Sheppard's Nota Bene

We are celebrating our 100th episode of the Nota Bene podcast by welcoming back our very first guest on the show, Scott Maberry, to examine the shifts over the past three years away from the world economic order that has existed since the end of World War II, with an emphasis on current U.S.-China relations. Scott Maberry is an International Trade partner in the Government Contracts, Investigation...

As we pivot into the next generation of technology for the 21st century, we're taking a look at the only intellectual property rights to be mentioned in the U.S. Constitution – patents. We're joined by Rob Masters to explore how patent litigation has evolved over the years, how it continues to develop, and how the courts and the American Congress have impacted the value of the American patent in t...

The United States Supreme Court infrequently hears antitrust cases but when it decides to hear a case, the Court has the power to shape the framework of American antitrust laws. In this episode, we're examining the implications of the Supreme Court's recent decision in the 2019 Apple Inc. v. Pepper case and the role of the Court in bringing antitrust laws in alignment with modern economic understa...

There is a massive transformation taking place with the U.S. energy infrastructure. As renewable energy increases in importance and continues to displace oil and gas, we're taking a closer look at how North America's energy markets are transforming. Joining me for this conversation is Mark Sundback. Mark is a partner in the Real Estate, Land Use and Environmental Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin'...

Antitrust litigation of cartels in the U.S. is a complex area of law that skilled attorneys must guide their clients through. To fully understand the nuances of this area of law, we're exploring the development of the Antitrust Criminal Penalty Enhancement and Reform Act (ACPERA) over the years and the growth of cartel litigation in the U.S. Joining me for this conversation are two guests, Dylan B...

While COVID-19 took the American capital markets by surprise, the resulting impact might be better than expected. We're taking a look at how American capital markets are faring in these pandemic times, including a closer look at the world of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and securities litigation. Joining me for this conversation are two guests – Jamie Mercer and John Stigi. Jamie Mercer is a pa...

Multinational boards are facing a major dilemma in response to COVID and its impact on their business forecasting. Many companies are facing insolvency and are left to decide how to approach bankruptcy proceedings. We're joined by bankruptcy attorney and expert, Edward Tillinghast, to explore what companies can do to protect themselves as they face unprecedented levels of bankruptcy filings and la...

Multinational companies face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity and privacy regulation compliance, especially those doing business in the European Union.  Joining us to share his insight on how to best navigate global cybersecurity and privacy regulations is Spirion Vice President and Senior Counsel for Policy and Compliance, Scott Giordano. Spirion is a data privacy and security com...

As the cannabis industry matures from a nascent one to a dynamic agricultural business, we're taking a closer look at the impact that a long history of illegality and criminality has had on communities of color. We're joined by Danielle Moore and Cedric Powell to discuss the various social justice and social equity programs that are being implemented to help combat the disparity that exists in thi...

With tensions between the U.S. and China not likely to de-escalate any time soon, what is likely to happen in the upcoming months regarding the trade war? What would a retaliation by China look like and how would any action affect multinational companies doing business in China? We're checking in on China and its latest happenings with our local expert, Michael Zhang. Michael Zhang is a partner in...

While most agree that Congress must do something to help the U.S. economy and the American people, there is some disagreement as to how, when, and what needs to get done. That is precisely what we're exploring in today's episode. We're tapping into the current pulse of the U.S. economy in our Q3 check in with Elizabeth Frazee and Jon Meyer. Elizabeth Frazee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Twin Logic...

There is a lot currently happening in the European Union. From the latest European Court opinions with respect to merger clearance, dominance violations, data protection and state aid to Brexit, we're checking in with our European expert, Oliver Heinisch, to hear the latest developments. Oliver is a partner in the Antitrust and Competition Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's London and Brussels of...

Almost five months after the first signs of the coronavirus outbreak in Asia, we're checking in with our Asian markets expert, Paul Kim, to hear about the latest legal and economic developments in the fight against COVID-19 and the road to recovery. Paul also shares recent developments in China's national security law for Hong Kong and the strain on immigration between countries. Paul is a graduat...

What is in store for companies that are on the cusp of financial distress and might be facing potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or liquidation? We're discussing what buyers and sellers should keep in mind while engaging in distressed financial transactions. Joining me for this conversation is Ariel Yehezkel. Ariel is a partner in the Sheppard Mullin New York office. He is the Practice Group...

We're examining several topics that relate to competition regulation in a post-pandemic world. First, we're exploring how the European Union (EU) is providing (or failing to provide) state aid to companies that need it. Then, we're shifting our attention to business bankruptcy filings and the potential avoidance of competition regulations that apply to merger transactions. Finally, we're discussin...

What is the next move in the China-U.S. trade war? Where does the U.S. currently stand, what changes in exports have been implemented since the beginning of the trade war, and how might the war impact the growth of the technology sector? Joining me for this conversation is Reid Whitten. Reid is the Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin's London office, practicing in international trade regulations a...

The coronavirus pandemic has proven to be the most significant business crisis in global history.  What will it take for multinational companies to aptly respond to the crisis while managing potential future harm from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) audits and investigations? I'm joined by two guests, Jonathan Aronie and Joe Jay, from Sheppard Mullin's Organizational Integrity Group (OIG). J...

With $3 trillion of stimulus money already disbursed and $3 trillion more scheduled to be distributed to the American people in the near future, we're taking a look at the type of oversight provisions included in the CARES Act that allow the Federal government to police COVID relief money. Joining me for this conversation is Chuck Kreindler. Chuck is a partner in the Government Contracts, Investig...

As Congress considers several proposed bills to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. economy, we're joined by returning guests Elizabeth Frazee and Jonathan Meyer to discuss the latest updates from the Legislative and Executive Branches. Elizabeth Frazee is the Co-Founder and CEO of Twin Logic Strategies, a boutique government relations firm. Elizabeth was named a "Top Lobbyist" by Th...

Given the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic in the European Union (EU) and all over the world, we're exploring the current economic and political climate of the various member states.   Joining me for this conversation is Oliver Heinisch. Oliver is a partner in the Antitrust and Competition Practice Group in the firm's London office. Oliver advises on all areas of EU, UK and German co...

The world as we knew it just a few months ago in January, when we last spoke with our Asian-markets expert Paul Kim, has completely changed. No one could have predicted the unprecedented nature of the economic, cultural, and geopolitical changes that the coronavirus pandemic has brought about.  We're joined by Paul for an update on the Asian markets.  Paul is a graduate of the University of Chicag...

As countries across the globe grapple with the devastating impact of the coronavirus, we're specifically examining the effect on the global economy, chatting with Easy China Warehouse CEO Brian Miller, an American living in Shenzhen, who has first-hand experience with how China is tackling this problem. Brian Miller is the CEO of Easy China Warehouse, a global e-commerce fulfillment company locate...

Healthcare systems in the U.S. are feeling the stress of COVID-19. In an attempt to respond to the unexpected impact of the virus on the healthcare industry, the government along with private industry have implemented various measures to help weather the changes while continuing to serve the needs of patients. We're taking a closer look at what changes have been implemented thus far and forecastin...

Furloughs. Layoffs. Loss of work visas. The state of employment in the U.S. is in flux due to the coronavirus, and employers and employees are left to figure out how to best deal with the changing regulations in this space. Joining me for this conversation are three guests: Kelly Hensley, Denise Giraudo, and Greg Berk. Kelly Hensley is a partner in the Sheppard Mullin Los Angeles office and is Lea...

The world's commerce has come to a screeching halt in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many businesses are finding it difficult or maybe even impossible to perform their obligations under their business contracts. In this episode, we're framing the various contractual performance issues that are currently implicated as the pandemic continues to impact contractual obligations. Joinin...