FCC Industry Analysis

SEC Adopts Final Rules for Section 16(a) Reporting by Foreign Issuers

The SEC adopted final rules requiring executive officers and directors of Foreign Private Issuers (FPIs) to report their holdings and transactions in equity securities on Forms 3, 4, and 5. These rules implement the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act and become effective on March 18, 2026.

SEC Adopts New Insider Reporting Rules for Foreign Private Issuers

The SEC has adopted new rules requiring directors and officers of foreign private issuers (FPIs) to report their beneficial ownership and trades in the issuer's equity securities. These changes, effective March 18, 2026, align FPI reporting with that of domestic issuers and aim to increase market transparency.

FAR Council Proposes Rule to Ban Semiconductor Acquisition from China

The FAR Council has proposed a rule to implement a statutory prohibition on the federal acquisition of semiconductors manufactured by China and other countries of concern. The rule, stemming from the FY2023 NDAA, includes a proposed disclosure requirement for non-federal sales and seeks public comments.

Trade Case Filed Against Chinese Truck Bed Cover Imports

U.S. producers RealTruck, Inc. and others have filed petitions with the Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission seeking antidumping and countervailing duties on truck bed covers imported from China. The petitioners allege that these imports are being sold below fair value and are unfairly subsidized, causing injury to domestic producers.

Federal Circuit Allows IEEPA Tariff Refund Litigation to Resume

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied the government's request for a stay, allowing litigation seeking refunds of tariffs imposed under IEEPA to resume. The decision remands the case to the Court of International Trade, where over 2,000 similar cases are pending.

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.