Womble Perspectives

Today’s episode is based on a recap of DOJ developments between January 2025 and August 2025, and is part of our content series, “Beyond the Headlines: Navigating Change in the Federal Government.” For more information on how developments at the federal level could affect you and your business, check out the links below. Read the article Recapping the DOJ’s Evolving Policies on Corporate Enforceme...

Welcome back to Womble Perspectives. Today, we’re diving into a case that’s raising questions about corporate compliance, whistleblower protections, and the future of deferred prosecution agreements. A recent whistleblower lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court could have major implications for Freepoint Commodities, a Connecticut-based energy trading firm. The suit alleges insider trading...

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating story at the intersection of wireless technology, academic research, and federal regulation. The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau recently granted a conditional waiver to the University of Utah—an important move that could pave the way for groundbreaking wireless research across the country. Read the full article FCC Gran...

In courtrooms across the country, cases often hinge on what’s known as the “battle of the experts.” The credibility, character, and clarity of an expert witness can make or break a case.  But, what makes an expert witness truly credible—and where do you even begin to find one who could help you win your case? Read the full article Finding an Expert Witness: Best Practices for Finding Credible Expe...

We’re diving into a major moment in U.S. financial regulation—one that could redefine how businesses engage with digital assets. In July 2025, Congress took a major step toward regulating cryptocurrencies and stablecoins with two landmark bills: the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act. These measures aim to bring order to a rapidly growing and often chaotic market, offering long-awaited clarity for inv...

Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where today, we’re diving into a major new law that’s making waves in payroll departments and break rooms across the country. It’s called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, and among other things, it introduces two powerful federal tax deductions that could significantly boost take-home pay for millions of Americans. Read the article Unlocking Savings: New Ta...

In this episode, we’re diving into a development in environmental regulation—the EPA’s proposal to repeal its 2009 Endangerment Finding. This isn’t just a technical tweak. It’s a foundational shift that could reshape how the United States approaches climate policy across sectors. Read the article Pulling the Critical Block: EPA’s Repeal of the Endangerment Finding Could Topple Climate Rules About...

Today's episode is the first in a nine-part series titled Going Nuclear: A Sustainable Solution to Rising Energy Demand. From cybersecurity to domestic uranium production to data centers, we'll dive into how nuclear energy could play a role in shaping a sustainable energy future.  With global electricity demand surging and a growing push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, nu...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that continues to challenge energy and natural resources companies operating globally: U.S. litigation risks tied to overseas operations—especially those involving human rights and environmental impacts. While these risks have declined in recent years, they haven’t disappeared. Let’s unpack where things stand and what companies need to watch out for. Read...

For years, the success of the green transition has depended on a fragile consensus: that the costs of clean energy are worth it, compared to the chaos of climate change. But that consensus is under pressure. Rising energy costs, job migration, and political shifts are all pushing back. Read the full article: From Renaissance to Reformation; Can Nuclear Save the Green Energy Movement? About the aut...

In January 2025, the Eleventh Circuit Court handed down a decision that’s now led the Federal Communications Commission — the FCC — to repeal its controversial one-to-one consent rule. This move is part of the FCC’s broader Delete, Delete, Delete initiative, aimed at scrubbing outdated or unnecessary regulations from the books. Read the full article: FCC Repeals One-to-One Consent Rule Following E...

Despite early uncertainty, the Texas Business Court is proving to be a game-changer. Launched on September 1, 2024, the Court was met with a fair share of skepticism. But fast forward to today, and it’s clear—it’s been an unqualified success. Read the full article: Open for Business: Texas Business Court Exceeds Early Expectations About the authors: Michael E. Clark R. Kyle Hawes Jeffrey S. Whittl...

On June 5, 2025, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, or ICO, issued a £2.3 million fine—about $3.1 million U.S.—against California-based genetic testing company 23andMe. The reason? A serious data breach that exposed the sensitive personal data of 150,000 UK individuals. Let’s unpack what happened—and why it matters far beyond the biotech sector. Read the full article: The ICO’s Penalty Ag...

Last year, Missouri joined a growing number of states introducing CFDL legislation. These laws aim to bring consumer-style transparency to certain commercial loans, requiring lenders to disclose terms like APR, fees, and repayment schedules. But there was a wrinkle—insurance premium finance loans were left in a gray area. Although the Senate version of the bill proposed a specific exemption for th...

Today we’re diving into the evolving world of design patent law—specifically, what’s happened in the year since the Federal Circuit’s landmark decision in LKQ Corp. v. GM Global Tech Operations. One year ago, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit made waves by overturning the long-standing Rosen-Durling test for design patent obviousness. In its place? A more flexible standard aligned with...

Welcome back to Womble Perspectives. Today, we’re diving into the increasingly complex world of food labeling—specifically, how nontraditional meat products are navigating a growing regulatory maze. As plant-based and cultivated meats gain popularity, lawmakers and regulators are stepping in to ensure consumers aren’t misled. But what does that mean for the words we use—like “beef,” “chicken,” or...

Welcome to Womble Perspectives. Today we’re unpacking two recent U.S. Supreme Court matters that could significantly impact government contractors. One case could redefine when contractors can invoke sovereign immunity. The other expands the government’s power to prosecute fraud—even when no financial harm is shown.  Read the full article: Recent Supreme Court Activity with Major Implications for...

innovation and business strategy. Today we’re exploring a major shift in how the United States Patent and Trademark Office—better known as the USPTO—is handling inter partes review petitions. Read the full article: USPTO Newest Discretionary Denials on Settled Expectations — Best Practices for Petitioners and Patent Owners About the authors: Fabio E. Marino Yi S. Wilkinson, Ph. D.

As companies around the world embrace the circular economy, the traditional “take-make-dispose” model is being replaced by a more sustainable approach—one that values longevity, repairability, and recycling. But with this shift comes a critical legal question: when does a repair become a reconstruction? And how can businesses protect their IP while supporting sustainability? Read the full article:...

industries, our institutions, and our future. Today we’re tackling a topic that’s both timely and complex: artificial intelligence in the courtroom — and a proposed new rule that could redefine how we treat AI-generated evidence. Read the full article: Proposed Rule 707 and the Future of Machine Evidence About the Author Amy Hill, Research Consultant

Welcome to today’s episode of Womble Perspectives, where we’ll be diving into a fascinating—and often overlooked—opportunity: buying buildings from the federal government. The U.S. government owns thousands of properties across the country, and when they’re no longer needed, they’re put up for sale. Whether you’re a developer, investor, nonprofit, or even a local government, this could be your cha...

The United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, has announced that it will discontinue the Accelerated Examination Program for utility patents on July 10, 2025. This program, which has been in place for several years, allowed applicants to expedite the examination process for their patents. But why is it being discontinued, and what does this mean for patent applicants?  Read the full art...

Today, we’re taking a closer look at a significant move by the Federal Communications Commission—one that could reshape the future of connected vehicle technology in the United States. Read the full article. About the authors Martin L. Stern Stephen T. Sharbaugh

Aldi, the discount supermarket chain, has built a strong and growing fan base. It’s on track to open over 225 new stores this year, positioning itself as a low-cost alternative to traditional brands. You’ve probably heard their former slogan: “Like brands, only cheaper.” That’s the heart of their business model—offering private-label products that resemble national brands, but at a lower price. Re...

In today’s episode, we're diving into a fascinating and, possibly, a somewhat alarming topic: AI-generated deepfakes and their impact on evidence authenticity in court.  Read the full article AI-Generated Deepfakes in Court: An Emerging Threat to Evidence Authenticity? About the author Al Windham