Womble Perspectives

In a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the landscape of copyright law has been drastically changed. On May 9, in a decisive 6-3 ruling in the case of Warner Chappell Music Inc. et al. vs. Sherman Nealy et al, the Court made it clear: copyright infringement claims aren't locked into a mere three-year window for seeking damages.

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About the authors:
Lori B. Cohen
Laura A. Kees
Jacob S. Wharton
Sara M. Bauer
Jace D. Williams

The intertwining of artificial intelligence with the fabric of innovation presents a challenge for the legal framework that governs intellectual property rights. In recently released guidance, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has set the bar for AI-assisted inventions, maintaining a decisive human-centric approach to inventorship standards. This update arrives among the flurry of advancements in AI technology and the escalating stakes across industries that rely on it for groundbreaking developments.

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About the authors:
Samuel A. Savanich
Alexander P. Wharton
Dr. Christian E. Mammen
Jeffrey S. Whittle
Stephanie Smiertka Riley
Michael J. Mallie

In an era where consumers are increasingly seeking products made domestically, understanding the complexities behind "Made in USA" claims is critical. Recent enforcement actions by the Federal Trade Commission underscore the importance of accuracy and transparency in these claims.

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About the authors
Jack B. Hicks
James K. Kearney
Angela Ennis
Andrew Tuggle

On April 29, 2024, Chairman John Moolenaar, head of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, outlined his agenda for the committee's main focus areas during his time at the helm.

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Read our original client alert predicting Chairman Moolenaar's priorities.

About the authors
Kristina M. Moore*
Carol Lee

In today’s digital landscape, the way we amass knowledge and data is undergoing a profound shift. This transition is not merely a technological one; it is catalyzing significant changes in the way we understand and apply information. At the heart of this transformation lies the concept of crowdsourcing, which is poised to redefine intelligence gathering across various sectors.

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About the authors:
Robert A. Broadbent
Howard W. Herndon

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 therapeutic potential of cannabis and easing federal restrictions that have long hampered the industry.

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About the authors:
Mason E. Freeman
Aulica Lin Monroe
Morgan E. Persinger
Al Windham

On April 22, the Federal Trade Commission issued its final “Non-Compete Clause Rule” which bans most non-competes in the United States, and it's set to become effective 120 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

So what does this mean for both employers and employees going forward?

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About the authors:
John E. Pueschel
Richard J.R. Raleigh, Jr.
Lee K. Van Voorhis
Jeffrey S. Whittle

The integrity and trustworthiness of data are paramount concerns for businesses and governments alike, driving an urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. With the rise in cyber threats and the complexity of digital environments, organizations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to bolster their defense strategies. AI is not a silver bullet, but when integrated effectively, it can be a powerful ally in the fight against cyber-attacks. 

 But is AI also a dual-edged sword?

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About the authors:
Theodore F. Claypoole
Katie Simmonds
Jenny Gibbs
Amanda Jackson

Recently, the DOJ has rolled out a groundbreaking policy that promises to reshape corporate compliance and criminal investigation. The Pilot Program on Voluntary Self-Disclosures for Individuals marks a significant shift in how the government approaches corporate criminal enforcement

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About the authors:
Luke Cass
Michael E. Clark
Joe D. Whitley
James E. Connelly
Amy Lyons

On March 21, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed its first resolution on artificial intelligence, marking a significant commitment to safe and trustworthy AI development for global progress. Led by the United States and backed by 123 countries, the resolution emphasizes the need for regulations to reduce AI risks and ensure its benefits are shared equitably. U.S.

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About the authors:
Seiko Okada, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Christian E. Mammen