https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/publicationPublications RSS Feed22https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/healthlawscan/2026/04/key-takeaways-from-the-43rd-national-hipaa-summit-what-healthcare-industry-stakeholders-should-knowFrom April 7–10, legal and industry professionals and government officials gathered for the 43rd National HIPAA Summit to present their valuable insights on developments and trends in healthcare privacy, cybersecurity, and enforcement.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500428aea9f-7764-4e4d-bbdd-54ee2be2e98fFDA & HealthcareLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesHealthcareHospitals, Health Systems & Academic Medical CentersFDALITB. Scott McBrideMichael J. MadderraSydney Reed Swansonhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/the-rise-of-morals-clauses-as-sponsors-focus-on-brand-protection-careful-drafting-is-keyWhile morals clauses have long been common in athlete endorsement agreements, their importance to sponsorship agreements between teams and sponsors is mounting as brands seek greater protection against reputational harm tied to their association with a team. In the team sponsorship context, however, the analysis will differ.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500cbad7c21-1d94-4b0b-83b1-1c57fe6f142fCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCommercial ContractsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsUnited StatesSportsSports Media, Sponsors & RetailersSports Investors, Financing Sources & OwnershipWomen's SportsProfessional Sports Leagues, Teams & PlayersSports Governing Bodies & Major EventsCBTOUT Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/upcoming-tech-and-sourcing-webinar-on-distribution-agreementsPlease join partner Marie Davy and of counsel Emily Lowe on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm ET for a discussion on current issues and key contractual provisions in global distribution agreements. Topics will include territory and exclusivity, compliance, and intellectual property protection.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050036117a18-8ae2-44b0-98b0-ee1772f18277Technology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesTechnologyOUTIPCBTKatherine B. O'Keefe Jesse R. Taylorhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/you-are-not-hallucinating-executive-order-aims-to-accelerate-approval-of-therapeutic-psychedelicsOn April 18, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order on Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness, aiming to facilitate the development and approval of psychedelic drugs for the treatment of mental health disorders. While psychedelics have shown significant promise for the treatment of such disorders as post-traumatic stress disorder, mood disorders, and addiction, they face a number of development challenges. As such, while the executive order will likely bolster investigational psychedelic therapies, sponsors will still have to grapple with how to meet FDA’s standards of safety and effectiveness.Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500124e81f7-51d3-4127-97a4-8ba9d02fe80fFDA & HealthcareLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesLife SciencesPharmaceuticals & BiotechnologyFDALITJacqueline R. BermanMichele L. Buenafehttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/a-strategic-playbook-for-chinese-biotech-cross-border-deals-navigating-the-new-value-paradigmThe narrative surrounding Chinese biotech assets has fundamentally shifted. According to data from the National Medical Products Administration of China, China’s innovative drug out-licensing (BD) transactions exceeded $60 billion in the first three months of 2026—already approaching half of the $135.7 billion recorded for the entire year of 2025. More telling than the volume, however, is the nature of these transactions.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500e5452c27-6310-455e-b681-a8f552a77ae2AsiaGreater ChinaLife SciencesPharmaceuticals & BiotechnologyTodd LiaoMudan Hehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/asprescribed/2026/04/fdas-warning-letter-suggests-growing-scrutiny-of-ai-overrelianceA recently issued Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warning Letter citing a drug manufacturer for improper use of artificial intelligence (AI) suggests FDA’s scrutiny of AI is expanding. Although not the first FDA Warning Letter related to AI, prior Warning Letters focused on issues surrounding the regulatory status of the AI systems themselves, namely whether a given AI system was a medical device subject to FDA oversight.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05001ccb5e31-3e56-452e-a316-90073c52481cLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsFDA & HealthcareUnited StatesLife SciencesMedical DevicesTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceLITFDAMichele L. BuenafeAriel Z. Seeleyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/04/german-government-strengthens-digital-infrastructure-with-adoption-of-national-data-center-strategyGermany has taken a significant step toward strengthening its digital infrastructure with the adoption of a National Data Center Strategy aimed at expanding capacity, supporting artificial intelligence development, and addressing sustainability concerns.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500c14bb832-bd9e-49ea-8814-9471e96b510bEuropeGermanyTechnologyData CentersBarbara Murphy MelbyDr. Florian HarderDr. Chloé Lignierhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/powered-by-patents-the-tech-revolution-in-sportsWhile trademarks and media rights tend to dominate the headlines in sports law, patents are quietly doing heavy work. They are the backbone of technological advantage in modern athletics, protecting everything from wearable sensors and AI-driven analytics to advanced equipment and safety systems. In a landscape where marginal gains can determine outcomes on the field and in the market, patent protection is not just a legal tool; it is a strategic asset. It secures exclusivity, attracts investment, and increasingly shapes how competition itself unfolds.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050066ae0289-539c-4d8c-951b-8812dc09ed55Intellectual PropertyPatentUnited StatesSportsSports Investors, Financing Sources & OwnershipSports Media, Sponsors & RetailersIPPATManita RawatJacob GoldNicholas Lohttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/rethinking-cip-compliance-for-cloud-and-emerging-technologiesThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation is exploring a new framework for its Critical Infrastructure Protection standards that could fundamentally change how cybersecurity compliance is structured across the bulk power system. The proposed “100-series” approach would introduce a parallel, more flexible model better suited to cloud and third-party environments, with potential implications for compliance strategy, audit readiness, and vendor contracting.Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500ee569e47-e085-4bb3-a22d-88a33d574169Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureUnited StatesEnergyCBTENEJ. Daniel SkeesRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/cyber-risk-in-asia-moves-from-technical-threat-to-enterprise-liability-and-insurance-imperativeCyber risk has become a defining enterprise challenge for companies operating in Asia. A recent regional risk survey underscores what many boards and risk leaders already recognize: cyber attacks and data breaches remain at the top of business risk rankings, alongside supply chain disruption, natural disasters, and geopolitical volatility.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500c60aeade-9ad3-4955-97c3-53c5d5481ac7Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyGlobal Supply Chain Risk ManagementInsurance RecoveryAsiaRetail & EcommerceTechnologyInsuranceLITACCPSECEmily E. GarrisonWendy Tanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/delaware-applies-moelis-amendment-to-enforce-forum-selection-in-stockholder-employment-agreement-over-corporations-bylawIn a recent decision, the Delaware Court of Chancery applied the Delaware General Corporation Law’s Moelis Amendment in finding that a non-Delaware forum selection clause in a CEO’s employment agreement overrode the corporation’s forum selection bylaw.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500ee0b6f2e-25e9-46d6-9f36-377732104a5fLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementSecurities, Corporate Governance & Shareholder LitigationSecurities EnforcementCapital Markets & Public CompaniesUnited StatesLITCBTSECJody C. BarillareMichael D. BlanchardLaura Hughes McNallyBrian Loughnanehttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/far-council-moves-to-prohibit-racially-discriminatory-dei-practices-through-mandatory-contract-clausesThe Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) on April 20, 2026 released guidance and associated Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) model deviations to implement Executive Order 14398, which is aimed at combating discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by federal contractors. The guidance marks a significant escalation from aspirational policy statements to enforceable obligations by directing agencies to embed the order’s requirements into contracts and subcontracts through mandatory clauses. The inclusion of this mandatory language is also meant to further support the government’s enforcement efforts, substantiating its arguments that “illegal” DEI programs are material to its contracts—emboldening its current False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement directives.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050067a6f6c2-7bb6-4a6c-ab6a-6fe5f04f4595Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationGovernment Contractor ComplianceGovernment ContractsOrganizational Culture: Change & ComplianceUnited StatesLITEBLBRFDALBRREWTRAlexander B. HastingsLisa C. DykstraSharon Perley MaslingScott Whitmanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/government-contractor-ma-the-diligence-issues-most-likely-to-affect-valueWhile M&A involving government contractors continues to attract strategic buyers and sponsors, with these deals comes a different level of diligence than a typical commercial transaction. The reason is straightforward: when a company does business with the government, contract performance, compliance, and enforcement risk are often closely linked. In addition to creating operational friction, a diligence issue may affect valuation or future eligibility for work or expose the buyer to inherited liability.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05001ef2ad6d-d5b7-4eb7-9cab-4d6638835037Government ContractsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationMergers & AcquisitionsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyUnited StatesLITFDACBTMAACCPAlexander B. HastingsJustin D. Weitzhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/cmmc-in-effect-cybersecurity-compliance-measuresThe US Department of Defense (DOD) has implemented the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program as of November 2025. The final rule implementing CMMC established new cybersecurity requirements for federal contractors and subcontractors and, resultingly, heightened the risks of noncompliance, including potential False Claims Act (FCA) risks.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05005eb1ba2e-2048-4105-9679-d938fd85b8bfGovernment ContractsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyLITACCPAlexander B. HastingsDaniel Funarohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/govcon-update-ai-clause-fy-2027-budget-signals-and-cas-threshold-reformsRecent developments across procurement policy, federal budgeting, and cost accounting standards signal meaningful shifts for government contractors. A newly proposed acquisition clause from the General Services Administration (GSA) would introduce government-unique requirements for artificial intelligence (AI). The White House’s FY 2027 budget request underscores a continued prioritization of defense spending. And the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Board has proposed long-anticipated reforms that could narrow CAS applicability.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500312b260b-469e-4bd4-b046-487ccbb7334cGovernment ContractsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesArtificial IntelligenceTechnologyLITAlexander B. HastingsClinton Smallhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/irs-proposes-new-rules-for-electronic-delivery-of-digital-asset-payee-statementsThe US Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released proposed regulations establishing a comprehensive framework for the electronic delivery of Form 1099-DA (Digital Asset Proceeds) on March 6, 2026.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05002cb7a99c-c897-4886-a6c6-2cc92ad2b9e7Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementTaxUnited StatesFintech & Digital AssetsDigital AssetsCBTTAXRichard C. LaFalceAnthony D. CiprianoMaya A. Hairston https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/satellite-and-spacecraft-insurance-mitigating-unique-risks-in-the-texas-aerospace-industryAs the world watched the Artemis II Orion capsule mark the first human lunar flyby in more than 50 years, the eyes of the aerospace world have been firmly fixed on Texas. From the mission control rooms in Houston to the launch pads in Brownsville, the Lone Star State has emerged as the heartbeat of this new era. But as we push further into the cosmos, the financial and operational risks are also reaching new heights.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500fcdb17e3-9e03-4f10-b65a-c5fa4fd0b70cInsurance RecoveryLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseSpace & SatelliteLITW. Brad NesSergio F. OehningerJamie HuffmanJane Yu https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/strategic-ip-considerations-for-the-medtech-market-rebound-after-record-investment-and-ma-in-2025In the medical device sector’s pursuit of market recovery following the post-pandemic correction, recent data indicates a significant resurgence in capital deployment and consolidation. With venture investment reaching a record $10.4 billion in 2025 and median M&A deal values increasing to $570 million (for private venture-backed medical device deals with at least $50 million paid upfront), the landscape has shifted from preservation to aggressive growth.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05005964f4c0-3d12-4473-a107-741a06422f91Intellectual PropertyMergers & AcquisitionsPatentTechnology TransactionsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesLife SciencesHealthcareTechnologyIPCBTMAPATNathan S. Smithhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/the-growing-ip-and-commercial-complexity-of-the-sports-industryWorld Intellectual Property Day on April 26, 2026 provides a timely lens through which to examine the increasingly complex role that intellectual property (IP) and commercial rights play across the sports industry. Far beyond traditional questions of trademark, copyright, patent, and design protection, the modern sports ecosystem is shaped by layered rights and contractual structures governing athlete branding, sponsorships, media distribution, data, venue technology, and emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-driven uses.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05004f135a82-a55b-4fb7-b379-26c24e48b7f6Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCommercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyTechnology TransactionsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsTrademark, Copyright, Advertising Litigation & Brand ManagementUnited StatesSportsSports Investors, Financing Sources & OwnershipSports Media, Sponsors & RetailersWomen's SportsProfessional Sports Leagues, Teams & PlayersSports Governing Bodies & Major EventsCBTOUTIPTRCUCTS Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefehttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/the-white-houses-latest-fraud-initiative-points-to-more-audits-data-sharing-and-enforcement-activityThe March 16, 2026 executive order establishing the new interagency Task Force to Eliminate Fraud signals a more coordinated, enforcement-focused approach to fraud risks in federally funded benefit programs. The initiative emphasizes front-end eligibility and identity verification, expanded data sharing across federal and state systems, and increased reliance on civil enforcement tools, including the False Claims Act (FCA). With accelerated implementation timelines and broad agency participation, the order points to heightened scrutiny for contractors, grantees, and other entities involved in administering or receiving federal funds.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500ea5f76e5-523f-4604-b2c4-c487a582385cGovernment ContractsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationWhistleblowing & RetaliationTax-Exempt OrganizationsUnited StatesLITFDALBRTAXAmanda B. RobinsonAlexander B. HastingsScott WhitmanJustin D. Weitzhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/04/ai-enforcement-accelerates-as-federal-policy-stalls-and-states-step-in-global-relay-intelligence-and-practicePartners Ezra Church, Elizabeth Herrington, Heather Egan, and Rishi Satia co-authored an article for Global Relay Intelligence & Practice examining the evolving federal and state artificial intelligence (AI) enforcement landscape and outlining practical considerations for companies deploying AI technologies.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500054355bb-3e1a-46d5-ae2b-10adc39d4693White Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsState Attorneys GeneralAntitrust & CompetitionLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesArtificial IntelligenceTechnologyLITATREzra D. ChurchElizabeth B. HerringtonHeather EganRishi P. Satiahttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2026/04/as-global-events-shape-stadium-sponsorship-temporary-obscuring-emerges-as-a-key-naming-rights-issueWhile stadium naming rights agreements have traditionally focused on the core commercial points one would expect—category exclusivity, signage rights, use of trademarks, media integration, hospitality benefits—as more stadiums host global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, temporary obscuring signage language has become an increasingly important consideration in naming rights negotiations.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050073e63c6e-93a3-4758-962f-1b6d7e76e923Commercial ContractsTechnology Transactions, Outsourcing & Commercial ContractsIntellectual PropertyUnited StatesSportsSports Governing Bodies & Major EventsOUTIP Jesse R. TaylorKatherine B. O'Keefe