Prediction Markets: First Criminal Charges, Circuit Split, Legislation

Womble Bond Dickinson reports multiple significant developments in prediction market regulation: first-ever criminal charges filed against a prediction market platform, potential federal circuit split on CFTC preemption of state gambling laws, and bipartisan federal legislation introduced to limit sports-based prediction market contracts. The CFTC is taking action supporting sports-based prediction markets while states coordinate enforcement.

Occlusive Implant with Shape Memory Fabric Technology

Boston Scientific Scimed filed patent application US20260090809A1 for an occlusive implant with shape memory fabric technology. The invention covers a framework that transitions between collapsed and expanded configurations, with an occlusive fabric made from shape memory polymer filaments that shift configurations upon stimulus exposure. Application No. 19341220 was published April 2, 2026.

Adjustable Navigated Surgical Drill Sheath

The USPTO published patent application US20260090814A1 for an adjustable navigated surgical drill sheath with augmented reality navigation capability. The invention includes a handle, main body, and adjustment arrangement allowing multiple specific drill depths. Fiducial markers enable AR navigation during surgical procedures. Medical device manufacturers may review for competitive intelligence.

Steerable Medical Shaft Control System

USPTO published patent application US20260090816A1 for a steerable medical device shaft control assembly. Invented by William B. Key et al., the invention features a handle with docking base and ball socket mechanism for controlling steerable shafts in medical devices. This is a routine patent publication with no immediate regulatory or compliance impact.

Arthrex tissue collector for surgery, variable particle sizes, filters

The USPTO published Patent Application US20260090818A1 for Arthrex, Inc., disclosing a tissue collector device for surgical use featuring multiple filters with varying pore sizes to collect and sort tissue fragments by size. The application names inventors G. Joshua Karnes, Shane Noble, Christopher Bare, and Andrea Matuska, with a filing date of September 30, 2025.

Endoscopic stomach reconstruction method, fixation elements, gastric tissue

The USPTO published patent application US20260090819A1 by inventor Michael Murray disclosing methods and devices for endoscopically reconstructing gastric tissue. The invention includes passing an end effector through the esophagus into the stomach, grasping a fold from the lesser curvature, deploying fixation elements, and cutting to form a passageway. The application was filed on October 1, 2025.

EM3S Allows Securities Admission Without CSD Recording

The Luxembourg Stock Exchange has amended its Euro MTF EM3S Rules & Regulations to permit securities admission without requiring central securities depository recording at the time of listing. The update allows securities to be recorded in dematerialized form via issuer systems, third-party systems, or traditional CSD book-entry form. CSD recording must still occur by the settlement date of the first trade per CSDR Article 3(2).

CFTC ANPRM on Sports Prediction Markets Oversight

The CFTC issued an ANPRM on March 12, 2026, seeking public comment on the regulatory treatment of event contracts in prediction markets, particularly those tied to sporting events. The 45-day comment period closes April 30, 2026. The ANPRM addresses concerns about contracts tied to individual players and officiating decisions being susceptible to manipulation, while emphasizing the importance of league data and integrity controls.

US regulators tighten AIRe funded reinsurance rules

US insurance regulators, led by NAIC, have adopted AG 55 requiring enhanced cash-flow testing for asset-intensive reinsurance ceded to offshore reinsurers. The guideline took effect following NAIC's 2025 Summer Meeting adoption and addresses concerns about reserve adequacy and asset quality supporting cross-border reinsurance transactions. Multi-jurisdictional coordination efforts are intensifying across Bermuda, EU, UK, and Singapore.

Cayman Islands Investment Funds Regulatory Update - CRS Amendments and Tokenised Funds Framework

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and Tax Information Authority have implemented several significant regulatory changes for investment funds. CRS amendments aligning with OECD's CRS 2.0 framework took effect 1 January 2026, with revised registration deadlines (30 April 2026 for 2025 FIs, 31 January 2027 for new FIs), new Principal Point of Contact Cayman residency requirements, and extended 2026 reporting deadlines to 30 June 2027. Three new amendment bills establish the first comprehensive legal framework for tokenised investment funds, treating tokenised funds within the existing funds regime rather than as standalone virtual asset issuers. CIMA has also introduced mandatory 2025 Prudential Information Survey for SIBA-registered persons.