In a noteworthy regulatory proposal, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a move to reinstate the “net neutrality” rules by a vote of 3-2. Notably, this proposal allows the FCC to regulate broadband Internet access service as a traditional utility. Details of the proposal suggest this change will spark a significant regulatory process, with…
Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of FTX, was set to deliver a highly anticipated testimony to the jury but was delayed at the eleventh hour by a judge’s intervention, a development that has garnered substantial attention among many legal professionals. Though details about the cause and context behind the delay are still emerging, it is clear…
In a landscape of increasing technological innovation in agribusiness, the uncertainty and disputes regarding intellectual property (IP) rights have seen a substantial surge. Highlighting these complex issues is the recent lawsuit, Corteva v. Inari, a case that underscores the intricate legal challenges surrounding the protection and establishment of ownership for new, genetically edited plant varieties….
On 17 October 2023, a significant decision was made by the European Union’s privacy regulators. The Joint Opinion—as it has come to be known—was adopted by both the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). This critical joint opinion offers feedback to the proposed Regulation on the implementation of the…
A former Cincinnati-based lawyer identified as Richard L. Crosby III, has been arrested on charges of using a false identity to secure high-paying roles at law firms in Washington DC and Florida, following his disbarment in 2021. Details of the arrest surfaced on Thursday, the fallout from a criminal complaint filed in the Southern District…
On May 5, 2022, a group of plaintiffs composed of the States of Missouri and Louisiana, alongside various private parties, initiated a lawsuit against the President and an assortment of federal agencies and officials. These plaintiffs contended that high-trafficked social media platforms had either obstructed their use of these platforms or had “downgraded” their posts…
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to become deeply embedded in companies worldwide, understanding the legal implications and regulations tied to its implementation is crucial. This article explores Brazil’s approach to AI legislation, which provides a surprising, yet insightful perspective, given the global struggle amongst governments to establish definitive guidelines on AI regulation. According to a…
In a recent podcast episode by RegFi, Jo Ann Barefoot shared her insights on the complexities of modernizing financial regulations. Barefoot, who is the founder and CEO of the non-profit Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), joined hosts Jerry Buckley and Sasha Leonhardt. With her extensive experience that spans across government, private sector, and academia, Barefoot…
Jason M. Zucchi, a seasoned legal professional specializing in Intellectual Property (IP) law, has recently joined the team of Barnes & Thornburg, Minneapolis. Zucchi now serves as a partner in the firm’s IP department, according to an official announcement made by the firm last Thursday. Zucchi brings robust experience to Barnes & Thornburg primarily in…
In recent years, the integration of whistleblower hotlines in business ecosystems has grown more relevant, offering stakeholders a confidential means to voice concerns over potential ethical issues. However, in order to succeed and serve their intended purpose, these helplines should possess certain core characteristics. Building on a detailed article from JD Supra, let’s delve into…
In a recent special podcast episode, the RegFi hosts offered their initial insights into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed Personal Financial Data Rights rule. This proposed rule, designed to implement Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act, could potentially affect banks, credit unions, credit card issuers, as well as fintechs offering open banking services…
In a recent update delivered by Ballard Spahr LLP, matters pertaining to rent control and the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) were investigated. Their publication offered an in-depth follow-up to a preceding alert, emphasizing that the legislative year has proven dynamic for rent control measures and regulations across various jurisdictions. The shifting landscape of real…
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) established a new policy on October 4, 2023, as part of an ongoing initiative to upgrade and reinforce policies related to corporate misconduct prevention. This policy, known as the Mergers & Acquisitions Safe Harbor Policy, intends to instill a presumption against prosecution for firms that willingly and swiftly…
In a recent episode of RegFI, Delicia Hand, the Director of Financial Fairness Advocacy at Consumer Reports, engaged the hosts, Jerry Buckley and Sherry Safchuk, in a discussion about the latest initiatives by Consumer Reports to provide data and tools meant to empower consumers to make informed financial decisions. This information was taken from Orrick,…
The health and capacity of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) in the United States has faced considerable scrutiny in light of the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. According to a report from the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), titled “Vital Signs”, the DIB is experiencing significant challenges due to limited capacity for increasing production, political…
In an important decision that adds to the ongoing dialogues on investor standing and power dynamics in securities litigation, the Ninth Circuit recently ruled on a key aspect of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA). What happens when an investor, the first to file a federal securities class action, is not chosen as the…
In a brisk return to pre-pandemic levels, school-sponsored student travel is accelerating rapidly, with international trips, exchange programs, and additional travel opportunities being eagerly reincorporated into educational programs after the lifting of COVID-era travel restrictions. The provided experiences are considered an integral part of the educational curriculum, lending vibrant and expansive dimensions to student learning…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a new draft guidance on Monday, October 24, directed toward communications from firms to health care providers about scientific information on unapproved uses of approved/cleared medical products. This move marks a significant update, as this draft guidance replaces the previous FDA’s 2014 draft guidance entitled “Distributing Scientific and…
The legal technology sector is witnessing an escalation in prices in a trend reflecting the rising tide of global inflation. Despite still being a relatively recent addition to the legal sphere, legal tech has rapidly entrenched itself as a key element of daily operations within modern corporations and law firms across the globe. Law.com reports…
In a significant shift of policy, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) Division of Enforcement issued an Advisory defining a new approach to handling penalties, monitors and consultants, and admissions in CFTC enforcement actions on October 17, 2023. The new policy was outlined in an Advisory released by the Division, which covers fresh guidelines for…
In a move of continuous transparency, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Examinations recently publicized its 2024 Examinations Priorities. This annual report offers valuable insight into the Division’s area of concern in a bid to enhance compliance, deter fraudulent activities, monitor inherent risks, and steer its policy-making endeavors. Details available via JDSupra….
South Austin Health Imaging LLC, doing business as Longhorn Imaging Center (“Longhorn Imaging”), has reported a data breach to the Attorney General of Texas. The reported incident, which was detected on October 25, 2023, indicated that there had been unauthorized access to the sensitive personal and health information in the company’s possession. This data breach…
The United States Supreme Court recently heard a challenge to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the federal government agency tasked with protecting consumers in the financial sector, including helping students make informed decisions about student loans and repayment options. Oral arguments were presented on October 3, 2023, highlighting the potential risk to the CFPB….
In a landscape heavily impacted by COVID-19 and recent legal decisions, California employers will want to ensure they are navigating the intricacies of vacation pay and accrual in compliance with the law. An essential detail to effectively handle these situations lies in understanding a recent Ninth Circuit panel ruling. The decision, Harstein v. Hyatt Corporation,…
On September 25, 2023, an advisory opinion unfavorable to the proposed arrangement was issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“OIG”). According to the advisory, the proposed carve-out arrangement limited only to commercially insured patients potentially violates the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”). This arrangement involves the purchase of…