Headlines

Surescripts Settles FTC Monopoly Charges: Impact on Electronic Prescription Marketplace and Health Tech Sector

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a significant development that shores up competition in the electronic prescription marketplace, Surescripts entered into a settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The health information technology company was facing allegations of monopolistic conduct in violation of the FTC Act. Charges pressed against Surescripts revolved around purported actions that constrained customer choice, sabotaged…

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Pennsylvania Ruling Alters Liability Landscape for Sister Companies: Analyzing Mortimer V. McCool

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal landscape for business owners in Pennsylvania has seen a change as of recently with Mortimer V. McCool, altering the potential exposure for sister companies when piercing-the-corporate-veil claims are made. This case aids in shedding light on the essential question that concerns many clients: Can they be held personally liable for a company in…

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Navigating Reverse Stock Splits: California’s Complex Regulatory Landscape

Pieter Gunst03 mins

For both local and multinational corporations, nuanced legal regulations surrounding business practices and stock market behaviors can be challenging to navigate. A prime example of such a regulation surrounds the complexities of reverse stock splits in California, a subject that has garnered renewed attention in the market lately. In a recent blog post, legal commentator…

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Navigating Intellectual Property and Commercial Challenges in AI Integration: A Legal Checklist

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly producing an increasing number of generative AI products that are becoming commercialized on the market. These offerings demand a balance between swift implementation, technical competencies, and significant financial and legal deliberations for corporates seeking to integrate these solutions into their existing systems. Technology providers are concurrently pushing the boundaries of…

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Maine Court Questions eBay’s Safe Harbor Protection in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a notable legal development, the district court in Maine partially sustained a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by artist Ellen Okolita against eBay. Okolita claimed that eBay facilitated foreign counterfeiters to trade replicas of her designs and use her copyrighted photos on their marketplace. These photos included her children modelling the products. Okolita,…

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Russia’s Passportisation Strategy: Violating International Law in Occupied Territories

Pieter Gunst04 mins

A recent report by the Conflict Observatory flushed light upon a grievous issue. It exposed that Russia has instituted a series of laws to speed up the application process for Russian citizenship, while harshly penalizing individuals who did not apply for citizenship in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. The report was made public on Wednesday and…

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Canada’s Bill C-47: A Turning Point in Defined Contribution Pension Plan Management

Pieter Gunst03 mins

On June 22, 2023, Canada’s Bill C-47 received royal assent, marking the advent of significant amendments to the Income Tax Act (ITA) and its regulations (ITA Regulations) that were tabled as part of the 2023 Federal Budget. Among the key changes incorporated are measures that permit retroactive contributions to defined contribution (DC) registered pension plans…

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NLRB Overturns Boeing Ruling, Redefining Workplace Rights and Regulation Balance

Pieter Gunst03 mins

On August 2, 2023, a significant shift in labor regulation occurred as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued an anticipated ruling in the Stericycle, Inc. case. This new decision effectively reverses the Trump-era Boeing decision, altering how workplace rules balance with employees’ legal rights to engage in “protected concerted activity.” This refers to section…

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Plastic Pollution Solutions: US Attorneys General Divided on EPA Draft Strategy

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In a tactical legislative attempt to address plastic pollution, the two major political parties within the United States have presented diverging viewpoints. The Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) public request for commentary on its draft strategy to mitigate plastic pollution sparked diverse responses from a group of 14 Democratic Attorneys General (AGs) and another of 16…

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NILG 2023 National Conference: Key Insights and Networking for Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst02 mins

The second day of the NILG (National Industry Liaison Group) 2023 National Conference continued the event’s momentum with treats of in-depth discussions and keynote addresses. This year’s conference held true to its reputation as the beacon of information for legal professionals in large corporations and top-notch law firms. First on the schedule was an interactive…

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NLRB Revives ‘Biggest Idiot’ Standard: Implications for Employers and Employee Handbooks

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Recent developments have seen the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an institution pivotal in regulating labor practices in the US, reignite the ‘Biggest Idiot’ standard. This resurfacing could have significant implications for employers and their respective handbooks. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) bestows on employees the robust right to unionize, participate…

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FDA Issues Groundbreaking Guidance for Psychedelic Clinical Trials in Mental Health Treatment

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Earlier this summer, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance for those researching the use of psychedelics to treat certain serious medical conditions including major depressive disorder, PTSD, and substance use disorders. This initiative marks the first time the FDA has provided guidance to the numerous entities conducting research on these controlled substances…

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Quebec Court Rules RAMQ Violated Charter Rights in Medical Specialists Investigation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a high-profile case concluded in July 2023, the Court of Québec ruled against the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (the Quebec Health Insurance Board, RAMQ), citing “serious” and “systemic” violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a result of the ruling, evidence against medical specialists was excluded due their rights…

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Counterfeit Threats Expand Beyond Luxury Brands, Impacting Business and Legal Landscape

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The toll of counterfeiting on the economy and businesses has traditionally been a problem plaguing the high fashion industry. Recognizable high-end brands like Prada, Gucci, and Versace have regularly been victimized. These high-priced luxury items, including Rolex watches, Hermes handbags and Dior fragrances, are particularly attractive targets for counterfeiters, as the resale value of seemingly…

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Biden Administration Proposes Phase 2 NEPA Revisions: Streamlining Environmental Policy and Permitting

Pieter Gunst02 mins

On July 31, 2023, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) proposed the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule, better known as Phase 2 of the Biden Administration’s revisions to the regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This proposal carries significant implications with a potential transformation of existing structures and practices surrounding environmental policy….

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The Impact of RICO on International Arbitration and Foreign Award Enforcement

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In an insightful discussion, Troutman Pepper White Collar and Legal Partner Cal Stein recently touched upon the role of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) with regards to enforcing and collecting foreign arbitration awards. This conversation unfolds amidst a backdrop of increasing relevance and complexity in cross-border business and legal matters, warranting an…

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Stewarts Law Firm Encounters Unexpected 55% PEP Drop, Reversing Prior Financial Success

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In an unexpected turn of events, top-tier law firm Stewarts has suffered a significant 55% profit-per-equity-partner (PEP) drop, a notable contrast to the fortunes of the previous year. This unplanned occurrence goes against the upward profit trajectory that characterized the firm’s financial performance in 2022. Despite this downturn in PEP, the firm’s managing partner holds…

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Judiciary Funding Concerns and Trump-Chutkan Rivalry: Legal Landscape Under Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst03 mins

This week’s discussion within the legal fraternity revolves around two major points of interest. Firstly, the U.S. Judicial Conference raised its concerns regarding the congressional budget proposals for the judiciary in the coming fiscal year. Furthermore, light has been shed upon the long standing history between former President Donald Trump and U.S. District Judge Tanya…

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