Womble Perspectives

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

On March 27, 2026, the Office of Foreign Access Control issued three new general licenses focused on Venezuela’s minerals sector, including gold. In today’s episode, we break down what each license authorizes, the conditions that apply, and how they differ in scope. From trade in Venezuelan-origin minerals, to operational support, to contingent contracts for new investment, we explore what these licenses permit, and what they still leave off-limits.

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• Explaining OFAC Venezuela Mining Sector-Related General Licenses 51A, 54 and 55

About the Authors

• José Luis Vittor*
• Alan F. Enslen
• Francisco Balduzzi*
• Julius H. Bodie

Getting inventorship wrong can do more than complicate a patent, it can destroy it. In this episode, we unpack a recent Federal Circuit decision that invalidated two patents after a co-inventor was omitted and couldn’t be added later. Using Fortress Iron v. Digger Specialties as a case study, we explore why inventorship errors arise in collaborative development environments, why some mistakes can’t be fixed after issuance, and what companies can do early in development to protect the enforceability of their patents.

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• Inventorship Errors Can Undermine Patent Value: Practical Steps to Reduce Risk

 About the Authors

• Karthika Perumal, Ph.D.
• Michael R. Samardzija, Ph.D.
• Jeffrey S. Whittle

Advanced Air Mobility is often imagined as a bold new urban aviation network, but early implementation may look far more familiar. In this episode, we explore why existing public airports are emerging as key early sites for AAM planning and deployment. Focusing on land use, governance, and recent developments in Arizona, we discuss how airport frameworks, statewide planning signals, and sponsor-led concepts—like those in Phoenix—may shape how AAM is introduced both on and beyond airport property.

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• On Airport First: Early Observations on Advanced Air Mobility in Arizona

About the author

• Heidi K. Short

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

South Carolina lawmakers have just proposed legislation that could significantly affect how social media companies handle consumer data. It’s called the Digital Choice Act and it focuses on data access, portability, and interoperability between platforms. For privacy professionals and legal teams, this will be one to watch. 

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• Proposed Legislation in South Carolina: The “Digital Choice Act” 

About the author

• Ryan Ellard 

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 

Over the last year, and especially after a recent February decision, the Texas Business Court is quickly becoming a go‑to venue for trade secrets disputes. What’s interesting is that this shift may not stop at trade secrets alone. There are strong signs the court could play a significant role in patent‑adjacent litigation as well. 

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• Texas Business Court Signals Broad IP Jurisdiction, Opening Door to Patent‑Adjacent Disputes

About the authors

• Jeff Whittle
• Kartika Perumal 

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Jeff Whittle, a partner in our Houston office and Head of our Global Energy and Natural Resources team. The two discuss Jeff’s journey with Womble, his initial leap of faith to join the firm, and his experience in building the Houston office. 

More about WBD's Energy and Natural Resources practice

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