Articles and Briefings

Our publications and briefings provide an in-depth analysis of commercial and legal developments, as they happen.

Business Interruption Coverage, OSHA Issues & Workers’ Compensation Issues in the COVID-19 Era

May 15 2020

When things are going well, insurance coverage, workers’ compensation and OSHA compliance may not be front-burner issues for companies. But in the COVID-19 environment, such “rainy day” topics are top of mind concerns of company leaders and their legal counsel. On May 8, Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys Cal Adams, Mason Freeman, Rachel Keen, Jonathan Reich and Gemma Saluta conducted a webinar on what business leaders need to know about workers’ compensation, insurance coverage and OSHA regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdown/reopening period. While the webinar discussion focused on North Carolina businesses, many of the topics discussed are applicable to companies operating in many states.

Employment Considerations for Returning to Work

May 14 2020

Employment law poses some of the most important compliance issues for businesses and their in-house counsel under the best of circumstances. During a pandemic, these issues become heightened. On May 13, Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys Mark Henriques, Beth Tyner Jones and Richard Rainey held a webinar discussion on employment considerations as companies reopen for business.

Nicholas Hawkins and Rose Smalley in Law360: Coronavirus-Related TM Filings Will Face Registration Hurdles

May 11 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic shutdown has impacted the daily lives of nearly every person on the planet. So it isn’t surprising that trademark offices across the globe have seen a number of filings to protect terms relating to “COVID” and “Coronavirus”. Womble Bond Dickinson attorneys Nicholas Hawkins (US) and Rose Smalley (UK) take a transatlantic look at these pending applications in a new article published by Law360.

Environmental Safety Considerations for Returning to Work

May 08 2020

As companies begin to reopen from the COVID-19 shutdown, workplace safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. While risks can never be completely eliminated, the good news is that there are a number of steps companies can implement now to greatly improve environmental health and safety in their workplaces.

The Strategic Use of Intellectual Property within the Aerospace & defense Industry

May 05 2020

This article considers how a company might use its intellectual property (IP) assets as part of an operating model in support of its chosen value discipline. It looks at each value discipline and consider how IP might be used in relation to it, providing examples from within the Aerospace & Defense sector.

South Carolina Leaders, Including Sens. Graham & Scott, Gov. McMaster & Commerce Sec. Hitt, Discuss State’s COVID-19 Response at Economic Development Forum

May 01 2020

South Carolina is uncharacteristically quiet at the moment. Charleston’s normally packed restaurants are shuttered. Columbia’s Five Points area, which would be hopping with college students any other spring, is still. Even traffic along the I-85 corridor through the Greenville/Spartanburg area isn’t what it usually would be. But behind the scenes, a Herculean amount of work is taking place during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure that South Carolinians are safe and that the state’s economic engine will rev back to life when it restarts.

General Liability Considerations and Potential Exposure in Reopening from COVID-19 Shutdown

May 01 2020

After weeks of business closures and stay-at-home orders, many states are slowly beginning to allow businesses to reopen their doors—usually with significant modifications from “business as usual,” but with more freedom to operate than during the shutdown. With this next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic come important legal and business issues to consider about reopening. On May 1, Womble Bond Dickinson litigation attorneys Mark Henriques (who is leading the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force), Greg Horton and Sara Tucker presented a webinar on general liability issues in a return to work scenario.

The Benefits, Concerns and Considerations of Remote Depositions and Mediations in the COVID-19 Climate

Apr 28 2020

Remote depositions and mediations have been taking place for more than 20 years. As videoconferencing tools have improved (think Webex, Zoom, etc.), business litigators and their client have become increasingly comfortable conducting such sessions in a remote setting. The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the pace of conducting depositions and mediations via videoconference. Sessions that just a few weeks ago may have been conducted in person now must be conducted remotely due to public health concerns and related stay-at-home orders.

Push the Pause Button? Contracts and COVID-19

Apr 07 2020

COVID-19 is having a dramatic effect on everyone’s lives. Our thoughts go out to all those who have been infected and their loved ones. While health has to be the first priority for everyone, this situation also raises significant economic and business issues. Businesses are seeing interruptions in supply, and many contracts can no longer be performed. Businesses are trying to decide whether and how to “push the pause button.” Others are unable to perform their contractual obligations and are trying to determine their legal rights. This article discusses some of the legal issues that inform the decision-making process.

Adapting: Litigation Dynamics for Businesses Addressing Strained Relationships

Apr 03 2020

Despite court closure orders and other restrictions entered across the country, commercial litigation continues to be filed, with many courts docketing new cases in 2020 on pace with 2019. For businesses considering litigation in uncertain times, there are special considerations, as well as enduring best practices. Preserving vital relationships will be key to mitigating the impact down the road and avoiding irreversible consequences. But filing a lawsuit is sometimes the right move, and businesses should consider consulting with counsel to understand the steps that can be taken to prepare and the dynamics business litigants are likely to face.

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