Womble Perspectives

Managing consumer disputes and consumer lawsuits has always been a fact of life for financial services companies—even those with the most advanced compliance management programs.

But, more recently, a small number of plaintiffs have started to generate a disproportionate number of claims. What should your financial services company do to stay ahead of the litigation and arbitration curve?

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About the authors:
Shelton Sterling Laney III
Tomio Narita
Jeffrey Topor
Justin T. Bradley

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how businesses operate, making processes more efficient while revealing new potentials. However, with these advancements come inherent risks, especially in areas directly affecting consumers. Enter Colorado's groundbreaking AI Consumer Protection Law—a legislative milestone that aims to balance innovation with responsibility. Today, we'll explore the significance of this law and its impact on various stakeholders.

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About the authors:
Tara N. Cho, CIPP/US, CIPP/E
Theodore F. Claypoole
Taylor Ey, CIPP/US, CIPP/E

In today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, national security remains at the forefront of legislative priorities. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, for 2024, introducing several robust measures aimed specifically at countering the influence of China.

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About the authors
Kristina M. Moore
Carol Lee
Amy Lyons

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, understanding your landlord's financial stability and operational capacity can save you from future headaches.

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About the author
Pamela V. Rothenberg

Navigating the innovative yet challenging Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act is no small feat for small business owners, financial analysts, and policy makers. This legislation bans interchange fees on the tax and gratuity portions of credit or debit transactions. In this episode, we'll unravel the complexities of the Act, detailing its provisions, the multifaceted challenges of its implementation, and the broader implications for the payment ecosystem.

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About the author:
Howard W. Herndon

South Carolina has passed a new Name, Image, and Likeness, or NIL, law that promises to redefine collegiate athletics in the state. This law aims to level the playing field for NC double A athletic programs, ensuring they can compete with those in other states. But what does this mean for athletes, educational institutions, and legal experts?

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About the authors:
Mike Ingersoll
Bryant S. Caldwell
Matthew Bellah*

In today's world, we have unprecedented access to information and the internet has made it almost effortless to search for and find data on nearly any topic. However, this ease of access comes with its own set of challenges. Among them is the proliferation of misinformation and junk science—problematic because it can significantly impact various sectors, including academics, public policy, and the legal system.

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About the authors:
Gloria Malpass, Ph.D.*
Madeline Campbell, Ph.D.*

On June 5, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated the SEC’s Private Fund Adviser Rule, a regulation that had stirred considerable debate and concern within the private funds industry. This ruling marks a significant shift in the regulatory environment and leaves many private fund advisers wondering what comes next.

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About the authors:
Louis Froelich
Britt Whitesell Biles
Jennifer Erickson Ammirati
Kimberly B. Richmond

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 Credit Reporting Act lawsuits filed by consumers highlights the challenges furnishers face in navigating these legal waters.

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About the authors
Tomio Narita
Jeffrey Topor

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently released its annual Madrid Yearly Review, providing a comprehensive overview of international trademark registration trends. This year’s theme focuses on the expansion of geographical protection through subsequent designations. For businesses, especially those aiming to protect their trademarks internationally, the insights from this review are invaluable. This episode aims to distill key information and actionable advice from the 2024 review, helping trademark lawyers and IP practitioners make informed decisions.

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About the authors:
Alexander P. Wharton
Jacob S. Wharton