Womble Perspectives

The U.S. Department of Justice recently updated its guidance on corporate compliance programs, and the implications for businesses are significant.  This revised guidance is a critical resource for compliance officers, legal professionals, and corporate executives. It reflects the DOJ's ongoing commitment to addressing emerging risks, encouraging employee reporting, and ensuring equitable res...

Website cookies have become an integral part of how online businesses operate, providing vital data that enhances user experience and marketing strategies. However, the increasing scrutiny over privacy concerns has made it crucial for businesses to navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing the use of cookies. Read the full article. About the authors: Nadia G. Aram Kyle G. Kessler, CIPP/E

By now, we all know that Generative AI models are trained on massive amounts of data, much of which is collected from the Internet, as well as other sources. This AI is also generating tons of new content, much of which ends up online. But what happens when this AI-generated content is used again to train the AI models? Read the full article. About the author Dr. Christian E. Mammen

In the ever-evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions, the past few years have ushered in significant changes as businesses navigate economic turbulence. One notable shift in this sphere is the increasing prevalence of earnout deals. These arrangements, which link a portion of the purchase price to the future performance of the acquired entity, have become a pivotal strategy in bridging valua...

Recently, the quest for prolonging human life and enhancing the quality of our later years has gained substantial momentum. With advancements in aging biology, the dream of accessing the "fountain of youth" seems more achievable than ever. However, despite promising scientific breakthroughs, regulatory challenges continue to hinder the availability of anti-aging therapies to the general...

When selling intellectual property, the common setup usually includes getting an upfront payment plus future royalty payments, which are a slice of the revenue earned from the IP. This approach can give sellers a steady income over time. However, while royalties offer ongoing revenue and a stake in the IP's success, relying only on future royalties involves risks. Read the full article. About...

When privacy meets complexity, the legal landscape shifts. The recent Ninth Circuit decision in Calhoun v. Google has thrown a spotlight on the critical importance of clear and comprehensible privacy notices. Read the full article. About the authors: Jack F. Altura Tomio Narita

In recent years, the potential of MDMA as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has generated significant interest within the medical community. The drug, commonly known as ecstasy, has moved beyond its controversial recreational use to become a promising candidate for therapeutic purposes. However, the path to its approval has encountered significant hurdles. Recently, the FDA rejected L...

In an exciting development, Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca have announced that the two firms are combining, creating a formidable law firm with over 1,300 attorneys across 37 offices in the US and UK. This powerful alliance, effective January 1, 2025, will operate under Womble Bond Dickinson, led by Chair and CEO Merrick Benn and Vice Chair Kenneth Van Winkle. Read more on our website. Press...

As a Research Consultant for Womble Bond Dickinson in Medical and Scientific Solutions, Matt focuses on distilling complex medical literature to aid attorneys with their defense against medical claims. Additionally, Matt aids attorneys in developing scientific strategies for defense as well as challenging the scientific basis of plaintiff’s claims. About Matt About MSS About WBD Advance

Trade-based money laundering poses a significant threat to the integrity of global financial systems. Criminals exploit international trade mechanisms to disguise illicit proceeds, making detection exceedingly complex. Traditional Trade-based money laundering detection systems often fall short in identifying intricate patterns and relationships that indicate suspicious activities. However, innovat...

In the fast-paced world of loan transactions, efficient closing processes are crucial for both lenders and borrowers. A seamless closing process not only saves time but also reduces costs and risks involved in the transaction, and one critical yet often underappreciated role in this process is that of local opinion counsel. These legal professionals provide invaluable expertise on state-specific l...

On May 1, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting the sale, holding, or distribution of cultivated meat in the state of Florida. This legislation defines "cultivated meat" as "any meat or food product produced from cultured animal cells," encompassing a broad range of products beyond just meat. The law applies to any food or drink for human consumption, including...

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a cornerstone of consumer protection legislation, designed to ensure the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies. For furnishers of credit information—from national banks to fintech companies—the Act imposes specific obligations to report complete and accurate consumer information. However, the recent surge in Fair...

The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, has unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a Notice of Inquiry. They're introducing groundbreaking rules for AI-generated robocalls and robotexts, requiring transparency from callers and texters using AI tech. Read the full article. About the authors: Martin L. Stern Justin T. Bradley Ryan L. Gillcrist

Earlier this year, we discussed a new rule issued by the FTC regarding non-compete clauses. Today's episode will serve as an update of sorts as we dig into a recent decision handed down by a federal court in Dallas and how it will impact this rule. Read the full article. About the authors: John E. Pueschel | Richard J.R. Raleigh, Jr. Lee K. Van Voorhis Jeffrey S. Whittle

Two recent Foreign Corrupt Practices Act court cases, a key update to the Foreign Extortion Prevention, and a new pilot whistleblower rewards program highlight that the U.S. Department of Justice is keeping Anti-Corruption Enforcement at the forefront. Read the full article. About the authors: Luke Cass Joe D. Whitley

When considering scientific evidence, it's often assumed that the most frequently cited articles appear in the most prestigious journals. However, this isn’t always accurate. Journals are ranked by their impact factor, which measures how often articles are cited in a given year. Surprisingly, junk science can be found in both esteemed peer-reviewed journals and lesser-known ones. This segment...

North Carolina lawmakers have recently passed a significant new bill aimed at attracting captive insurance companies and risk-retention groups to the state. This legislative measure, known as Senate Bill 319, received unanimous support from both parties and was endorsed by the North Carolina Captive Insurance Association, which represents the interests of captive insurers in the region. Governor R...

The Massachusetts Consumer Privacy in Commercial Transactions Act, or simply the Act, places restrictions on how companies can request and collect personal identification information, or PII, that isn't necessary for a transaction. Although the Act predates online retail and doesn't specifically mention e-commerce, it's now being applied to online practices as privacy litigation tre...

Federal contracts represent a lucrative opportunity for businesses across the United States, with a staggering $759 billion allocated in 2023 alone. Among these contracts are set-asides specifically designed for small and disadvantaged businesses under programs like the 8(a) Business Development Program. The allure of these contracts can sometimes lead to companies falsely claiming eligibility, sp...

In today's intricate corporate landscape, the fight against misconduct hinges on transparency and accountability. The U.S. Department of Justice has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative—the Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program—to bolster these efforts. Today's episode dives into how this program aims to transform whistleblowing across industries and what it means for compliance o...

With the advancement in modern medicine, people are living longer than ever. In fact, the average life expectancy has largely risen over the last 40 years, and is predicted to rise to 85 by the year 2060. But the real question is, why do we age? And, is there a way to reverse it? Read the blog post. About the author: Matt Quinn, Ph. D.

The commercial real estate industry is at a critical juncture, confronting a staggering $2 trillion in debt maturities. With an estimated $929 billion due this year alone, real estate investors and commercial lenders must act swiftly and strategically.  Read the full article. About the author Pamela V. Rothenberg

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries left and right, and with it comes a wave of legal questions and challenges. One of the most pressing issues is how AI intersects with copyright law, specifically when it comes to digital replicas. Part I of a comprehensive report from the U.S. Copyright Office focuses on this very topic, examining the implications of AI-generated digital replic...