USITC Launches Investigations into China Trade Relations and Biotech Support

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched two Section 332 investigations: one examining the economic effects of revoking China's permanent normal trade relations status, and another reviewing China's state support and pricing practices in the biotechnology sector. These investigations will provide an analytical record for Congress and the administration regarding future trade and industrial policy measures targeting China.

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.

CRD VI Consequences for M&A Transactions

CRD VI introduces a new harmonized regime for M&A transactions in the banking sector across the EU, requiring prior notification and, in some cases, approval from competent authorities. While national transposition is incomplete, the M&A provisions are set to apply from January 11, 2026.

EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement Signed

The European Commission and the UK have signed a competition cooperation agreement establishing a formal post-Brexit framework for antitrust and merger enforcement coordination. The agreement institutionalizes notification, coordination, and information-sharing mechanisms but requires ratification by both parties and is not yet in force.

UK ICO Guidance on Agentic AI and UK GDPR Compliance

The UK ICO has released a Tech Futures report analyzing agentic AI systems and their compliance with UK GDPR. The report emphasizes that developers and deployers of these systems must adhere to existing UK GDPR requirements, including those related to automated decision-making, data minimization, and accuracy.

In re: Shilo Dion Sanders, Big 21, LLC, and Headache Gang, LLC - Bankruptcy Court Order

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado issued an order denying a motion to dismiss filed by Shilo Dion Sanders, Big 21, LLC, and Headache Gang, LLC. The motion sought to dismiss seven of eight claims brought by the Chapter 7 Trustee.

In re Gabriela Gonzalez-Arceo - Bankruptcy Court Opinion

The US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado denied an application to employ the Johnson Law Firm as attorneys for the Trustee in the bankruptcy case of Gabriela Gonzalez-Arceo. The court cited the need for further review of the contingent fee agreement and related statutory provisions.

Colorado Bankruptcy Court Overrules Debtor's Objection to Claim

The Colorado Bankruptcy Court, in the case of In re Logan Beck (Case No. 25-11438 MER), has overruled the debtor's objection to a claim filed by the State of Colorado for $3,307,557.00. The court found the debtor lacked standing to object to the claim.

Pacito v. Trump - Ninth Circuit Court Opinion on Refugee Admissions

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part a district court's preliminary injunction against Executive Order No. 14163, which suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The court found plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on their claims that the executive order exceeded the President's statutory authority.

Pacito v. Trump - Immigration Refugee Admissions Program

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part a district court's preliminary injunctions against Executive Order No. 14163, which suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The court found plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on their claims that the executive order exceeded the President's statutory authority or violated the APA.