Womble Perspectives

In this episode, we dive into the record-breaking $18.5 million Huntsman v. Southwest Airlines settlement, the largest USERRA class action recovery ever reported, and what it means for employers. From policy audits to training and risk management, learn how proactive measures can help avoid costly litigation while supporting employees who serve. Read the article Soaring to Service: $18.5M USERRA S...

In this episode, we unpack the EPA and Army Corps’ proposed changes to the definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act—a shift that could reshape federal jurisdiction and impact industries from construction to agriculture. With fewer permits and reduced oversight on the horizon, we explore what this means for businesses, environmental protections, and the regulatory lands...

Today, we’re cracking open a really significant resource in the world of high-stakes litigation. It's the updated White Collar Crime, Third Edition, 2025 Edition 9 volume legal treatise, edited by WBD’s Michael Clark and Luke Cass, published by Thomson Reuters. About the authors: Luke Cass Michael Clark

Parkinson's Disease is a relentless neurological disorder that affects millions globally. Characterized by tremors, stiffness, and coordination difficulties, it severely disrupts daily life. For those living with it - and for their caregivers - finding effective symptom management strategies is paramount. This is where cannabis could come in. A plant often wrapped in controversy, cannabis see...

As the summer Olympic Games approach, we can expect to see some athletes being banned due to doping. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees American Olympic and Paralympic athletes, enforces stringent testing standards. Remember the female US track star banned from the Tokyo Games for testing positive for marijuana? Spoiler: she's back and faster than ever. Although marijuana remains ban...

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

Today we’re digging into the energy demands of artificial intelligence and the political pressure it’s creating. Senate Democrats are calling out Big Tech over the skyrocketing electricity consumption of data centers powering AI, which makes this not just a tech topic, but a conversation about consumer costs, infrastructure, and the politics of energy. Read the full article Senate Democrats Press...

Today, we’re tackling part two of what it takes to find expert witnesses, and we’re following up with the next big question: once you’ve got a shortlist of candidates, how do you choose the best one? It turns out, it’s not just about degrees and licenses. There are multiple other factors that can make or break credibility in front of a jury. More info Finding an Expert Witness (Part 2): Best Pract...

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...

Today we’re tackling a development from the U.S. Department of Justice that could reshape compliance strategies across multiple industries. The DOJ has launched a new Health & Safety Unit within its Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and this could signal a sizeable shift for companies in health, safety, and consumer product sectors. Read the full article DOJ Unleashes New Health & Safety...

Today, we’re tackling a question that maybe sounds straightforward, but could have complicated, unforeseen consequences. That question? What happens if the FDA stops collecting user fees from drug companies? At first glance, it sounds like a win. Less corporate influence, more independence for regulators. But is it really that simple?  Read the full article The Cost of Free: What Removing FDA User...

Today we’re tackling a major development in California’s climate disclosure landscape. The state’s ambitious climate disclosure law was set to usher in a new era of corporate transparency. But now, everything is on hold.  Just weeks before the first compliance deadline, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted an injunction that pauses enforcement of the law. This unexpected twist leaves thousan...

Today’s episode focuses on a fascinating intersection of science, law, and economics: the rise of psychedelic therapy and the legal frameworks shaping its future.  In this era of industrialized capitalism, there are strong incentives to promote products in emerging industries. Intellectual property law has always played a key role in fueling innovation and now, it’s poised to do the same for psych...

In this episode, we're talking about a critical alert from the Federal Communications Commission: the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has issued a Public Notice after a recent wave of cybersecurity intrusions targeting radio broadcasters.  And these weren’t harmless pranks. Attackers managed to broadcast obscene materials and even actual or simulated Emergency Alert System to...

Today, we’re diving into a significant development in intellectual property law that’s making waves across the intellectual property sector. On November 28, 2025, the USPTO published new guidance on inventorship for AI-assisted inventions, and it’s a big shift from what we saw in early 2024. The main headline is simple but powerful: there will be no separate inventorship standard for AI-assisted i...

In this episode, we’re diving into a critical topic that deals with the future of energy: spent nuclear fuel, or SNF. And as of right now, the U.S. has more than 91,000 metric tons of SNF sitting in storage with no permanent solution.   That’s a truly staggering number. Especially since about 95% of that material can actually be reused. And through reprocessing and recycling, we could turn what we...

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:...

When we think about the human body, we often consider systems we learned about in biology class, like the central nervous system, the endocrine system, or maybe even the sympathetic nervous system. But today we’re shining a light on a crucial—but relatively new discovery in human physiology called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short.   Read the full article Unlocking the Secrets of the En...

In today’s episode of Womble Perspectives, we’re diving into a major shift announced by the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance on November 17, 2025. One that’s already sending ripples through this year’s proxy season. Read the full article SEC Alters Shareholder Proposal Landscape About the authors Gary R. DePalo Sid Shenoy

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Michael McCue, a partner in our Intellectual Property group who joined Womble as part of our combination with Lewis Roca in January of 2025.  The two discuss Womble's entrepreneurial approach and his experience since joining the firm. More about WBD's Intellectual P...

Social media has become the new storefront for everything from dietary supplements and CBD oils to herbal tinctures and homeopathic remedies. These products are often promoted as “natural,” “safe,” or “alternative,” and that language resonates with consumers looking for holistic options. But here’s the catch, many of these products make bold claims about treating or preventing health conditions. A...

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Ana Maria Gutiérrez, a partner in our Denver office and Head of our Environmental Law Practice. The two discuss Ana's decision to make the jump to Womble and how she approaches achieving ambitious goals at the firm. More about WBD's Environmental Law Practice.

Today, we’re revisiting a story that’s as provocative as it is legally fascinating: the ongoing trademark battle over the F-word. Read the full article F-Word as a Trademark? Federal Circuit Leaves the Door Open as it Vacates TTAB’s Decision About the authors Jennifer A. Van Kirk Erica R. Halstead Lori B. Cohen

Today, we’re looking at a provocative development in reproductive science: selecting embryos based on projected intelligence. Picture this: a couple undergoing IVF is presented with three embryos. They’re told each has a different predicted IQ. Embryo 1, 2, or 3—who’s likely to be the smartest? Read the full article The Intersection of Genetics and Law: Navigating New Frontiers About the author Ch...

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