USPTO Notice of Information Collection for Patent Attorney Admissions
The USPTO has issued a notice requesting public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection regarding the admission to practice and roster of registered patent attorneys and agents. This notice allows for a 60-day comment period before submission to the OMB.
OFSI Updates UK Sanctions Enforcement Guidance and Penalties
The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has updated its civil enforcement guidance and introduced new penalties and discount mechanisms. These changes aim to accelerate investigations, reduce burdens, and improve transparency in financial sanctions enforcement.
ITC Issues Civil Penalties for Chocolate Milk Powder Violations
The U.S. International Trade Commission has imposed civil penalties totaling $5.3 million against four companies for violating cease and desist orders related to chocolate milk powder imports. The enforcement proceeding has been terminated.
Executive Order on 'Made in America' Claims Scrutiny
President Trump issued an Executive Order directing federal agencies, including the FTC, to increase scrutiny of "Made in America" claims. The order targets businesses making false or misleading claims and directs referrals for potential False Claims Act actions in government contract misrepresentations.
USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Imports
The USTR has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 trade partners regarding their failure to prohibit imports of goods produced with forced labor. These investigations could lead to tariffs and other trade restrictions if violations are found.
UK Proposes NSIA Updates Expanding Sensitive Sectors
The UK government has proposed updates to the National Security and Investment Act 2021, expanding the scope of sensitive sectors subject to national security review. The proposed changes include critical minerals, semiconductors, water, AI, communications, and data infrastructure, impacting investors and businesses in these areas.
CBP Developing ACE System for IEEPA Duty Refunds
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is developing a new system within ACE, called CAPE, to process refunds for tariffs imposed under IEEPA. This development is occurring in response to a court order in the Atmus Filtration case, with the system expected to be implemented in phases.
NRC Proposes Changes to Fusion Machine Export Control Rules
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proposing revisions to its export control regulations concerning byproduct material produced by fusion machines. While the primary focus is domestic licensing, the proposed rule also modifies definitions related to byproduct material and particle accelerators. The NRC is also seeking comments on whether export controls for fusion machines themselves should be implemented.
California Textile EPR Program: Landbell USA Selected as PRO
California has selected Landbell USA as the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for its textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) program under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. Producers must register with Landbell USA by July 1, 2026, to comply with the new requirements.
ITC Imposes $1.8M Civil Penalties for CDO Violations
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has imposed $1.8 million in civil penalties against parties found to have violated Commission Determined Orders (CDOs) related to certain chocolate milk powder and packaging. This action terminates an enforcement proceeding.
OFAC Issues Venezuela General License 52 and FAQs
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Venezuela-related General License 52, authorizing certain transactions involving Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. OFAC also released two new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Venezuela sanctions.
OFAC Removes 4 Individuals and 2 Entities from SDN List
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed four individuals and two entities from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. These removals are related to Russia sanctions programs. The specific details of the individuals and entities, including aliases and identifying information, are provided in the notice.
Foreign-Trade Zones Board: Centrome Inc. Subzone Status Approval
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has approved the subzone status for Centrome Inc. dba Advanced Biotech in Oneonta, New York. This notice details the approval of the proposed site as a special-purpose subzone.
Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of America; Shallow-Water Grouper Management Measures
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a proposed rule regarding management measures for shallow-water grouper in the Gulf of America. This proposal is open for public comment for 30 days.
New England Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Announced
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a public hybrid meeting of the New England Fishery Management Council's Whiting Joint Advisory Panel and Plan Development Team. The meeting will discuss preliminary analyses of the small-mesh multispecies fishery and the Council's new risk policy.
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Alaska Ferry Terminal Project
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a notice regarding the incidental taking of marine mammals during the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' Cold Bay Ferry Terminal Reconstruction Project. This authorization is effective from May 1, 2028, through April 30, 2029.
Fisheries off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Rule
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a final rule concerning Pacific cod by catcher vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska. This rule specifies operational parameters for vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet length overall using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area.
Atlantic Shark Identification and Safe Handling Workshop Schedules
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced schedules for Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops. These workshops are scheduled to take place in April, May, and June of 2026.
Marine Mammals Incidental to Texas Parks Fisheries Research
Marine Mammals Incidental to Texas Parks Fisheries Research
OFAC Settlement with TradeStation Securities, Inc.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a settlement with TradeStation Securities, Inc. for $1,110,661 to resolve 481 apparent sanctions violations related to services provided to individuals in Iran, Syria, and Crimea. The settlement reflects the non-egregious nature of the violations and voluntary self-disclosure.
Hard Empty Capsules From Brazil, China, India, Vietnam: Antidumping Duty Orders Correction
The International Trade Administration has issued a correction to a notice regarding antidumping duty orders on hard empty capsules from Brazil, China, India, and Vietnam. This correction amends specific data points within the published notice to ensure accuracy.
USPTO Information Collection: Admission to Practice and Roster of Patent Attorneys
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a notice requesting public comments on the extension and revision of an existing information collection related to the admission to practice and roster of registered patent attorneys and agents. The comment period closes on May 18, 2026.
Commerce Initiates AD/CVD Investigations on Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on large diameter graphite electrodes from China and India. Alleged dumping margins range from 38.33% to 146.72% for China and 42.59% to 73.40% for India, with subsidy rates above de minimis for both countries.
Colombia Revokes Anti-Dumping Duties on EU Frozen Fries
Colombia has revoked anti-dumping duties on EU frozen fries, resolving a six-year WTO dispute. The duties, valued at approximately €19.3 million annually, were initially imposed in 2018 and found to be WTO-inconsistent. This resolution marks a significant success for the WTO's Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement.
Media Advisory: Tripartite Social Summit
The EU Council has issued a media advisory for the Tripartite Social Summit scheduled for March 18, 2026. The advisory provides an indicative program for the event, including the arrival of participants, the start of the summit, and a press conference.
EU and Montenegro Provisionally Close Accession Chapter 21
The Council of the EU announced the provisional closure of accession negotiations with Montenegro on Chapter 21, Trans-European networks. This marks a step in Montenegro's EU accession process, bringing the total number of provisionally closed chapters to fourteen.
EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Bioeconomy Strategy
The Council of the EU has approved conclusions on the new EU bioeconomy strategy, aiming for a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy by 2040. The conclusions promote bio-based and circular solutions, support innovation and investment, and emphasize sustainable biomass supply.
EU Statement on Druzhba Pipeline Oil Supply Interruption
The EU Council issued a joint statement addressing the interruption of crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia following Russian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline. The EU has offered technical support and funding to Ukraine to restore oil flow and is working on alternative routes for non-Russian crude oil.
EU Electoral Act: Proxy Voting for MEPs During Pregnancy and Early Motherhood
The Council of the EU has agreed to amend the European electoral law to allow Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to use proxy voting during late pregnancy and early motherhood. This change permits delegation of votes for up to three months before the estimated birth date and six months after childbirth.