Member News

Member News
01
Oct
The NCBFAA has issued guidance on the impact of the current U.S. government shutdown. At this point, it is believed that most "fee funded" agencies will continue operations, but some will do so with reduced staffing levels.
Below is additional information provided by the NCBFAA that has been summarized:
Trade is expected to be UNCHANGED, for now.
Agencies responsible for assisting Trump with trade and tariff negotiations are largely insulated after funding lapsed overnight, according to contingency plans published hours before Wednesday’s deadline.
The...
30
Sep
AlixPartners, the global consulting firm, released its 2025 U.S. Retail Holiday Outlook, which forecasts an "underwhelming" 3% to 5% growth rate in holiday retail sales this year. This is a notable decrease from last year's 4% growth and 2023’s 6% rate. Additionally, at the low end this is essentially flat with inflation taken into consideration and only up 2% at the high-end.
The outlook, based on a comprehensive survey of U.S. consumers, reveals a consumer who is more cautious as...
29
Sep
October brings a convergence of pivotal events on both the economic and geopolitical fronts, shaping a volatile global outlook. From looming tariff battles in Washington and monetary policy decisions in Frankfurt to military posturing in Eastern Europe and high-level political signaling in Beijing, this month may set the tone for the final stretch of 2025 and beyond.
At the same time, in a repeat of a unique and macabre political dynamic, the risk of a partial US federal government closure...
29
Sep
Maersk, the world’s second-largest container line, announced that it will not impose a surcharge on shippers when new U.S. port fees on China-built and operated vessels take effect on October 14. Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and Evergreen have also stated they’re forgoing surcharges, which may set a trend for other carriers. In the short term, it appears that port fees may not be passed on to importers. Meanwhile, Seaspan plans to relocate from Hong Kong to Singapore and reflag 100 vessels amid ongoing industry...
29
Sep
By: John A. Morrissett, Scott Bergeson, Aaron E. Johnston, TROUTMAN PEPPER LOCKE
Faster office actions, improved prior art searches, and a more consistent application of the law — these will be hallmarks of the future of patent examination at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) due to increased use of artificial intelligence (AI). Applicants and patent practitioners are faced with an unprecedented challenge that could significantly change prosecution strategy in the future.
While currently aimed at augmenting the tools available to...
26
Sep
By: Charles F. Wieland
Patenting AI innovations is more than filing early, broadly and often—it’s about drafting in a way that ensures both eligibility and durability. The strongest applications highlight technical improvements such as faster training, energy efficiency, or novel data structures, tie to solving technical problems, rather than framing the invention as an abstract algorithm.
A layered claim strategy is critical given the uncertainty as to which approach will succeed. By combining system claims, method claims, and computer-readable medium claims, applicants create multiple paths...
26
Sep
EU and Indonesia seal negotiations on free trade agreement
On Tuesday, 23 September, the EU and Indonesia officialy finalised a landmark trade deal, bringing years of negotiations to an end. Following a political agreement reached in July, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič was in Indonesia on Tuesday to mark the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The landmark pact is designed to slash tariffs, open up one of the world’s fastest-growing economies to European firms, and secure vital raw...
26
Sep
Transshipment has fast become the second most important word in trade, after tariff.
The reason is that the U.S. government is intensifying its oversight of importers suspected of using transshipment through third countries to evade duties on Chinese goods. And the risks and costs of violating the rules can be severe.
This increased scrutiny comes as shifting trade flows highlight how exporters are adjusting to the new tariff environment. In August, China’s exports to the U.S. fell 33% year-over-year, while shipments...
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