CBC Visa Regulation Amendments for Border Security

The Cayman Islands Cabinet approved amendments to the Customs and Border Control (Visas, Entry and Landing) Regulations, effective April 2, 2026. The changes introduce new visa requirements for nationals of Peru and Venezuela (for entry and transit) and in-transit visa requirements for Haiti and Dominican Republic. New exemptions were added for cruise ship passengers and operational crew members.

Investor Alert: Relationship Scams and Impersonation Fraud

The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Assistance issued an Investor Bulletin on March 31, 2026 warning investors about relationship investment scams (long cons using friendship or romance to lure victims into fake investments) and impersonation schemes (fraudsters posing as legitimate investment professionals or registered firms). The bulletin, issued during Financial Literacy Month, directs investors to existing resources on Investor.gov covering asset allocation, diversification, tax-advantaged accounts, and fee disclosures. The bulletin explicitly states it represents staff views and is not an SEC rule, regulation, or statement.

ERISA Fiduciary Duties and Alternative Assets Investment Rule

The Department of Labor's EBSA published a proposed rule (RIN 1210-AC38) clarifying fiduciary duty of prudence under ERISA for selecting designated investment alternatives in participant-directed individual account plans, including asset allocation funds with alternative assets. The proposal provides a safe harbor to alleviate regulatory burdens and litigation risk, implementing Executive Order 14330. Public comments are due June 1, 2026.

E-Rate Program Debarment Notice - Simon Goldbrener

The FCC issued a Notice of Debarment (DA 26-266) against Simon Goldbrener from the Federal E-Rate program for a period of three years. The debarment commences on March 31, 2026 or upon Goldbrener's receipt of the debarment letter, whichever occurs first. This enforcement action bars Goldbrener from participating in E-Rate program activities and affects schools, libraries, and service providers involved with E-Rate funding.

Review of the Commission's Rules Governing the 896-901/935-940 MHz Band

The FCC published a final rule (91 FR 15889) reviewing and amending its rules governing the 896-901/935-940 MHz spectrum band, which is allocated for narrowband and broadband public safety and commercial communications. The rule takes effect April 30, 2026. Affected parties include licensed spectrum users in this frequency range under FCC Part 2, Part 27, and Part 90 rules.

Sunshine Act Meeting Item Deletion

The Federal Communications Commission published a notice on March 31, 2026 announcing the deletion of an item from its March 26, 2026 open meeting under the Sunshine Act. The notice provides no details about the nature of the deleted item. This is a routine administrative procedural notice with no new requirements or obligations for regulated entities.

Energy Conservation Standards for Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts

The Department of Energy (DOE) proposes new energy conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts under the Energy Conservation Program. The proposed rule establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements for these products and opens a 62-day public comment period. Manufacturers and importers of fluorescent lamp ballasts should review the proposed standards and submit comments by June 1, 2026.

FirstLight CT Housatonic LLC Shoreline Management Plan Update Application

FERC published a notice that FirstLight CT Housatonic LLC submitted an application to update its Shoreline Management Plan for Project No. 2576-215, a hydroelectric project on the Housatonic River in Connecticut. The commission is soliciting public comments, motions to intervene, and protests on the proposed plan modifications. Comments must be submitted within 30 days of the notice.

Notice of Agreements Filed

The Federal Maritime Commission published a notice on March 31, 2026, announcing the filing of maritime shipping agreements under the Shipping Act. The notice (Document No. 2026-06205, 91 FR 15998) covers agreements between ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators filed for FMC review. This is a routine administrative notice informing the public of agreement filings that are under statutory review.

Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors

President Trump signed Executive Order 14398 on March 26, 2026, directing federal agencies to combat what the order characterizes as discriminatory practices under the guise of DEI programs by federal contractors. The order establishes new compliance requirements for entities holding federal contracts, requiring them to certify they are not engaging in discriminatory DEI activities. Federal contractors must review and modify their diversity and inclusion programs to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

AML Reform Enrolment Opens for New Professions

AUSTRAC opened enrolment for new professions on 31 March 2026 as part of Australia's landmark AML/CTF reforms. From 1 July 2026, approximately 80,000 additional businesses—including lawyers, accountants, conveyancers, real estate professionals, and dealers in precious stones and metals—will fall under AUSTRAC's AML/CTF regime, expanding regulated entities from 19,000 to 100,000 nationwide.

Sediment characterization services for Willapa Bay environmental assessment

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seattle District issued an updated solicitation for sediment characterization services in Willapa Bay, Washington. The contract opportunity (W912DW26QA035) is set aside for small businesses under NAICS 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services). Proposals are due April 6, 2026.

Cultural Resource Inventories for Thorn Creek/Carey-Kimana and South Hills Fuel Break Projects

The Bureau of Land Management Idaho State Office issued a Sources Sought notice seeking qualified contractors to perform Class III Cultural Resource Inventories on Thorn Creek/Carey-Kimana and South Hills Fuel Break projects in Idaho. Responses are due April 9, 2026. Both contract actions are estimated to begin June 1, 2026.

Southern California National Resources Inventory Data Collection Services

USDA Farm Production and Conservation Business Center issued solicitation 12FPC326Q0007 for Southern California National Resources Inventory (NRI) Data Collection Services. The firm-fixed price contract has a base period (FY26) and four option periods (FY27-FY30), with an estimated value subject to quotation submission. Offers are due April 10, 2026.

Water Right Settlement Economic Analysis Contract Solicitation

The Department of the Interior's Acquisition Services Directorate issued a solicitation (140D0426Q0290) for economic analysis services related to water right settlements. The contract opportunity falls under NAICS 541620 (Environmental Consulting Services) with a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offers are due by April 3, 2026.

Electronic Tax Communications Consent Directions

HMRC issued new directions (SI 2003/282) on electronic communications consent procedures, revoking the previous directions from 8 March 2018. The directions specify that registered users of Self Assessment Online or Making Tax Digital for Income Tax services must provide or withdraw consent through HMRC Online Services. Other persons may provide consent in writing. The new directions take effect on 1 April 2026.

Directions on Electronic Communications for Tax Purposes

HMRC issued updated directions under the Income and Corporation Taxes (Electronic Communications) Regulations 2003, replacing the 2014 directions with revised procedures for secure mailbox delivery of tax information. The new directions take effect from 1 April 2026 and apply to registered users of Self Assessment Online and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax services.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

Bank of England published its consolidated balance sheet as of 31 December 2024, showing total liabilities of £855 billion and reserves balances of £711.6 billion. The quarterly statistical release contains consolidated asset and liability data across sterling and foreign currency categories. This is a routine informational publication with no regulatory requirements or compliance obligations.

Daugerdas v. CIR - IRS Restitution Authority

The Seventh Circuit affirmed that the IRS may assess and collect civil restitution under 26 U.S.C. § 6201(a)(4)(A) following a criminal tax conviction, even when the payment schedule differs from the criminal restitution order. The court upheld $371 million in parallel civil restitution against Paul Daugerdas, a convicted tax fraudster, establishing that IRS restitution authority is not limited by criminal sentencing structures.

Ryan Milbeck v. Allison George - Civil Rights § 1983

The Seventh Circuit affirmed dismissal of Ryan Milbeck's § 1983 claims against a prosecutor (absolute immunity) and law enforcement officers (probable cause for arrest), but vacated the dismissal of his warrantless home entry claim. The court held that probable cause alone does not justify warrantless entry under the Fourth Amendment, distinguishing between arrest authority and home invasion authority.

Holt v. Boughton - Habeas Corpus

The Seventh Circuit reversed a district court's grant of habeas corpus relief to Maurice Holt, restoring his Wisconsin armed robbery conviction. The appellate court found that the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reasonably applied Supreme Court precedent in rejecting Holt's claims that his defense attorney was ineffective and that he should have been allowed to present photographs to the jury. Holt v. Boughton, No. 24-3346 (7th Cir. March 30, 2026).

Dec v. Mullin - Immigration Waiver Appeal Affirmed

The Seventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Danuta Dec's petition challenging the denial of her waiver of inadmissibility under 8 U.S.C. § 1154(l). The court held that federal immigration law precludes judicial review of agency decisions regarding waiver eligibility determinations. The appellate court also admonished petitioner's counsel for submitting a brief containing fabricated AI-generated citations and a false quotation, though imposing no other sanction.

Corporate National Security Self-Disclosure Policy

The Department of Justice's National Security Division announced a policy providing concrete benefits for companies that voluntarily self-disclose violations of national security laws, including export control and sanctions violations. Under the policy, companies that timely disclose, cooperate, and remediate misconduct may receive a declination from prosecution absent aggravating circumstances. The policy applies to violations of the Arms Export Control Act, Export Control Reform Act, and International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Hurburgh v Hurburgh - Shareholder Oppression

Federal Court of Australia found shareholder oppression under s 232 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in Hurburgh v Hurburgh concerning Richard Pitt & Sons Pty Ltd. The court ordered the company to buy out the plaintiff's one-third shareholding with a commensurate reduction in share capital. The case involved three family shareholders who received shares via in specie distribution under a will, with the first defendant serving as sole director.

Heart valve sealing devices and delivery devices therefor

USPTO granted patent US12588997B2 to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation for a heart valve sealing device with 9 claims. The patent covers valve repair devices with a main shaft and moveable paddles configured between open and closed positions. The filing date was April 14, 2022.

Cardiac valve repair devices and associated systems and methods

The USPTO granted Medtronic Patent US12588996B2 for cardiac valve repair devices and associated systems and methods. The patent covers coaptation members configured to be positioned between native cardiac valve leaflets and fixation mechanisms for securing the device in position. Inventors include Katherine Miyashiro, Hanson S. Gifford III, and James I. Fann among 16 total inventors.

Transvalvular Intraanular Band and Chordae Cutting for Mitral Valve Treatment

The USPTO granted Patent US12588995B2 to Heart Repair Technologies, Inc. for a transvalvular intraannular band designed to treat mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation. The patent (20 claims) covers a band implanted in the mitral annulus that extends across the coaptive edge of mitral valve leaflets to inhibit prolapse, combined with severing of at least one marginal chordae to permit leaflet closure against the band.

Devices, systems and methods for repairing lumenal systems

USPTO granted Patent US12588994B2 to Transmural Systems LLC for a tether and prosthesis delivery catheter system designed for repairing lumenal systems, including valve prostheses. The patent contains 12 claims and covers CPC classifications A61F 2/24 (heart valve prostheses) and A61B 17/04 (surgical fasteners).

Prosthetic heart valve delivery device and methods using supra-annular support

USPTO granted Patent US12588993B2 to VDyne, Inc. for a prosthetic heart valve delivery system using supra-annular support. The invention includes a delivery sheath with a control device that advances and deploys prosthetic valves in a compressed-to-expanded configuration. The 30-claim patent covers methods for stabilizing prosthetic valves relative to native heart valve anatomy during deployment.

Interventional Device Delivery Device Patent - Venus MedTech

The USPTO granted patent US12588992B2 to Venus MedTech (Hangzhou), Inc. for an easy-to-control interventional instrument delivery device. The device comprises a core tube with guiding and fixing heads, a slidable outer sheathing tube, and a floating limiting strip designed to prevent valve stent detachment during release and reduce friction during procedures.

Edwards Lifesciences Prosthetic Valve Delivery Patent Granted

The USPTO granted patent US12588991B2 to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation covering a prosthetic valve delivery apparatus with a dual-configuration indicator arm that signals when valve expansion reaches a predetermined diameter. The patent includes 18 claims and names inventors Elazar Levi Schwarcz, Oren Cohen, and Ofir Witzman.

Delivery apparatus for a prosthetic heart valve

USPTO granted patent US12588990B2 to Edwards Lifesciences Corporation on March 31, 2026, covering a delivery apparatus handle for prosthetic heart valves with an actuation knob featuring a toggle mechanism. The toggle allows operators to switch between moving multiple elements (for frame expansion/collapsing) and moving a single element (for locking/releasing the frame). The patent contains 18 claims.

Implant delivery patent by 4C Medical, US12588989B2, granted Mar 31

Implant delivery patent by 4C Medical, US12588989B2, granted Mar 31

Zero Touch Provisioning of Bare Metal Servers with Radio Access Network Software

USPTO granted Patent US12591437B2 to Rakuten Symphony, Inc. for systems and methods of zero touch provisioning of bare metal servers to run radio access network (RAN) software. The patent covers network boot program delivery in preboot execution environment, registration with data center automation platform, and instantiation of RAN applications. The patent contains 19 claims and names Sree Nandan Atur and Ravi Kumar Alluboyina as inventors.

Network Controlling Device for Radiofrequency Sensing

USPTO granted Patent US12591055B2 to Signify Holding B.V. for a network controlling device that improves radiofrequency sensing reliability by dynamically defining new sensing areas when detection results are potentially unreliable. The patent covers 14 claims and is assigned to CPC classifications including H04W 4/38 and H04L 63/1416.

MRI Diagnostic Scan Parameters from Calibration Images

The USPTO granted patent US12588817B2 to GE Precision Healthcare LLC for methods and systems that determine MRI diagnostic scan parameters directly from calibration images, bypassing the need for separate localizer images. The patent covers a trained deep neural network that maps calibration images to landmark maps to generate high-resolution diagnostic images more efficiently.

Telemonitoring Respiration System Patent Granted

The USPTO granted Patent No. US12588816B2 to Loewenstein Medical Technology S.A. for a telemonitoring respiration system combining a respirator with sensors for pressure/flow/volume measurement, user health input capabilities, and automated data transmission to remote monitoring units. The patent contains 9 claims and was applied for on September 11, 2019.

Bionime Physiological Signal Monitoring Device

The USPTO granted patent US12588815B2 to Bionime Corporation for a physiological signal monitoring device. The device comprises a base, biosensor with sensing member for subcutaneous analyte measurement, transmitter, and sealing unit to protect against liquid ingress. The patent, with 14 claims, names Chun-Mu Huang, Chieh-Hsing Chen, and Chen-Hao Lee as inventors.

Vision screening device including oversampling sensor

USPTO granted Patent No. US12588814B2 to Welch Allyn, Inc. for a vision screening device featuring an oversampling sensor that allows operation at various distances from patients. The patent (20 claims) covers methods and systems for capturing oversampled images, detecting faces and eyes, tracking eye movements, and providing guidance for optimal positioning to generate stabilized eye images meeting vision screening criteria.

Optical system and operating method thereof

The USPTO granted Crystalvue Medical Corporation Patent No. US12588813B2 for an optical system used in fundus examination and eye therapy. The patent covers a light source device, gaze module, and fundus detection device integrated for eye examination and treatment. The patent includes 20 claims and names William Wang, Hsuan-Hao Chao, Sung-Yang Wei, and Chung-Cheng Chou as inventors.

Ophthalmic apparatus, method of controlling same, and recording medium

USPTO granted patent US12588812B2 to TOPCON CORPORATION on March 31, 2026, for an ophthalmic apparatus with an illumination optical system, optical scanner, and imaging optical system for fundus examination. The patent (15 claims) covers technology for slit-shaped illumination light scanning and synchronized image capture controlled by scanner position signals.

Modular platform for ocular evaluations

USPTO granted Patent US12588811B2 to Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai for a modular screening platform enabling comprehensive ocular evaluations. The platform features a head-mounted harness with interchangeable electronic modules, CPU/GPU processing capabilities, multiple display outputs, and input devices for both operators and patients. The patent contains 27 claims covering the modular design and separable interchangeable components.

Eye Length Measurement Arrangement and Method

USPTO granted Patent US12588810B2 to Heidelberg Engineering GmbH for an arrangement and method of measuring eye length using a light source that emits a central light ray and radially offset peripheral light rays to the cornea, with a control unit converting reflected light into measurement signals. The patent has 8 claims and covers ophthalmic measurement technology applicable to diagnostic imaging devices.

Tufts Medical eye inflammation patent US12588809B2, 31st Mar

Tufts Medical eye inflammation patent US12588809B2, 31st Mar

Pyrimidine-Nitrogen Bicyclic IRAK-4 Inhibitor Compound Patent

USPTO granted patent US12590090B2 to Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation covering pyrimidine-and nitrogen-containing bicyclic compounds with IRAK-4 inhibitory activity. The patent, with 35 claims filed on September 30, 2020, protects compounds useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of diseases relating to IRAK-4 inhibition.

Gilead Sciences patent for toll-like receptor modulator compounds

USPTO granted Patent US12590089B2 to Gilead Sciences covering methods for preparing toll-like receptor modulator compounds. The patent, naming 12 inventors including Andrea Ambrosi and Pavel R. Badalov, contains 7 claims relating to (R)-2-((2-amino-7-fluoropyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)amino)-2-methylhexan-1-ol or salts thereof. Application No. 17673141 was filed February 16, 2022.

JAK Inhibitor Compound and Pharmaceutical Composition Patent

USPTO granted Patent US12590088B2 to Korea Pharma Co., Ltd. on March 31, 2026, covering a JAK inhibitor compound and pharmaceutical composition. The patent claims 4 items related to compounds of Formula I and their use in treating inflammatory, autoimmune, myeloproliferative diseases, and human cancers by regulating JAK kinase signal transduction.

Oxadiazole HDAC6 inhibitors and uses thereof

The USPTO granted Patent US12590084B2 to Eikonizo Therapeutics, Inc. covering oxadiazole compounds that selectively inhibit HDAC6, a protein linked to cancer and neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The patent includes 20 claims and covers pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating HDAC6-related diseases. Inventors are Florence Fevrier Wagner and Thomas Edward Richardson.

GPR139 Antagonist Patent for Depression and Neurological Disorders

USPTO granted Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited Patent US12590086B2 for GPR139 antagonist compounds (3-((1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methyl)-6′-(phenyl)-2H-(1,2′-bipyridin)-2-one derivatives) used in methods of treating depression, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, drug addiction, sleep disorders, pain, and ADHD. The patent contains 27 claims and includes tablet formulations.

SPNS2 inhibitors patent granted to University of Virginia

USPTO granted patent US12590083B2 to the University of Virginia Patent Foundation covering SPNS2 (spinster homolog 2) inhibitor compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic use. The patent, with 2 claims, protects Formula I compounds and methods of treatment using these inhibitors.