FCC Industry Analysis

DOJ Names Chicago U.S. Attorney's Office Lead Partner on Trade Fraud Task Force

The Department of Justice has selected the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois as a lead prosecutorial partner for its Trade Fraud Task Force. The task force aims to pursue parties evading federal customs laws and smugglers of prohibited goods, utilizing civil and criminal enforcement tools.

Florida AG Forms Unit to Combat Foreign Data Threats

The Florida Attorney General has established a new unit, the Consumer Harm from International Nefarious Actors (CHINA) Prevention Unit, to investigate and prosecute foreign companies misusing Floridians' personal data. The unit will focus on companies linked to foreign adversaries, particularly in the healthcare sector, and will investigate money laundering and cyber fraud.

Multinational Employers: Large-Scale Workforce Reduction Mistakes

This article highlights common mistakes multinational employers make when planning large-scale workforce reductions in 2026. It emphasizes the critical need for pre-announcement consultations with works councils and government bodies in various jurisdictions to avoid invalid terminations and penalties.

IRS Guidance on Foreign Entity Material Assistance for Clean Energy Tax Credits

The IRS issued Notice 2026-15 providing interim guidance on determining material assistance from prohibited foreign entities for clean energy tax credits. The notice outlines rules for the Material Assistance Cost Ratio (MACR) and includes a request for comments.

AI Patent Eligibility: UK, EPO, and U.S. Divergence

A UK Supreme Court decision has altered the standard for patent eligibility of AI inventions, bringing it closer to EPO practice but maintaining a divergence from U.S. standards. This change impacts how AI-related inventions are assessed for patentability across these jurisdictions.

Patent Application Drafting for US and Europe

This guidance article provides tips for companies on drafting patent applications intended for filing in both the United States and Europe. It highlights key differences in European patent practice, such as stricter requirements for specification support and inventive step, and offers strategies to ensure applications are robust for international examination.

Supreme Court Annuls Trump Tariffs, Aiding Art Markets

The Supreme Court of the United States has invalidated Trump Administration tariffs enacted under IEEPA in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. The ruling restores traditional tariff exemptions for art and cultural property and may allow businesses to seek refunds for previously paid tariffs.

February 2026 Sanctions Developments

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP published an update on February 2026 sanctions developments, highlighting the largest individual civil monetary penalty, a penalty against an academic institution, and designations signaling pressure on Nicaragua. The update provides insights into recent enforcement actions and potential future sanctions targets.

DOJ Rules on Bulk Sensitive Personal Data Transfers

The Department of Justice has issued new regulations (28 CFR Part 202) implementing Executive Order 14117, restricting the bulk transfer of sensitive personal data, including health and genomic data, to countries of concern. These rules add a layer of compliance beyond HIPAA for organizations handling international data transfers.

UK Sanctions Update: Global Anti-Corruption and Russia Regimes

The UK Government has updated its sanctions list under the Global Anti-Corruption regime, varying an entry for Kamlesh Mansukhlal Damji Pattni to expand and clarify the grounds for his designation. Additionally, 297 new designations were made under the Russia sanctions regime, including companies, individuals, and vessels.