UK and Spain Law Firms Taylor Wessing and ECIJA Reap Early Benefits of Strategic Alliance

U.K.-based law firm Taylor Wessing and its Spanish counterpart ECIJA have experienced a stronger than anticipated level of client referral activity and wins in the first four months of their strategic partnership. This assessment came from Taylor Wessing’s managing partner, Shane Gleghorn, who expressed that the pace of success was unexpected in an interview with…

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Navigating India’s DPDP Act: Cross-Border Data Transfer Opportunities and Risks

India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which recently came to force, has been met with mixed responses from international business circles. Notably, the DPDP Act eases burdens related to cross-border data transfers which is a relief for many international entities. The act provides for the localization of personal data in India, following a wave…

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Rampant Sexual Violence Persisting in Tigray, Ethiopia Despite Peace Agreement: Report Finds

A recent report reveals alarming levels of sexual assault of women and girls in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, following a signed peace agreement to end conflict. The investigating bodies, Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa, studied over 300 random medical records from Tigray health centers dedicated…

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Global Privacy Regulators Unite to Combat Unlawful Data Scraping Practices

On August 24th, 2023, privacy regulators from across the globe united to raise concerns about the growing use of data scraping technologies. A group of twelve international data protection and privacy regulators issued a joint statement articulating their “global expectations of social media platforms and other sites to safeguard against unlawful data scraping.” Their exhortations…

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DIFC Recognizes California Consumer Privacy Act as Equivalent, Shaping Global Privacy Landscape

Earlier this month, the Commissioner of Data Protection of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a financial free-zone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rendered a landmark decision with substantial implications for the global privacy landscape. This significant judgement recognizes the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as an equivalent to the DIFC’s own Data Protection…

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FAA and Industry Leaders Tackle AI and Public Trust in Drone Technology

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently held a Drone Symposium, co-hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). A key focus of the conference was the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in drone technology. FAA Deputy Regional Administrator, Deb Sanning, led the discussion on the impact of autonomy…

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Global Antitrust Enforcement Continues Unwavering Focus on Tech Mergers and Acquisitions

In the second quarter of 2023, global antitrust enforcement maintained a consistent presence, specifically in the technology domain. As per recent reports, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced a series of proposed guidelines that primarily focus on the technology mergers happening within the country. Simultaneously, major tech deal…

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OMB Guidance on Build America, Buy America Provisions: Implications for Infrastructure and Manufacturing Sectors

On August 23, 2023, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued its final guidance, a noteworthy shift in policy that endeavors to implement the Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Hogan Lovells, a multinational legal practice, delivered a detailed examination of these developments. The…

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FTC Navigates Antitrust Concerns to Facilitate $5.2 Billion EQT-Quantum Energy Deal

Following a blend of intense negotiations, legal discourse, and regulatory scrutiny, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has arrived at a consent order poised to quell antitrust concerns revolving around a proposed $5.2 billion cash-and-stock deal. This deal puts private equity firm, Quantum Energy Partners, in line to become one of the largest shareholders of natural…

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US Outbound Tech Investments Face Stricter National Security Scrutiny

The Biden administration issued a keenly awaited executive order on August 9th concerning US outbound investment in selected technology and products with national security applications produced by “countries of concern.” Named Executive Order 14105 (EO), it was introduced in tandem with an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) from the US Department of the Treasury….

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Canada’s Clean Electricity Regulations: Navigating a Path to Net-Zero Emissions by 2035

The Federal Government of Canada has made clear its regulatory intentions over electricity in its newly-drafted Clean Electricity Regulations. Published on August 10, 2023, the draft outlines the government’s plan to mandate a net-zero emissions power grid by 2035. The announcement, as expected, has generated a mix of anticipation and concern across various sectors within…

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South Korea Protests Intensify Over Japan’s Controversial Disposal of Fukushima Radioactive Water

In an episode continuing to unfold, South Korean police arrested a notable number of protesters demonstrating outside the Japanese embassy. The issue at stake lies in the contentious decision by the Japanese government to dispose of treated radioactive water resulting from the 2011 Fukushima disaster into the ocean. All eyes have been on this act…

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Federal Contractors Navigating Social Media Security Concerns amid TikTok Ban

In the current digital age, we are seeing an interesting interplay between federal contractors and social media platforms (SPMs). While these platforms can offer entertainment and social connection, they can also pose unique legal challenges, particularly for federal contractors. Notably, in late 2022, as part of a larger budget bill, Congress passed the ‘No TikTok…

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Rising Influence of Nonpracticing Entities Prompts Congressional Debate on ITC Reforms

In recent years, nonpracticing entities have become increasingly active at the U.S. International Trade Commission. In fact, they have been responsible for bringing about a record 32% of Section 337 Investigations in 2022. This rise can be traced back to when Congress amended Section 337 in 1988. The amendments specifically allowed intellectual property rights-holders that…

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Montana Law Bans TikTok, Ignites Debate on Digital Privacy and State Surveillance

Montana Attorney General, Austin Knudsen, is mounting a defensive campaign in support of a recently enacted Montana statute. This new state law places significant restrictions on TikTok, the popular social media platform, irrespective of its wide recognition for its entertaining short-form videos cherished across the globe. The law specifically obstructs TikTok’s operation within the state,…

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Navigating the Post-Pandemic Legal Landscape: Insights from Brazil’s KLA Advogados Partner

In a recent episode of the ILN-telligence podcast, Henrique Lopes, a partner at KLA Advogados, the International Lawyers Network’s (ILN) member firm for Brazil, discussed various important aspects of the contemporary legal landscape. Find the full podcast here. Throughout the podcast, Lopes, along with the host Lindsay, deep-dived into the generational shifts in the legal…

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Strengthening Small Business Resiliency: A Focus at Senate Committee Hearing

In the latest developments in the realm of financial regulation, significant progress is being made to address issues relevant to small businesses. The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship conducted a field hearing in Berlin, Maryland on August 23, 2023, focused on fostering small business resiliency, essentially referring to the ability of businesses…

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