Womble Perspectives

In recent years, the commercial office market has faced unprecedented challenges. With office valuations plummeting, high interest rates, and soaring vacancy levels, landlords are struggling more than ever. For tenants, this volatile environment underscores the importance of due diligence before signing new leases. Whether you're entering a new agreement or extending an existing one, understa...

Trademark law sits at the heart of brand identity, often acting as a powerful shield for organizations looking to protect their logos, names, and likenesses from unauthorized use. For universities and sports teams, this becomes especially critical. Their logos and names carry immense cultural and economic value, forming a significant part of their brand identity and even their financial lifeline....

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.

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...

Cell cultivated meat, often referred to as cultured or lab-grown meat, is steadily making its way into the food industry. This innovative approach to producing meat has the potential to revolutionize the food supply chain, reduce environmental impact, and provide ethical alternatives to traditional animal farming. However, navigating this uncharted territory presents a blend of opportunities and c...

Our world is constantly connected, and cyber security has become a critical concern for businesses operating across borders. For US technology companies providing services in the European Union, understanding and complying with international regulations is not just advisable — it's essential. Read the full article New Cyber Security Rules for US Technology Companies Operating in the EU About...

As cyber threats continue to rise, universities involved in federally funded research are under increased scrutiny. It's not just about ticking boxes on compliance forms; it's about protecting sensitive info that, if compromised, could open up major vulnerabilities. Read the article Recent FCA Investigations at Universities: A Closer Look at Cybersecurity Compliance About the authors Sar...

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

On April 30, 2024, the landscape of the cannabis industry experienced a monumental shift when the US Drug Enforcement Administration announced its decision to reclassify cannabis from a schedule I to schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances act. This move, coming after an 18 month review initiated by the Biden administration, is seen as a significant step towards acknowledging the th...

Arbitration clauses are important in commercial contracts for resolving disputes outside of court. But recent Supreme Court rulings have changed how these clauses work. Whether you're a small business owner or run a large corporation, understanding these changes is key to ensuring your contracts are rock-solid. Read the article. About the authors: Tomio Narita Justin T. Bradley

Superheroes have saved the world countless times. From the pages of comic books to the silver screen, these larger-than-life characters have become ingrained in pop culture. But now, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office has done what Thanos and Lex Luthor never could—defeat the larger than life combined forces of Marvel and DC. Read the full article. About the authors: Sara M. Bauer Lori B. Cohen

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...

This episode is based on an article originally published in the November 2024 issue of ALI CLE’s The Practical Real Estate Lawyer .   The commercial real estate industry is currently grappling with a staggering $929 billion in debt coming due this year. The refinancing landscape is bleak, with high interest rates and dwindling property values creating a challenging environment for borrowers. These...

Today, we’re diving into a ruling by the Federal Circuit that’s making waves in the world of patent litigation: the case of UTTO Inc. v. Metrotech Corp. This decision, issued on October 18, 2024, tackles the intricate issue of claim construction at the Rule 12 stage. Read the full article Federal Circuit: Claim Construction Not Forbidden Per Se at Motion to Dismiss Stage About the authors Alexande...

The Inflation Reduction Act, also referred to as the IRA, has been a pivotal achievement within the Biden Administration. Enacted through the Budget Reconciliation process, the IRA encapsulates three main Democratic objectives—climate and clean energy investment, healthcare price regulation, and tax restructuring. With the 2024 Presidential Election looming, the fate of the IRA is uncertain, parti...

Mexico has adopted a constitutional amendment that brings sweeping changes to its judiciary, which will go into effect in 2025. The key goals of these changes include increasing accountability and transparency. However, the move to elect judges through popular vote, among other shifts, raises concerns about judicial independence. Read the full article Mexico Adopts Controversial Judicial Reform –...

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. We gathered a team of in-house legal operations professionals to discuss what has fueled the growth of legal ops and where they believe their indus...

With AI advancing at a rapid pace, digital replicas and deepfakes are becoming more and more common, leaving the legal world scrambling to keep up. These AI-generated likenesses are so convincing, they're almost indistinguishable from the real thing. While this opens up exciting creative possibilities, it also poses serious legal challenges, especially regarding Name, Image, and Likeness righ...

Today, we’re diving into the world of contracts with a focus on a critical component that can save businesses when disaster strikes: the force majeure clause. Natural disasters and global crises seem to be growing both in frequency and intensity, and businesses must adapt to survive. Recent hurricanes, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic have all disrupted industries, leaving business owners scrambl...

In a bold move that has captured global attention, the United Arab Emirates is venturing into the gambling industry with the publication of commercial gaming regulations and licensing materials. This development marks a significant shift in the region's economic landscape and presents intriguing opportunities for investors worldwide. Read the full alert New Market, Old Rules: United Arab Emir...

The world is on the brink of a revolutionary shift in how we produce and consume energy. Every policy maker, energy supplier, and commercial consumer has a role to play in this grand transition. With the release of Womble Bond Dickinson's fourth annual survey, "Energizing Tomorrow: Global Energy Transition Outlook 2025," we have a clearer picture of where we stand and where we are h...

Recent trends emphasize the need for increased vigilance among lenders in the auto and equipment industry. With new automotive inventories rising and used vehicle prices dipping, the potential for dealer distress is growing. It's essential for lenders to be ready for these challenges. Read the full article. About the author: Ryan Thompson

Superheroes have saved the world countless times. From the pages of comic books to the silver screen, these larger-than-life characters have become ingrained in pop culture. But now, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office has done what Thanos and Lex Luthor never could—defeat the larger than life combined forces of Marvel and DC. Read the full article. About the authors: Sara M. Bauer Lori B. Cohen

California's Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has long been a critical framework for protecting consumers from abusive or unfair debt collection practices. Recently, however, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 1286 on September 24, 2024, expanding these protections to certain commercial debts. This significant legislative change has considerable implications for lenders, financial adv...

When it comes to Big Data, you're the product. So what laws are in place to protect you, and what are your options? Read the full article. About the author: Theodore F. Claypoole