Blogs

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

President Trump’s energy-focused ambitions will generate work for regulators at all levels of the government.

President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14187, “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” represents a significant shift in federal policy regarding gender-affirming care (GAC) for minors.

The One Day Rest in Seven Act is an Illinois law providing employees with the right to meal breaks and one full day of rest each work week.

In a series of recent legal challenges initiated by the pharmaceutical industry against the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG), manufacturers have contested the OIG’s long-standing interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS).

Don’t be fooled by the 90-day pause. It looks like high tariffs will be here to stay and we are in the midst of an all-out trade war with China, including a minimum 145% tariff.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

Ford is seeking to stop an aftermarket restoration company from the alleged unauthorized use of the Bronco trademark and trade dress in connection with the rebuild of modern Ford Broncos. The case raises questions of whether brands are doing enough to maintain rights in iconic designs in an increasingly hot marketplace for vintage-inspired goods.

On April 4, the Division of Corporation Finance of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a statement providing clarity on the application of federal securities laws to stablecoins, specifically those designed to maintain a stable value relative to the US Dollar (USD).

Welcome to the April 2025 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

On April 4, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw, the sole Democrat serving as a Commissioner, issued a statement critiquing the Division of Corporation Finance’s analysis in its conclusion that stablecoins are not securities.

Public companies can face significant liability based on past operations. While most industrial companies have long-term experience evaluating potential remediation obligations imposed by laws such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, new legal theories and increased litigation from state and local governments heightens the potential for risk.

The California Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed California Senate Bill 682 aiming to ban the sale of products with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) unless deemed to have “essential uses” and without alternatives.

In a legal clash between MLB Players Inc. (MLBPI) and sports betting companies, DraftKings and bet365, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss.

As the first quarter comes to a close, the ArentFox Schiff Hospitality Industry team reviews 10 of the most pressing legal issues for hospitality companies for 2025.

On March 31, a judge in the Eastern District of Texas vacated the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rule that sought to regulate laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) as medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

On April 2, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta issued an alert reminding businesses operating in California that it is illegal to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Noncompete provisions continue to be governed by a constantly changing patchwork of state level legislation. In general, recent laws tend to limit their use among low wage earners or individuals in certain professions, such as health care workers or veterinarians.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning a major reorganization of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) that includes consolidating several sections within the division into other DOJ divisions, as well as eliminating field offices.

AFS Automotive’s Franjo M. Dolenac appeared on a panel with alumnus, Rob Cohen of Vitu, at the New Motor Vehicle Board’s Roundtable held in Sacramento, California on April 27, 2025 to talk about late title transfers for used vehicles.

President Trump recently announced new and increased tariffs affecting key construction materials. The on-again, off-again nature of the Trump Administration’s tariff measures are contributing to the economic uncertainty in the construction industry, including short- and long-term price escalation and supply instability.

The Trump Administration’s latest tariff announcements are set to send shockwaves through the fashion and retail sectors, potentially upending supply chains industry wide. Consumers can expect higher costs for their favorite apparel, footwear, handbags, and accessories.

The protection of intellectual property (IP) is vital in the fiercely competitive artificial intelligence (AI) industry, necessitating a deep understanding of how the complex IP framework can be effectively leveraged to safeguard technological innovations in this rapidly evolving sector.

Right now, much about the world is uncertain. Risks posed by political changes dominate the headlines and also weigh heavily on many decisions made by businesses, their advisors, and their stakeholders.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries