The US Department of Energy (DOE) recently confirmed the selection of seven hydrogen hub projects across the country eligible for a considerable $7 billion in federal funding. This development was previously much-anticipated by legal professionals and corporations closely observing the evolution of America’s energy sector. The selected projects are now set to enter into an…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a significant reformation in policy at the end of 2023, modifying the requirement for reporting the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). This final rule was presented in the Federal Register as “Changes to Reporting Requirements for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and to Supplier Notifications for Chemicals…
In recent news, the Supreme Court has agreed to take on an unusual case concerning whether states can prohibit characters in the video game Grand Theft Auto from possessing firearms. This decision follows the Fifth Circuit’s stark counter-opinion that such limitations cannot be imposed, leading to a contentious situation within the judiciary. For more information…
The life sciences sector has traditionally leaned on public offerings to raise funds necessary to support the heavy costs of development for pharmaceutical and therapeutic biologic products. However, these costs are escalating, with the average cost of discovery and development jumping to over $3 billion. Moreover, only around 12 percent of therapeutic products that enter…
Ongoing attention is currently being geared towards environmental issues, especially when it comes to industrial and commercial activities that immensely contribute to pollution. In the United States, one developed initiative targeted towards combating pollution is the Clean Ports Program, instituted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This activity is part of a broader effort…
In a remarkable decision, the BVI Commercial Court awarded a US$178 million judgment to claimant Soemarli Lie in a lengthy and challenging shareholder dispute. Brought against Ng Min Hong & Success Overseas Finance Limited, the case was presided over by Justice Wallbank. The trial was a valuation assessment, which transpired on the 24-25 October 2023,…
In recent months, we have observed significant developments in the world of cryptocurrencies. Swiss banks have made a striking entrance with the launch of tokenization pilot, bringing cryptocurrency use and acceptance to new levels in a key global financial hub. In particular, SIX, the Swiss National Bank (SNB), and six commercial banks have announced the…
The esteemed law firm Polsinelli PC has announced its latest addition – Joseph Hubbard, who will serve as a shareholder with the litigation department, based out of Nashville, Tennessee. This update underlines Polsinelli’s ongoing commitment to reinforce their legal team with experienced professionals and extend their reach. Joseph Hubbard brings a wealth of experience in…
The legal profession, like any other industry, is subject to the annual routine of holiday marketing, and while these campaigns can provide an often-needed touch of warmth and human connection, they can also pose a risk if mishandled. A key pitfall that law firms and corporate legal departments should avoid is the temptation to lean…
In a recent update, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a joint statement on behalf of the U.S.-UK Financial Innovation Partnership (FIP). Arranged on October 30, this interaction provided an overview of the recent meetings under the Regulatory and Commercial Pillar, where participants exchanged views on mutual topics of interest, aiming to deepen the ties between…
In an ongoing effort to modernize and streamline its consumer protection laws, the Ontario government introduced Bill 142, An Act to enact the Consumer Protection Act, 2023. If passed, this landmark legislation will repeal and replace the existing Consumer Protection Act, 2002 in its entirety, while also bringing substantial amendments to Ontario’s Consumer Reporting Act….
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed a comprehensive ban on all usages of trichloroethylene (TCE). The reason for this strict move is the agency’s determination that TCE presents a significant and unreasonable risk to human health—one that is far too substantial to continue its current conditions of use. These conclusions have been documented…
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has recently issued a negative Advisory Opinion responding to a proposal intended to provide free compatible hearing aids to specific patients. The proposal came from a company that manufactures cochlear implants, to offer and provide these free hearing aids to particular patients (including federal healthcare program beneficiaries who…
In an unprecedented move, the Southern District of Texas has issued a nationwide injunction that hampers the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) recent Final Rule regarding data collection from commercial lenders under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). The ruling was inked on October 26, 2023, and prevents the CFPB from implementing and enforcing its…
In a landmark decision, a federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri held liable a trade association and numerous residential real estate brokerages for $1.8 billion in damages. This substantial decision came about as a consequence of the defendants’ conspiracy to artificially inflate commissions on home sales, a move…
In face of the increasing urgency for organizations to curtail their environmental impact, sustainability is emerging as a key factor in molding the dynamics of the commercial real estate market. Addressing this imperative, a recent global real estate research conducted by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner reveals an insightful trend of investor behavior and expectations. According…
In a recent development, the Indiana Supreme Court declined to consider a landowner’s appeal in the case of State of Indiana v. The Market Place at State Road 37, LLC, et al., 22A-PL-2765 (May 17, 2023). This ruling underscores the continued lack of compensation for nearby road closures related to eminent domain proceedings in the…
Noted litigation and arbitration attorney Brandi Howard has been announced as the latest addition to Brown Rudnick‘s roster. Operating out of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, Howard will join as a partner, an announcement made by the firm on November 6, 2023. Howard’s legal expertise spans an array of areas including complex commercial litigation, appellate…
On November 1, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a bulletin on “commercial loans to early-, expansion-, and late-stage companies,” a term they have termed as “venture loans.” This signals the OCC’s recognition of the unique risks and opportunities associated with such lending activities. The OCC clarified that venture lending has…
In a notable development in the realm of copyright law, an unprecedented ruling has moved forward an artist’s copyright claim against Stability AI Ltd. The information comes courtesy of a recent article published on JD Supra. Over the past year, several groups of plaintiffs have lodged multiple copyright infringement lawsuits against companies responsible for the…
As we discuss the trajectory of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), introduced to improve energy efficiency in commercial and residential properties, it is important to note the evolving political landscape and its potential impacts. In September, Chancellor Rishi Sunak suggested a step back from the Government’s net zero policy and targets, a notable move…
In a recent ruling, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals worked to clarify the interpretation of the phrase “advertising idea” in the insuring agreement of a commercial general liability policy’s “personal and advertising injury” coverage section. This ruling came about through the case of Princeton Excess & Surplus Lines Insurance Co. v. A.H.D. Houston Inc….
In an arena increasingly characterized by its commercial competitiveness, the landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is notably volatile. This legal arena has witnessed changes so significant that professionals around the globe have had to alter their perspectives continually and adopt new strategies. This volatile space was the focal point of a recent exclusive…
In what could be seen as a blow to commercial financiers in California, the state has introduced new regulations meant to keep a check on the fees these financiers may charge their small business clients. The legislation was signed into law by the governor on October 13, as a furthering of the state’s previous efforts…
In November of last year, the fast-paced rise of AI technologies, emanating from the release of generative artificial intelligence tool, ChatGPT, sparked a fervor in the realm of digital transformation. This rapid emergence often results in the inceptive development of related legal and compliance obligations. While sometimes welcomed, these requirements are also occasionally met with…