Implications of Latest Trump Tariffs

Consider writing about:

The latest wave of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Among the possible points to examine: who stands to be most affected by these tariffs; rationale for this new round of tariffs; questions over legal authority to impose these tariffs; prospects for successful legal challenges to the new tariffs and possibly for refunds on any new tariffs; how the business community can best navigate international trade issues amid this latest development.

Related information:

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/24/trump-tariffs-lawsuit-301-ieepa.html

What Is Impact of Tax Court’s Bowen Ruling?

Consider writing about:

A recent U.S. Tax Court ruling regarding COVID-era tax obligations; what the ruling means for late fees or interest charges that arose during the federally declared COVID national emergency period; whether a protective claim for refund is an option for taxpayers at this point; likely next steps in this tax dispute.

Related information:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2026/07/28/covid-tax-refunds-limited/91071298007

When Are Tax Liabilities a Family Affair? [Ongoing]

Consider writing about:

The potential fallout for spouses or other relatives if a taxpayer deliberately or inadvertently underpays state or federal taxes; how to prevent or reduce collateral damage from relatives’ tax mishaps before or after the fact; the nature and limitations of innocent spouse relief, and how it can be obtained; other forms of relief or resources for family members; practical takeaways from any noteworthy rulings involving family tax liabilities and/or innocent spouse relief.

Practical Ramifications of Federal Circuit’s Ruling in Ollnova v. Ecobee

Consider writing about:

The Federal Circuit’s precedential ruling in Ollnova Technologies Ltd. v. ecobee Technologies ULC; key issues regarding jury instructions and a verdict form; what’s next for the Gilnova v. ecobee dispute; wider-ranging ramifications for other patent infringement cases.

Related information:

https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/25-1045.OPINION.6-4-2026_2704652.pdf

Ice Cream Company Wins Cool $23.8 Million in Trademark Infringement Case

Consider writing about:

A nearly $24 million victory for artisanal ice cream maker Van Leeuwen in a trade dress dispute with a competing food company; factors contributing to the large monetary jugment in this case; what this case may illustrate regarding the reach of trade dress protection; additional guidance for parties to a trade dress dispute on related rights, best practices, and potential paths to a hoped-for outcome.

Practical Takeaways From Recent DOL Opinion Letters

Consider writing about:

Two opinion letters issued on July 22 by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division regarding compensation for time spent on work duties outside the office; what to know about the nature and impact of DOL opinion letters; what employers should take from these opinion letters in terms of their own pay practices, employee commute time, and treatment of workers who may work off-site or have hybrid work arrangements.

Related information:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/opinion-letters/FLSA/FLSA2026-10.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/opinion-letters/FLSA/FLSA2026-9.pdf

FedEx to Pay $900K Over USERRA Dispute

Consider writing about:

A $900,000 settlement that Federal Express Corp. will pay in a dispute over compensation owed to workers on military leave; additional settlement terms worth noting; what employers should know about their obligations under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994; whom the USERRA applies to; common misunderstandings or potential pitfalls regarding USERRA’s scope and application; whether new USERRA cases are cropping up amid the United States’ conflict with Iran; how employers and managers can best plan for employees’ potential absences due to military leave.

Related information:

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/employee-benefits/fedex-settles-military-paid-leave-suit-for-900-000-future-pay

Jury Sides With Former Nike Engineer in Sex Discrimination Case

Consider writing about:

A multimillion-dollar jury verdict in a sex discrimination case against Nike; factors that may have contributed to the $7.5 million punitive damages award; prospect of additional sex discrimination claims being pursued against Nike; what employers should know about their obligations under the federal Equal Pay Act; best practices for employers as regards equitable compensation and promotion practices or defenses against discrimination allegations.

Related information:

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/07/22/oregon-jury-verdict-nike-discriminated-against-former-employee-gender

Health Care Fraud Investigation Results in Declination

Consider writing about:

The resolution of a criminal health care fraud investigation into an organization that provides services to an optometry practice and ambulatory surgery center; alleged wrongdoing on the part of Campus Eye Management Holdings and its subsidiary; basis for the U.S. Department of Justice’s granting of a declination in this case; what this case may demonstrate regarding the DOJ’s Corporate Enforcement Policy; what other companies in the health care sector may be able to learn from the Campus Eye Management case and its outcome.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fraud-division-resolves-fraud-investigation-eye-care-group-under-new-corporate-enforcement

Wellstar Reaches $4M Agreement Over Sharing of Patient Data

Consider writing about:

A $4.25 million settlement that Wellstar Health System has agreed to in a data privacy case; type of information that Wellstar shared, with whom, and via what means; what this case may illustrate regarding healthcare companies’ data privacy obligations and related risks; a refresher on patient consent, handling of confidential information, and best practcies involving health-related data.

Has Sanofi Found a Remedy for Its Antitrust Pains?

Consider writing about:

How French pharmaceutical company Sanofi recently ran into trouble with European Union antitrust regulators; what this case shows regarding the reach of EU antitrust law and related pitfalls that may arise for companies; any similar cases of note, whether specifically involving pharmaceutical companies or more generally speaking; antitrust-related guidance for companies doing business in the European Union.

Related information:

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/eu-seeks-feedback-sanofis-commitments-addressing-suspected-anti-competitive-2026-07-08