The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is intensifying its scrutiny of the higher education sector, as suggested by a new report it recently released on college and postsecondary school tuition plans. Ballard Spahr LLP offers an in-depth analysis of the report. The CFPB’s report sheds light on the prevailing practices in higher education tuition payment…
Legal professionals, particularly those delving into the realm of insurance law, are all too familiar with the complex legal matrices surrounding bad-faith insurance claims. Recently, Florida has enacted significant changes in its insurance law connected to bad faith claims in insurance coverage litigation. This legal transformation was brought to life by Senate Bill 2A and…
As the global market tightens and competition intensifies, many small business owners have found themselves contemplating franchising as a possible expansion plan. Franchising can enhance your company’s physical presence, escalate your revenue, and heighten your brand recognition. However, it is not a decision to be taken lightly, and the process often takes longer than most…
In the ever-changing landscape of environmental law and regulations, a key focus has been the issue of microplastics, specifically nurdles. These small plastic pellets serve as the raw material for nearly all plastic products. However, they have garnered attention for their detrimental impact on the environment, as they frequently end up in our oceans and…
In recent development, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. lodged a protest against a contract awarded to SGT, LCC by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This acquisition has been targeted towards ground systems and operations services at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Alabama. The details of the contract raise some serious questions about…
In the world of fast-paced corporate communication, the use of texting acronyms and emojis has sparked a substantial debate. This topic was recently discussed at the “People’s Court” argument concluding Exterro’s XChange Global Conference in New Orleans. Scott Milner of Morgan Lewis was delegated the task of arguing the “Pro” position, while a Reed Smith…
Yusuf Zakir, the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Davis Wright Tremaine, has voiced the need for law firms to solidify their commitment to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) during an episode of Legal Speak. Zakir, during the interview, reflected on the complex challenges facing those who are in positions of DEI leadership, especially…
The United States Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is taking rigorous strides to help shape the nation’s approach to the ever-evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This comes in response to the strikingly fast-paced growth of AI technologies over the recent years. In their efforts, NIST remains distinctly engaged in…
In an intriguing case that emphasizes the critical role the Secretary of State plays in governing foreign entities’ ability to conduct business, a change in judicial judgment was recently observed. As per Section 1312 (a) of the Business Corporation Law (BCL), international corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies authorized to take ‘affirmative part in doing…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug has the potential to trigger significant ripple effects throughout the industry. This follows an executive order issued by President Biden in October 2022, which directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice…
In a much-anticipated move, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has pre-released a revamped version of the Uniform Guidance. The original Uniform Guidance, issued on December 26, 2013, brought forth transformative shifts in the management, administration, and oversight of federal financial assistance (i.e., grants and cooperative agreements). This came as part of United States’…
Being the recipient of bad news after investing a considerable amount of funds on legal representation can be disheartening. This feeling oftentimes leads clients to question their attorney’s competence and consider terminating their services. However, this reaction may not always serve the client’s best interest. Based on my firsthand experience, I recall being involved in…
The 2020s have ushered in a new era for the tech industry as a time of burgeoning rules, a trend that poses an interesting question: will artificial intelligence (AI) and its rapid expansion follow the same trajectory? Ontra, a leading firm on this topic, is hosting a CLE-eligible webinar on October 11 at 1 p.m….
In a significant development for the legal and business landscape, an extension has been proposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to the period to report beneficial ownership under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). As reported by JDSupra, this new rule, referred to as the “Proposed Rule”, was issued…
The summer of 2023 saw an influx of unique consumer health data privacy legislation being enacted, exhibiting vivid changes in the approach towards health data privacy. Most notably, the Washington legislature took the lead by introducing the country’s pioneering consumer health data privacy law. This new legislation goes by the name of the Washington My…
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has put forth a proposal that has the potential to reshape the overtime eligibility landscape for millions of employees nationwide. The proposed revision to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations aims to add an additional 3.6 million employees to the cohort entitled to receive overtime payments. This considerable…
On September 26, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), teamed up with 17 state attorneys general, lodged a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington against Amazon.com, Inc. This significant legal action came about under Section 5 of the FTC Act and Section 2 of Sherman Act, challenging Amazon’s exclusive…
The past week in London’s legal landscape was marked with several noteworthy litigation events. Global tech giants Lenovo and Motorola found themselves embroiled in a wireless tech patent quarrel, which they opted to bring to the United Kingdom, with InterDigital. The case revolves around certain contention around wireless technology patents; the finer details remain to…
In July, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new initiative that would significantly impact warehouse and distribution facilities across the country. Known as the National Emphasis Program (NEP), this initiative focuses on improving workplace safety in industries where the risk of employee injury or death is considerably high. The NEP is…
The impending federal government shutdown, as lawmakers seem unable to reach an agreement on funding, brings pressing concerns into sharp focus, primarily for federal employees and agencies, whose operations are poised to be significantly disrupted. This potential government shutdown would be the first such instance since the 35-day shutdown that stretched from December 22, 2018,…
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) painstakingly navigates a landscape fraught with varying complexities. They often maneuver through issues regarding enforcement, regulation, and resolutions of disputes. Over the years, professionals in law firms and corporations have relied on a monthly newsletter – Bracewell’s FINRA Facts and Trends – for a condensation and digestion of recent…
Notable recent events in the U.K. legal sector cover an array of issues, brought into focus by corporations from varied industries. Tech giants Lenovo and Motorola took their patent disagreement with InterDigital to the U.K., related to wireless tech. The case captures the perpetual challenge of patent delineation in the ever-evolving tech industry. Additionally, litigation…
In the fourth week of September 2023, an essential development that caught our attention in the legal landscape surrounding government contractors is the tightening of the HUBZone regulations by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Contractors maintaining or seeking HUBZone certification will particularly feel the impact of this change. Government contractors must now make themselves aware…
In a significant recent development, Meitheal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. The agreement aims to bring Tonghua Dongbao’s three insulin biosimilars (insulin aspart, insulin lispro, and insulin glargine) into the U.S. market. The expanding influence of biosimilars in the pharmaceutical sector has been a much-discussed topic…
As technology continues to shape client interactions and business growth, law firms worldwide are being forced to adapt, with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools becoming increasingly prevalent. These tools, designed to streamline client interactions, have long promised to foster growth within the industry. However, it seems that many law firms are facing one significant, persistent…