Womble Perspectives

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
Alexander P. Wharton
Dana K. Severance

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, particularly with Republicans eyeing a potential repeal. 

Read the full article
Can Republicans Repeal the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

About the authors
Kristina M. Moore*
Patrice Z. Howard, Ph.D.

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 – What You Need to Know to Protect Your Business

About the authors
David L. Attanasio
Alexandre de Gramont
Katie Hyman, CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM
José Luis Vittor*
Francisco Balduzzi*

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 industry is headed. 

Read the full article.

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 rights.

Read the full article
Comparing California’s AI-Likeness Bills with the Federal NO FAKES Act of 2024

About the authors
John P. Bossert
Dr. Christian E. Mammen

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 scrambling to mitigate the fallout. Enter: the force majeure clause.

Read the full article:
The Importance of Understanding Force Majeure Clauses in Contracts Amid Recent Disasters

About the authors:
Patrick T. Strubbe
Russ Ferguson

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 Emirates Opens Doors to Gambling Industry with Regulations Similar to U.S. Jurisdictions

About the authors
Richard R. Cameron
Jason C. Hicks
Jed M. Nosal

Kelly Tymburski, Senior Legal Consultant and Principal of SPR Advisors co-authored this alert.

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 headed. This report not only highlights the progress made but also underscores the challenges that lie ahead as we strive to balance the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability.

Read our full report.

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