In a major legal development related to consumer rights and anti-discriminatory practices, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Wisconsin Department of Justice recently announced a settlement with a major Wisconsin auto dealer group. The settlement follows a lawsuit brought under the FTC Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), the Wisconsin Deceptive Trade Practices…
Barnes & Thornburg LLP, a leader in the legal landscape, has announced the expansion of its intellectual property team with the addition of an attorney from Fish & Richardson PC. This disciplined and experienced IP practitioner has an impressive track record in wielding legal prowess to represent both Fortune 100 companies and ambitious start-ups in…
Welcome back, legal professionals, to The Week in Weed: October 2023 #4. Our focus continues to be on the important, often complex, legal matters related to the cannabis industry. Our top story this week centers around an escalating controversy in Jersey City, New Jersey. The contentious issue at the forefront is the use of cannabis…
In an era where data security has gained paramount importance, Tri Counties Bank recently reported a significant data breach impacting both its employees and customers’ sensitive information. This breach was reported to the Attorney General of California on October 12, 2023. According to the notice submitted, it was found out that an unauthorized actor was…
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) has recently disclosed the selected project recipients for negotiation towards establishing seven regional clean hydrogen hubs across the United States. This decision, part of a significant advancement towards sustainable energy, was undertaken following a $7 billion investment supplied by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law…
In September, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) dispensed guidance regarding the employment of artificial intelligence (AI) in the credit decision-making processes of lenders. The regulations issued focus on adherence to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act’s conditions concerning adverse action notice for lenders implementing AI in their procedures. The Bureau underscored that lenders cannot rely…
In a significant recent development, the European Commission prohibited a US$1.7 billion merger in the online travel agency sector on 25 September 2023. The Commission made the decision under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, or the EU Merger Regulation, a key piece of legislation overseeing the competition policy in the European Union. The case is…
Two well-known attorneys operating in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s legal wing are on routes to new career paths. Thomas Krause, the current Solicitor, is set to oversee director reviews while Joe Matal, the former Solicitor, has announced that he is initiating a new firm. Thomas Krause’s expansive understanding in patent litigation and the…
In a recent judgment, the High Court of England and Wales demonstrated that enforcement of a judgment might still be possible in England, even when it can no longer be enforced in its original jurisdiction, highlighting an essential aspect of transnational litigation. The case in question is Invest Bank PSC v. Ahmad Mohammed El-Husseini and…
The Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld a law for the fourth time that criminalizes same-sex relations within its military service. The court, regarded as one of the highest in the country, stood firm in its belief that same-sex activities within the military might lead to deterioration of discipline and adverse effects on the battle…
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is contemplating a significant move in relation to Convertible Virtual Currency (CVC) mixing. On October 19, 2023, the regulatory network has issued a notice for a proposed rule that highlights CVC mixing as a testament to primary money laundering concern. The prospective rule aims…
As highlighted in a recent legal publication, the regulatory powers vested in the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) have come under scrutiny for their effect on automotive imports from China. Posing a specific issue for American automakers is the potential fragility of supply chains, especially those…
In ongoing developments surrounding a pharmacy entangled in a major lawsuit, the establishment has now called for a Florida federal court to dismiss a suit instituted by Eli Lilly & Co. The pharmaceutical giant alleges the pharmacy has been involved in selling fraudulent or compounded variants of a highly lucrative drug designed to aid weight…
On October 17, 2023, the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (“Petitioner”) filed a petition (“Petition”) to the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC” or “Commission”). The request essentially concerns the possible imposition of antidumping duties (“ADD”) on certain vehicles’…
A recent report released by the American Bar Association Commission on Women highlights an ongoing issue permeating industries across the board: the disparate treatment of working mothers compared to their male counterparts. The study found a significant percentage of working mothers have received demeaning comments about maintaining their professional roles alongside parenting duties. This starkly…
In an important legal news update, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning on October 10, 2023, regarding the potential health risks associated with compounded ketamine products. A communication from the FDA highlights the escalating concerns relating to the use of these substances. This warning from the FDA follows an earlier…
In a recent decision that sent shockwaves through the legal world, the New York State Supreme Court determined that the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, more commonly known simply as ‘the commission’, is unconstitutional. The court argued that the commission infringes on the principle of separation of powers. The ruling…
In an era where data is becoming increasingly critical for businesses, adhering to cybersecurity requirements is non-negotiable. This importance of this topic has been further underscored by the US federal government’s decision to standardize these requirements. The aim is to ensure uniform compliance. However, the enforcement of compliance largely builds upon the concept of self-certification,…
US Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) pleaded not guilty before US District Judge Sidney Stein to charges alleging that he conspired to act as a foreign agent of Egypt. These allegations, which were highlighted in an indictment two weeks ago, accuse Menendez of accepting considerable bribes in exchange for misusing his senatorial duties to benefit the…
On October 24, 2023, Gurbir Grewal, Director of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Enforcement Division, addressed the New York Bar Association Compliance Institute. The critical topic of his talk revolved around the diminishing public trust in bank and investment institutions. This discussion proves to be of particular relevance to legal professionals working in…
Karen Suber, a former lead transactional attorney for VVP Services LLC, initially sued the company, three affiliated businesses, Amit Raizada, and Stratton Sclavos in the Southern District of New York. Suber alleged discriminatory and abusive behavior, exclusion from meetings, being prohibited from direct contact with crucial clients of color, and the use of a racial…
In a recent turn of events in the food venture financing space, Ferrara Candy, a name synonymous with delicious candy treats, confirmed its plans to acquire the distinguished jelly bean enterprise, Jelly Belly Candy. The exact terms of the transaction remain under wraps as of present; however, this development further asserts Ferrara Candy’s significance in…
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board) recently published its eagerly-awaited final joint-employer Rule. This follows the initial publication of the revised Rule for public comments in September 2022. The implementation of the Rule is set for December 26, 2023. What this Rule signifies is the governances by the Board on the determination…
In a recent addition to the ‘Client Corner: Perspectives from Founders, Financiers, and Friends’ podcast series, Biotech Executive John Edwards was featured as the guest. The podcast, hosted by Mintz Member Joshua Fox, provides an insightful exploration of the various dynamics involved in launching, managing, and investing in businesses. It serves as a vital resource…
In the realm of legal news this week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published new revised draft guidance, providing revised guidelines for permissible proactive communications to health care providers (HCPs). The updated instructions, named Communications From Firms to Health Care Providers Regarding Scientific Information on Unapproved Uses of Approved/Cleared Medical Products: Questions and…