Womble Perspectives

A major shift in federal employment law is underway. In this episode, we unpack the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s June 9, 2026 opinion declaring key aspects of disparate-impact liability under Title VII unconstitutional. We explore how this change narrows employer risk, raises the bar for plaintiffs, and challenges long-standing EEOC guidance—while leaving state laws and disparate-treatment claims firmly in place. Tune in for a clear breakdown of what changed, what didn’t, and what employers should do next.

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DOJ Reinterprets Title VII Disparate Impact — Practical Implications for Employers

About the authors

John Pueschel

Kiley McCarthy-Connolly Scholtz

Richard Raleigh

Today we’re breaking down a recent regulatory update from the FDA that landed on February 5th, 2026, which deals with how food companies can use the phrase “no artificial colors” on their labels. And even though the laws haven’t changed, the practical impact could be substantial. It’s an update that may seem small on the surface but touches marketing, compliance, and consumer perception all at once.

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• Update for Big Food: FDA Announces New Policy on “No Artificial Colors” Labeling

About the author

• Al Windham 

Today we’re diving into new supplemental guidance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could have an effect on how design patents are drafted for digital products. On March 13, 2026, the USPTO published this guidance in the Federal Register specifically addressing design patent applications claiming computer-generated interfaces, icons, and even holograms. 

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• USPTO Issues Supplemental Guidance on Design Patents for Computer-Generated Interfaces and Icons

Abou the authors

• Alex Wharton
• Jacob Wharton

Today, we’re unpacking findings from the 2026 Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey, which paints a clear picture of where business leaders are right now. Innovation—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating faster than the rules meant to govern it. And that gap is creating both opportunity and real risk. 

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• Emerging Tech, Escalating Risks: What Corporate Leaders Reveal in the Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey

About the authors

• Tara Cho
• John Gray
• Mark Henriques
• Chris Jones 

As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies currently divide responsibility, and why Congress may be the key to long‑term clarity. We explore what a risk‑based regulatory framework could look like—and what it means for businesses, investors, and the future of digital assets in the U.S. 

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• A Framework for Crypto Asset Regulation

About the authors

• Louis Froelich
• JD Uglum

California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital asset companies should be doing now to prepare for DFPI oversight.

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• California’s New Digital Financial Assets Law Requires Application for Cryptocurrency Licenses to be Submitted by July 1, 2026

About the authors

• Amy Greenwood-Field
• Derek W. Edwards
• Scott J. Hyman, CIPP (US/E), CIPM, CIPT
• Robert W. Savoie

Today’s episode focuses on a fascinating intersection of science, law, and economics: the rise of psychedelic therapy and the legal frameworks shaping its future. 

In this era of industrialized capitalism, there are strong incentives to promote products in emerging industries. Intellectual property law has always played a key role in fueling innovation and now, it’s poised to do the same for psychedelic therapies. 

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• Actualizing Therapy from Psychedelic Compounds Requires Acknowledging the Past Pioneers as well as Encouraging Cooperation from Current Market Players

About the author

• Ben Bourke

In this episode of Womble Perspectives, Chief Recruiting Officer Lori Patton sits down with partner Chris Douglas to explore her two-decade journey at the firm. Chris shares how her passion for learning shaped her path from litigation to leadership.

About Chris Douglas

What began as a backyard celebration now draws over a thousand people to support food insecurity in Middle Tennessee. Bill Ramsey takes us inside the evolution of “Ode to Otha” and why community leadership starts with showing up.

Tickets: Ode to Otha

About the event: Ode to Otha: Bill Ramsey Honors Friend & Legendary Musician Otha Turner with Annual Charity Event

Food doesn’t travel a straight line from farm to fork, and when safety issues arise, tracing that journey can be challenging. In this episode, we break down FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, why it was created, and what it means for companies handling higher-risk foods. From past produce outbreaks to new recordkeeping expectations and the extended compliance timeline, we explore how traceability is evolving. And what businesses can do now to prepare for what’s ahead.

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• From Farm to Fork: Understanding FDA’s Food Traceability

About the Author

• Jennifer German