Alerts

On December 14, 2018, a new bag ordinance in Boston will require all retail stores to stop providing free plastic bags. Given this, retailers in the area should prepare by purchasing appropriate bags and posting a notice at checkout.

As the dust settles on a campaign cycle that was unprecedented in many ways, we have composed this biennial post-election analysis to assist our clients in assessing the potential impact of the elections on their organizations and their industries.

Below is a roundup of headlines that matter and key takeaways from the industries and issues we’re following closely. We’ll be back later today with more in-depth analysis.

Back in May 2018, President Trump announced the United States’ intention to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and re-impose secondary sanctions on Iran. 

The Government of Australia is proposing a new bill that would grant additional powers to law enforcement and national security agencies.

Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Lamps Plus, Inc. v. Frank Varela, a case with major implications for companies seeking to avoid class arbitration.

The IRS and Treasury Department issued proposed regulations that explain how investors can take advantage of the statute’s unique opportunity for deferral and exclusion of capital gains taxes by investing in designated distressed communities or QOZs.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

Monthly Wrap: News, insights and analysis from Arent Fox’s International Arbitration team.

Colorado’s new consumer data protection law, the Protections for Consumer Data Privacy Act, took effect September 1 and companies now have another set of requirements to comply with for their data privacy compliance.

Individuals with disabilities and their families have many options to set aside funds without jeopardizing eligibility for means-tested government benefits.

Retailers across the country are paying close attention to a series of legal battles over state laws that prohibit merchants from charging an extra fee to consumers who pay by credit card.

If the turbulence of 2018 caused business executives grief, the year ahead is unlikely to provide much relief.  Foremost is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). If most political pundits are correct, the three governments will likely be able to ratify the USMCA in time to be in full fo

On October 11, the United States Patent and Trademark Office published a new final rule altering the claim construction standard applied in inter partes review, post grant review, and covered business method review proceedings.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule (PR) which would require any television advertisement for a drug or biological covered by Medicare or Medicaid to include a disclosure of the product’s “current list price” for a “typical” thirty day supply.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

On October 17, 2018, Canada celebrated Legalization Day – an event marking the end of a prohibition against recreational cannabis use. 

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

President Trump is expected to sign into law a bill which will – among other things – expand the scope of the Open Payments reporting requirements mandated by Section 6002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (often referred to as the Sunshine Act).

Efforts to update FDA’s personal care products regulations continue as Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) recently introduced H.R. 6903, the “Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2018.” 

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

In December 2017, Congress passed major changes to the tax laws.

On September 28, 2018, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) filed an amended complaint to revive its lawsuit seeking to block implementation and enforcement of California’s drug price transparency law.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

On October 1, 2018, the New York State Department of Labor announced its final regulations to prevent workplace harassment.