As the first year of Donald Trump’s erratic trade policies draws to a close, the technology sector finds itself perplexed, uncertain of the future landscape of global commerce. Trump’s administration, notorious for its sudden policy shifts, has imposed tariffs ranging from 10 to 25 percent on imports from major trading partners, including China, Canada, and…
Pesticide manufacturers Syngenta and Corteva are confronting class certification motions from farmers seeking over $2 billion in damages. The farmers allege that the companies’ rebate programs paid distributors to limit the sale of cheaper generic pesticides, thereby inflating prices. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with attorneys general from ten states, filed a complaint in…
The landscape of business and human rights is poised for significant shifts by 2026, driven by evolving geopolitical tensions, regulatory pressures, and sustainability imperatives. As companies navigate this complex terrain, certain key issues are expected to dominate the agenda. Climate Change Legislation: As governments worldwide ramp up efforts to combat climate change, increased legislative actions…
In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit Court has denied Inari Agriculture’s attempt to maintain a review of a patent concerning corn seed technology. Inari had sought post-grant review of a patent held by a Corteva Inc. subsidiary, arguing that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) applied an unjustifiably high standard in its ruling….
In recent months, egg prices have surged, causing alarm among consumers and businesses alike. While many attribute the soaring costs to avian flu, a series of class action lawsuits suggest otherwise. At least half a dozen legal actions have been initiated by a diverse group, including individual consumers, restaurants, and grocery stores exploring the possibility…
The conclusion of the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil heralds a significant shift in global climate policy with the adoption of the “Belém Package.” The agreement amplifies focus on adaptation by tripling funding to help vulnerable nations cope with escalating climate impacts. This decision, endorsed by nearly 200 countries, underscores adaptation and resilience as pivotal…
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division has set its sights firmly on the agriculture sector, with Antitrust Chief expressing that it has become a top priority. This strategic direction marks an intensified focus on potential anti-competitive practices within the industry, prominently involving investigations into meatpacking operations. This shift underscores a broader commitment to scrutinize…
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has upheld a significant patent held by a unit of Corteva Agriscience LLC, concerning an insect-repellent corn plant. The decision came after Inari Agriculture Inc. challenged the patent, arguing its invalidity. Despite this, the PTAB confirmed the validity of the patent in its entirety, marking a crucial victory…
Chad has come under scrutiny for its response to the escalating violence between herders and farmers, exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis. Amnesty International has criticized Chadian officials for their failure to protect those affected by these deadly clashes. In a report covering incidents from 2022 to 2024, it was revealed that 98 people have…
In a significant turn of events, President Donald Trump has signed a substantial spending measure, effectively concluding what has been recorded as the longest government shutdown in United States history. This legislation, assured to fund federal operations through January 2026, was approved by the House with a close 222-209 vote. Six Democrats aligned with the…
The Trump administration has recently intensified its efforts to have states retract Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, following a complex series of legal maneuvers. On Sunday, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) called for states to “undo” the full benefits that were dispensed last week under judicial orders. This move comes after…
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily intervened in a dispute regarding the funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), granting the federal government a stay against a lower court’s mandate for full November funding. This action, taken by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, affects approximately 42 million beneficiaries across the country. This legal maneuvre comes after…
The Trump administration has taken a legal dispute to the United States Supreme Court, seeking to pause a decision that mandates the government to fully fund the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for November, a cost amounting to $4 billion. The initial ruling by U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. was made in response…
Amidst the prolonged government shutdown, the Trump administration has decided to provide partial food assistance for November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would distribute $4.65 billion in contingency funds, covering half of the usual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million recipients. This decision follows orders from federal judges…
A federal judge has intervened to ensure the continuation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, halting a plan by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend payments. This decision affects approximately 41 million Americans who rely on these benefits. Judge Indira Talwani of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts required…
In a significant legal clash, twenty-six states have initiated a lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) amidst the ongoing government shutdown. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, challenges the USDA’s decision to halt SNAP funding, a vital program…
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an enhancement to its security protocols concerning foreign investments in U.S. agriculture. This development comes amid growing concerns over national security implications tied to who controls vital agricultural assets. The USDA’s initiative aims to increase scrutiny over foreign investment in farmland and agribusinesses, ensuring that these…
Brandt’s Fruit Trees has settled its legal dispute with a farm located in Washington’s Yakima Valley, resolving allegations that the farm unlawfully used the Pink Lady apple trademark for around 55,000 unlicensed trees producing Lady in Red apples. The case, which was held in a Washington federal court, has been dismissed following the agreement between…
Amid the continuous impasse in Washington that has shuttered governmental operations since October 1, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has taken decisive action to ensure critical food assistance continues for his constituents. By declaring a state of emergency on Thursday, Youngkin aims to counteract the looming expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to…
Holland & Knight has appointed Matt Leopold, former General Counsel of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as a partner and co-chair of its national Environment Team in Washington, D.C. Leopold served as the EPA’s chief legal officer from 2018 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in developing and defending key environmental regulations,…
Constellation Brands, Inc., a leading beverage alcohol company, has announced that Jim Bourdeau, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, will retire from his role on February 28, 2026, after more than a decade with the company. ([cbrands.com](https://www.cbrands.com/blogs/press-releases/constellation-brands-announces-retirement-of-jim-bourdeau-evp-and-chief-legal-officer-jeff-labarge-named-as-successor?utm_source=openai)) Bourdeau joined Constellation Brands in September 2014 as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Development. During…
The Federal Circuit recently declined a request by a group of cherry growers to reinstate a court order invalidating a patent for the Staccato cherry variety, which is owned by the Canadian government. This decision confirms that the district judge’s actions in overturning the previous order were appropriate. The case revolves around the validity of…
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called upon the Zambian government to investigate the environmental and health impacts following the rupture of a dam containing mining waste in Copperbelt province. This incident, occurring on February 18, involved the release of acid spills into the Kafue River, a vital water source that has since become contaminated with…
The global push towards sustainable practices has spotlighted carbon farming as a viable strategy to offset carbon emissions. This practice, focused on sequestering carbon dioxide in the soil through agriculture, is gaining momentum in mitigating climate change impacts. However, the regulatory framework surrounding carbon farming certification raises complex legal questions that must be addressed. Carbon…
Compass, a prominent real estate technology company, has appointed Kathy O’Neill as its new Chief Legal Officer. O’Neill brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors, notably her tenure as a senior director in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and her role as a partner at Cooley LLP. During…