The recent push for stricter tariff enforcement by the United States is expected to significantly impact companies operating from Canada and the European Union. This move comes amidst ongoing trade tensions and is poised to disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs for several industries. According to Bloomberg Law, the increased enforcement measures are likely…
In an unexpected legal development, former President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of an executive order initiated by President Joe Biden aimed at curbing corporate consolidation. This move by Trump marks a significant shift from the regulatory environment enforced by his successor. Biden’s executive order, titled “Promoting Competition in the American Economy,” was implemented…
The Canadian government’s recent settlement with cherry growers marks the conclusion of a contentious patent infringement case involving the prized Staccato cherry variety. The dispute emerged from claims raised by the Canadian government against two groups of cherry growers, whom it accused of violating intellectual property rights by cultivating the Staccato cherries without proper authorization,…
Covington & Burling LLP, a prominent international law firm, has recently bolstered its Washington, D.C. trade practice with the addition of a former U.S. Commerce Department official. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in navigating complex trade regulations and policies. The new addition, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services, Julie Heizer, brings…
Recent reports indicate that the Arakan Army, an armed faction in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, is engaging in severe human rights abuses against the Rohingya minority, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The organization has described the conditions imposed on the Rohingya as harsh and reminiscent of the oppressive tactics previously employed by the Myanmar military….
The role of artificial intelligence in fostering innovation across industries is becoming increasingly prominent, and one area where this is evident is patent law. The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has been instrumental in this context by evaluating cases that set precedents for AI-enabled inventions. One such case is Ex parte Michalek, where the…
The recent threat of a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports by former President Donald Trump has stirred significant concern among Brazilian legal professionals, particularly those involved with international trade and corporate law. This development thrusts Brazil, the world’s 10th-largest economy, into a complex web of geopolitical tensions. The implications of such tariffs on the Brazilian…
In a dramatic turn of events, the founder of an agriculture technology company has filed a lawsuit against several executives and Kevin O’Leary of “Shark Tank” fame. The legal battle, unfolding in a Colorado federal court, alleges that the defendants engaged in the unauthorized acquisition of her company alongside misappropriation of intellectual property. The founder…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have embarked on a new regulatory path that could significantly impact the food industry. These agencies are working to establish a standardized definition for ‘ultra-processed foods’—a term that has, until now, been somewhat ambiguous. This move is anticipated to have notable…
The impact of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration has pushed companies into a challenging landscape where communicating with shareholders has become a strategic exercise fraught with complexity. These tariffs, aimed at recalibrating trade relationships, have significantly affected business operations, forcing companies to adapt their guidance strategies. The diverse approaches that companies are adopting highlight…
Brandt’s Fruit Trees has taken legal action against a Yakima Valley farm, accusing it of trademark infringement related to the Pink Lady apple trademark. The case, brought before a Washington federal court, claims that approximately 55,000 unlicensed Lady in Red apple trees were involved, ostensibly violating a grower licensing agreement. These allegations underline the ongoing…
In the landscape of corporate law, the contributions of seasoned legal professionals like Cam Findlay stand out. With a robust career as the top legal mind at prominent companies such as Aon, Medtronic, and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Findlay’s influence extends across multiple sectors. His strategic approach to legal challenges has left an indelible mark…
In a noteworthy development within the judiciary, the ethics appeal concerning a U.S. Court of International Trade judge, who had expressed reluctance to hire clerks from Columbia University due to the institution’s stance on Israel protests, has been dismissed. The Judicial Conference’s conduct committee decided on this in its inaugural decision of 2025. This move…
Portugal’s parliament has formally endorsed a rigorous set of amendments to its immigration laws, marking a decisive stride in the country’s efforts to tighten its borders and reduce irregular migration. The legislative changes embody a significant overhaul of Portugal’s immigration policy framework (JURIST). The revised legislation introduces more stringent criteria for obtaining work and family…
In a recent move, the Trump administration has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to refuse to hear an appeal from Illinois-based toy manufacturers challenging the administration’s imposition of global tariffs. The government’s stance emphasizes that the justices should not intervene while parallel proceedings are still ongoing in the federal circuit courts. The administration contends that…
On July 8, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court authorized the Trump administration to proceed with substantial reductions in the federal workforce, overturning previous lower court decisions that had blocked these efforts. This ruling permits the implementation of an executive order issued in February 2025, which directs federal agencies to collaborate with the Department of Government…
Judge Stephen A. Vaden of the U.S. Court of International Trade has resigned to assume a pivotal role as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This transition marks a significant change in Vaden’s career trajectory, moving from the judiciary to a senior administrative position within the federal government’s agricultural sector. The decision underscores…
The state of Pennsylvania has initiated a legal battle against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) following the termination of the Local Food Purchase Assistance 2025 Cooperative Agreement (LFPA25 Agreement). The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Wednesday, challenges the USDA’s decision to halt the program, which aimed to support local food distribution through…
The United Nations has called for swift global action in response to the alarming loss of glaciers worldwide, which has repercussions not only for ecosystems but also for human populations reliant on glaciers for water supply. This plea was made during the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation held in Tajikistan, where UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina…
The initial phase of Donald Trump’s presidency has significantly impacted regulatory expectations for corporations across various industries, causing a degree of uncertainty that is unprecedented. Within his first 100 days, the administration executed a significant reduction of federal jobs, which has had a profound ripple effect on sectors ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals and finance….
In response to a deadly attack in the Baisaran Valley of Indian-administered Kashmir, which led to accusations by the Indian government against Pakistan-based groups, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. The 1960 agreement, mediated by the World Bank, regulates the water use of the Indus river basin between the two nations. India has stated…
Morrison Foerster has announced the addition of Brian Sylvester as a partner in its Complex Litigation and Advisement Group, based in Washington, D.C. Sylvester will take on the role of head of food regulatory within the firm’s FDA and health-care regulatory and compliance practice. His primary focus will be on products regulated by both the…
California’s recent legal challenge against the Trump-era tariffs marks a pivotal turn in the ongoing debate over the federal government’s authority on trade matters. This lawsuit, spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, argues that the unilateral imposition of tariffs by the former president exceeded executive power and has put the state’s…
Recent legislative developments across numerous U.S. states are poised to amplify the scrutiny on businesses regarding the hiring of immigrant workers. This comes as more states propose bills that mandate the use of E-Verify, the federal system designed to confirm the work authorization of job candidates. Such measures could have far-reaching implications for both employers…
A coalition of nonprofits has called on the Supreme Court to uphold a decision by a federal judge in San Francisco mandating the federal government to reinstate over 16,000 probationary employees dismissed by six agencies in February. The group argues that there is no substantial harm in returning the employees to their positions, noting that…