Articles and Briefings

Brexit update: EUIPO confirms business as usual

Feb 07 2020

Following approval of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK left the EU on 1 February 2020. We are currently in the transitional period (the "Transitional Period"), during which time EU law shall continue to apply to the UK.

N.C. Federal Court Allows Former Employee’s Disability Claims to Proceed to Trial

Jan 21 2020

A North Carolina federal trial court recently denied an employer’s request to dismiss a former employee’s disability discrimination and retaliation claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The case provides a helpful reminder of why employers must be ready to articulate and provide concrete support for any alleged “undue hardship” a requested reasonable accommodation would create before denying it.

Successfully Navigating Export Controls in a Fast Changing Regulatory and Political Environment

Jan 08 2020

Tips for Corporate Counsel in Establishing a Realistic, Scalable Compliance Program

Seven Elements of an Effective Compliance Program

Jan 08 2020

Hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare industry face an enormous regulatory and compliance burden unlike any other sector. Below, Womble Bond Dickinson Healthcare Consultant Carrie Tuttle gives her Seven Elements of an Effective Compliance Program.

Using Old Tech to Get New Tech Patent

Jan 07 2020

Your company just invested to get an application on Track One prioritized examination. Now what? The Track One prioritized program does not guarantee an applicant to get an allowance — only a final disposition that can be a final rejection. What else can an applicant do to facilitate the allowance of their patent application? One of the most effective ways to advance prosecution of a patent application is an old and relatively inexpensive way: Pick up the phone and call the examiner at the USPTO assigned to the application.

Employer Compliance & Enforcement 2019 in Retrospect – Where do We Go from Here?

Jan 06 2020

This article is based on a recent presentation to the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Baltimore Chapter given by Jennifer Cory and Kate Christensen Mills.

Results of USPTO Post-Prosecution Pilot Look Promising

Dec 04 2019

Through the Enhanced Patent Quality Initiative, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is rolling out programs to enhance overall patent quality. The latest program rolled out was the Post-Prosecution Pilot (P3) Program, which was developed to enhance after-final practice.

Building a Robust Innovation Economy: How Betting on Higher Education and Fostering an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Helped Northern Virginia Land Amazon HQ2

Nov 25 2019

On November 13, 2018, Amazon announced that its HQ2 project—contributing an estimated 25,000 high-paying jobs and $2.5 billion investment—to be located in the Crystal City area of Arlington, Va. The announcement by the e-commerce giant ended months of fierce competition, and was cause for celebration throughout the Northern Virginia and the DC metro area.

You’ve Got a Friend in High Places: The Power of Sponsorship for Women

Nov 19 2019

Although women in the legal profession are now advancing in greater numbers to partnership in law firms and upper level positions in corporate legal departments, getting there and continuing to advance remain daunting tasks.

Eight Things Your Social Media Influencer Agreement Should Accomplish

Nov 14 2019

As marketing trends evolve and social media continues to gain ground as an indispensable channel of advertising, businesses must adapt and recalibrate their marketing strategies accordingly. However, one tactic that is becoming more common – retaining social medial “influencers” to post content promoting your product or services – can present a minefield of legal considerations.

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