Susan Apel
Articles by Susan Apel
NAFTA Renegotiation: Are You Prepared?
The agenda is being set and manufacturers have an opportunity to get the issues that matter to them on the table. Now is the time to consider how NAFTA benefits or harms your business. Analyze what might happen if those benefits or burdens are changed or eliminated, monitor developments and participate in the process. To get started, here are some of the significant issues likely to be on the agenda, and some ways to ensure that your business’ interests are represented at the negotiating table.
Dealing with Confidentiality Agreements
Because customers, suppliers and employees change more frequently than in the past, the use of Confidentiality Agreements is growing as manufacturers protect their intellectual property in materials development, automation, fabrication and machining processes, and other trade secrets that are not patented. Here are some points to consider when asking for and receiving protection under Confidentiality Agreements.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Who wants to go through all of the stress, expense and hassle of documenting a business relationship in a clear, comprehensive contract? It is always easier and more expedient to have a verbal contract or an incomplete imprecise written contract. Until something goes wrong.
Dealing with Non-Competition Agreements – from Both Sides
Non-compete agreements are increasingly a part of employment contracts and employment at will, and employers and employees must learn to deal effectively with them. Here are some key aspects of non-competition agreements that must be addressed, from both the employer and employee perspective.
How to Protect Against Liability for Contractor Employee Injury
When an employee of a contractor is injured in a manufacturing plant, the owner of the plant becomes a prime target for a lawsuit. An indemnification agreement can be a shield of protection against this liability – if it is used properly.
Putting Your Head in the Sand is a Bad Idea
The Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission are ramping up enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act to the point that it is imperative that officers, directors and relevant employees of every manufacturer sit up, take notice, and become informed.
Equipment Purchase Agreements: Pay Now Or Pay (More) Later
You should devote almost as much attention to documenting the deal as you did conducting the bid process to cover the many things that can go wrong in the time between making the down payment and final acceptance. Here’s why.
