CLIMATE FOCUS SHIFTS TO IMPLEMENTATION AS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP CHANGES Akin to the ever-increasing global temperatures, as Brussels returns from its summer break, the EU’s environmental policy landscape continues to heat up. With June’s European Parliament elections just around the corner, Brussels’ political factions are about to kick-start their political campaigning – that is all except the right-wing factions as the widely communicated blow-up over the Nature Restaration Law has shown. As the public’s apparent backlash to climate activists – and policy –...

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The publication of the National Hydrogen Strategy (the Strategy) is a considerable step in the development of a green hydrogen industry in Ireland and Ireland’s decarbonisation journey. This long-awaited publication has been well received in the sector, with many stakeholders describing it as a key step in the right direction and broader than anticipated. Key points The key points in the Strategy include: Clear objectives The Strategy contains a list of 21 specific deliverables, to be actioned from now to 2030. These include...

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For the past few months, office sector commentary has remained largely bleak with CMBS delinquency rates reaching a five-year high, and many companies opting to downsize their office footprint. However, amidst the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope in the news surrounding office properties. Some large metros have seen absorption increase, notable CEOs have expressed the desire to increase in-office presence, and certain large offices have displayed positive performance through their financial data. Despite the challenges that lie ahead,...

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Even with an increasing number of employers calling their workers back into the office following the pandemic, many employees across the United States are still working from home or otherwise working remotely. While many employers tout the flexibility of work-from-home as a benefit for employees, managing a remote workforce can raise a number of multistate compliance challenges. In particular, remote and hybrid work has significant implications for employers’ state and local tax withholding and unemployment insurance contribution obligations. Planning...

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continues to issue guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential regulatory scrutiny facing companies and creators using these new tools in the market. While the FTC has previously addressed issues such as exaggerating the use of AI in a product or the potential deceptiveness related to deepfakes or synthetic media, the most recent guidance focused on the impact of the use of generative AI in the creation of content and related digital products arising...

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ), Antitrust Division announced that they will hold three workshops regarding their jointly issued Draft Merger Guidelines. The first virtual workshop will be held on September 5, at 1-4:15 p.m. ET. The agencies released the Draft Merger Guidelines for public comment on July 19. The draft sets forth the following 13 broad guidelines: Mergers should not significantly increase concentration in highly concentrated markets. Mergers should not eliminate substantial competition between firms. Mergers...

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Research and development (R&D) collaborations present a win-win opportunity for big pharma and their biotech partners. Pharma companies can use collaborations to  supplement their R&D pipelines without the large cash outlays necessitated by acquisitions. By spreading available cash across multiple collaborations, they increase their “shots on goal” of finding the next blockbuster drug/therapy. Similarly, collaborations are attractive to smaller specialty pharma and biotech companies looking to partner certain noncore assets as a source of nondilutive financing or to accelerate life-saving...

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On August 29, 2023, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) posted discussion drafts of its forthcoming regulations on cybersecurity audits and risk assessments as part of the materials for its September 8, 2023, public board meeting. These draft regulations are expected to eventually become part of the CPPA’s second rulemaking package under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) since the CCPA’s amendment by the California Privacy Rights Act. The CPPA has not yet started its formal rulemaking process for...

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