In a recent court ruling by the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, partial relief was granted to the Texas Bankers Association, Rio Bank, and the American Bankers Association (ABA) from compliance with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Final Rule. More known as the “Small Business Lending Rule Under the Equal Credit…
In a recent turn of events, the Supreme Court of the United States has decided to once again explore the boundaries of free speech and private business branding. The case in question, Vidal v. Elster, Case 22-704, is an appeal from the Federal Circuit centering around the application to register the trademark “TRUMP TOO SMALL”…
In what might be regarded as a significant development for the Michigan business environment, the Michigan Supreme Court passed a decision on July 31, 2023 in the case of Vectren Infrastructure Services v. Michigan Treasury. This verdict, with implications for both in-state and out-of-state businesses, ruled an out-of-state taxpayer could not diminish its tax by…
Understanding the typical commercial property claims process can be a daunting task, especially in the midst of an already stressful situation. Such circumstances often arise from a convergence of natural, human, or mechanical errors. It goes without saying that swift action is crucial not only to alleviate dangers posed to your employees and customers, but…
In a significant legal shakeup, the Supreme Court of Michigan has radically altered the premises liability law in the state and the associated open and obvious doctrine according to JD Supra. These changes, enacted on July 28, 2023, will have particular applicability in incidents regarding slips and falls. The decision in the case of Kandil-Elsayed…
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…
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…
Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa (NRFSA) made a substantial change to its organizational hierarchy with the announcement of its new CEO, Brent Botha. Known for his expertise in corporate and commercial litigation, Botha is set to step into his new role starting October 1. Botha, who is the leader of the firm’s disputes practice group,…
An esteemed tax practitioner, Cameron Blackwood, has recently left PwC to join fellow Australian law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Blackwood’s departure followed closely after PwC’s global legal boss, Tony O’Malley, stepped down ahead of his slated retirement. Blackwood, however, joined PwC only a year ago, in June 2022, following the accounting firm’s acquisition of his…
On August 3, 2023, the Ninth Circuit took a non-committal stance on the question of whether a website, using high school yearbook photos to advance its subscriber base, is protected under Section 230 from being the target of a class-action lawsuit. The case alleges that such use of photos constitutes a violation of the publicity…
Adding to the ever-growing list of Intellectual Property disputes, a recent judgement by a California federal judge has imposed a penalty of $2.2 million on a Chinese company engaged in the trade of shopping carts via Amazon and Walmart. The company stands not only accused but also found guilty of patent violation, and the severity…
In the wake of the controversial reception of the new Barbie film, the debate over its allegedly “woke” and “feminist” messages has taken the public and legal domain by storm. This comes in response to a number of commentators across the US, expressing their concern through various acts of protest, including, shockingly, the burning of…
After witnessing relatively subdued activity in 2021 and 2022, Chapter 11 commercial bankruptcy filings appear to be on the rise again. A recent report, released by Epiq Global, revealed that July registered a notable uptick in the number of filings, marking 71% more than the same period the previous year. For those of you interested…
Global offshore law firm Harneys has entered definitive agreements to sell its fiduciary business, according to a recent announcement. This transaction has received support from prominent global private equity firm Hillhouse. Financial details related to this sale remain undisclosed. As is often the case with such divestment, this strategic move is intended to fuel further…
The legal fraternity in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is undergoing a significant transition period as it adjusts to amendments in the BVI Civil Procedure Rules. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Rules, more commonly known as the CPR, have been a reliable mainstay for BVI litigators since they came into force on December 31, 2000….
Effective July 1, 2023, new revisions to the Florida statutes allow individuals to carry concealed weapons without a permit, a move that holds significant implications for those involved in the leasing industry in the state. Interested parties can still obtain permits from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, ensuring a level of choice…
On July 27, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its anticipated Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. This bi-annual disclosure is designed to provide the public with a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s plans to review, propose, and implement regulations in the forthcoming months. Here’s where you can find more detailed information. Significant among the agenda…
When it comes to establishing commercial presence in the market, businesses are typically diligent with safeguarding their corporate identity and branding. However, it seems that equal attention might not often extend to the protection of their product designs and packaging. According to an article by Vondran Legal on JD Supra, businesses might frequently overlook the…
Commercial entities and law firms with a stake in environmental regulations should pay close attention to ongoing legislative developments. The first half of 2023 has seen numerous states in the United States continue to build out a regulatory structure around carbon sequestration, largely motivated by the desire to attract and support industries engaged in carbon…
North Carolina regulatory offices have recently clarified guidelines regarding licensing and permitting for solar panel installations. This comes at an important time, as North Carolina has surged to become the fourth major state for solar energy in the nation, according to a report by the United States Energy Information Administration. These regulations promise more streamlined…
Canada has taken a significant step towards mitigating environmental risks associated with certain chemical substances. As reported by JDSupra, the Canadian government announced through a notice in the Canada Gazette on June 24, 2023, that it’s requesting information about approximately 850 different chemical substances. This information is being gathered with the primary objectives of prioritisation,…
In a significant ruling that caught the attention of the global legal community, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal handed down its decision earlier this year in a case involving Clearview AI and the Australian privacy regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). This decision, for the first time, marked the extraterritorial application of the…
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform the landscape of businesses worldwide, it has become a fundamental component of many recent commercial transactions, including industry acquisitions, business assets or licenses. This trend is set to extend even further as the interest in AI technology intensifies. For organisations integrating AI into their available services, there are…
Modern business opportunities are taking on a new shape in the 21st century, becoming increasingly intertwined with pressing global issues. One such opportunity lies in the world of sustainability. According to an insightful podcast conversation between Tom Fox, a compliance evangelist, and sustainability guru Richard Blundell, we are at a moment of significant global change…
Singapore-based law firm Rajah & Tann’s innovation subsidiary, Rajah & Tann Technologies, is harnessing technology to aid enterprises in navigating anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Collaborating with Singapore-based property technology company Showsuite, they have launched a tech-driven solution specifically designed to assist property developers in Singapore in complying with recently introduced AML regulations. (source) These new…