In a decision on July 17, 2023, the Ninth Circuit in the case of Hunley v. Instagram, LLC, No. 22-15293, reaffirmed the legally significant, albeit controversial, “server test.” This rule provides websites with a layer of protection against copyright infringement liabilities when they embed images that are hosted on another website’s server. The Ninth Circuit…
On July 27, the Biden Administration revealed via a detailed fact sheet, an ongoing development for a Renters Bill of Rights, which was first introduced earlier this year. Spearheaded by actions focusing on supporting renters, this unfolding development has been covered and documented by JD Supra, a renowned legal news outlet. As part of this…
In a move that has garnered significant attention, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decided to significantly lower the threshold for unions and employees who wish to challenge the validity of certain work rules. This development has come about after years of discussion regarding the pressing need for alterations in specific work rules regulations. The…
In a surprising development in the Massachusetts cannabis industry, the incumbent director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is reportedly exiting the organization. This departure is taking place as the agency is in the thick of enforcing a fresh cannabis equity law instituted in August 2022. According to a report published in JD Supra,…
On July 31, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) issued its annual report for the calendar year 2022, showcasing its activity in screening foreign investments for potential national security threats. The past year proved particularly engaging for the committee, as the report details an unprecedented number of reviews, with a total…
Earlier this year on July 31, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published its Cash Savings Market Review (“Review”) immediately following roundtable discussions held with several banks. The review’s insights and its potential implications for firms failing to meet the FCA’s expectations in this area present a significant development within the financial sector that warrants closer…
Law firms are typically owned by lawyers – a fact I found myself grateful for after hearing a recent podcast discussing the influence that private equity ownership has begun to wield over the healthcare profession. As it turns out, private equity firms have been increasingly buying up healthcare practices, resulting in a drastic shift in…
In a noteworthy development, an MIT task force specifically designed to develop guidelines and principles on Generative AI’s responsible use for law and legal systems has released preliminary versions of seven principles. These principles aim to ensure factual accuracy, ensure valid legal reasoning, align with professional ethics and diligently use AI responsibly in the legal…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, ranging from text and image generators to music and software code marvelling utilities, have seen a significant proliferation recently. However, their integration with Intellectual Property (IP) has been the subject of intense discussion in legal circles. One of the key focal points of these debates circles around whether works of art…
The U.S. Treasury Department recently released its 2022 annual report to Congress on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This report, which covers the entirety of the 2022 calendar year, provides important insights and statistical data regarding the CFIUS process and the state of foreign investments into the United States throughout…
In a recent landmark decision, the Singapore High Court has declared cryptocurrency as property that can be held in trust. The judgement was passed in the case of ByBit Fintech Ltd v Ho Kai Xin and others [2023] SGHC 199, making this the first instance where the Singapore courts have arrived at such a ruling….
Mexican authorities have confirmed the recovery of two bodies from the Rio Grande, reigniting a contentious debate over the floating barriers instigated by Texas to deter border crossings. The bodies, one Mexican and the other Honduran national, were found near and away from buoys implying a concerning pattern of danger in the area. These incidents…
In a significant advancement to Maine’s commitment to renewable energy, Governor Janet Mills has signed into law “An Act Regarding the Procurement of Energy from Offshore Wind Resources”. The legislation is set to gear up the responsible development of a mighty three gigawatts of offshore wind power in the Gulf of Maine by 2040. The…
On August 3, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a groundbreaking new pilot program. This initiative would provide a virtual platform for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification inspections. It’s significantly noteworthy that this measure is intended to apply to employers not currently enrolled in E-Verify. The DHS’s announcement offers an important new procedure…
As global legal practitioners know, law intersects with many areas of life, from criminal justice to corporate transactions. Health care is one such area where this intersection is distinctly prominent. A noteworthy publication shedding light on recent trends and issues is the ‘Better Health Care Newsletter’, released in August 2023. One piece that attracted attention…
Aurora Renovations and Developments, LLC, also known as Aurora Pro Services, has consented to settle a religious discrimination and retaliation lawsuit for the sum of $50,000. The case was brought forward by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as per a recent announcement by the agency. The North Carolina-based residential home service and repair…
Building on our previous report on the key elements of an employee reporting system, we press forward to explore more factors pivotal to the system’s success. This article examines the assurance employees need from corporate leadership regarding their concerns and the commitment to address them. The original article, penned by The Volkov Law Group, provides…
In an intriguing development on the legal horizon with regards to insurance claims, a Florida condominium association is mandated by law for utilizing its utmost efforts to source and retain ample property insurance. This insurance scheme aims to shield the association, the associated property, the shared elements, and the condominium property, which must be indemnified…
In a significant move towards reestablishing trust in corporate governance and auditing disciplines, the Department for Business & Trade is set to introduce new regulatory reforms. On 19 July 2023, the Department published draft regulations, colloquially referred to as “the Regulations”. These will effectively carry forward the pledges made by the government with the wrap-up…
On July 27, 2023, the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, calling for comment on a proposal to exercise the final components of the Basel III Capital Accords, often referred to as the Basel III endgame. This initiative…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital realm, staying on top of regulatory requirements in E-com surveillance has graduated from a mere necessity to a crucial factor for success. With the world wrestling with the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts towards ensuring compliance have significantly shifted, impacting both personal and professional…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is delving deeper into the issue of greenwashing – a trend that has seen an influx with the rise in consumer awareness about climate change and the implications of the goods and services they purchase. There is a growing market for products flaunting their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) consciousness….
In a recent ruling, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) overturned its 2019 decision in SuperShuttle DFW, opting instead to revert to the test of statutory employee status established in its 2014 FedEx II decision. The 3-1 verdict was reached on June 13, 2023. According to JD Supra, the NLRB describes its 2014 decision as…
In a significant move that aligns with global sustainability trends, the UK government announced on August 2, 2023 that it plans to establish company sustainability disclosure standards. The proposed standards will be in place by July 2024, with the aim of enhancing the comparability and value of reported information for investors. This initiative demonstrates the…
In a move signaling the continued trend towards greater responsibility and transparency in artificial intelligence (AI) deployment, several leading generative AI companies, including Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, and Inflection, have committed to voluntary guidelines proposed by the White House. These new guidelines aim to enhance the safety, transparency, and reliability of AI technology. As…