

Most leases favor the landlord, which is why you need to review

them carefully before signing. Our legal team can help you evaluate

the document so that you can avoid legal trouble in the future.

Our attorneys will explain to you the workings of some of the provisions in the lease and also identify any illegal elements of the contract. In the case of unfavorable provisions, our attorneys can advise you on the best alternatives or other aspects that may need to be included in the lease.

You must also consider the duration of the lease. Most leases run for one year. However, some run on a month to month basis, thus offering both the landlord and the tenant flexibility. If you are anticipating occupying a site for only a short time, then a month-by-month lease is best. This also works when you are new to a particular area and want to see whether the location is ideal for your business.

You also need to find out whether or not the lease allows you to use the property for a home business. There are some leases, which do not allow tenants to use the premises for a home business. It is also essential to find out what will happen in case you do not move out on time as stipulated in the lease contract.

Other factors that you should consider include the number of people allowed to occupy the premises, whether or not the lease allows you to live there with pets and the provisions of ending the contract.

When it comes to commercial leasing, every promise must be put in writing. Therefore, make sure the landlord puts their commitment in writing. If you are a landlord, ensure that the tenant agrees to your terms by putting it in writing, with each party signing.

Review Of Franchise Documents

Before you buy a franchise or sign the franchise agreement, be sure the franchisor provides you with the franchise disclosure document (FDD). This should be presented to you at least two weeks prior to signing your contract which seals the franchise relationship.

The FDD is a crucial franchise document that is required by law. The FDD contains other legal documents you may need to sign before you become a franchisee.

Help Raise Capital

Once you have addressed the necessary legal issues, your next step is to raise funds for your business. Our attorneys can represent your company in loan transactions, after helping you understand the terms and the conditions of the financial transactions. Other sources of capital for startups include venture capitalists, angel investors, and initial public offering (IPO).

Compliance And Regulatory Issues

Compliance refers to a company’s adherence to the regulations, laws, specifications, as well as the guidelines that are relevant to each type of business. You must know all regulations and laws applying to the kind of startup you are planning to venture into. This will help you avoid getting into legal problems later. Failure to comply with the regulations and laws means you are violating laws. Legal punishment for violations may include payment of legal fees.

Tax Compliance

Tax compliance, or failure to comply with tax regulations, is one of the most troublesome areas for businesses. Individuals and companies are taxed differently. This is why corporations are taxed separately from the way an individual is taxed. Some of the factors that influence taxation include whether or not you travel every day to work, the size of your office, and whether or not you have a side job. All these factors affect your income tax filing.

Besides helping our clients handle the various financial transactions involved in corporate startups, our attorneys are experienced in defending clients whenever they get involved in any dispute. We have competent attorneys to handle various commercial litigations that range from business torts, breach of contracts, corporate governance, as well as other legal matters that affect your business.

Whether you are operating in real estate, manufacturing, retail, finance, technology, and construction, you can be sure to get the assistance you need. We have handled legal matters including, fraud and unfair business practice, corporate governance, foreclosure and receiverships, disruptions, cost overruns, and management disputes.

Corporate Advising & Whistle blower Protocols

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When Attorney John R. Foley formed his law firm in 1994, he intended to offer legal services and representation individuals, as well as, to companies in need of legal guidance. To this day, corporate advising and whistleblower representation are among some of the primary practice areas.

We provide legal services to corporations on matters of corporate governance, commercial contracts, workplace disputes, board resolutions and other human resource issues. We handle cases involving whistleblowing, mainly because they risk retaliation from the organizational leadership.

Compliance And Regulatory Issues

Business Consulting and Strategy: Businesses require legal guidance to determine who they are, the direction they plan to take, and the strategies they will employ. If businesses fail to evaluate the impact of laws in their current policy, they risk legal disputes. Corporate consultation applies to new and expanding businesses, where they must acknowledge the right negotiation channels. Statutory audit is critical in the identification of any inconsistencies within the existing corporate legislation. Some company laws are outdated and may restrain the organization from engaging in business practices with other organizations.

Conversely, corporate advisory services are vital during the selection of the business organization form. Formation documents require the drafting and filing of an experienced attorney, especially in cases involving limited liability companies, corporations, and sole proprietorship.

Our attorneys can help with making sure that all legal bases are covered. Importantly, the legal service will help create the best solutions for your business. We understand that the formation of a company is a tiresome experience, and thus, our attorneys offer their professional guidance in achieving your interests.

Financing and Equity Capital Raises: Big companies require funding for various reasons such as investment and financing of their operations. However, most companies end up in legal disputes when they enter into financing agreements whose terms are unclear or unfair. Corporate are urged to be careful when seeking finances and to always consult with attorneys. The two primary ways that organizations can use to fund their operations include: debt and equity. However, the management must consult which of the two has favorable terms.

The challenges regarding financing and equity capital occur when the company has to interact with the stakeholders or other investors. The agreement terms represent the best interests of the organization without violating the law. Debt capital involves the borrowing of money under a contractual agreement, where the funds are to be paid at a later date. However, the capital has a burden of interests and thus, you need legal advice on the bests terms to reach a favorable period.

On the other hand, the sales of stock shares also generate equity capital. Selling of shares and lending to small businesses require the development of terms of the agreement. More so, the entire process must be done in accordance with the law. Therefore, you need to consult an attorney to draft the best terms for an agreement to protect your investment.

Corporate Governance: Large organizations are guided by the law as to how they are managed and run. Corporate Governance protects social and economic development by keeping financial institutions and corporations honest. Corporate rules are critical for the effective running of the business and protection of stakeholder’s rights. Besides the corporate governance laws, expect that companies should have guidelines on how to resolve issues and make decisions.

Legal advice is primary in corporate Governance in drafting the company’s rights and privileges, such as developing the expectations of employees when they violate the workplace laws. Engaging legal advice is critical in minimizing workplace disputes and legal actions. An example is when the management mistreats employees by denying them a fair wage, which is a violation of the employment act.

Our corporate governance lawyers are willing to respond to the needs of your company by keeping in touch with executives in your company and making sure they are well informed before making any decision. They will assist in ensuring that the organization is in compliance with various labor and corporate laws to minimize legal disputes.

Issues On Whistle blowing Protocols In Real Estate Practice

Whistle blowing refers to the act of reporting any forms of wrongdoing in an organization to either an external or an internal body.

  • Internal whistle blowing involves the revealing

of misappropriation of unwanted practices to a

source within the company.

  • External whistle blowing comprises of the

person who reveals a company’s malpractices

to an outside party such as the media or the

regulatory in charge of the industry.

Different organizations should come up with whistle

blowing policies to protect those who are interests

in the ethical conduct of the companies. The

following are issues on whistle blowing in real

estate practices.

Reporting wrongdoing: Whistle blowing policies

encourage personnel to report any wrongdoings

while protecting the interests of the company.

Organizations should form independent internal

oversight bodies to receive the reports and incidences of wrongdoing. Those who report illegal business activities should be protected from any form of retaliation as required by the law. The requirements foster the culture of accountability because the fear of retaliation discourages the whistle blowers from speaking out.

Support for complainants: Whistle blowers who present critical information should be listened to when they receive threats. The significant barrier for support for whistle blowers is the lack of an external body and independent mechanisms to listen to their grievances. More so, the process of handling complaints should be different from that of reporting wrongdoings. The claim should be investigated, and if found to be accurate, actions should be taken against the retaliator.

On the other hand, whistle blowers should not feel discouraged to pinpoint wrongdoings when they work in an organization without a proper whistle blowing mechanism. You should seek legal advice before publishing any company secrets. In the past, some whistle blowers have ended up in prison for releasing corporate secrets. In the United States, for you to qualify as a whistle blower, you must have evidence that the employer violated some laws or regulations. However, some rules, such as the Espionage Act of 1917, can be used against a whistle blower. Organizations are urged to create whistle blowing policies to avoid scenarios where employees release corporate secrets.

Considerations In Developing A Whistle blower Policy:

Management, with the help of an experienced attorney, can draft a workplace whistle blowing policy and present it to board members or directors for endorsement.

Definition of individuals covered in the policy: A whistle blower policy should include all parties in an organization and the external organization that interact with the management. An example is a corporate company that can consist of the employees, supervisors, managers, top executives and business associates. The definition of individuals covered by the policy is critical in setting the parameters of the rule.

Non retaliation provision: Whistle blowing policy should protect whistle blowers from any form of retaliation. Employees who choose to report wrongdoings should not face criticism or be discriminated against by other workers. More so, the provision should include a disclaimer that those found discriminating against the whistle blowers will face the full force of the law. The regulation is critical because if an organization allows whistle blowers to be bullied, future incidences of wrongdoings will go unreported.

Confidentiality: An effective whistle blowing policy guarantees the unanimity of the person who reports the wrongdoing. Privacy is the key to encouraging more employees to report incidences that are unethical or in violation of workplace laws. An example is allowing workers to end unanimous tips for the whistle blowing committee to investigate. However, the technique has a setback of facilitating the reporting of false details. An employee with a grudge on a fellow worker may report incorrect information through the single whistle blowing channel.

Process: An effective whistle blowing policy should include the process of reporting a claim and the timeline for investigating the information offered. An example is when the whistle blower is expected to file their claim in a specific department. In case it is a sensitive issue, the organization can develop a mechanism that the message will reach the top management. For instance, it is inappropriate for the senior managers to receive information that the supervisor is unaware of. Some of the appropriate suggestions are the use of specific telephones and emails to reach a particular department.

Communication: The whistle blowing policy should be known to the employees and all other stakeholders in an organization. The employees can receive the plan through the training programs or employee’s handbook. It should be part of the employee’s orientation procedure conducted by the human resource department. It can also be posted on the company’s website for the employees to read at their convenience. Employees should be provided with additional resources to facilitate their reporting of any wrongdoing. An example is the protection they get in case they have to testify against the accused.

If you require legal advice or services for corporate needs, including the drafting of a whistle blowing policy, kindly contact our team of attorneys. We are here for you. We will advise your company before making any corporate agreement. Visit our offices today in Michigan for more details on how you can utilize our services.

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