Womble Perspectives

Tender offers may seem like they're exclusive to publicly listed businesses, but they actually play a crucial role in private company dealings too. These offers serve as a bridge connecting aspiring investors, or even the company itself, to shareholders. They allow for an increase in stake or a reduction in outstanding options. However, it's important to conduct these offers within the r...

Aerospace, defense, and security businesses are subject to a myriad of regulations and operational requirements that are constantly changing. In this episode, we'll dig into some of these changes and discuss what they mean as we look ahead to 2024 and beyond. Read the full article. About the authors: Richard J.R. Raleigh, Jr. Christopher L. Lockwood

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of technology-based information-gathering, navigating the key differences between tasking an individual source and asking a crowd. We unpack how the shift from traditional HUMINT collection to crowdsourcing has been made possible by technological advancements, and discuss the importance of implementing an enhanced safeguard framework for responsib...

On January 10, 2024, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published Guidelines , applicable to any technology, for ascertaining compliance with the enablement requirement in view of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Amgen v. Sanofi (“ Amgen ”). According to the Guidelines, which will be incorporated into the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure in due course, the USPTO will conti...

This month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) started the new year by filing an amicus brief in an ongoing appeal in the First Circuit focusing on an interpretation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), specifically 1692e. While FDCPA litigators await a decision on this issue, debt collectors can use this case as a reminder to understand how their technologies, like bank...

Following the lead of other states, Missouri recently introduced its own version of Commercial Finance Disclosure Law legislation. With a similar law introduced last session, how does this new legislation differ from prior bills? Read the full article. About the authors Joel L. Perrell Jr. Eryn Brasovan

Many who suffer from nasal and sinus congestion are familiar with pseudoephedrine and it’s shift from a simple purchase to one requiring a pharmacist consult and proper photo identification. After this change, the industry pivoted to phenylephrine as a substitute for pseudoephedrine to ensure the continued availability of over-the-counter decongestants. Fast forward to now, when the FDA has recent...

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released Version 2.0 of its Lease Financing booklet on September 27 last year, replacing the older Version 1.0 and updates from 2016 and 2017. This episode digs into some of the changes and revisions in this new version. Read the full article. About the author: Eryn Brasovan

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool with the potential to both harm and protect in the realm of cybersecurity. As new technologies are constantly being developed, businesses are turning to AI for everyday activities such as data analytics, customer service assistance, and even product recommendations. Read the full article. Abo...

In today's episode, we explore how crowdsourced data is transforming the landscape of information gathering. Read the full article. Additional resources Womble Bond Dickinson (Oct. 4, 2023). Unlocking the Potential of Crowdsourced Data: Policy Guidance for the Information Revolution Office of the Director of National Intelligence, IC Consumers Guide . About the authors Robert A. Broadbent How...

Amidst the backdrop of a city renowned for its contributions to higher education, life sciences, technology, and finance, lies a natural gem that tells a different tale of Boston. Just a stone's throw from the bustling streets of downtown sits the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, which currently enriches the lives of Boston middle schoolers through experiential learning and out...

In today's episode, we dive into a recent legislative development. The U.S. Congress has recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act with a crucial inclusion—the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act. Read the full article. About the authors: Luke Cass Britt Whitesell Biles Joe D. Whitley M. Rhett DeHart Kristina M. Moore* Michael E. Clark Chukwukpee Nzegwu William D. Curtis

In this episode, we're delving into the USPTO's  recent announcement about expanding their footprint with a new regional office in the Atlanta metro area as well as a new outreach center in Strafford County, New Hampshire. Read the full article. About the authors Preston H. Heard Brendan T. O'Dea

Rebroadcast: This episode explores some of the issues companies face when doing business in a global landscape, covering issues in the supply chain and how business can mitigate associated risks.     Read the full article: https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/articles-and-briefings/supply-chain-disruption-europe-uk-and-us-how-businesses-can More insights from our Growing Global series:...

Rebroadcast: In a recent personal injury case, a New York attorney learned a hard lesson about the risks of using "generative" artificial intelligence (AI). The attorney, representing Robert Mata, filed a response to a motion to dismiss which cited several cases in Mata's favor. However, it was soon discovered that none of the cited cases actually existed. Avianca, the opposing part...

Rebroadcast: What happens when a deceased relative speaks to you through your home assistant device? It might sound like a ghost story tailored for spooky season, but the tech is all too real. So, what happens when we overly humanize technology. More importantly, should we?     Read the full article. About the author: Theodore F. Claypoole

Rebroadcast: In this episode, we delve into the shadowy intersection of international finance, crime, and sports, focusing on a phenomenon known as "sportswashing" - a mechanism whereby sports events and organizations are used as vehicles to legitimize illicit wealth and evade sanctions. Listen now to uncover how the beautiful game is sometimes manipulated for not-so-beautiful intentions...

As part of our commitment to the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion, our Houston office recently launched our Art & Diversity Initiative. The office will feature a series of rotating art exhibitions from local Houston artists to create visibility and showcase their personal stories. Read about the initiative. View artwork.  

Today, we're plugging into the world of electric vehicles. With a global ambition to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, EVs are shifting from a niche market to the mainstream, fueled by rising gas prices and the decreasing cost of electric cars themselves. Start your engines and join us for a deep dive into the intersection of policy, economy, and technology that's propelling the e...

In this episode, we're diving into the guidance issued by the State Bar of California regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence within the legal profession. As AI continues to transform various sectors, the legal field is no exception, and with this transformation comes the need for ethical clarity. The Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct of the California State...

Class action or arbitration – who decides? And what happens when a plaintiff disagrees with the decision? This episode explores a recent opinion from the Ninth Circuit on how this question applies to Bielski v. Coinbase, Inc. Read the full article. About the author Jeffrey Topor

Legal departments exist within the overall businesses they serve and with that has come a recognition that the business of doing law is a core component of how in-house legal services are delivered, and ample guidance must be given to legal operations. In this episode, we'll share a summary based on a panel discussion between a team of in-house legal operations professionals. They discuss dis...

Delivering substantial construction projects is no simple task. In today's changing global climate, the demand and complexity of these projects are increasing. Hence, understanding and mitigating risks become ever crucial. In our latest episode, we provide you with a synopsis of a recent webinar where experts from Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) UK and US offices share their valuable insig...

 As the technological landscape evolves, so too does the field of communications. One aspect under the magnifying glass is the rise of AI technologies in the realm of robocalls and robotext campaigns. Join us for today's episode where we explore the recent Notice of Inquiry adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which seeks public insight into this critical matter. Read the f...

 Starting January 1, 2024, the reporting landscape for U.S. and foreign entities undergoes a significant transformation as detailed by the Corporate Transparency Act. In today's episode, we clarify the nuances of these new requirements, break down who it affects, what must be reported, and the reasoning behind it. Whether you are a part of a reporting company, a compliance officer, or simply...