Search

OFAC Fines IMG Academy for Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has fined IMG Academy $XXX,XXX for accepting tuition payments from parents designated under sanctions. The enforcement action highlights the pervasive nature of sanctions risk across various sectors, including educational institutions.

Horizon Sustainability Law News Bulletin - February 2026

DLA Piper's February 2026 sustainability law bulletin covers legislative and policy developments. Key updates include California's CARB hearing on SB 253 and SB 261 regulations, discussing proposed fees, penalties, and potential exemptions for insurers.

ESMA Final Draft RTS on Clearing Thresholds Under EMIR 3

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its final report with draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) amending the clearing threshold regime under EMIR 3. The changes shift the focus from ETD vs OTC to uncleared OTC transactions, with revised thresholds for various derivative classes.

USITC Finds China/Malaysia Float Glass Injures US Industry

The USITC has determined that imports of float glass products from China and Malaysia are materially injuring the U.S. industry. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on these imports.

Foley & Lardner LLP Law Firm Profile

Foley & Lardner LLP has updated its profile on JD Supra, detailing its extensive practice areas and locations. The profile includes information on over 1,000 attorneys and links to various publications and insights from the firm.

Buchalter Law Firm Profile and Practice Areas

This document provides a profile for the Buchalter law firm, detailing its practice areas, locations, and contact information. It also lists recent publications and events relevant to various legal and regulatory topics.

SEC Adopts New Insider Reporting Rules for Foreign Private Issuers

The SEC has adopted new rules implementing the Holding Foreign Insiders Accountable Act. These rules impose new insider reporting disclosure obligations on directors and officers of foreign private issuers. The changes were adopted on February 27, 2026.

FCA Insurance Sector Regulatory Priorities for 2026

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published its first annual Regulatory Priorities report for the insurance sector, outlining key focus areas for 2026. The report replaces previous portfolio letters and aims to provide clarity on expectations regarding claims handling, consumer understanding, access to insurance, and technology risks.

Venezuela Sanctions Eased, Legal Risk Persists

The US Department of the Treasury's OFAC has eased certain sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector through new general licenses. These licenses authorize specific transactions related to oil, investments, and port operations but come with strict conditions and reporting requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Treasury and IRS Simplify Currency Rules for Businesses

The Treasury and IRS have issued Notice 2026-17, announcing proposed regulations to simplify Section 987 currency rules for businesses. Key changes include an equity and basis pool method election and modified rules for recognizing suspended losses, aiming to reduce compliance burdens.

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.

Oil & Gas M&A Activity Influenced by Market Volatility

This article discusses how macroeconomic turbulence and volatile commodity markets influenced oil and gas M&A activity in 2025. It notes a shift towards opportunistic transactions and the increasing role of private equity and activist investors, with AI demand also driving deal activity.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Laptops, Routers, Gateways

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement by certain laptops, routers, gateways, and components imported into the U.S. The investigation names ASUSTeK Computer Inc., ASUS Computer International, Inc., TP-Link Systems Inc., D-Link Corporation, D-Link Systems, Inc., and Ubiquiti Inc. as respondents.

USITC Affirms Wind Tower Trade Cases from Four Countries

The USITC has affirmed existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on utility scale wind towers from Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, and Vietnam. This decision means the current trade remedy orders will remain in place, continuing to affect imports of these products into the United States.

USTR Releases 2025 Review of Notorious Markets

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released its 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. The report identifies 37 online and 32 physical markets that engage in trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy, highlighting trends and challenges in intellectual property theft.

Commerce: L-lysine from China Antidumping Duty Investigation Preliminary Determination

The U.S. Department of Commerce has made a preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty investigation of L-lysine from China. The investigation found weighted-average dumping margins ranging from 41.22% to 72.18% for various Chinese producers and exporters.

Commerce Final Affirmative Determination on Steel Bar from Algeria

The U.S. Department of Commerce has made a final affirmative determination in the antidumping duty investigation of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Algeria. The weighted-average dumping margin for Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA and all-others is 127.32%. The International Trade Commission will make a concurrent injury determination.

OFAC Sanctions Rwanda's Military and Four Officials

On March 2, 2026, OFAC sanctioned Rwanda's Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officials for supporting the M23 armed group in the DRC. This action blocks their assets in the U.S. and prohibits transactions with U.S. persons. A general license allows for winding down existing dealings until April 1, 2026.

USITC Institutes Patent Infringement Investigation 337-TA-1488

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation into alleged patent infringement of certain gyro-stabilized electric unicycles and components. The investigation, based on a complaint by Inventist, Inc. and Alien Technology Group, Inc., names several Chinese manufacturers as respondents.

Op-Ed: US Agriculture Trade Policy Under Trump Administration

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published an op-ed detailing the Trump Administration's trade policy approach to support American farmers and food producers. The article outlines a two-fold strategy focused on negotiating trade deals and addressing foreign tariff regimes to ensure a level playing field for U.S. agriculture exports.

USTR Announces 2026 Trade Policy Agenda and 2025 Annual Report

The U.S. Trade Representative has announced the 2026 Trade Policy Agenda and the 2025 Annual Report. These documents outline the administration's 'America First' trade strategy, focusing on protecting U.S. jobs and expanding market access for American exporters.

Russia/Ukraine Sanctions Update - February 2026

The U.S. OFAC issued an amended General License 131C extending certain transactions related to Lukoil International GmbH through April 1, 2026, and updated related FAQs. The EU also extended its sanctions against Russia until February 24, 2027, and added eight individuals to its sanctions list.

EU Scales Back ESG Reporting and Due Diligence Rules

The EU has published amendments to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) via the Omnibus Directive EU 2026/470. These changes significantly reduce the scope of reporting and due diligence requirements for companies operating in the EU, including higher thresholds and adjusted compliance timelines.

Florida AG Creates Unit to Combat Foreign Adversary Threats

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the creation of the CHINA Prevention Unit to combat threats from foreign adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, to consumer data privacy and economic security. The unit will audit companies and pursue enforcement actions for violations.

China's Cross-Border Data Transfer Regime Enforcement Trends

China's Cyberspace Administration has released two enforcement cases from 2025 concerning violations of cross-border data transfer requirements. These cases, involving hotel and property management sectors, highlight the increasing focus on compliance with the country's data export regulations.

Greece Enacts New Law to Combat Art Forgery and Protect Cultural Heritage

Greece has enacted Law No. 5271/2026, establishing a new legal framework to combat art forgery and protect cultural items. The law introduces autonomous criminal offenses for forgery and damage to artworks, alongside stricter penalties and a new register for certified art experts. This aims to enhance the protection of the art market and cultural heritage.

EU Commission Publishes Foreign Subsidies Regulation Guidelines

The European Commission has published new guidelines on the application of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). These guidelines clarify criteria for assessing distortive foreign subsidies, outline a balancing test for negative versus positive effects, and detail the Commission's power to request prior notification of below-threshold cases.

Europe's Phaseout of Russian Gas by 2027 and Contractual Risks

Europe is mandating the phaseout of Russian gas imports by 2027, creating significant market and contractual risks for energy companies. The guidance outlines the policy shift, its impact on gas and LNG contracting, and strategies for managing increased contractual risk due to compressed timelines and geopolitical pressures.

Gulf Conflict Impacts Global Oil and LNG Markets

Vinson & Elkins LLP published a notice on March 2, 2026, detailing the potential impacts of the Gulf conflict on global oil and LNG markets. The analysis highlights how the duration and intensity of hostilities could affect crude prices, contractual performance, and supply chain stability for energy companies.

UK Securitisation Proposals Diverge from EU Position

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have released consultation papers proposing reforms to the UK securitisation framework. These proposals aim to liberalise due diligence obligations and align with international, particularly US, market practices, diverging from the EU's approach.

USTR Seeks Input on Critical Minerals Trade Agreement

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has opened a public docket to gather stakeholder input for a proposed "Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals." This initiative aims to establish multinational policies for critical minerals supply chains, potentially including pricing mechanisms and investment incentives, following President Trump's Section 232 Proclamation.

FinCEN and OFAC Intensify Efforts Targeting Mexican Cartel Money Laundering

FinCEN and OFAC are intensifying efforts against Mexican cartel money laundering, targeting over 100 US Money Services Businesses (MSBs) along the southwest border. Recent actions include sanctions against individuals and entities linked to the Hysa Organized Crime Group and proposed rulemaking to identify certain Mexican gambling transactions as primary money laundering concerns.

Trump Ends IEEPA Tariffs, Imposes New Trade Act Tariffs

President Trump ended tariffs imposed under IEEPA and initiated new tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, set at 15% and lasting 150 days. The USTR also announced new Section 301 investigations targeting major trading partners. These changes took effect February 20, 2026.

In-Transit Freight Financing for Working Capital

This article discusses in-transit freight financing, a method for businesses to convert goods in transit into financeable assets to unlock working capital. It highlights how this strategy can help companies manage cash flow disruptions caused by unpredictable global supply chains and recommends partnering with experienced lenders.

China's 2025 Arbitration Law Effective

China's amended Arbitration Law, effective March 1, 2026, introduces significant reforms to its arbitration framework. Key changes include codifying the arbitration seat, expanding foreign-related arbitration access, strengthening court support for interim relief, and allowing limited ad hoc arbitration. International companies doing business with China should review their dispute resolution clauses.

Supreme Court Invalidates IEEPA Tariffs; President Rescinds

The Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. Following this decision, President Trump issued an Executive Order rescinding existing IEEPA tariffs and directing agencies to terminate their collection. Businesses are advised to review contracts and plan for potential future tariffs.