Overview of the H-1B Visa The H-1B visa is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. These roles require highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field. Common industries include technology, engineering, healthcare, and business. Major Update: New Weighted Lottery System One of the most important recent changes is the shift from a purely random lottery to a weighted selection system. How It Works Instead of each applicant having an equal chance, each...

Read more

On March 6, 2026, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) posted a proposed clause setting forth terms and conditions for artificial intelligence (AI) under GSA multiple award schedule (MAS) contracts. The clause, General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) GSAR 552.239-7001, Basic Safeguarding of Artificial Intelligence Systemsx, may impact contractors with GSA MAS contracts who not only sell AI to the federal government but also use AI during contract performance. GSA is asking for public comment on the proposed clause through March 20, 2026. After...

Read more

Under new leadership, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has recently adjusted its approach to patentability of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in multiple meaningful respects. Many companies have not yet fully absorbed the practical implications of those shifts. If your understanding of what is or is not patentable in the AI space was formed under USPTO practices from even a year ago, that understanding is worth revisiting. Companies developing and deploying AI technologies should be assessing whether...

Read more

IPTI’s usual monthly newsletter – the “President’s Message” – contains, inter alia, some summarised news articles from around the world. This IPTI publication – “Property Tax in the News” – contains some of the more interesting news articles concerning property taxes in North America and Europe which is where many of our members have a particular interest. Links to these and more, similarly summarised, articles – from North America, Europe and around the globe – can be found in...

Read more

The new edition of the EU Tax Alert is available. With this publication we would like to keep you informed about the latest developments on EU tax law. We have summarised the highlights of this edition below. CJ judgment on whether Belgium correctly implemented the CFC rules under the ATAD (Commission v Belgium, C-524/23) On 26 February 2026, the Court of Justice (CJ), delivered its judgment in the case Commission v Belgium (Case C‑524/23). The case concerns the alleged failure by the Kingdom of...

Read more

The U.S. is one of the most attractive places in the world to do business. It’s home to a massive, high-spending consumer base, cutting-edge innovation hubs, and plenty of room for growth. But it’s also a market that comes with tough competition, complex regulations, and high operating costs. If you're entering the U.S. market, it's important to go in with a clear picture of both the upside and the hurdles. U.S. Market Opportunities  1. Access to a Massive Consumer Base The U.S. continues...

Read more

On February 25, 2026, the European Commission (the "Commission") and the United Kingdom (UK) signed the EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement ("the Agreement"). This is the first agreement supplementing the post-Brexit 2020 EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement providing for specific cooperation in the area of competition enforcement. The EU had already entered into similar agreements with other jurisdictions. However, the Agreement has a distinguishing feature: it does not only regulate the mechanics of cooperation between the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Commission, but also regulates...

Read more

Blog | On 4 March 2026, the European Commission published its long-awaited proposal for a Regulation establishing a framework of measures for the acceleration of industrial capacity and decarbonisation in strategic sectors (Industrial Accelerator Act or IAA). The proposal is accompanied by a press release, Q&A, and factsheet. The IAA is deliberately wide-ranging, seeking to cover competitiveness, decarbonisation, supply-chain resilience, foreign investment, and territorial industrial policy within a single framework. Key takeaways Strategic industrial and decarbonisation projects would benefit from...

Read more