https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/publicationPublications RSS Feed21https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/federal-circuit-finds-the-word-about-to-be-unclear-when-terms-of-degree-cause-indefinitenessThe Federal Circuit in Enviro Tech v. Safe Foods held that the term “about” made the claims indefinite, showing that inconsistencies in intrinsic evidence can make otherwise acceptable terms of degree fail Nautilus’s “reasonable certainty” standard.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -050033fad3e3-a0a0-46c3-b709-068c8ebef435Intellectual PropertyUS Patent Office Post-Grant ProceedingsPatentIntellectual Property LitigationFederal Circuit AppealsUnited StatesIPPATIPLITTRCJulie S. GoldembergMichael T. SikoraMichael Barbounhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/marijuana-rescheduling-begins-what-employers-need-to-know-about-dojs-new-orderThe US Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued a final order (the Order) immediately rescheduling certain marijuana-related products from Schedule I to Schedule III, including (1) “drug products containing marijuana that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)” and (2) “marijuana subject to a state medical marijuana license.” The DOJ also announced an expedited hearing, beginning on June 29, 2026, to review the broader rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -05001eb6b030-5fa7-4108-b742-60cfd6379285Labor, Employment & BenefitsADA Public Accommodation and Accessibility Litigation & CounselingUnited StatesEBLBRAugust W. Heckman IIIChloe Keating LeighSteven LiangKara P. Emrichhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/datacenterbytes/2026/05/nerc-alert-signals-growing-reliability-focus-on-data-centersThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has issued a Level 3 Alert calling for immediate attention from NERC registered entities regarding the reliability risks associated with large computational loads, including data centers, artificial intelligence training facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations, and similar facilities.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -050029e260f4-d6aa-46b1-bee2-5787409fcb80Energy & InfrastructureCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesEnergyTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceElectric Power & TransmissionENECBTStephen M. SpinaJ. Daniel SkeesArjun P. RamadevanahalliRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/securities-enforcement-roundup-april-2026In this issue of our monthly Securities Enforcement Roundup, we highlight top securities enforcement developments from April 2026.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -050053706ac7-e60f-41f5-82bf-44de9bdf55daSecurities EnforcementInvestment ManagementWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsBroker-Dealer Regulation & ComplianceCapital Markets & Public CompaniesDerivatives & FuturesPrivate EquityPrivate Investment FundsRegistered FundsUnited StatesBankingInvestment FundsFintech & Digital AssetsTechnologySECIMPGLITTAXPEPIFL. Felipe EscobedoDavid S. Martin Evan A. OrmondEmily E. RenshawAlyse (“Ali”) J. Rivetthttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/trade-court-limits-scope-of-section-122-tariff-reliefA recent decision by the US Court of International Trade (CIT) has invalidated the administration’s 10% global tariff imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 but stopped short of providing broad, industry-wide relief. Instead, the court granted relief only to the specific importers that successfully challenged the tariffs, creating a fragmented landscape for companies evaluating potential refund claims and litigation strategy.Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500f55a2b1c-48c0-42b6-937f-40f023161da5Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsInternational Trade & National SecurityUnited StatesLITKatelyn M. HilfertyCasey WeaverCarl A. Valensteinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/asprescribed/2026/05/adverse-events-centralized-what-the-launch-of-fdas-new-adverse-event-monitoring-system-means-for-companiesFDA announced on March 11, 2026 the launch of the Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS) , a modernized database designed to centralize and streamline the analysis and publication of adverse event reports for all FDA-regulated products. This new platform, with enhanced analytics and real-time data capabilities, marks a significant shift in how adverse event data is shared by FDA and accessed and used by industry and the public.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500d983da39-b3e1-48cf-9c65-7782397d5ef9Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsFDA & HealthcareUnited StatesLife SciencesMedical DevicesPharmaceuticals & BiotechnologyLITFDADennis C. GucciardoMaarika L. KimbrellAriel Z. Seeleyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/german-federal-court-of-justice-sets-limits-on-private-law-climate-lawsuitsOn 23 March 2026, the Federal Court of Justice dismissed two lawsuits filed by Deutsche Umwelthilfe against automobile manufacturers. Automobile manufacturers cannot be legally compelled to stop selling new vehicles with internal combustion engines.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -050046cfeeac-d7b2-4f23-bec1-4de474d4d83dLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsEuropeGermanyLITDaja Apetz-DreierSylvia Reinharthttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/german-federal-fiscal-court-rules-on-passive-disjunction-from-german-taxation-passive-entstrickung-in-case-of-changes-to-dtaThe Federal Fiscal Court confirms the tax authorities’ view that also the mere amendment or conclusion of a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) can lead to an exit taxation for the relevant taxpayer. The exit tax shall apply one legal second before the changes to the DTA enter into force.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -05004cf67982-78ba-4b84-8dcc-a9865ed11b51TaxCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEuropeGermanyTAXCBTDr. Jann Jetterhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/05/govcon-update-buy-american-cybersecurity-enforcement-sba-certificationsRecent developments in government contracting highlight increased scrutiny of domestic sourcing and country-of-origin certifications, anticipated enforcement of cybersecurity requirements, and Small Business Administration activity focused on small business program compliance. These developments reflect continued alignment of procurement and enforcement priorities with supply chain security, data protection, and program integrity, directly impacting contractors across the federal marketplace.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500b7a8f4b2-dcd8-47e6-9fc0-947f6d870292White Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseDefense & Government ProcurementDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersLITACCPLBRREEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsDaniel Funarohttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/irs-updates-faqs-on-educational-assistance-programs-and-releases-new-sample-plan-documentThe Internal Revenue Service has released updated frequently asked questions addressing educational assistance programs under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, along with a revised sample plan document, Publication 5993 (Rev. 4-2026). The updated guidance represents changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill of 2025, providing clarification for employers that offer—or are considering offering—tuition assistance or student loan repayment benefits.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -050004d37db3-4265-40a0-9f00-1499892ef6caLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesEBLBRLindsay M. GoodmanTyler J. Dixonhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/kazakhstan-introduces-special-legal-regime-for-alatau-cityThe President of Kazakhstan has signed a Constitutional Law introducing a special legal regime for Alatau city.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -050047fdd92f-e8a3-4fbb-9316-5c49847ae1f0Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnergy & InfrastructureAsiaKazakhstanEnergyCBTENEAsem B. BakenovaLeila MadievaKarina Mazhidenovahttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/legal-insights-germanyIn Legal Insights Germany , our lawyers discuss important developments in German law—particularly tax, company, and stock corporation law—with a focus on M&A and private equity.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500311e91a6-1f99-4bfa-978a-5eb89d4fa293Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementMergers & AcquisitionsPrivate EquityCapital Markets & Public CompaniesTaxFinanceAntitrust & CompetitionFamily OfficesLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsGermanyEuropeCBTMAPESECTAXEBESOPATRLITDr. Florian HarderDr. Joachim HeineDr. Jann JetterMunichFrankfurthttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/major-changes-to-real-estate-transfer-tax-for-share-deals-have-failed-for-nowAt the end of April, the German Federal Parliament adopted relevant amendments to the Real Estate Transfer Tax Act. These are intended, in particular, to prevent the real estate transfer tax from being triggered twice when the signing and closing dates do not coincide. The deadline for filing real estate transfer tax returns is extended to one month in all cases. The package also includes an increase in the minimum trade tax rate to 280%. The German Federal Council has (for now) refused to approve the proposal due to the so-called relief bonus for employees which was also included in the proposal.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -050056084ab4-801d-42f4-9fc2-69950f9128bfTaxReal EstateCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEuropeGermanyTAXSECCBTDr. Jann Jetterhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/powerandpipes/2026/05/nerc-alert-moves-data-centers-from-emerging-risks-to-planning-obligationsThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has issued a Level 3 Alert, the highest possible severity level and one that is rarely used by NERC, requiring the immediate attention of many NERC registered entities. While the Alert is not itself a new Reliability Standard, it directs certain registered entities to assess and report on proposed changes to modeling, studies, protection, and communications practices for large computational loads.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500cd45d2f5-b180-437f-a2f5-bee3041234f0Energy & InfrastructureCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesEnergyElectric Power & TransmissionENECBTStephen M. SpinaJ. Daniel SkeesArjun P. RamadevanahalliRobert P. Goldfinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/sec-proposes-optional-semiannual-reporting-framework-for-exchange-act-issuersThe SEC’s May 5, 2026 proposal would let Exchange Act reporting companies opt to file semiannual reports on new Form 10-S instead of quarterly Form 10-Qs, keeping quarterly reporting as the default while offering a lower-burden alternative that preserves core disclosures.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500ca446071-1e8b-40db-92d6-379dc78759a8Corporate, Finance & Investment ManagementCapital Markets & Public CompaniesLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsSecurities, Corporate Governance & Shareholder LitigationUnited StatesBankingCBTSECLITLeland S. BentonLixin AyrikDavid Bionghihttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/impacts-on-the-aviation-market-of-the-war-in-iranThe closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global jet fuel crisis that is putting heavy strain on the airline industry and causing cancelled flights, longer detours, and rising fares. Legal and business consequences for airlines, lessors, and other industry stakeholders, including regulatory responses, market impacts, and strategic considerations, could amount to lasting changes across the global aviation industry.Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -050097cdec2b-62e5-44f3-ae6a-ac2de08b69deCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementFinanceAsiaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUnited StatesAviationAirline OperatorsAviation Investors, Lessors & FinanciersCBTEBESOPJames P. BradleyIvan Qiuhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/new-executive-order-threatens-sanctions-against-non-us-persons-doing-business-with-cubaThe White House’s new executive order substantially expands the scope of an already comprehensive sanctions framework on Cuba, authorizing sanctions on non-US persons doing business with Cuba, as well as non-US persons—including foreign financial institutions—doing business with non-Cubans who become sanctioned under the executive order.Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500ba74691c-28f9-44ad-b928-67271b669c87Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsFinancial Services Counseling & LitigationInternational Trade & National SecurityUnited StatesLatin AmericaCubaEuropeEnergyLITFDA Eli Rymland-KellyCarl A. ValensteinKatelyn M. HilfertyChristian C. Contardohttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/new-jersey-adopts-final-independent-contractor-regulationsThe New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) adopted on May 5, 2026 final regulations codifying its interpretation of the “ABC Test,” which governs whether workers are classified as employees or independent contractors under multiple New Jersey statutes. The new regulations are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -05004f34ac8e-b60c-4a15-bb09-63546358a461Labor, Employment & BenefitsWage and Hour Litigation & CounselingUnited StatesEBLBRLBRRESean P. LynchGianni Garyfalloshttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/federal-energy-priorities-reset-the-rules-for-us-permittingEnergy policy in the United States is undergoing a significant shift, with direct implications for how energy infrastructure is permitted, financed, and built. These federal policy changes are redefining which projects move forward and how quickly they can do so. At the same time, surging electricity demand driven by data centers, electrification, and industrial growth is placing unprecedented pressure on existing infrastructure and regulatory processes.Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -050092a1c22b-1b30-4648-9b54-d20ef0d9fc82Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementEnvironmental Counseling & LitigationEnergy & InfrastructureProduct Liability & Mass TortsClimateESG & Sustainability AdvisoryUnited StatesEnergyNuclear EnergyElectric Power & TransmissionLITCBTENEElla Foley GannonWilliam D. KissingerKirstin E. GibbsRyan K. Lightyhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/automotive-tariffs-and-trade-remedy-investigations-navigating-shifts-in-the-us-trade-landscapeUS tariff policy continues to rapidly evolve, with significant implications for automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and importers. A combination of longstanding trade authorities, new investigations, and judicial developments has reshaped the tariff environment, particularly for the automotive sector. While some tariff measures have been curtailed, others remain in place or are expanding, creating a complex compliance landscape.Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500bad7804f-9175-4cc2-a691-2c72b08e0ef4Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsInternational Trade & National SecurityUnited StatesAutomotive & MobilityLITKatelyn M. HilfertyCasey Weaverhttps://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2026/05/fcc-rule-changes-could-accelerate-the-space-economyOf counsel Stephanie Roy and associates Ivon Guo and Connor Haffey co-authored an Expert Analysis article for Law360 analyzing recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulemakings aimed at expanding opportunities for commercial space and satellite operations.Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500093817f0-9789-4c13-8440-f5c8807572a8United StatesAerospace & DefenseSpace & SatelliteAerospace & Defense Emerging Tech & AITechnologyTelecoms & InfrastructureArtificial IntelligenceStephanie A. RoyJiaZhen GuoConnor Haffey