Regulatory and Public Policy

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In an increasingly regulated world, Covington helps clients seize opportunities, navigate complex problems, and resolve difficult disputes.

Described as “well connected with both the regulators and thought-leaders,” by Chambers and Partners, we have more than 120 former regulatory and enforcement officials among our ranks.

With strength in litigation, investigations, and corporate work and deep knowledge of policy and policymakers, we turn regulatory insight into practical advice for doing business anywhere in the world.

Internal investigations for an aircraft manufacturer

Led more than a dozen internal investigations for a military aircraft manufacturer, including drafting voluntary disclosures filed with the Departments of State and Commerce that were successfully resolved. Also developed export compliance plans for several of the company’s high-profile international projects.

International procurement capacity building

Through the United Nations Development Program, the International Senior Lawyers Project, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program, we provide procurement law expertise and training to senior procurement officials of foreign governments including Liberia, Iraq, and Afghanistan to help those countries build capacity for conducting predictable and transparent procurements. This experience allows us to provide specific, knowledgeable advice to clients wishing to pursue procurements conducted by foreign governments.

Joint Venture for Creation and Launch of 120 Sports

Represented NHL in connection with its entry into a joint venture with Silver Chalice Partners, Sports Illustrated and Major League Baseball Advance Media for the creation and launch of 120 Sports, the first multi-sport, league-created digital network in the United States. In addition to MLB and NHL content, the digital network will include content from the NBA, NASCAR and a number of college conferences. The network is expected to offer 24/7 programming on an unauthenticated basis, including live sports highlights and related news programming.

Largest Suspension and Investigation in USAID's History

A voluntary disclosure to USAID by one of its largest not-for-profits led the agency to suspend the entity for potential false claims and lack of internal controls, resulting in the board of directors forcing the resignation of the entity’s leadership team and hiring our lawyers to resolve the matters. When the agency refused to lift the suspension due to the lack of trustworthy internal controls and the entity was on the brink of shuttering its doors, our lawyers successfully negotiated a grand bargain to transfer nearly all of the programs, assets, and employees to another not-for-profit and settle the False Claims Act (FCA) investigation.

Launch of the WWE Network

Represented WWE in the launch of the WWE Network, a direct-to-consumer, subscription-only, online video channel that will air round-the-clock programming, including new programs and matches, an on-demand service, WrestleMania, and a six-decades-deep library for $9.99 a month. This is one of the first sports “over the top” offerings in the United States and the transaction received a great deal of publicity as a result.

LinkedIn Privacy Class Action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against LinkedIn alleging violations of the Stored Communications Act and state law. The complaint asserted that LinkedIn disclosed LinkedIn user identification numbers and LinkedIn URL addresses to third party advertising companies, which allowed those companies to correlate the identity of a user with his or her previously anonymous Web browsing history.

Joint Ventures for Multiple Broadcast Clients

Representation of the first joint venture to provide Mobile Digital Television ("Mobile DTV") services in the United States in establishing a nine-company venture, as well as in negotiating a national joint venture with NBC, Fox and Ion Media to deploy this new digital service. This project has involved leading the negotiation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, leading the negotiation of certain programming and content agreements, and heading up public policy efforts with Congress, the White House, and the FCC.

LaRue v. DeWolff, Boberg & Assocs., Inc., 128 S. Ct. 1020 (2008) (counsel for amicus)

The U.S. Supreme Court held that a participant stated a colorable ERISA fiduciary breach claim for losses stemming from the alleged failure to implement investment directions for his 401(k) plan account. In a concurring opinion, Chief Justice Roberts cited our amicus brief for The ERISA Industry Committee in stating that such actions might need to be brought as benefits denial claims and subjected to exhaustion of administrative remedies.

Legislation granting visa access for New Zealand nationals

We represented the Embassy of New Zealand in seeking the passage of legislation that would permit NZ nationals to access trade and investment visas in the United States. Covington assisted the Embassy in devising a legislative strategy, drafting the legislation, and lobbying key members of Congress and the Administration.

Consumer Financial Protection and Practices

Advise numerous financial institutions and non-bank financial services firms on unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (“UDAAPs”), fair lending, overdraft programs, credit cards, installment loans, and other consumer credit products, payments and payment systems, military lending, and managing vendor and other third-party relationships.

Fintech Financial Regulatory and Data Privacy Compliance

Advise numerous financial technology and services companies, including consumer reporting agencies, payment processors, and technology providers, on issues related to consumer credit reporting, financial privacy and data security, payment processing and payment systems, and state licensing requirements.

$44 Million Breach-of-Contract Recovery for KBR

Recovered $44 million plus interest on behalf of Kellogg Brown & Root Services Inc. (KBR) in a highly-publicized breach of contract dispute with the United States Army regarding the allowability of private security costs. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit unanimously affirmed a ruling by the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals that held the Army breached its contractual obligation to provide physical security to KBR and its subcontractors during the Iraq War.

Six-Year Dispute with DOJ Ends with Declination

Our client, a major aerospace manufacturer, was accused of misrepresenting key facts to a government agency, resulting in the agency's decision to move forward with a rocket launch that eventually failed. The client enlisted Covington’s representation in what ended up being a six-year, high-stakes dispute with DOJ. Our compelling presentation and mastery of the details bolstered our arguments, and DOJ ultimately advised it would not pursue a False Claims Act case against the company.

Blockchain Public Policy Counsel

We provide regular government affairs and public policy support and advice to a blockchain infrastructure and transaction processing company. In particular, we help them identify key stakeholders for Blockchain issues and guide them in their discussions with regulators in various jurisdictions and various industry sectors.

KKR and Texas Pacific Group Acquisition of TXU Corp.

KKR and Texas Pacific Group in securing the necessary FERC and NRC approvals for the successful acquisition of TXU Corp. for $45 billion, the largest leveraged buyout in history. The acquisition of TXU included its large fleet of generation assets in Texas as well as transmission and distribution facilities. We also provided counsel on energy regulatory, climate change, government affairs, and public policy matters. The acquired company is now Energy Future Holdings.

3rd Party Access to Distribution Resources and Required Retail Market Structure

Major national retail electricity supplier on the rules regarding 3rd party access to distribution resources and the retail market structure required to facilitate robust electricity supply competition in a dozen states including Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New York, Massachusetts and Ohio.

Acquisition of A123 Systems by Wanxiang America

Advised Wanxiang America’s purchase of substantially all of the non-government business assets of U.S. battery maker A123 Systems, Inc. On Jan. 28, 2013, CFIUS approved that transaction, valued at $256.6 million. Covington represented Wanxiang America in securing CFIUS approval. A123 makes lithium ion batteries for electric cars.

Legislative Victory in a 2016 FDA Nutrition Facts Panel Rule

When the 2016 Nutrition Facts Panel final rule required manufacturers to submit evidence demonstrating that their products met new standards, our client, a Midwestern food ingredients company, immediately complied. However, they were told the FDA would not be able to review the data in time to renew the company’s contracts. Faced with losing its domestic customers for its flagship products, we organized a robust appropriations strategy involving a series of high-level communications. Through our efforts, the FDA delayed compliance long enough to allow for due process. The company was able to swiftly renew its contracts with its biggest customers.

Representation of Microsoft in Landmark Case Involving Data Stored Abroad

Successfully challenged U.S. government warrant seeking data stored in Ireland. After a favorable decision from the Second Circuit—and while the Supreme Court was reviewing the case—Congress enacted the CLOUD Act, a modernized framework for cross-border data requests. See United States v. Microsoft Corporation, No. 17-2 (U.S.).

Advising on domestic sourcing compliance under subgrants and state and local agreements

Advised multiple for-profit clients about domestic sourcing requirements imposed under subgrants and state and local agreements through various Departments of Transportation and Energy appropriations, New Jersey Buy American requirements, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Agricultural manufacturer global relationship building

We assisted one of the world’s largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment in establishing and strengthening relationships with key constituencies in the United States, Africa, and South America, including with relevant government officials and international NGOs. With our knowledge of global development programs and agricultural initiatives, we helped identify future markets and consumers through relationships with U.S. and non-U.S. government officials as well as international NGOs.

Advocating On Behalf of Clients Before Congress

Advocating on a variety of legislative and policy issues before Congress on behalf of major corporations and industry associations, including United Airlines, Union Pacific Railroad, Associated of General Contractors, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and U.S. Custom Harvesters.

Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceeding for Freight Railroad Company

We represented a freight railroad company in an antidumping and countervailing duty proceeding at the International Trade Commission covering certain intermodal containers from China. We assisted the company in successfully opposing the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on the Chinese containers.

AOL Privacy Class Action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against AOL alleging violations of the Wiretap Act, Video Privacy Protection Act, and numerous state laws. The suit alleged unauthorized collection of personal information from the plaintiffs’ computers using “Flash cookies” and unlawful disclosure of video viewing information to third parties.

Arms Export Control Act - third party beneficiary claims

Our client sold microchips under a U.S. Air Force Foreign Military Sales (FMS) transaction to a foreign ally’s defense ministry, in a “back-to-back” sale under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), in which the Air Force purchased the microchips from our client and then sold them in turn to the foreign defense ministry. The foreign defense ministry then sought to present warranty claims directly against our client, claiming to be a third-party beneficiary under our client’s contract with the Air Force. We waged successful litigation in federal trial and appellate courts raising issues of first impression, which established that third-party beneficiary claims are not available, given the public policy and intent of the AECA.

Assisting clients with VA Schedule contracts involving medical equipment and pharmaceuticals

Assisted numerous clients with matters arising under U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs schedule contracts, blanket purchase agreements, and related national agreements, including matters relating to price reporting, drafting of proposals, interactions with federal employees, small business subcontracting, and compliance with other commercial-contracting requirements.

Assisting with cost classification determinations and implementation of subaward negotiation requirements

Advised global nonprofit organization on the appropriate classification of proposal costs claimed in connection with extensions of existing contracts and grants, as well as requirements relating to negotiation of profit under sole-source subawards for commercial items.

Assisting with review and overhaul of FSS pricing model

We advised a large technology reseller in conducting a review and revision of its pricing practices under its Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). In addition to identifying and addressing potential pricing irregularities, we successfully guided the company through an overhaul of its Commercial Sales Practices Format (CSP-1) disclosure and convinced the GSA to permit our client to implement an alternative pricing model that greatly reduced administrative burdens.

Advice on the monitoring of employee communications

Conducted a pan-European and selective U.S. survey of laws and regulations affecting an employer’s right to monitor employee’s Internet use and review electronic communications. We have also advised numerous clients on the law governing call recording and access to (and disclosure of) employee e-mail, including in connection with several personal crises and actions.

Advising clients on pricing and contracting under Veteran’s Health Care Act programs, including VA FSS, 340B, and Tricare

Advice to numerous clients regarding compliance with the statutory and contractual pricing obligations under the Veteran’s Health Care Act (VHCA), including performing gap analyses, providing policies and training, and assisting with investigations and disclosures.

Advising clients regarding anti-human trafficking compliance

Advised multiple clients concerning the Federal Acquisition Regulation’s anti-human trafficking requirements, which were expanded in early 2015. Our advice has included creating employee policies and trainings to facilitate compliance and developing contractor compliance plans that, among other things, provide tools for monitoring subcontractor adherence to human trafficking prohibitions.

Advising clients on the negotiation and performance of contracts with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the National Institutes of Health

Advised multiple clients on matters arising from their negotiation and performance of manufacturing and research and development contracts relating to various pandemic and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, including matters relating to government indemnification or liability protection for unusually hazardous risks, compliance with cost standards and principles, and protection of intellectual property.

Binding Corporate Rules for global pharmaceutical company

Assisting GSK plc in its adoption of Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) in order to permit the company to transfer personal data globally. We helped develop GSK’s privacy compliance program, obtain the UK data protection authority’s approval and continue assisting GSK during the subsequent implementation.

Successfully Represented Communications Manufacturer in Proposed Debarment Before GSA

Represented a manufacturer of lightweight communications supplies that had been proposed for debarment by the General Services Administration ("GSA"). After obtaining an emergency waiver of the proposed debarment, which enabled our client to continue filling new orders, we filed a formal written response that convinced GSA to terminate the proposed debarment.

Cable One Privacy Class Action

Achieved dismissals of three putative class actions against Cable One, a cable and Internet service provider, in litigation involving claims under the Wiretap Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and related state laws. The litigation arose out of a third party’s test of a system using “deep packet inspection” for the purpose of serving targeted advertisements.

Canadian IP trade dispute

Life sciences companies are being negatively impacted as a result of patent practices in Canada that are leading to the premature invalidation of pharmaceutical patents. We represent a major life sciences company in a dispute under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) seeking compensation for losses suffered by Canada’s internationally inconsistent patent practices.

Case of first impression arising from an FMS contract

Represented a U.S. electronics manufacturer in federal trial and appellate courts against contract claims by a foreign sovereign government asserting third-party beneficiary rights under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract. The case raised issues of first impression under the Contract Disputes Act and Arms Export Control Act (AECA).

Compliance program for a defense company

Developed a major defense company’s comprehensive export controls compliance best-practices manual covering a range of export control topics. We seconded one of our associates to the company’s core export compliance organization to work on this project, which required synthesizing existing company compliance material and standardizing export compliance practices across a diverse group of businesses.

Cutting-edge cost allowability victory

Successfully represented a major defense contractor, through trial and decision, in board of contract appeals litigation involving the allowability of private security costs allegedly incurred in connection with providing logistical support to the U.S. military during the Iraq War. The case raised cutting-edge cost allowability, contractor-on-the-battlefield, and statute of limitations issues.

Deep experience

We have represented clients in numerous other congressional investigations and oversight hearings, including a major internet services company in an investigation of its practices abroad, a chemical manufacturer in an investigation of the safety of its products, an insurance company in a hearing on the federal long term care insurance program, a financial services company in an investigation of credit card terms, and drug companies in investigations concerning such matters as payments to doctors, marketing practices, generic approvals, drug importation, and drug safety.

Addressing Regulatory Enforcement Actions

We have addressed regulatory investigations and enforcement actions from regulators in the United States, Europe, and Asia following data breaches. These have included investigations or formal enforcement proceedings brought by the Federal Trade Commission, State Attorneys General, and the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States, and by data protection authorities and sector-specific regulators across Europe and Asia.

Eight-Year FCA Investigation Ends with Declination

Press reports accusing our client of using inflated labor categories on a billion dollar contract triggered an eight year False Claims Act (FCA) investigation. Eventually, our appeal to senior attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division brought an end to the FCA investigation and cleared the way for the client to negotiate an administrative settlement with the contracting agency resulting in a net payment to the client of millions of dollars.

Global assistance to international corporations on government procurement

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of civilian aircraft wanted to promote its foreign direct investment and expand access to government procurements in the United States and Latin America. We supported the company’s increased engagement in Washington, achieving notable recognition by U.S. policymakers at the most senior levels of government. We also advised on U.S. trade policy, export credit programs, and market access issues.

Global compliance

Conducted a detailed review of the human resources operations of a large pharmaceutical company to assess compliance with data protection and privacy laws and regulations in both the U.S. and EU, in anticipation of possible certification under the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor regime. Our extensive written report described potential compliance issues and recommended specific remedial actions.

Global privacy assessment

On behalf of one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and technology companies, we completed a comprehensive global privacy audit under the laws of the United States, the European Union, and China, including an assessment of the data collection, use, and sharing practices of numerous business units (including HR data), cross-border data transfers, and adopting a going-forward privacy governance and risk-management approach and corresponding policies and procedures.

Pharmaceutical public policy and government affairs

We advise a major pharmaceuticals and health care products company on a wide range of U.S. issues, including Medicare/Medicaid coverage and reimbursement matters related to medical devices, reauthorization of nutrition programs and food labeling policy and tax policy and assist them in advancing their domestic legislative and policy objectives. We also provide global public policy advocacy in countries around the world and in international regulatory bodies.

Allergy Therapeutics on Alerpharma Acquisition and £20 Million Placing

Representation of Allergy Therapeutics plc, the AIM-listed specialty pharmaceutical company, in its acquisition of Alerpharma, S.A. a Spanish-based allergy immunotherapy company which previously spun out from Spanish biopharmaceutical company, Zeltia S.A. Covington also advised Allergy Therapeutics on its recent £20.8 million placing of ordinary shares with institutional investors. The proceeds of the placing are being used to progress the clinical development of the company’s lead product, Pollinex Quattro Grass, through to FDA approval and planned launch in the United States in 2019.

Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. on Legislative and Regulatory Broadcast-Related Issues

Representation of the TV industry trade association, the Association for Maximum Service Television, Inc. (MSTV), with respect to legislative and regulatory issues affecting broadcast television service, including the congressionally-mandated transition to an all-digital television service in June 2009 and the FCC's preparation of the National Broadband Plan mandated by Congress in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

AstraZeneca/Bristol-Myers Squibb diabetes alliance

Representation of AstraZeneca in its strategic diabetes alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb, including with respect to collaboration arrangements for the development and commercialization of Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ portfolio of diabetes products following BMS’s acquisition of Amylin in a deal valued at $7 billion (approximately half the cost of which was borne by AstraZeneca).

AstraZeneca in $1.26 Billion Acquisition of Ardea Biosciences

Representation of AstraZeneca in its $1.26 billion acquisition of Ardea Biosciences. Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will pay $32 per share for all of the outstanding shares of Ardea. AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. Ardea is a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, focused on the development of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases.

BBVA in Acquisition of Simple

Representation of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, an international financial group based in Spain, in its acquisition of financial technology company Simple. The $117 million acquisition is part of BBVA's strategy to lead the technology-driven change that is transforming the financial services industry. According to Francisco González, Chairman and CEO of BBVA, Simple will reinforce BBVA’s “global digital transformation while BBVA will provide the means to help Simple maximize its outstanding growth potential.”

Bespoke Policy Development

When a newly formed government ministry in the Middle East was charged with developing “best-in-class” regulations, they turned to our policy experts and senior international advisors to design a regulatory system that would not only surpass global benchmarks, but would comport with the local legal system. Combining decades of government experience, key regulatory development, and local insight, our team delivered practical, implementable rules that are still in force today.

Biopharmaceutical Legislation Representation

Representation of coalition of innovative biopharmaceutical manufacturers during the multi-year process that led to enactment of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2010 (BPCIA). Played a similar role for the pharmaceutical industry prior to enactment of the Hatch-Waxman amendments of 1984. Currently advising members of the pharmaceutical industry on FDA regulatory aspects of 21st Century Cures Act and the Senate’s Innovation for Healthier Americans initiative.

NFL Lockout Class Action

Represented the National Football League in a class action antitrust case in which the NFL Players Association and ten prominent players sought to enjoin the NFL’s lockout of its player-employees. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled for the National Football League, vacating the injunction entered by the District Court on the ground that the injunction violated the Norris-LaGuardia Act, which prohibits judicial interference in labor disputes.

Broadcasters on Range of Legislative Issues

Representation of broadcasters on a range of legislative issues, including media ownership and the digital television transition. When the FCC proposed to increase the number of stations a network could own, Covington led the effort to urge Congress to adopt a special provision reversing the FCC. On behalf of broadcasters, we have been deeply involved in drafting every provision affecting the digital television transition over the past decade. Our long involvement in these issues before the Commission enable us to contribute effectively and efficiently to the debate before Congress.

Broadcasters, Washington Post, and NFL on Broadband Matters

Advised local broadcasters, which have unique content in many markets, as they explore deals to move their content to broadband platforms, advised the Washington Post, and worked for many years with the NFL on a range of important communications and media issues, including debates on Sunday Ticket, importation of distant signals, and Internet gambling.

BSA in Major Domestic and International Copyright Law Reform Efforts

Advise Business Software Alliance in most of the major domestic and international copyright law reform efforts resulting from the advent of the digital age, including the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the WIPO Treaties, the EU Copyright Directive, the EU Software Directive, implementation of the TRIPS Agreement, and amendments to existing copyright laws in over 30 countries worldwide.

Capacity Formation Market in Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator

Represent Comverge, Wal-Mart and Leggett & Platt, large commercial and industrial electricity consumers, before FERC in a matter involving the formation of a capacity market in the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO). We intervened in the matter and pressed arguments for the broadening of the MISO capacity market proposal.

CBS Corp. v. FCC.

Covington successfully represented CBS against a threat by the FCC to make hundreds of thousands of pages of highly confidential programming contracts and negotiation materials available to hundreds of third parties. The D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of CBS, stating the FCC’s decision was “both substantively and procedurally flawed.”

China Investment Corporation Purchase in AES Corporation

China Investment Corporation (CIC), a large sovereign wealth fund created by the People's Republic of China, on FERC and state (NY) energy regulatory issues with respect to its purchase of a 15% share in the AES Corporation, a large independent power producer of international scope with significant US electricity generation assets. Covington secured all necessary approvals for this transaction.

Coalition of Broadband Users and Innovators, including Microsoft, Google, and Consumer Groups before FCC and Congress

Led the Coalition of Broadband Users and Innovators, including Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google, eBay, and consumer groups before the FCC and Congress for policies that ensure that as broadband services are deregulated, these Internet content companies have the ability to reach their customers.

Cole Taylor Bank in Federal Reserve Board Investigation

Representing Cole Taylor Bank, now part of MB Financial, in Federal Reserve Board (and Illinois banking department) investigation and consent cease and desist/civil money penalty order alleging violations of consumer protection laws with respect to deposit products provided by the bank through a third party that offered financial aid refund disbursement services to higher education students.

COMPETE Representation in Federal and State Electricity Competition Issues

COMPETE, a major coalition of more than 680 electricity market participants including Exelon, PSEG, Wal-Mart, PPL Energy, Calpine, TXU Energy, Safeway, Tendril and Leggett & Platt on a wide range of federal and state electricity competition issues, including the structure of RTO markets and retail competition matters in numerous states including Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Michigan, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Arizona and Ohio.

Complex Procurement

A government entity needed to purchase a large number of military vehicles. The procurement required contractors and technology from several jurisdictions and a long-term supply arrangement. From international trade controls and U.S. and EU military sales advice to commercial terms, Covington provided strategic direction as we simultaneously ensured that the documents met local and international requirements.

Comprehensive compliance program update

Advising a multinational chemical manufacturer regarding updates to its integrated compliance program, developing a three-year plan for a comprehensive update, and helping the company assess risk and update its existing policies and procedures in the areas of anti-corruption, third party due diligence and monitoring, and investigations.

Confidential data leak

Provided guidance to a major technology and manufacturing company in connection with the unauthorized posting of employee personal information on a third-party webpage. Our efforts on behalf of the client included working with Internet service providers to remove the posted information and providing notice to potentially affected individuals and applicable state regulators.

Congressional action on organic product marking

We helped a trade association obtain congressional reversal of a crippling federal court decision that would have compelled removal of the USDA seal from approximately 90 percent of organic products and that would have likely resulted in a market loss of nearly $1 billion in the first year after the ruling.

Congressional testimony advice for cable programming company

We advised an independent lifestyle programming channel on the effects of a potential Comcast/Time Warner Cable merger and assisted them in communicating their concerns to Congress and relevant federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, and the FCC. Covington’s work led to the channel’s then-CEO testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Coordinated monitoring and advocacy at the multinational, international and national levels

A highly innovative pharmaceuticals company was concerned about the public debate and policy proposals made to address antimicrobial resistance, as these could seriously curtail its future business. Working together with external partners, we monitor and participate in discussions at the G7, WHO, EU and national levels (in the UK and Germany), with several successes already at proposing alternative solutions more favorable to our client.

Copyright and Fair Use Advice and Counseling to Publishers

Provide general copyright and fair use advice and counseling to publishers such as the National Geographic Society, the Washington Post Company, and Zomba Music Publishing, to various television broadcast stations, and to a number of leading online business and media ventures including The Microsoft Network, USA Interactive, and the National Football League. Covington is also special intellectual property counsel to the Smithsonian Institution.

Corporate, Financial and Operational Matters for Borrego Solar Systems

Advising Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. on a variety of corporate, financial and operational matters in a dynamic and rapidly changing solar market. Borrego is one of the oldest and largest solar integrators in California with over 25 years of experience. We counseled Borrego on tax, regulatory and corporate matters related to power purchase agreement, engineering procurement and constructions contracts, operations and maintenance contracts and site access agreements on more than 30 projects.

Credit Suisse AG in connection with Federal Reserve Board Investigation and Consent Order

Representing Credit Suisse AG in connection with Federal Reserve Board investigation and Federal Reserve Board Consent Order to Cease and Desist and Assessment of Civil Money Penalty with respect to allegations that Credit Suisse assisted U.S. taxpayers with opening of foreign accounts to avoid required U.S. tax reporting and related matters—and in connection with implementation of requirements of the Order.

Cross-border trade, anti-corruption, and data compliance

Advising a major petrochemical company regarding its establishment of an integrated compliance program, with particular focus on the areas of U.S. and European trade controls, anti-corruption, and data privacy. Our representation includes assistance with establishing a corporate compliance office, assessing risks in these areas, drafting the necessary policies and procedures tailored to company risks and operations, and implementing the program through training and assessment.

Emerging policy issues

Worked directly with, and appeared before national and regional privacy authorities, such as the European Commission, the EU Article 29 Working Party, and the Council of Europe, both to address emerging policy issues in the data privacy field, such as data retention, radio frequency identification (RFID), Big Data, facial recognition, security breach legislation and biometrics, and to defend individual clients.

Employee data breach support

Ensuring fair international procurements for private companies

When a major Latin-American government’s procurement financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) appeared to lock out foreign competitors, a private company turned to us for advice and discreet action. With our knowledge of the country, and of IDB and other multilateral procurement regulations, and relationships with key officials, we were able to persuade the IDB to take quick remedial action which ensured the company a new opportunity to compete fairly in a new procurement with no damage to their relationships in Latin America.

ERISA litigation in the Supreme Court

Successfully handled important ERISA litigation in the Supreme Court, including Conkright v. Frommert, 130 S. Ct. 1640 (2010) (requiring deference to the plan administrator’s interpretation of a plan, even though the administrator had previously relied on provisions that were not properly added to the plan), and Kennedy v. Plan Adm’r for Dupont Sav. & Invt. Plan, 129 S. Ct. 865 (2009) (applying ERISA’s “plan document” rule to affirm unanimously a plan administrator’s decision to follow a beneficiary designation that gave rights to a participant’s former spouse, even though a divorce decree had stated that the former spouse gave up her rights).

European counseling on distribution

We have significant experience advising clients on all aspects of their European commercialization networks, including the design and operation of exclusive and selective distribution systems, pricing/rebates, sales and rental channels, supply chain management, customer loyalty programs, dealer financing, central warehousing, consumer warranties, dealer termination, etc.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Advising several of the largest bank holding companies in the U.S. on compliance with the FCRA. Advising major consumer reporting agencies and trade associations on the requirement of the FCRA. Successfully representing numerous consumer reporting agencies and financial services providers in CFPB and FTC supervisory and enforcement actions relating to FCRA. Representing numerous firms in connection with the acquisition of FCRA-regulated businesses, including due diligence and preparation of merger and acquisition documents.

Former CEO of IndyMac Bancorp in Litigation

Representing the former CEO of IndyMac Bancorp in matters arising out of the failure of IndyMac Bank, including knocking out all but one claim in SEC’s once wide-ranging securities enforcement case and settling the last remaining claim, without admitting or denying liability, as a negligence-based claim for $80,000 and a commitment to comply with the securities laws; successfully resolving an FDIC lawsuit; and defending against and/or successfully resolving several securities class action lawsuits, mortgage-backed securities cases, and purported ERISA class action lawsuits.

Global regulatory and legislative support

A global air cargo company wanted to enhance its political influence as a respected industry voice on public policy issues in order to advance its global business objectives. We helped the company resolve difficult regulatory disputes in several countries, including a fast-moving dispute in China that endangered its business model. We also achieved legislative success for the company in the U.S. Congress on defense policy matters in the authorization bill (NDAA).

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and State Financial Privacy Laws

We have advised the largest and most sophisticated banks, consumer reporting agencies, and financial services companies on the collection, use and disclosure of nonpublic personal information under GLBA, that California Financial Information Privacy Act, and similar laws, including the development and implementation of privacy notices.

GSK DOJ pharmaceutical investigation

Represented GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in resolving a complex criminal and civil investigation by the United States Department of Justice. The multi-faceted investigation had a broad focus, including issues relating to GSK’s sales and marketing practices for numerous products, its regulatory submissions relating to Avandia, and the company’s use of the nominal price exception under the Medicaid Rebate Program.

Guidance to Governments on Telecommunications Matters

Advised governments on the privatization of telecom service providers, crafting regulations for the introductions of regulatory structures to foster competition in the telecommunications industry; drafted regulations governing telecom activities; and established a licensing and regulatory structure for the introduction of next-generation wireless telecommunications service.

High-level advocacy before the U.S. executive branch

A U.S. defense company faced stiff competition from a non-U.S. competitor in connection with the deployment of its technology in a NATO-member country, which was seeking a complementary commitment from the U.S. government. We conducted high-level advocacy in the United States, helping our client obtain the needed commitment to secure the transaction-a deal valued at about $5 billion.

Horizon Discovery on Sage Labs Acquisition

Representation of Horizon Discovery Group plc, an AIM listed international life science company supplying research tools and services to organizations engaged in genomics research and the development of personalized medicines, on the acquisition of Sage Labs Inc. for a total of approximately $48 million (£29 million), comprising up to $16 million in cash and up to $32 million in new ordinary shares. The acquired business will be known as Sage Labs Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Discovery Group plc. The acquisition creates a fully integrated translational genomics platform and significantly expands Horizon’s product, service and research offerings.

HR operations audit for multinational pharmaceutical client

Conducted a detailed review of the human resources operations of a large pharmaceutical company to assess compliance with data protection and privacy laws and regulations in both the US and EU, in anticipation of possible certification under the US-EU Safe Harbor regime. Our extensive written report described potential compliance issues and recommended specific remedial actions.

In re Automotive Wire Harness Systems Antitrust Litigation

Representing S-Y Systems Technologies Europe, GmbH, the only defendant dismissed in its entirety from the wire harness price-fixing litigation, which is the lead case in the sprawling Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation pending in Detroit. The court granted motion to dismiss, on personal jurisdiction grounds and did not grant the plaintiffs’ request for jurisdictional discovery.

In re K-Dur Antitrust Litigation

Representing Schering-Plough (now Merck) in multi-district class action litigation challenging so-called reverse payment settlements of pharmaceutical patent litigation. Obtained denial of certification of indirect purchaser class, after which indirect purchasers voluntarily dismissed their case. The team previously defeated the FTC at trial in an action on the same facts, and will now have the opportunity to resolve the direct purchaser portion of the case under a recent Supreme Court decision.

Industrial conglomerate integrated compliance

Advising a major multi-sector industrial company in developing an integrated compliance program, including assessment of the company’s corporate risks and current compliance function, and the creation and implementation of training regimes, tailored policies and operational procedures to support those policies, and mechanisms to monitor compliance and address any issues that arise. The enhanced compliance program is designed to support a wide variety of business units, including industrial sites, and sales and procurement functions. The project also entails developing policies to address compliance in the company’s third-party collaborations.

Innovative Program Agreements Negotiations for Multiple Clients

Negotiated various innovative program agreements for (a) the NFL, including for example, its deals with ESPN and Sprint and one with TiVo to protect its programming against Internet piracy, (b) other program deals involving PBS, Comcast and Children’s Television Workshop and (c) NBC Weather Plus and NBC Broadband -- joint ventures between the network and its affiliates.

Los Alamos investigation

We represented the University of California in an intense and wide-ranging investigation by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations into alleged fraud and mismanagement at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The investigation involved more than two dozen witness interviews and culminated in three days of hearings. At the conclusion of the investigation, the University retained its contract to manage the Laboratory.

Microsoft Privacy Class Action

Achieved summary judgment for Microsoft in a putative class action alleging unauthorized collection of geolocation information from the plaintiffs’ mobile devices. After a claim under the Wiretap Act was dismissed at the pleadings stage, we successfully obtained summary judgment on a remaining claim under the Stored Communications Act.

Multi-defendant Flash Tracking Privacy Class Action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against Microsoft, CBS, Microsoft, McDonald’s, and Mazda alleging violations of the Wiretap Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and state laws. The complaint alleged that an online ad network used Flash cookies and other tracking mechanisms to build user profiles for the purpose of serving targeted advertising.

Navigated foreign legal requirements for international contractors

Organized foreign counsel in 40 foreign countries to determine legal requirements governing U.S. government contractors working in country, to ensure local compliance as to business registrations, visas, employment laws, and taxes. In doing so, developed a template for determining foreign requirements and a network of local counsel to serve as a resource for the contractor.

Navigating U.S. sanctions programs for multinational corporations

When the U.S. government announced changes to its Cuba policy, major global companies in the consumer products, travel, and entertainment sectors turned to us for advice on policy and trade matters. We advised these clients on export controls and sanctions, legislative proposals, Helms-Burton restrictions, expropriations and certified U.S. claims, and market access issues.

Navigation of Organizational Conflicts of Interest

We have helped major contractors navigate the specific Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) rules and requirements imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Defense Health Agency, and other agencies. When CMS rolled out its new approach to OCIs, including its new standard clause and required forms, we helped a major CMS contractor comment on key aspects of the approach.

Negotiation and vetting of state contracts for healthcare exchanges and MMIS

We helped a major client negotiate contracts with state healthcare exchanges in Maryland and several other states, and navigate the procurement rules and risk areas unique to many state exchanges. We have also advised clients regarding intellectual property and other issues specific to state MMIS procurements.

Over-the-counter medicine investigation

We represented a world-leading consumer products manufacturer in an investigation by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding high-profile recalls of over-the-counter medicines. The investigation included multiple interviews, tens of thousands of documents produced to Congress, and two major hearings, including one at which the company’s chairman and CEO testified.

Samsung Inter Partes Reexamination Proceeding

Representation of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in inter partes reexamination proceedings for a patent related to LCD color technology. Genoa Color Technologies Ltd., the original owner of the patent, sued Samsung for infringement. Samsung requested inter partes reexamination of the patent, and the Right of Appeal notice upheld the final rejection of all claims of the patent on numerous grounds. Subsequent to the Right of Appeal Notice, the parties settled the litigation.

Privacy audit for oil and gas multinational in preparation for BCR approval

Managing a privacy audit of a U.S.-based multinational in the oil and gas industry in preparation for its BCR approval with the Dutch data protection authority as the lead authority, including reviewing and providing advice on the BCRs and the implementation strategy and assisting this client in the preparation and roll-out of various compliance tools in the framework of the BCRs.

Procurement advice and protests in states across the country

We have helped clients navigate state procurement systems and have handled protests in states across the country, including: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Oregon, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado, Washington, New Jersey, and others.

Protection of Client IP Rights

For pharmaceutical, energy, and defense companies entering into R&D contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with federal agencies (including DoD, DOE, and HHS), we have successfully developed and implemented strategies for protecting our clients’ intellectual property. We have helped our clients limit or avoid government IP rights through the use of alternative contracting vehicles, specially negotiated contract clauses, properly drafted statements of work, and other means. We have also obtained waivers of patent ownership from federal agencies, as well as waivers of the U.S. manufacturing requirements under the Bayh-Dole Act.

Protection of employee personal information

Protection of IP rights for pharmaceutical companies

For pharmaceutical companies entering into R&D contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with BARDA, NIH, and DTRA, we have successfully developed and implemented strategies for protecting our clients’ intellectual property. We have helped our clients limit or avoid government IP rights through the use of alternative contracting vehicles, specially negotiated contract clauses, properly drafted statements of work, and other means. We have also obtained waivers of U.S. manufacturing requirements under the Bayh-Dole Act.

Renegotiated government IP agreements

On behalf of a major pharmaceutical manufacturer, we renegotiated agreements with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concerning IP rights arising out of the development, manufacture, and use of experimental vaccine supplies for international clinical trials, and negotiated contract terms placing on the government the risk of the client’s use of contested IP developed by another contractor.

Representing global pharmaceutical company in “test” case involving BCR and CBPR interoperability

Representing Merck in one of the first “test” cases involving interoperability between BCRs and APEC’s Cross-border Privacy Rules (CBPR). The case will establish a precedent for cross-border transfers of personal data for both the EU and Asia-Pacific Region.

Resolved hotly-contested completion disputes of U.S. Embassy in Baghdad

Negotiated resolution of concerns that the contractor building the U.S. embassy in Baghdad had thousands of unauthorized deviations from specifications, which prevented the U.S. State Department’s acceptance of the sprawling compound. Demonstrated in senior-level meetings and on-the-ground inspections that the project was materially compliant, leading to acceptance and the resolution of investigations by multiple agencies and Congress.

Responding to Sophisticated Advanced Persistent Theat ("APT") Attacks

We have directed the investigations and response into APT attacks from state-sponsored actors and sophisticated criminal groups targeting intellectual property and other proprietary information. These attacks, and the responses, have spanned multiple industries and global companies, with investigations covering four continents.

Resolved claims arising from the incarceration of U.S. contractor for espionage

Negotiated a creative settlement of a tort suit filed by a subcontractor arising from his imprisonment in Cuba for carrying out a USAID democracy-building program in that country. We converted that tort settlement into a contract claim by the prime contractor, and successfully negotiated payment to fully compensate the subcontractor while making the prime contractor whole.

Sanctions advice for a major non-U.S. financial institution regarding the processing of U.S. dollar payments

We are representing a non-U.S. financial institution in connection with an investigation by federal and state civil and criminal enforcement authorities into the bank's processing to or through the United States of U.S. dollar payments involving U.S.-sanctioned parties.

SBA Size Determination

We took over a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size determination proceeding for our client, an IT services provider, after previous DC government contracts counsel had failed to persuade the SBA that our client was a small business. We submitted thousands of pages of documentation and numerous position papers in what is believed to be the most complex size determination ever performed by SBA, and persuaded the agency that our client is a small business, notwithstanding its affiliation with dozens of other small businesses, thus allowing it to continue to compete for business on small business set-aside contracts.

SBIC portfolio company divestment advice

Our client was a small business defense contractor owned by a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) that was nearing the end of the control period permitted under Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations. We advised a special committee of the board of directors of the client about the potential effects of various potential sale and transfer scenarios on the client’s continued small-business status, and enabled the committee to decide upon a course of action that would permit the client to continue to perform and compete for small-business set-aside contracts.

AstraZeneca Transactions

Representation of AstraZeneca in relation to the creation of a $3.4 billion diabetes joint venture with BMS, and the subsequent acquisition of sole control over that venture; in its acquisition of the rights to Almirall’s respiratory franchise (for initial consideration of $875 million and up to $1.22 billion in development, launch and sales-related milestones); assisting in the acquisition of the Takeda respiratory portfolio; and in relation to the creation of an oncology joint venture with Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics (FKB).

Verizon Communications Transactions

Representation of Verizon Communications in several transactions, including its $3.89 billion acquisition of AOL. Also advised the company in connection with its purchase of UK-based Vodafone’s 45 percent ownership of Verizon Wireless, as well as Vodafone’s purchase of Verizon’s interest in Vodafone Italy, which was valued at $124.1 billion.

Service Contract Act investigation and disclosure

Our client, a major large business provider of IT services to the federal government, discovered possible Service Contract Act compliance issues in the operations of a recently acquired subsidiary. We conducted and internal investigation and assisted the client in making a disclosure to the U.S. Department of Labor, which closed the matter without adverse financial or other consequences for our client.

Severance cost dispute for DOE contractor

Recovered disallowed severance costs paid by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contractor to its employees when the contractor exited the contract and the employees went to work for a successor contractor. The costs were unallowable under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), but the contract contained an unusual provision, personally approved by President Truman, making virtually all costs allowable. We handled the preparation of the initial claim, the contract appeal to the Court of Federal Claims, and the appeal to the Federal Circuit, at the end of which our client recovered every penny of its severance outlay, plus interest.

Successful jury trial defense of Schedule contractor in False Claims Act case in the Eastern District of Virginia

Through a jury trial in the Eastern District of Virginia, successfully represented a Schedule contractor accused of submitting fraudulent commercial pricing data in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The Fourth Circuit affirmed the jury verdict in favor of the contractor.

Successful representation of major defense IT contractor in GSA IG audit

Successfully represented a major defense IT contractor in an audit of two U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contracts by the GSA Inspector General (IG), in which the IG initially asserted a claim for the repayment of tens of millions of dollars. The matter was resolved for less than $5,000.

Successfully defeated infringement suit in the Court of Federal Claims

One of our clients provides a key component of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. A rival contractor sued the U.S. government in the Court of Federal Claims, alleging that the component infringed its patent. We intervened on behalf of our client and persuaded the court to rule that the patent is invalid.

Successful resolution of best pricing investigation

One of the nation’s largest construction supply companies was investigated for failing to provide the General Services Administration (GSA) with its “best pricing” for materials. Working with the company’s auditors, we were able to resolve the matter for no money based on ambiguities in the Schedule language as applied to the circumstances.

Successfully defended prime contractor in data rights lawsuit

We successfully defended a Navy prime contractor accused of misusing its subcontractor’s design data. We convinced the court that the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) data rights clauses allowed the client to use and distribute the data, resulting in a complete summary judgment for our client.

Successfully defended bidder against claims of misuse of competitors data

We obtained a complete jury verdict for our client accused of misappropriating the incumbent’s trade secrets to win a $200 million NASA contract. The alleged trade secrets included the data generated under the incumbent’s existing NASA contract and the incumbent’s proposal data for the new contract.

Successfully protested $2 billion+ biodefense award

When the federal government awarded a contract worth more than $2 billion for the development and delivery of a medical countermeasure, we protested at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). After many rounds of briefing, and a hearing before GAO, the agency agreed to cancel and re-compete the majority of the contract.

Successfully protested award for contract to help reform the justice system in Mexico

We successfully challenged an agency award of a contract to assist the government of Mexico in reforming its justice system, obtaining corrective action that involved new final proposal revisions. When our client won the second round award, we defended a challenge by the prior awardee, and preserved the award to our client.

Successfully protested $200 million U.S. Army award

When the U.S. Army awarded a $200 million contract for IT services, we protested the award, arguing that the awardee had an organizational conflict of interest and gained an unfair competitive advantage by hiring a former government official. The agency took corrective action in response to the protest.

Successfully protested the terms of a $2 billion USAID procurement

When USAID issued a $2 billion procurement for consulting services related to economic growth and poverty reduction, we protested the terms of the solicitation. Our protest convinced the agency to abandon its use of the “low cost, technically acceptable” evaluation scheme by arguing that LPTA was inappropriate for the complex, high-stakes services being sought.

Successfully protested exclusion from $500 million+ biodefense competition

When the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) conducted a competition for an Advanced Development and Manufacturing (ADM) facility for medical countermeasures, we protested DoD’s exclusion of one of the offerors from the competitive range. The protest issues were of extraordinary technical complexity, but after several rounds of briefing, we convinced the agency to reverse course and invite the offeror back into the competition.

Successfully protested the terms of a $600 million cloud procurement

When the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) issued an RFP for cloud services, we filed a protest challenging the terms of the RFP as unduly restrictive of competition. After discussion with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the agency agreed to amend the RFP to revise the terms at issue in the protest.

TINA dispute

For an electronics supplier to a prime contractor for a major U.S. Navy program, we appealed in the prime contractor’s name from a final decision finding defective pricing due to the alleged nondisclosure of certain improvement-curve data that the Navy contended would have led the Navy to conclude that the decline in labor costs would have been steeper than the parties assumed in negotiations. After the close of discovery, we negotiated a favorable settlement.

Univision in Deal for Carriage on DISH’s “Over the Top” Sling TV Service

Represented Univision Communications in the precedential agreement for carriage of Univision’s broadcast stations and cable networks on DISH’s “over the top” Sling TV service. The UCI media portfolio includes the Univision Network, one of the top five broadcast networks, and the most-watched Spanish language broadcast network in the U.S., reaching approximately 94 percent of U.S. Hispanic television households. The agreement covers the Univision and UniMas broadcast networks, as well as other UCI services, such as Univision Deportes and El Rey Network. Sling TV is a new online offering from one of the largest television distributors in the country, by which subscribers can view major network content via the Internet anywhere in the United States.

U.S. Appeals Court Shoots Down FCC Merger-Review Disclosure Order

Successful representation of CBS Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., Scripps Networks Interactive Inc., Time Warner Inc., Univision Communications Inc., and Viacom Inc. Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in connection with the disclosure of programming contracts with pay-TV providers as part of the FCC’s review of pending cable and satellite mergers.

U.S. government sanctions investigation of international energy company

We advised an international energy company on a U.S. Treasury Department investigation of transactions with certain U.S.-sanctioned markets, and assisted the company with interactions with the U.S. State Department on sanctions-related policy matters. The Treasury Department closed its investigation without taking any enforcement action against our client.

WTO and NAFTA disputes

Counseled clients on WTO and NAFTA disputes on a wide range of matters, including sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, anti-dumping and countervailing duties, agricultural subsidies, and intellectual property issues, including the FSC and Byrd WTO disputes against the United States. Our lawyers have argued cases before the WTO and have negotiated solutions related to implementation, compliance, and retaliation in trade disputes.

Pre-Incident Advice and Assessments

We regularly advise clients on compliance with information security requirements and best practices, including, among others, governance best practices, vendor contract terms and due diligence, the implementation of information security controls to satisfy regulatory requirements, and the conduct of vulnerability assessments.

Prosper in First-of-its-Kind Transaction

Representation of Prosper Marketplace in a variety of securities advisory and transactional matters, including in a first-of-its-kind registration of $500 million of borrower dependent notes and restructuring into a bankruptcy remote vehicle, several rounds of venture financings, as well as ongoing disclosure, SEC reporting and SEC regulatory matters.

Broadcasters on DTV Transition

Representation the broadcast industry and individual broadcasters for nearly two decades on the incredible range of technical, legal and policy issues surrounding the transition to digital television. We helped negotiate the DTV standard, and devised the new frequency table. We worked closely at every step with the FCC’s engineers and with engineers across the television industry. We also worked to develop the new rules and legal requirements to accompany the detailed technical analysis.

Fax Ban Coalition, U.S. Chambers of Commerce, National Association of Realtors, and Coalition of Mortgage Finance Industry Businesses on Commercial Fax Messages Matter

Obtaining rules on commercial fax messages that protect consumers’ rights, but are fair to legitimate businesses, after multi-venue effort in Congress, in court and at the FCC on behalf of the Fax Ban Coalition, a cross-industry group of trade associations and businesses, as well as the U.S. Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors and a coalition of businesses in the mortgage finance industry.

Microsoft before FCC on Issues Concerning Media Center and DRM Products

Representation of Microsoft before the FCC on various issuing surrounding its Media Center and DRM products. We obtained FCC recognition of Windows Media Digital Rights Management software as a permissible means to handle digital content. We also represent the company in ongoing rulemakings and waiver petitions involving plug-and-play issues, including industry-wide efforts to resolve these issues.

Multiple Clients on Legislative and Regulatory Policy and Litigation Issues

Representation of clients on various legislative and regulatory policy and litigation issues, including (1) retransmission consent, (2) downconversion of digital signals by cable systems, (3) carriage of digital multicast streams by cable, DBS and other video program distributors, (4) indecency, (5) media ownership and (6) importation of distant signals by DBS operators.

Network Affiliated Stations Alliance and NAB in Battle before Congress, FCC, and Third and D.C. Circuits Courts of Appeals

Waging on behalf of the Network Affiliated Stations Alliance and the National Association of Broadcasters a multi-year, multi-venue battle before Congress, the FCC, and the Third and D.C. Circuits Courts of Appeals on the national television ownership rule, successfully achieving a legislative reversal of the FCC’s decision.

Newspaper Association of America and 70-Member Media Coalition in Spearheading Federal Legislation to Establish Journalists’ Privilege

Representation of the Newspaper Association of America, and an 70-member media coalition, in spearheading federal legislation to establish a journalists’ privilege. We have worked closely with proponents of legislation and with Congress to suggest creative solutions to protecting the integrity of the journalistic enterprise, in both traditional and digital media, while taking into account legitimate law enforcement and anti-terrorism concerns.

On Behalf of MSTV, Representing the Television Industry on Key Legislative, FCC, and Industry Issues

On behalf of MSTV, representing the television industry on key legislative, FCC and industry issues, including, for example, negotiating a template agreement with Sprint Nextel for the migration of broadcast ENG services out of the 2 GHz spectrum, the implementation of a “hard date” for the transition to a digital-only television service, and for the process of electing and assigning final DTV channels.

Raycom Media’s CBS-Affiliated Station in Cleveland in Opposing Newsgathering Restriction

Representation of Raycom’s CBS-affiliated station in Cleveland in opposing a newsgathering restriction imposed by the mayor of the City of Cleveland. Within 24 hours of the imposition of a ban on contacts to our clients’ journalists, we had begun preparation of an injunction action. Following initial hearings, we negotiated a resolution that resulted in full reinstitution of access for our client.

San Francisco Digital Media Advisory Council Member

Covington is the only law firm member of the San Francisco Digital Media Advisory Council, a coalition between the City of San Francisco and a host of leading digital media and entertainment companies, including Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm, Dolby Labs, Wild Brain Entertainment, Giant Killer Robots, Dreamworks Animation and Pixar.

Specialty Equipment Manufacturers on FCC Compliance

Representation of one of the leading distributors of televisions to the healthcare field, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers, on FCC compliance issues. When its leading manufacturer discovered problems complying with an FCC rule, we sought a waiver of the FCC’s Part 15 requirements for one of the leading TV set manufacturer in this market.

Television Clients on Pre-Publication Review, Newsgathering and Subpoena Defense Issues

Provided pre-publication review, newsgathering and subpoena defense work for television clients in some 25 states on a 24/7/365 basis. To ensure that our team is fully available to journalists around the clock, we have established technical solutions so that scripts, video clips and documents are distributed electronically to all members of our team simultaneously.

Two Major National News and Public Affairs Magazines and a National Newspaper on International Newsgathering and Libel Exposure Issues

Advised two major national news and public affairs magazines and a national newspaper on international newsgathering and libel exposure issues. For example, we have advised on the use of hidden cameras in Africa, India and Europe. We also represented a 50-member media coalition in successfully persuading Canadian courts not to exercise jurisdiction over the Washington Post in Bangoura v. Washington Post.

Testified in Favor of and Played an Advisory Role in Crafting, Federal Legislation to Limit “Libel Tourism”

A Covington partner testified in favor of, and played an advisory role in crafting, federal legislation to limit “libel tourism,” the practice of libel plaintiffs suing U.S. publishers abroad. The resulting legislation, the SPEECH Act, unanimously passed the House and the Senate and was signed into law in August 2010.

FTC Investigation Involving Microsoft's Passport Internet Authentication Service

Microsoft in the FTC’s groundbreaking investigation and agreement related to Microsoft’s Passport Internet authentication service, which was the FTC’s first consent agreement under Section 5 of the FTC Act to impose information security commitments related to the protection of personal information.

GE and Synchrony Financial in $2.95 billion initial public offering and subsequent split-off transaction

Representing General Electric and Synchrony Financial (GE Capital’s former North American retail finance business) in connection with Synchrony’s approximately $2.95 billion initial public offering and in connection with GE’s subsequent exchange offer to complete the separation of Synchrony from GE, including the Federal Reserve Board application process and approval required for the Synchrony’s separation from GE.

GE Capital Retail Bank CFPB Investigation and DOJ Consent Order

Represent the former GE Capital Retail Bank (now Synchrony Financial) in a CFPB investigation, enforcement action, and consent order related to allegations of deceptive marketing of credit card add-on products and discrimination against Spanish-speaking customers related to certain offers to settle outstanding credit card balances and a Department of Justice enforcement action and consent order regarding the same allegations of discrimination.

Development of Internal Guidelines for Law Enforcement Requests

Regularly assist global businesses in developing internal guidelines for responding to law enforcement requests, including by identifying and advising on relevant legal obligations and assessing best practices for responding to government requests for customer data. We help clients develop procedures for addressing conflict-of-law issues that arise when receiving law enforcement requests from countries worldwide, with an eye toward creating efficient and scalable solutions.

Global Privacy Audit for Leading Consumer Electronics and Technology Companies

Litigated Successful Constitutional Challenge

On behalf of Microsoft, successfully challenged a gag order statute that allows courts to forbid technology companies from telling their customers about demands for their data under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). The lawsuit resulted in nationwide reform of the government's practices under the statute. See Microsoft Corporation v. United States Department of Justice, No. 2:16-cv-00538-JLR (W.D. Wash.).

Litigation Resulting in New Rules on Customer Access to Government Data Demands

Representation of technology client in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court litigation challenging restrictions on technology company disclosures about government surveillance. The litigation resulted in new rules that allow technology companies to give their customers more information about how often the government demands customer data. See In re Motion to Disclose Aggregate Data Regarding FISA Orders, Misc. No. 13-04 (FISA Ct. 2014).

NBA in Live Virtual Reality Streaming with NextVR

We represented the NBA in a multi-year deal to stream live NBA games in virtual reality in a partnership with NextVR, which will become the official live virtual reality partner of the NBA. During the 2016-2017 season, live VR games will first be available to NBA League Pass subscribers, with single-game purchase opportunities to follow for all VR consumers as the NextVR app becomes available on new VR devices.

Mass media company global public policy

One of the world’s largest global mass media companies needed support on a range of issues that intersect law and policy. We helped the client:

navigate U.S. sanctions on advertising, promotion, and distribution of content in international markets;
pursue a diplomatic solution to an IP rights dispute in the Middle East, leveraging extensive relationships at the State Department; and
advocate on federal issues with Members of the U.S. Congress.

Merck, Verizon, Spirits International, National Geographic, PBS, and Others before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

Representation of numerous clients, including Merck, Verizon, Spirits International, National Geographic Society, Public Broadcasting Services, M Financial, Promontory Financial Group, U.S. Soccer Federation, Lewis Brothers Bakeries and Rosie O’Donnell in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Microsoft Transactions

Representation of Microsoft Corp. in its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype Communications S.à.r.l., the largest acquisition in the company’s history, in connection with its $4.5 billion acquisition of certain Nortel patents, in its $7.2 billion acquisition of the handset division of Nokia, and its $2.5 billion acquisition of Mojang, the developer of Minecraft.

Microsoft on Internet Protocol Television Issues

Advised Microsoft on Internet Protocol Television issues, including testimony before Congress, appearances at the FCC, and industry negotiations, and advised on industry negotiations to encourage movie studios and the cable industry to use their digital rights management technology for distributing movie and other content over the Internet.

Microsoft public policy and government affairs

Microsoft wanted assistance with legal, public policy, and strategic issues. We support Microsoft on a wide array of policy and legislative issues, including privacy, national security, immigration, tax, and telecommunications, and assist them in gathering political intelligence and advocating before Congress and federal agencies.

National Geographic Society in Two Trademark Matters

Representation of National Geographic Society in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts against claims of infringement of an alleged family of ZONE marks asserted by the author of a series of ZONE books on health and nutrition; and in an opposition proceeding before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, claiming that applicant's EXPLORE CHANNEL mark is likely to cause confusion with National Geographic's EXPLORER marks.

NBA Properties and NBA Member Teams in Trademark Litigation Concerning the DREAM TEAM Mark

Representation of NBA Properties and the NBA member teams in trademark litigation concerning the DREAM TEAM mark in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and also in anti-counterfeiting litigation concerning other NBA marks brought in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against purveyors of counterfeit NBA merchandise in connection with an NBA All-Star game.

Numerous Clients in Managing U.S. and Global Trademark Portfolios

Advise on cutting edge trademark strategies, domain name, social media, and keyword advertising issues, manage U.S. and global portfolios, and provided trademark advisory and prosecution services to leading US and global brand owners, including: American Automobile Association (AAA); AOL, Inc.; Astelllas US; Business Software Alliance; Dale & Thomas Popcorn; Expedia, Inc.; FeraDyne Outdoors; German American Chambers of Commerce; Lewis Bakeries, Inc.; Merck & Co. Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; National Basketball Association; National Football League; National Geographic Society; National Hockey League; Public Broadcasting Service; Phi Beta Kappa Society; Promontory Financial Group; and U.S. Soccer Federation.

PBS in Proceedings Before FCC, U.S. Copyright Office, and Other Policy Settings

Representation of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in proceedings before the FCC, U.S. Copyright Office and other policy settings, including with respect to the role and distribution of educational and other noncommercial media across the broadcast, online, mobile and other IP-based platforms.

PBS in Two Trademark-Related Matters

Representation of Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) in trademark litigation to recover the PBS.COM domain name in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia; and in an opposition proceeding before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, claiming that applicant's mark BE MORE RESPONSIBLE is likely to cause confusion with PBS's BE MORE mark.

Pearl Mobile DTV in Project to Provide Mobile Digital Television Services in U.S.

Pearl Mobile DTV in establishing a nine-company venture to provide Mobile Digital Television services in the United States. Covington attorneys led the negotiations leading to the creation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, the negotiation of content license agreements, and public policy efforts before Congress and at the White House and the FCC.

Policy advice to the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi

We provided policy advice to the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi on how the Embassy in Washington, DC could be most effective in representing the UAE’s interests. In a follow-on project, we advised on factors to consider in establishing a business-oriented consulate on the West Coast of the United States.

Preparation of key industry comment letters

Advising the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, The Clearing House Association, American Bankers Association, and Global Financial Markets Association with respect to comment letters submitted in response to proposals from the Federal Reserve Board, Financial Stability Board, and other agencies affecting large systemically important financial institutions.

Privacy “health checks”

Conducted privacy “health checks” for clients to assess their compliance with privacy and data security laws, particularly those in the 28 Member States of the European Community; where appropriate, we have designed remediation programs that include, for example, filing notifications to local privacy regulators, fulfilling obligations to furnish notice, and ensuring compliance with local data security regulations.

Proposition 65 Labeling and Chemical Safe Harbor Levels

Represent Compañía Cervecera de Puerto Rico, Inc. (CCPR), in a lawsuit alleging that CCPR’s Malta India product contains the chemical 4-MEI in quantities above the safe harbor level, and that CCPR has failed to label Malta India products sold in California with the warning required by California’s Proposition 65.

Public policy support for companies bidding on international infrastructure projects

A major U.S.-based infrastructure company turned to us for help bidding for contracts on major infrastructure projects in Bahrain and Egypt. Through our contacts with high-ranking embassy officials, we ensured our client’s bids received fair and equal treatment and consideration in the tender process, and we helped the client secure the contracts it was pursuing.

Qualcomm in Acquisitions and Investments with Omnia

Qualcomm in acquisitions and investments including its joint venture with Omnia, a subsidiary of Saudi Oger, to create a UK-based company to deploy CDMA-based technology; its acquisition of UK-based Elata (Holdings) Limited, which provides content delivery and device management software systems; and its acquisition of Trigenix Limited, a European mobile content delivery software producer.

Regulatory requirements for domestic and international derivatives activities

Advise multiple derivatives market participants, including energy company end-users, regarding the regulatory requirements for domestic and international derivatives activities, specifically the analysis of whether financial products are “swaps” under Dodd-Frank, the analysis of whether a market participant satisfies the CFTC’s swap dealer registration requirements and the application of the CFTC’s guidance on the cross-border application of Dodd-Frank on the market participant’s derivatives activities.

Reliance Infocomm Limited in $750 Million Financing

Represented Reliance Infocomm Limited in connection with its $750 million financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Export Development Canada. The financing was provided to assist Reliance Infocomm in building a state of the art telecommunications infrastructure for India -- the largest and most complex information and communications technology initiative in the world. The definitive documents for the facility were entered into in December 2004 and the facility was drawn on in March 2005. The facility was the largest telecom installations loan for any company world-wide in 2004.

Representation of an international beverage company in LCIA and UNCITRAL arbitrations

Representation of a leading Caribbean-based international beverage company in an LCIA arbitration against the former controlling shareholders of a major European-based company that was acquired by our client and in successfully handling a London-sited UNCITRAL arbitration administered by the LCIA.

Representation of Coalition of Oil and Gas Companies in Efforts to Pursue California Offshore Oil and Gas Leases

A coalition of eleven oil and gas companies whose efforts to pursue development of their California offshore oil and gas leases were thwarted by the federal government, recovering more than $1.0 billion, including judgment after trial on complex geological and reservoir engineering issues.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment Class Action

Represented Sony BMG Music Entertainment in a class action lawsuit brought by the Allman Brothers Band and Cheap Trick on behalf of all artists whose contracts pre-date the era of digital downloaded music. Sony BMG pays the artists under the applicable royalty rate for album sales at brick-and-mortar record stores, while the artists claim that Sony BMG should be paying a much greater royalty rate for downloaded music.

Review of the right to monitor Internet and electronic communications

Conducted a pan-European and selective US survey of laws and regulations affecting an employer’s right to monitor employee’s Internet use and review electronic communications. We have also advised numerous clients on the law governing call recording and access to (and disclosure of) employee e-mail, including in connection with several personal crises and actions.

Salix Pharmaceuticals in $2.6 Billion of Santarus, Inc.

Representation of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. in its acquisition of Santarus, Inc. for a total value of approximately $2.6 billion. The transaction closed on January 2, 2014. According to Carolyn Logan, Salix President and Chief Executive Officer, “The acquisition of Santarus is a transformational event for Salix and an important milestone in our growth as the leading gastroenterology-focused specialty pharmaceutical company in the United States.”

Satellite Provider in Establishing European Services Satellite Trade Association

Assisted a satellite provider in establishing a European services satellite trade association. Subsequent representation of the association enabled us to combine our knowledge of law relating to EU trade associations with our experience in EU legislative advocacy in the telecom industry.

Securing U.S. government support for clients in bilateral negotiations

Several companies and individuals facing complex legal issues in jurisdictions abroad sought our help securing the U.S. government’s involvement in support of our clients’ positions. The bilateral, government-to-government engagement by senior U.S. officials with their counterparts in foreign governments has significantly strengthened our clients’ ability to influence outcomes in the foreign legal processes. Our activities have included efforts to ensure fair and unbiased regulatory decisions and initiatives to address unwarranted judicial or prosecutorial actions.

Strategic advice to companies facing international regulatory challenges

A global chemical company is facing a World Health Organization (WHO) classification of one of its key products as “probably carcinogenic.” Recognizing that this finding is based on limited evidence and is in conflict with the conclusions of many national regulatory bodies that have analyzed this product and found it to be safe, the company asked us to help them develop a strategy to seek a public clarification from the U.N. organization.

Strategic advice to multinational corporations facing global market challenges

A global food and beverage company faces a variety of challenging legal and policy issues around the world, including international trade, market access, NGO activism, and multiple proposed restrictions to its ability to operate in the marketplace. We provide both domestic and global strategic counsel and advice and assist them in advancing their legislative and policy objectives.

Tax-efficient acquisition vehicles

Helped a leading global fund-of-funds sponsor with benefit plan investors acquire several large portfolios of European private equity interests. Working with corporate lawyers in our London and New York offices, we designed tax-efficient acquisition vehicles that complied with ERISA and avoided potential fiduciary and plan asset concerns.

Taylor v. United Technologies Corp.

Taylor v. United Technologies Corp., 2009 WL 4255159 (2d Cir. Dec. 1, 2009), aff’g 2009 WL 535779, 46 Empl. Ben. Cas. (BNA) 1935 (D. Conn. Mar. 3, 2009). The Second Circuit affirmed the summary judgment entered in favor of our client United Technologies in a 401(k) plan expense class action lawsuit. The court upheld the rejection of all of plaintiffs’ claims concerning a variety of fiduciary decisions over more than a decade, for which plaintiffs had calculated alleged damages of $230 million.

Enactment of Trade Secrets Legislation

Represented the Protect Trade Secrets Coalition in successfully seeking to enact legislation to create a federal civil cause of action for trade secret misappropriation to supplement state-level remedies and testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the need for legislation. The legislation was enacted in 2016 after being passed by the Senate 87-0 and by the House 410-2.

Michelin Transaction

Representing Michelin in its acquisition of IHLE Holding AG. The transaction involved six national European merger notifications, namely in France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and the Czech Republic. This was the first time that an upstream tire manufacturer and supplier took control over a wholesale tire distributor in Europe creating substantial questions about the effects of this vertical integration.

Alkermes Global Pharmaceutical Portfolio

Managing the worldwide patent portfolios of Alkermes companies relating to sustained-release pharmaceutical formulations in products such as VIVITROL®, RISPERDAL® CONSTA®, and BYDUREON®. We obtained pivotal patents in Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and the United States covering the BYDUREON product, a sustained-release formulation indicated for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Koppers Global Wood Preservation Portfolio

For Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc., managing a portfolio of patents and patent applications relating to market-leading wood preservation technology as well as advising on strategies for obtaining patents throughout the world and on post-grant opposition proceedings involving its patents and applications in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Covington also represented the predecessor to Koppers in several inter partes reexamination proceedings, including the defense of patents drawn to methods of preserving wood using particulate copper and methods for directly producing copper carbonate.

Orange Book Listed Patents in Reexamination Proceedings

We represented Alkermes, Inc., the top patent owner of Orange Book listed patents in reexamination, in ex parte reexamination proceedings and worldwide opposition proceedings initiated by competitors. Six of the seven patents successfully emerged from reexamination and remain listable for the VIVITROL® and RISPERDAL® CONSTA® products.

Trend Micro Inc. Reexamination Proceedings

Representation of Trend Micro Incorporated as patent owner before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in ex parte reexamination proceedings relating to two patents directed to anti-virus technology. Reexamination Certificates for both patents were issued, and Trend Micro and the third-party requester settled the state court litigation in which the validity of the patents was at issue.

Inter Partes Reexamination of Patents in HPL Portfolio

Representation of multiple requesters in inter partes reexamination of seven patents in the Helferich Patent Licensing (HPL) portfolio. All challenged claims in all patents stood rejected, with six of the seven patents on appeal to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Given the success of the reexamination and Inter Partes Review proceedings handled by Covington, the last remaining requesters reached favorable settlements with HPL.

High Profile Section 337 Dispute Between U.S. Steel and the Chinese Steel Industry

Representation of Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. in a trade secret, antitrust and false designation of origin dispute in the International Trade Commission involving processes for making Advanced High Strength Steel. In November 2016, Sturgis Sobin, Derek Ludwin, and James O’Connell were named “Litigators of the Week” by American Lawyer for an initial determination at the ITC on behalf of our client. This was the first price-fixing case in almost 40 years at the agency, terminating U.S. Steel’s antitrust claim.

TRICARE-Related Advocacy

We achieved a significant legislative victory for a major retail corporation when Congress passed the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act with new authorities to expand patients’ access to retail pharmacies. Our objective was to overcome the exclusion of chain and local pharmacies from providing brand maintenance drugs under TRICARE at the same rates available for prescriptions filled at military treatment facilities or through mail-order pharmacies, which caused significant losses to chain and local pharmacy businesses and limited beneficiaries’ access to retail pharmacies. Our efforts led to the inclusion of a pilot program allowing pharmacies to provide brand maintenance drugs to TRICARE beneficiaries. The bill passed with overwhelming support in both the House (375-34) and the Senate (92-7).

Bayh-Dole Advice Across Sectors

We have advised clients in various sectors regarding the substantial manufacturing requirement under the Bayh-Dole Act, including securing waivers of the requirement and helping clients structure manufacturing obligations to maximize business efficiencies within the requirements of the Bayh-Dole Act. We also routinely advise clients regarding the Bayh-Dole Act’s requirements for perfecting title in intellectual property and avoiding potential march-in actions under the Act.

Transmission-Related Matters for PSEG

Represent PSEG, a large New Jersey electric utility, with respect to a range of transmission-related matters including financial incentives and favorable regulatory treatments for large transmission projects, cost allocation policy for certain transmission investments, and market based rates for new generation projects. We advised on the Northeast Grid Reliability Project sponsored by PSEG, a transmission investment of almost $1 billion, and in particular with respect to the rate incentives applicable to the project. FERC granted a range of incentives for the project. In a separate representation, we advised PSEG in a FERC proceeding that secured rate incentives and certain favorable regulatory treatments for PSEG’s construction of five large high-voltage transmission projects.

Two Major Hollywood Studios on Various Feature Films in China

Advise two of the major Hollywood studios on a number of different feature films in China. Film projects for the majors include both studio films intended for wide international release, as well as local Chinese-language productions. Work for the majors also include advice regarding cooperation agreements, development, copyright and IP infringement, and relationships with talent.

Univision Communications in Communications-Related Regulatory Matters

Representation of Univision Communications in all communications-related regulatory matters. Univision is the nation’s largest integrated Spanish-language media company and the fifth-largest broadcast network in any language, which owns nearly 150 radio and television stations, three national programming networks, internet portals and a suite of mobile communications products.

U.S. Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service Investigations

Resolved contentious investigations by the US Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service, in which the government took positions that exposed our clients to many millions, and in some cases over $1 billion, of potential liability. In several of these cases, we replaced counsel that was unable to reach agreement with the government, when litigation appeared to be imminent.

U.S. regulatory guidance for South Korean airline

The second largest airline in South Korea was under investigation by the U.S. government in connection with a 2014 accident in San Francisco. Our Washington office guided the company’s participation in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, and successfully mitigated U.S. public relations issues.

Venture Negotiations and Public Policy Efforts for Pearl Mobile DTV

Represented Pearl Mobile DTV in establishing a nine-company venture to provide Mobile Digital Television services in the United States. Covington led the negotiations leading to the creation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, the negotiation of content license agreements, and public policy efforts before Congress and at the White House and the FCC.

Virtual Electricity Trader FERC Investigation

Represent a virtual electricity trader in an on-going non-public FERC investigation of fraud and manipulation with respect to trading virtual electricity products and congestion revenue rights in the California ISO markets. As in other cases, we have responded to extensive data requests from FERC, defended depositions, reviewed documents and prepared position papers evaluating the factual and legal issues.

Washington National Cathedral in Copyright Matter in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Representation of Washington National Cathedral in a copyright action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to enjoin a major movie studio from its unauthorized use of a Cathedral sculpture in a popular feature film.

Wells Fargo in Connection with Federal Reserve Board Investigation

Represent Wells Fargo & Co. and Wells Fargo Financial, Inc. in connection with a Federal Reserve Board investigation, enforcement action involving allegations of customer income alteration and customer steering by Wells Fargo Financial sales personnel in originating nonprime mortgage loans—and with implementation of the resulting consent order.

White Paper for Major Energy Trade Associations

Represent seven major energy trade associations including Edison Electric Institute, American Gas Association, Natural Gas Supply Association, and Electric Power Supply Association in preparing a comprehensive White Paper evaluating FERC’s enforcement initiatives both substantively and procedurally, presenting it to FERC, and paving the way for the implementation of significant reforms to FERC’s enforcement program.

Wireline Competition Before FCC for Client TDS Telecom

Representation of TDS Telecom on a range of wireline issues before the FCC, including universal service, ETC regulation, intercarrier compensation and CALEA. We represent the world’s largest independent directory assistance providers on a range of issues before the FCC, including retail competition.

Global Legislative and Regulatory Counsel

We help clients engage with policymakers developing IoT regulatory frameworks in jurisdictions worldwide. We have assisted clients with IoT products or services in identifying relevant legislative and regulatory developments, drafting and submitting comments on proposals to regulate IoT technologies, and lobbying policymakers on these issues. We monitor developments in jurisdictions across the world.

Emerging IoT Government Contracts Standards

We monitor and advise clients on legislation and regulations that affect IoT-related government contracts. For example, we track legislation that would require the development of contractual IoT security standards for IoT devices purchased from government contractors. We also advise on IoT best practices for government contractors.

$2.7 Billion Acquisition of the Safran Identity & Security Business

Represented the private equity firm Advent International and its portfolio company Oberthur Technologies in securing the CFIUS and U.S. national industrial security approvals for Advent’s acquisition of the Identity & Security business (d/b/a “Morpho”) from Safran, for the purpose of combining it with Oberthur.

Cross-Border Workforce Reorganization

A fast-growing U.S.-based start-up planning and executing an aggressive global expansion relied on Covington’s global workforce team to mastermind a comprehensive implementation strategy that met the business’ goals while addressing compensation and benefits planning and employment challenges across dozens of jurisdictions.

Guiding a Start-up Through Rapid International Workforce Growth

A fast-growing U.S.-based start-up planning and executing an aggressive global expansion relied on Covington to mastermind a comprehensive implementation strategy that met the business’ goals while addressing compensation and benefits planning and employment challenges across dozens of jurisdictions.

Significant Privacy Case Before the Irish High Court

The Irish High Court referred the validity of the Standard Contractual Clauses used as a basis to transfer data and specifically whether they are compatible with the EU treaties to the EU Court of Justice. This is an amicus brief where we will appear on behalf of our client alongside the U.S. Government in making submissions before the EU Court of Justice.

Successful Representation of Microsoft in Privacy Battle

Represented Microsoft in successfully opposing a subpoena seeking the emails of a deceased customer. Following briefing and a hearing, the Court embraced Microsoft's balanced approach to this nuanced issue of digital privacy, holding that Microsoft could not be compelled by subpoena to produce the emails but was free to do so voluntarily in accordance with its policies.

Navigating U.S. Legislative Amendment Procedures on a Tight Deadline

Our client, a major trade association, was facing an adverse and precedential amendment to a piece of U.S. legislation. With only one day before decisions were to be made as to which amendments would be in order during the House of Representatives (House) debate, we promptly developed substantive and procedural arguments against the amendment at issue. We then presented these arguments to senior members of the committee of jurisdiction and the Rules Committee. Through our aggressive efforts, the Rules Committee decided against making the amendment in order for a vote, preventing the House from acting on it.

Lindsay Goldberg's Transformation of PAE

Represented private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg and PAE as regulatory counsel in six different M&A transactions that have grown PAE to a defense contractor with annual revenue in excess of $2 billion. Our work began in 2011 with Lindsay Goldberg’s acquisition of PAE from Lockheed Martin, and continued through to PAE’s acquisitions of Defense Support Services, CSC’s Applied Technology Division, USIS’s Global Security and Solutions Business, and A-T Solutions and to Lindsay Goldberg’s 2016 sale of PAE to Platinum Equity. Our work in each of these deals has included government contracts, national security, trade controls, and anti-corruption due diligence and advice on transaction structuring, and regulatory approvals.

Advice regarding shared employee and facility costs during M&A process

Advised client on structuring employee secondment agreements so as to permit reimbursement of costs of shared employees and associated indirect costs under a secondment agreement during a contractual novation process in connection with an M&A transaction, enabling the client to orderly transfer employees and facilities to the purchaser and ensure continued reimbursement up to the point of final transfer.

Veritas Capital’s Investment in SolAero Technologies Corp.

Represented private equity firm Veritas Capital as regulatory counsel during its acquisition of EMCORE’s Space Photovoltaics business, and represented the business, which is now known as SolAero Technologies Corp., during its subsequent acquisitions of Alliance Spacesystems and Vanguard Space Technologies. We handled government contracts, trade controls, anti-corruption, and other regulatory due diligence, and also assisted with contract novations.

Dismissal of Multidistrict Litigation Alleging Contractor Negligence Inside Overseas War Zones

Obtained complete dismissal of 63 lawsuits brought by 800-plus named plaintiffs against KBR, the largest military services contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. These claims challenged KBR’s use of burn pits to dispose of waste during those wars. The district court adopted our arguments in their entirety and held the claims were barred by the political question doctrine and preempted based on the “combatant activities” exception to the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Advised client of risk mitigation techniques during contract formation

Counseled a major defense contractor on how to mitigate potential future tort risk during contract discussions with the U.S. government. The military wanted the contractor to provide support for a significant anti-terrorism initiative, and the contractor needed advice on how best to structure the contract to minimize its risk and maximize its protection in the event of third-party claims arising from its contract performance.

Support of derivative sovereign immunity defense through Supreme Court amicus brief

Filed a Supreme Court amicus brief on behalf of a government contractor trade association in support of a U.S. Navy contractor being sued for unwanted text messaging. The proposed class action raised significant questions regarding the application of derivative sovereign immunity to private contractors performing work on behalf of the federal government.

Dismissal of personal injury case involving military personnel

Persuaded a district court to dismiss a tort suit brought against a large logistical services contractor for injuries sustained by a soldier on a military base in Iraq. The district court and the court of appeals agreed that the case raised political questions because of the involvement of the military that were outside the scope of judicial review.

Dismissal of wartime wrongful death claims brought by contractor employees

Obtained dismissal of wrongful death claims against a military support contractor following an insurgent attack on a supply convoy in Iraq. After the district court refused to dismiss the case, we successfully brought an interlocutory appeal and persuaded the court of appeals that the Defense Base Act provided an exclusive remedy and barred the employee claims.

Presidential Order Protecting Qualcomm from Hostile Takeover

Our team led the successful CFIUS-based defense of Qualcomm against the hostile takeover bid by Broadcom, the largest hostile takeover (valued at $121 billion) ever attempted in the semiconductor sector. Our efforts helped secure a U.S. Presidential order compelling Broadcom to "immediately and permanently abandon" its proposed hostile takeover of Qualcomm, based on findings by CFIUS that Broadcom's takeover "threatens to impair the national security of the United States."

Dismissal of wrongful death case based on government contractor defense

Obtained dismissal of a wrongful death case brought against a major government contractor for alleged gamma radiation exposure from a cargo screening device it manufactured for national security/border protection purposes. Early in the case, and only after minimal discovery, we successfully asserted the government contractor defense and convinced the trial court that the government had meaningfully reviewed and approved the product’s design specifications, that the product conformed with those specifications, and that the contractor had no knowledge of any product risks or hazards unknown to the government.

Obtained SAFETY Act protection for anti-terror products and services

The SAFETY Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, provides liability protection to the makers and users of anti-terror technology in the event of a terror attack. We have successfully guided clients from virtually every major industry in the United States, including government contractors, airports, port authorities, chemical companies, large sports stadiums, and professional sports leagues, through the SAFETY Act application process and secured SAFETY Act protection for a wide range of technologies.

Transfer of major construction dispute from state to federal court

Removed a construction dispute involving several hundred million dollars from state to federal court, which was a superior forum for asserting various federal defenses on behalf of our government contractor client. We defeated the plaintiff’s efforts to send the case back to state court, successfully arguing that the case properly was removed under the federal officer removal statute because of the significant role played by the federal government in the construction project.

Center for Sustainable Economy, Petitioner v. Sally Jewel and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Respondents American Petroleum Institute, et al., Intervenors

Covington successfully represented the American Petroleum Institute, Independent Petroleum Association of America, U.S. Oil & Gas Association, and International Association of Drilling Contractors in a lawsuit seeking to block a federal program which provides the basis for all oil and gas leasing in offshore federal waters. The D.C. Circuit ruled that the Government had rationally and appropriately balanced the environmental, social, and economic values at stake in proceeding with the leasing program.

Corporate Culture Investigation for Uber Technologies, Inc.

Led a three-month investigation into the corporate culture at Uber Technologies Inc. following a blog post by a former Uber engineer that alleged that the company’s work culture was biased against women and that managers ignored sexual harassment complaints. The process included more than 200 interviews with current and former employees, and resulted in a set of recommendations approved unanimously by the board that subsequently were released publicly.

Schneider Electric SA's sale of industrial software business to AVEVA Group

Represented Schneider Electric of France on CFIUS and related U.S. national security regulatory approvals in connection with the sale of its industrial software business to UK-based AVEVA Group and the acquisition by Schneider Electric of a majority interest in AVEVA Group, creating a leading engineering and industrial software company valued at approximately $3.88 billion.

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How is DoD Planning to Use the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)?

As described in an earlier blog post, the Department of Defense (DoD) released an Interim Rule on September 29, 2020 that address DoD’s increased requirements for assessing whether contractors are compliant with the 110 security controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 (NIST 800-171).[1] Under this new ...

FRB and FinCEN Issue Joint Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Amending Recordkeeping Rule and Travel Rule Regulations

On October 23, 2020, the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a joint notice of proposed rulemaking that would amend the Bank Secrecy Act’s Recordkeeping Rule and Travel Rule regulations. Comments will be accepted for 30 days after Federal Register publication of the proposed rule on October 27, 2020. The...… ...

New Executive Order May Significantly Expand Number of Executive Branch Officials “Covered” Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act

Despite his promises to “drain the swamp,” last week President Trump issued an Executive Order that may inadvertently create a large number of new lobbyists. The order creates a new category of federal employees who are exempt from competitive service requirements, all of whom may qualify as “covered executive branch officials” under the Lobbying Disclosure...… ...

How is DoD Planning to Use the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS)?

Advice on International Compliance With US Laws

Ben Haley spoke with Information Security Media Group about international compliance with US compliance laws. In the interview, Ben discusses implementing compliance programs, the impacts of DOJ guidance, and how the guidance might impact compliance practitioners.

New Executive Order May Significantly Expand Number of Executive Branch Officials “Covered” Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act

FERC Proposes QF Status for Some Fuel Cell Facilities

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) that would allow certain Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems to be certified as Qualifying Facilities under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) and thus receive regulatory benefits meant, in part, to encourage the innovation and development of ...

The Week Ahead in the European Parliament – Friday, October 23, 2020

Next week, Members of the European Parliament (“MEPs”) will gather in Brussels for committee meetings. Several interesting votes and meetings are scheduled to take place. On Monday, the European Parliament’s Committee on the International Market and Consumer Protection (“IMCO”) will vote on a resolution that calls on the Commission to establish a consumer ...

The Role of Carbon Capture and Storage in California’s Net-Zero Future

Earlier today, the Energy Futures Initiative and Stanford University released a new joint report that provides policymakers in California with an action plan for realizing the significant decarbonization opportunities presented by use of carbon, capture and storage (CCS) technology within the state. The results of the study add to a growing body of evidence ...

Department of Labor Requesting Information on Federal Contractor Workplace Diversity Training

On October 21, 2020 the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) published a Request for Information (“RFI”) seeking voluntary submissions of workplace diversity and inclusion training information and materials from federal contractors, federal subcontractors, and their employees. The RFI was published pursuant to Executive ...

Department of Labor Requesting Information on Federal Contractor Workplace Diversity Training

Covington Artificial Intelligence Update: USPTO Releases Report on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Policy

On October 6, 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a report titled Public Views on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Policy. The report summarizes the nearly 200 comments received in response to patent-related questions regarding AI set forth in a request for comments (RFC) issued by the USPTO in August 2019 and...… ...

Covington Artificial Intelligence Update: USPTO Releases Report on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Policy

California to Require Annual Pay Data Reporting to DFEH

In an effort to close gender and racial pay gaps, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill (SB) 973 to require certain California employers to submit an annual pay data report to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) starting next year. The new law largely mirrors the EEO-1 “Component 2” pay data...… Continue Reading

CFTC Approves Three Final Rules at Open Meeting

At an open meeting on October 15, 2020, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC” or the “Commission”) voted to adopt three final rules. First, the Commission adopted by a 3–2 vote a final rule overhauling its regulatory framework governing speculative position limits on a large variety of commodities. Second, the Commission unanimously approved ...

French Court of Cassation Decides That an Employer Can Use a Facebook Post to Dismiss an Employee

On September 30, 2020, the French Court of Cassation (“Court”) ruled in favor of an employer that dismissed an employee because of the contents of a Facebook post (the decision is available here, in French). In particular, the employee in this case posted a photograph of a new clothing collection of the employer on a...… Continue Reading

French Supervisory Authority Releases Strict Guidance on the Use of Facial Recognition Technology at Airports

On October 9, 2020, the French Supervisory Authority (“CNIL”) issued guidance on the use of facial recognition technology for identity checks at airports (available here, in French). The CNIL indicates that it has issued this guidance in response to a request from several operators and service providers of airports in France who are planning to...… Continue ...

Firms vie for dominance in new sustainability law practices

Andrew Jack and Kevin Poloncarz are quoted in a Thompson Reuters article regarding the emergence of ESG and sustainability focused practices within major law firms. The article describes Covington's 100+ lawyer cross-disciplinary sustainability solutions team as the largest ESG Big Law undertaking and highlights the firm's focus on carbon reduction; corporate ...

Inside Privacy Audiocast: Episode 6 – View from Johannesburg Part II: Top Data Policy Trends to Look Out For in Africa

Recently, there has been a significant level of attention given to data protection and privacy matters on the Continent, and in the just the past year, we have seen new laws proposed or enacted in places like Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and of course South Africa, although prior to that, places like Morocco, Ghana and Mali...… Continue Reading

California AG Settlement Suggests Privacy and Security Practices of Digital Health Apps May Provide Fertile Ground for Enforcement Activity

In a new post on the Covington Digital Health blog, our colleagues discuss California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s recent settlement against Glow, Inc., resolving allegations that the fertility app had “expose[d] millions of women’s personal and medical information.” The post explains the allegations and settlement terms, as well as takeaways for providers ...

California Attorney General Releases New Proposed Modifications to California Consumer Privacy Act Regulations

On Monday, the California Attorney General (“AG”) proposed a third set of modifications to the recently enacted California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) regulations. Interested parties have until October 28 to file comments in response. These proposed modifications are the latest effort in an extensive rulemaking process that has lasted more than a year. Most ...

FCC Announces Section 230 Rulemaking

FCC Chairman Pai announced today that the FCC will move forward with a rulemaking to clarify the meaning of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA). To date, Section 230 generally has been interpreted to mean that social media companies, ISPs, and other “online intermediaries” have not been subject to liability for their users’...… Continue Reading

FCC Announces Section 230 Rulemaking

CFTC records another year of aggressive spoofing enforcement

Anne Termine is quoted in Global Investigations Review regarding this year’s aggressive spoofing enforcement from the CFTC. Ms. Termine says the marked increase in the agency’s spoofing-related enforcement actions in recent years is due to the software generating more leads. She adds that the marked increase in the agency’s spoofing-related enforcement actions ...

Third Circuit Addresses the Scope of the FCA’s First-to-File Bar

Under the False Claims Act’s (“FCA”) first-to-file bar, “no person other than the Government may intervene or bring a related action based on the facts underlying the pending action.” But can a relator amend her complaint to add, remove, or substitute relators without violating the first-to-file bar? Recently, the Third Circuit in In re Plavix...… Continue ...

Third Circuit Addresses the Scope of the FCA’s First-to-File Bar

CISA and MS-ISAC Release Joint Guide on Ransomware

On September 30, 2020, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (“CISA”) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (“MS-ISAC”) released a joint guide synthesizing best practices to prevent and respond to ransomware. This guide was published the day before OFAC and FinCEN released their coordinated guidance on ransomware attacks ...

OCC Issues Guidance on National Banks and Stablecoin Activities

On September 21, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) published a letter addressing the authority of nationals banks to hold deposits that serve as reserves for stablecoins, which is a type of cryptocurrency designed to have a stable value. The OCC concludes that national banks and federal savings associations may engage...… Continue ...

EPA Warns UV Light Companies About Coronavirus Claims

EPA recently released a compliance advisory addressing UV lights that make claims to mitigate the novel coronavirus (or other viruses or bacteria), which the agency regulates as pesticidal devices under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). While the advisory largely reiterates past guidance relating to pesticidal devices, which this ...

DOJ Proposes Legislation to Limit Section 230 Immunity

The Department of Justice has released a draft bill to amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, joining the chorus of voices seeking to limit the statute’s liability protections (covered here, here, here, and here). The DOJ’s draft bill incorporates recommendations from its June 2020 report analyzing Section 230, as well as...… Continue ...

Inside Privacy Audiocast: Episode 5 – View From Johannesburg Part I: GDPR vs. POPIA – What Should Businesses Be Considering?

On June 22, 2020, the South African President announced that certain provisions of POPIA would take effect on July 1, provisions which most regard as essential to the statute, such as those imposing conditions on the lawful processing of personal information, procedures for handling complaints, and general enforcement provisions. Only days later, the South ...

New Guidelines for Companies from German Supervisory Authority (DPA-BW) following Schrems II

On September 7, 2020, the German data protection supervisory authority for Baden-Wuerttemberg (“DPA-BW”) released new guidelines following the Schrems II judgment on how companies should transfer data to third countries. For a more in-depth summary of the CJEU’s Schrems II decision, please see our previous blog post here and our audiocast episode here. The ...

FCC Reevaluating Certain TCPA Compliance Exemptions

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on a proposal to review and potentially revise a number of existing exemptions that the FCC has adopted with respect to certain Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requirements. The FCC’s review could end up narrowing or eliminating some of ...

FERC Takes Close Look at Carbon Pricing

Recently, the three sitting Commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) convened thirty industry experts at a virtual Technical Conference on state adoption of carbon pricing and its implementation in organized, wholesale electricity markets managed by regional transmission organizations (RTOs) or independent system operators (ISOs). Public ...

Order Responding to Net Neutrality Court Decision Circulated for Consideration at FCC’s October Meeting

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) circulated a new Net Neutrality Order for consideration at its October meeting. This draft Order on Remand does not mark a change in the FCC’s Net Neutrality policy; rather, it responds to several issues raised by the D.C. Circuit in Mozilla v. FCC, which reviewed the 2017 Restoring Internet...… Continue ...

What's in a Name? FDA Requests Info on Labeling of Cell-Cultured Seafood

Brian Sylvester spoke with Food Navigator about the labeling of cell-cultured seafood. Mr. Sylvester says, “USDA has not yet invited public comment on the labelling of cell-cultured meat & poultry but is expected to do so in due course. It is reasonable to expect that USDA will ultimately put out a similar request and will collaborate with FDA on reviewing ...

AI, IoT, and CAV Legislative Update: EU Spotlight (Third Quarter 2020)

In this edition of our regular roundup on legislative initiatives related to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), we focus on key developments in the European Union (EU). There has been some policy activity in the U.S. this quarter, including the re-introduction of the SELF-DRIVE ...

Department of Defense’s Interim Rule Imposes New Assessment Requirements But is Short on Detail on Implementation of CMMC

On September 29, 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) released an interim rule that industry hoped would provide clear guidance with regard to DoD’s implementation of its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework. The vast majority of the rule focuses on DoD’s increased requirements for confirming that contractors are currently in compliance ...

Lindsey Tonsager Named California Trailblazer by The Recorder

SAN FRANCISCO— The Recorder has named Covington’s Lindsey Tonsager to its second annual list of “California Trailblazers.” The list profiles 50 lawyers who made significant marks on the practice, policy, and technological advancement of their practice. As head of Covington’s West Coast Privacy and Cybersecurity practice, Ms. Tonsager helps some of the world’s ...

FCC Formalizes Foreign Investment Reviews; More National Security Actions Likely to Follow

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) unanimously adopted an order formalizing the referral and review process associated with “Team Telecom”—the group of national security and law enforcement agencies responsible for assessing foreign investment in U.S. telecommunications, submarine cable licensees, and broadcast licensees. The order adopts ...

Gerald Masoudi Rejoins Covington

WASHINGTON—Gerald Masoudi, former General Counsel of Celgene Corporation and then JUUL Labs, has rejoined Covington’s Food, Drug, and Device Practice Group in Washington as a partner. Mr. Masoudi has more than 25 years of broad experience in the life sciences industry. He served as Chief Counsel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2007 to 2009. He ...

Fed CRA plan seen as bridging divide with OCC

Randy Benjenk is quoted in the American Banker regarding the Federal Reserve's proposal to modernize the Community Reinvestment Act, which could bridge the divide with the OCC. Mr. Benjenk says that some provisions of the Fed’s outline are “strikingly similar to the OCC’s final rule, either in concept or execution.” He adds, “The commonalities may be a ...

Web Of 'Wellness' Doctors Promote Injections Of Unproven Coronavirus Treatment

Julie Dohm is quoted in NPR regarding the use of unproven COVID-19 treatments and compounded drugs. Regarding compounded drugs, Ms. Dohm says, “They are subject to a lower quality standard, and so it's very important that they really only be used when medically necessary.”

Attorneys say Defense Dept. must provide more transparency on audit results from CMMC program

Susan Cassidy is quoted in Inside Cybersecurity regarding the request from contractors for greater transparency on audit results from the DoD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program. Ms. Cassidy says she is concerned about how the relationship will work between the prime and subcontractor. “All contractors will need to have a basic assessment [under ...

President Trump Issues Executive Order Prohibiting “Divisive Concepts” in Federal Contractor Trainings

On September 22, 2020, President Trump issued the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping (“EO”) establishing requirements aimed at “promoting unity in the Federal workforce,” by prohibiting workplace training on “divisive concepts,” including “race or sex stereotyping” and “race or sex scapegoating” as newly-defined in the EO. The EO is broadly ...

UK Information Commissioner’s Office Publishes Draft Accountability Framework Tool

On 10 September 2020, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) published its beta-phase “Accountability Framework” (“Framework”). The Framework is designed to assist organisations, of any size and across all sectors, in complying with the accountability principle under the GDPR and in meeting the expectations of the ICO. The Framework will help those ...

Contractors Seek Clarity On DOD Cybersecurity Rule

Susan Cassidy spoke with Law360 about protection of CUI forms in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Ms. Cassidy says, “Bottom line, they still have never defined CUI in a way that's meaningful. It's the bedrock of the whole rule. And contractors really want to comply, I believe. They don't want their systems to be hacked. But the definition really ...

Covington Represents Amentum in Acquisition of DynCorp International

WASHINGTON—Covington represented leading defense contractor Amentum on government contracts and other regulatory matters in its just-announced deal to acquire DynCorp International, a worldwide leader in aviation and logistics support service. Together, the two companies will create one of the largest providers of mission critical support services. The ...

The Deal Names Catherine Dargan a 2020 Dealmaker of the Year

WASHINGTON—The Deal recognized Catherine Dargan as its Healthcare, Pharma & Biotech Dealmaker of the Year at its annual “Deal Awards.” Ms. Dargan has advised numerous companies on their important strategic transactions for over 20 years. She has broad experience in mergers and acquisitions, both public and private (domestically and cross-border), and partnering ...

Brexit brinksmanship on medicines ‘risks lives,’ MEPs warn

Maree Gallagher and Marie Doyle-Rossi are quoted in Politico regarding Brexit’s impact on the U.K. and Irish pharmaceutical industry. Ms. Gallagher explains that as things currently stand, on January 1, the MHRA will be responsible for regulating medicines in Northern Ireland. However, medicines moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland (or indeed, from ...

How Can Corporations Support the Voting Process?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, voting in the 2020 general election is likely to look different than we have seen in recent times. Election officials across the country are working through in-person voting and vote-by-mail procedures and individual voters are deciding how best to cast their ballots. At the same time, many corporations...… Continue ...

Online Content Policy Modernization Act Duplicates Existing Senate Republican Proposal to Limit Section 230 Liability Protections

Another week, another proposal concerning Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act. This week, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the Online Content Policy Modernization Act, which primarily establishes an alternative dispute resolution program for copyright small claims. Relevant to this blog, however, are the last three pages of the proposal, ...

FERC Opens Electricity Markets to Distributed Resource Aggregators

The FERC approved a final rule that will enable distributed energy resource (DER) aggregators to compete in organized wholesale electricity markets. DERs are located on the distribution system or behind the customer meter and include electric storage resources, intermittent generation, distributed generation, demand response, energy efficiency, thermal storage, ...

Legal Experts Predict How US Supreme Court Shake Up Will Impact Medtech

Shankar Duraiswamy is quoted in MedTech Insight regarding the uncertainty around the Affordable Care Act’s coverage of medtech after the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mr. Duraiswamy points out that Justice Roberts has previously "narrowly ruled that that some parts of the ACA can be severed from the individual mandate" and remain ...

FCC Releases Draft Order Formalizing “Team Telecom” Process

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission circulated a draft order that will formalize its coordination with what has been known as “Team Telecom”—the national security review process for foreign investments in U.S. telecommunications companies. The draft order, which the FCC will consider for adoption at its September 30 Open Meeting, includes rules and ...

UK: new “world-leading” deforestation and ecosystem supply chain law

The UK Government recently announced that it is developing legislation that would make it illegal for large businesses operating in the UK to use certain commodities that have not been produced in line with local laws, and require in-scope companies to conduct due diligence to ensure that their supply chains are free from illegal deforestation...… Continue ...

Why Cash-Strapped Towns Are Suing Streaming Giants

Mitch Kamin is quoted in The Hollywood Reporter regarding the current lawsuits many small towns are taking up with streaming services. Mr. Kamin says, “It’s going to be an uphill battle [for cities]. The law just wasn’t structured with streaming in mind.”

Brazil, Canada Lead Surge In Global Privacy Law Expansion

Kurt Wimmer spoke with Law360 about the recent global changes to privacy law. He says, “It's been quite busy in parliaments around the world on the privacy front, and part of the reason for that is the fact that when the GDPR went into effect, a lot of countries saw that and said, 'This is a real development. Now it's our turn to think about what we're going to ...

Avoiding Straw Donor Issues

While federal campaign finance enforcement priorities can and do shift, prosecutions of “conduit contributions” or “straw donors” have remained steady over the years. Unlike most of federal campaign finance law, the law around straw donors is stable and well developed, and straw donor prosecutions tend to be straightforward. The recent media coverage ...

D.C. Circuit’s McGahn Ruling Eliminates Key House Option for Subpoena Enforcement

On Monday, August 31, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upended more than a decade of lower court precedent and concluded—at least for the moment—that the U.S. House of Representatives may not seek civil enforcement of subpoenas. In Committee on the Judiciary v. McGahn, the court dismissed the case for lack...… Continue Reading The post ...

CFTC Issues Guidance on Corporate Compliance Program

Anne Termine is quoted in The Wall Street Journal regarding a memo from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission detailing how it will evaluate corporate compliance programs. Ms. Termine says, “It’s making clear the expectation that industry and market participants should operate in a certain way and have clear and robust systems and controls.” The guidance ...

FTC Provides Guidance on Use of AI and Algorithms

The FTC has recently provided new guidance on the use of AI and algorithms, including a blog post that focuses on the benefits and risks of AI. Former FTC Commissioner Terrell McSweeny, AI Initiative Co-Chair Lee Tiedrich, and Jadzia Pierce discuss the post, along with other AI-focused guidance from the FTC, in The Journal of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence ...

Access to data around FASC exclusion order rules raises concerns among attorneys

Susan Cassidy is quoted in Inside Cybersecurity regarding new rules and procedures around the operations of the Federal Acquisition Security Council. Ms. Cassidy says, “The FASC has a tremendous amount of discretion on how they can collect information internally, through contractors and from nonfederal entities. It is unclear to me how broadly that information ...

Covington Names New Co-Chair of Data Privacy Practice Based in Brussels

BRUSSELS–Covington has named Dan Cooper to lead its European data protection practice as co-chair of the firm’s global Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice, and he has relocated to Brussels to be closer to the institutions and courts that govern the European data privacy landscape. The firm has more than 100 lawyers focused on data privacy and cybersecurity ...

Temperature Screenings: Review State Laws

Carolyn Rashby spoke with SHRM about the U.S. state laws regarding temperature checks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Rashby says temperature screens should be required only on days when employees are coming to a worksite, not when they are telecommuting. “Requiring temperature screenings at home may be a better approach for many businesses, including for ...

Legal Experts: HHS Policy Change Strips FDA Of Oversight For All LDTs

Scott Danzis spoke with Medtech Insight about a Department of Health and Human Services announcement stripping the FDA of its oversight over Laboratory Developed Tests, or LDTs. Mr. Danzis says, “By the terms of the policy that was issued, it is not restricted to COVID-19 LDTs. It is broader than that. Moreover, we’ve had recent discussions with senior HHS ...

New Section 889 Restrictions Included in Updated Uniform Guidance Regulations from the Office of Management and Budget

On August 13, 2020, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released new revisions to its Guidance for Grants and Agreements set forth under 2 CFR (commonly referred to as the Uniform Guidance). The Uniform Guidance governs the terms of federal funding issued by agencies, including grants, cooperative agreements, federal loans, and non-cash assistance ...

EPA Issues Emergency Approval for First-Ever Residual Antiviral Product

For the first time ever, EPA has approved a pesticide making residual antiviral claims under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The approval may be a significant boon in the fight against COVID-19, but it also raises several key questions about EPA’s broader approach to combatting the novel coronavirus. EPA’s Historic Approach ...

What The FDA’s Inspections Q&A Guidance Really Means: It’s Time To Offer Virtual Inspections

Tom Cosgrove is quoted in The Pink Sheet regarding virtual inspections conducted by the FDA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Cosgrove says, “We were hoping to see some progress on remote or virtual facility inspections.” He notes that the agency has been working hard to avoid the need for pre-approval inspections by, for example, requesting records and talking ...

The FEC Appears to be Exercising its Powers Without a Quorum

Over the past 10 days, the FEC has been quietly exercising authority reserved for when at least four Commissioners vote in favor of an action. Since July 3, however, the FEC has only had three Commissioners. This activity raises consequential questions about the FEC’s ability to act without a quorum, and presents important concerns about...… Continue ...

GSE, fair-lending policies could look radically different if Biden wins

Dwight Smith spoke with the American Banker about the impact of a presidential change in 2020 on government-sponsored enterprises. Mr. Smith says, “As far as the Trump administration goes on the GSEs, they've got their path forward with the plan that came out last September. I would think that the FHFA and the enterprises would just keep moving forward.” He ...

[Updated] If the Acting DHS Secretary Was Unlawfully Selected, What Does that Mean for DHS Procurements?

The Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) released a decision on Friday finding that the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) followed the wrong order of succession after Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen resigned in April 2019. As a result, the Acting Secretaries who have served since then were invalidly selected. In particular, GAO has questioned the ...

EU's AI Regulations Could Lay Blame With CTO

John Ahern is quoted in Waters Technology regarding the unintended consequences of AI regulation. Mr. Ahern shares that if the EC isn’t careful in writing future AI legislation, that the old law of unintended consequences could kick in. “What we need to be attentive to is where in the chain of liability are individuals affected. Think, for example, of the CTO: ...

Federal Circuit Rejects Government’s Waiver and Jurisdiction Defenses, Paving the Way for a CAS Showdown at the Court of Federal Claims

Earlier this week, the Federal Circuit issued a decision in The Boeing Company v. United States that clears the way for resolution of Boeing’s substantive challenge to a controversial FAR provision that can give the government windfall recoveries in Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) matters. The Federal Circuit decision is notable for three reasons. First, ...

Trump Administration Increases Uncertainty for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Last week, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at encouraging the expansion American manufacturing of essential medical products — Executive Order on Ensuring Essential Medicines, Medical Countermeasures, and Critical Inputs Are Made in the United States (August 6, 2020) (the “Order”). The Order sets forth an ambitious plan requiring extensive ...

Electric Storage May Be Treated as Transmission

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved tariff terms for a Regional Transmission Operator (RTO) to treat electric storage resources as transmission facilities under certain circumstances. Previously, FERC approved only one case-specific proposal to treat storage as transmission. Treatment as a transmission facility provides additional ...

EU-U.S. privacy rift leaves businesses in disarray

David Bender is quoted in Axios regarding the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which was recently struck down in Europe, but still stands in the U.S. Mr. Bender says, “It's a tough situation for a lot of companies. Frustrated and confused is how I'd describe the general mood.”

Vacation Travel Policies May Need to Be Altered Due to Pandemic

Carolyn Rashby is quoted in SHRM regarding the travel restrictions employers can place on employees when considering the spread of COVID-19. Ms. Rashby says regulating where employees go on vacation could conflict with some state laws protecting off-duty conduct and could hurt morale. Regarding pre-travel inquiries, she says employers generally can require ...

National Institute for Standards and Technology Releases Draft of NIST SP 800-172

The National Institute for Standards and Technology released the draft of NIST Special Publication 800-172 (“NIST SP 800-172”) on July 6, 2020. This draft special publication succeeds the prior draft NIST SP 800-171B that NIST published in June 2019, and operates as a supplement to the NIST SP 800-171 controls that federal contractors generally must...… ...

Trump's US-Made Drug Decree Sows Uncertainty In Industry

Jennifer Plitsch spoke with Law360 about a presidential executive order calling for federal agencies to be required to buy domestically produced versions of medicines. Ms. Plitsch says, “Those will be significant, certainly at the outset [of the order going into effect], in light of the current market.” She adds that under the definition of "produced in the ...

Why an OCC payments charter may not become reality

Karen Solomon is quoted in the American Banker regarding the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s new charter license for payments companies. Ms. Solomon says, “Whether a payments charter would be less likely to attract a lawsuit depends, at least in part, on the legal theory that the OCC uses to support it. If the theory underlying the payments charter ...

DOE Extends LNG Export Terms

The Department of Energy (DOE) adopted a new policy which extends the standard term for authorizations to export natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. lower-48 states to countries without a free trade agreement with the U.S. to December 31, 2050. The standard term had been 20 years. The new standard term...… Continue Reading

Covington’s Adrian Perry and Jonathan Sperling Named "Top Music Lawyers" by Billboard

NEW YORK—Billboard has named Adrian Perry and Jonathan Sperling among its “2020 Top Music Lawyers.” This annual list recognizes the music industry’s leading lawyers in fields that include talent representation, music publishing, streaming, and litigation. Mr. Sperling, a trial lawyer with twenty-five years of experience, co-chairs the firm’s Music Industry ...

The Green Deal at the Border: Public Consultation on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Launched

Last week, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the possible adoption of a new EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”). This consultation is yet another of the initiatives that the Commission is taking to roll out its ambitious European Green Deal (for a recent overview webinar see here). Manufacturers in virtually all ...

Swap Regs Still A Work In Progress As Dodd-Frank Turns 10

Anne Termine is quoted in Law360 regarding the impact that the Dodd-Frank Act has had on the opaque swaps market. Ms. Termine says, “The No. 1 goal is transparency of an opaque market. I think that has been a success. The problem is: Has it created almost too strict of a structure?”

BigLaw Lobbyists Build On The Year's Gains In Q2

Muftiah McCartin is quoted in Law360 regarding the firm’s lobbying efforts in the second quarter of 2020. Ms. McCartin says, “The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered our work this spring. Now in the throes of summer, we see a constant drumbeat of clients seeking assistance as they deal with unprecedented economic and health care pressures.”

Brownstein Tops Akin Gump as Lobbying Leader in Second Quarter

Muftiah McCartin spoke with Bloomberg Government on the impact of COVID-19 on lobbying in the second quarter of 2020. Ms. McCartin says that although COVID-19 drove most of their work, clients “are calling on us to help assess and navigate broader social policies such as environmental sustainability and police reform.”

OCC Proposes Rule To Settle 'True Lender' Question

Karen Solomon is quoted in Law360 regarding the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s proposed rule to clarify the “true lender” question. Ms. Solomon says, “The OCC's proposal is a clear and very straightforward way of resolving the true lender issue.” She adds the OCC makes clear in its notice that if a bank is designated the loan originator, it will ...

China unveils draft Data Security Law

Yan Luo is quoted in Global Data Review regarding China’s proposed data law intended to protect national security and the development of the digital economy. Ms. Luo says the law marks “a step forward” in establishing a regulatory framework for data security in China. She notes that the proposal has a particular focus on the governance of “important data”, ...

Increased Enforcement Risk for Criminal Campaign Finance Violations

Every four years, prosecutors at the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) train their sights on money spent to influence the outcome of the presidential election—and those who spend it. While the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has exclusive jurisdiction to penalize and enforce civil violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), 52 U.S.C. § 30101 et...… ...

Life After the Privacy Shield Standard Contractual Clauses Get Tougher Requirements

Kristof Van Quathem is quoted in Legaltech News regarding the continuation of shared data between the EU and the United States after the invalidation of the Privacy Shield. Mr. Van Quathem says companies are exploring encryption and other technical safeguards for EU data transferred to the U.S. He added that more organizations are also considering prohibiting ...

Congress Returns To DC To Forge Virus Relief Deal — Quickly

Broderick Johnson spoke with Law360 about Congress’ urgency to pass another comprehensive pandemic relief package. Mr. Johnson says, “The necessity and urgency of getting something done over the next several weeks seems pretty clear. It's in the interest of the White House, it's in the interest of House Democrats, and it's in the interest of Senate ...

EU's Highest Court Upholds Standard Contract Clauses, but Strikes Down Privacy Shield

BRUSSELS-- Today, the European Court of Justice (“CJEU”) issued a landmark decision striking down the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield — an agreement between EU and U.S. authorities authorizing transfers of EU personal data to the United States — but upholding the validity of standard contractual clauses (“SCCs”), another mechanism that EU-based organizations use to ...

Tech firms like Facebook must restrict data sent from EU to US, court rules

Lisa Peets spoke with The Guardian about the European Court of Justice’s decision to invalidate the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, in which social media companies could be prevented from sending data to the United States from Europe. Ms. Peets says the ruling is not a total halt on data transfers between the EU and U.S. The court upheld the use of “standard contractual ...

Facebook Data Case: EU's Top Court Quashes US-EU 'Privacy Shield'

Lisa Peets is quoted in Law.com regarding the European Court of Justice’s judgment in the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield. Ms. Peets says that the judgment means that the 5,000 or so U.S. companies signed up to the Privacy Shield will have to find an interim solution until EU and U.S. officials have worked out a new data protection deal. “The invalidation of the Privacy ...

Schrems II sparks data transfer chaos and confusion

Lisa Peets is quoted in Global Data Review regarding the European Court of Justice’s decision to invalidate the EU-US Privacy Shield. Ms. Peets, who represented software trade body BSA as an intervening party, says companies are unlikely to immediately stop their SCCs – saying that “halting existing transfers would be all but impossible from a practical ...

Top EU Court Strikes Down Popular Data Transfer Tool

Lisa Peets spoke with Law360 about European Court of Justice’s invalidation of the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield. Ms. Peets, who represented the Software Alliance, says the decision to reject the Privacy Shield without holding arguments on the merits of the tool — an issue that wasn't directly before the high court in this dispute — was “disappointing to many.” She ...

Four Covington Partners Named to Variety’s 2020 Legal Impact Report

LOS ANGELES—Variety has named Covington partners Matthew DelNero, Mitch Kamin, Robyn Polashuk, and Neema Sahni to its 2020 Legal Impact Report. Variety notes that “these legal eagles made massive deals and litigated thorny disputes for entertainment industry clients, studios and networks.” In its feature, Variety notes Covington as a “go-to for TV programmers,” ...

Chinese data protection: the move towards a comprehensive law

Yan Luo spoke with Global Data Review about China’s new provisions regarding the right to privacy and protection of personal information. Ms. Luo notes that the privacy provisions in the code are stated “only at a high level” – though she does point out that the provisions “remain consistent with [the] Cybersecurity Law.” She says the Civil Code and its privacy ...

The Supreme Court’s Mazars Decision Contains a Significant Suggestion That Congress May Be Bound by the Attorney-Client Privilege in Congressional Investigations

Understandably, much of the commentary following the release of the Supreme Court’s blockbuster decision in Trump v. Mazars USA, LLP has focused on the impact of the Court’s ruling on the long-running quest for the President’s tax returns and other financial records. Buried in the Court’s opinion, however, is an easily overlooked aside regarding the...… ...

Responding to Employees’ Spouses’ Coronavirus Concerns

Carolyn Rashby spoke with SHRM about obligations of employers towards employees’ spouses’ COVID-19 concerns. Ms. Rashby says if an employee says his or her spouse is worried about the employee returning to work due to the spouse’s or a family member's health issues, the employer isn't obligated to take those concerns into account unless the worker's need to care ...

Covington Helps airBaltic Secure EC Recapitalization Approval

BRUSSELS—Covington advised airBaltic on the notification to the European Commission of a €250 million recapitalization by the Latvian government. The measure was approved today under the EU’s Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak. In the second quarter of 2020, Member States and non-EU countries ...

Covington Receives Most Law360 Rising Stars Among All Law Firms

WASHINGTON— Law360 has named Covington partners Sean Akins, Dustin Cho, Adrian Perry, Jennifer Saperstein, Kayleigh Scalzo, Ashley Simonsen, and William Woolston among its “Rising Stars.” Covington’s seven “Rising Stars” were the most of any firm this year. This annual recognition honors top lawyers under 40 “whose legal accomplishments transcend their age.” ...

Chinese law may require companies to disclose cyber-security preparations outside China

Yan Luo is quoted in Computer Weekly regarding China’s new draft data security law. Ms. Luo says, “China is considering allowing the law to have an extra-territorial effect that we have not seen before. They want to counteract the extra-territorial effect of U.S. law.” She adds that the law may require a technical audit of a company’s cyber security and to ...

D.C. Circuit Rules Obstruction of Office of Congressional Ethics Not a Crime, but Questions and Risks Remain

In a unanimous ruling, the D.C. Circuit shed new light this week on the applicability of key federal criminal statutes on proceedings before the Office of Congressional Ethics (“OCE”). While largely removing the prospect of criminal obstruction liability for parties responding to inquiries from OCE, the court’s opinion is another reminder of the potentially ...

Moody’s Warns of Credit Risks From Struggle to Replace Libor

Anne Termine is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding the increased credit risks within the global financial system due to the slow progress in replacing Libor. Ms. Termine says, “Libor was beautiful in its simplicity because you had one type of rate structured one way to be applied across multiple currencies. There are no easy answers.”

Covington Represents Piramal in $490M Sale of Stake in Pharmaceutical Unit

WASHINGTON—Covington represented Piramal Enterprises Limited (PEL) in the sale of a 20% stake in Piramal Pharma Limited (Piramal Pharma), a wholly owned subsidiary of PEL that will contain its pharmaceutical businesses, to CA Clover Intermediate II Investments, an affiliated entity of CAP V Mauritius Limited, an investment fund managed and advised by affiliated ...

DOJ Charges Abramoff in First-Ever Criminal Lobbying Disclosure Act Prosecution

Nearly a decade after his release from prison, having served nearly four years on corruption charges, disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff may be heading back behind bars, this time as the first person ever charged and convicted for criminal violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act (“LDA”). Yesterday the Justice Department announced that notorious lobbyist Jack ...

Germany flexes its muscles on foreign investment

Horst Henschen is quoted in the Financial Times regarding Germany’s investment into CureVac, a biopharmaceutical company attempting to find a COVID-19 vaccine. Mr. Henschen says, “Kuka was the trigger, but it’s a general policy shift. Ten years ago, Germany, an export country, was very much for globalization and no one thought of introducing hurdles. The shift ...

Anita Stork Named to Daily Journal's 2020 Top Antitrust Lawyers

LOS ANGELES—Daily Journal has named Anita Stork to its 2020 Top Antitrust Lawyers, a recognition of the leading California lawyers who specialize in antitrust litigation. Ms. Stork is a partner in our San Francisco office and the co-chair of the firm's Antitrust Litigation Practice Group. She is an experienced, nationally recognized litigator who has ...

Billions in COVID-19 Federal Contract Awards Not Facing Protests

Kayleigh Scalzo is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding the decision by losing bidders for federal contracts not to protest COVID-19 contract awards in court or before the agency responsible for ensuring contract integrity. According to Ms. Scalzo, staying on the good side of the federal agencies that many contractors have long-term relationships with may explain, ...

UK expands public interest merger review powers

James Marshall spoke with Global Competition Review about a new law in the UK that will review and block foreign takeovers that would otherwise threaten its ability to deal with public health emergencies. Mr. Marshall says the proposals “reflect a rapid uptick in foreign investment control across Europe” since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Why Corporate Disputes in China Still Revolve Around Rubber Stamps

Eric Carlson spoke with The Economist about the legal implications of the widespread use of company chops in China. On the potential for disputes involving company chops in China, Mr. Carlson says, “managers sometimes misuse seals to enter side contracts. Lawsuits to reclaim a chop can drag on, so many cases are resolved out of court. But technology is catching ...

EU foreign subsidy white paper leaves more questions than answers lawyers say

Horst Henschen and Peter Camesasca spoke with Global Competition Review about the European Union’s new tools to address competitive distortion. Mr. Henschen says the supervisory authority will have “very broad powers to intervene.” The idea that the commission should be the competent supervisory authority may also “lead to a lively debate.” Mr. Camesasca says ...

Open for Business: The FEC’s Public Meeting on Thursday, June 18

Tomorrow, the FEC will hold its first open meeting since last August, now that Commissioner James Trainor III has been sworn in. The agenda will consist of four reasonably routine matters, consisting of three advisory opinion requests and a request for comments on whether the Commission should begin a rulemaking. As of this morning, all...… Continue Reading The ...

Credit problem: SOFR faces uphill struggle in loan market

Jeremy Newell is quoted in Risk regarding the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) and its effort to replace LIBOR, the long-standing benchmark rate used around the world. amid the pandemic. Mr. Newell says, “It’s a perfect microcosm of exactly how this debate between Libor and SOFR has gone. They attempted to stick to the script and insist on SOFR for ...

CBD companies get hit with wave of class action lawsuits

Miriam Guggenheim spoke with Politico about the proliferation of CBD retailers and manufacturers and the wave of recent class-action lawsuits. Ms. Guggenheim says, “It's an area of uncertainty. I do think this is an area where FDA has primary jurisdiction, and the courts should allow at least the questions of the legality of CBD or hemp extracts to be determined ...

BIO 2020: Are We Ready for Decentralized Clinical Trials?

Wade Ackerman is quoted in BioSpace regarding the decentralization of clinical trials in the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Ackerman says the “all hands on deck” approach to the pandemic by Congress and the FDA set the stage for clinical trial innovation. “It has set up a lot of conversations about where telehealth is, and where it will be six months from now,” he ...

Lawyers Uneasy as COVID-19 Delays Africa Free Trade Deal

Witney Schneidman is quoted in Law.com International regarding the postponement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) due to a concentration on limiting the spread of COVID-19. Mr. Schneidman says, “AfCFTA will give Africa more control over its own destiny, and accelerate economic growth.” Speaking on the cross-border impacts of AfCFTA, he adds, ...

A Quiet Panic Is Growing in US Boardrooms Over Huawei Ban

Samantha Clark spoke with Bloomberg about the threat to government contractors over the Huawei ban. Ms. Clark says, “It’s inevitable to find Huawei prevalent in systems across China, Europe, and Africa. Some companies that might sell products that eventually get bought by the U.S. government’s many links down the line don’t even realize just how much they are ...

The coronavirus pandemic is reigniting a fierce debate over compounded drugs

Julie Dohm is quoted in STAT News regarding the FDA’s temporary policy allowing smaller pharmacies to make certain drugs for treating COVID-19 without first receiving a patient’s prescription for the drug. The condition for this new policy is that the pharmacies sell the drugs to a hospital that can prove it could not source the drugs from elsewhere. Ms. Dohm ...

Wade Ackerman and Amy Toro Named Top Health Care Lawyers

LOS ANGELES—Daily Journal has named Wade Ackerman and Amy Toro to its 2020 Top Health Care Lawyers, a recognition of the leading California lawyers who specialize in health care litigation, transactions, and counselling. Mr. Ackerman, a partner in our Los Angeles office, advises clients on complex FDA issues that require coordinated legal, regulatory, and public ...

OCC Initiates Push To Reassess Banking Innovation Rules

Karen Solomon spoke with Law360 about the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s push to speed up the digital transformation in banking. Ms. Solomon says, “Acting Comptroller Brooks has been a strong advocate for the use of technology in banking. This ANPR clearly places technology and innovation at the top of his agenda for the OCC.” The agency’s request ...

Employers must consider privacy protections as they roll out contact-tracing tools

Libbie Canter is quoted in Med City News regarding the privacy concerns for employers seeking to track employees in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. Ms. Canter says when it comes to contact tracing and location monitoring, companies should be cautious in the questions they ask and how much data they collect. She adds, “Companies need to think about not ...

How coronavirus could alter Feds thinking about stress tests

Jeremy Newell is quoted in the American Banker regarding the Federal Reserve’s plan to publish stress tests results of banks’ pre-coronavirus condition. According to Mr. Newell, “It could be that the Fed could take the sensitivity analysis, and if they saw results that were especially concerning for them, use that as the basis of individual engagement with a ...

Lawyers encouraged by CFTC vow to avoid piling on

Anne Termine spoke with Global Investigations Review about the U.S. Commodities and Futures Trading Commission’s vow to recognize punishments issued by other agencies when calculating its own civil penalties. Ms. Termine says the new guidance lacked information about the technical aspect of penalty calculations, such as how investigators decide how many separate ...

Africa's Lack of Data Protection and Cybercrime Laws Has Created Deep Vulnerabilities. But Is Change On The Way?

Robert Kayihura is quoted in The American Lawyer regarding COVID-19's impact on the urgent need for African cyber laws. Mr. Kayihura says, “Only nine African countries have data protection legislation and another 22 have draft regulations pending.” He adds that the impetus for change appears to be increasing, not least by way of an ambitious plan to create a ...

Pharma panics as Washington pushes to bring drug manufacturing back to the U.S.

Thomas Cosgrove is quoted in STAT News regarding the cost for U.S. pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs domestically. Mr. Cosgrove says, “What would it take the supply chain to come all the way back to the U.S.? It’s simple: It will take decades and billions.”

When Is Fear a Protected Reason for Not Coming to Work?

Carolyn Rashby spoke with SHRM about the decisions companies will have to make when employees are fearful of entering the office due to COVID-19 concerns. Ms. Rashby says after decisions about who can and can't work remotely are made and communicated, disciplining or firing employees who refuse to come in out of a generalized fear likely is permissible in many ...

U.S. business takes on burden of testing employees for coronavirus

Christopher Hanson is quoted in the Financial Times regarding the private sector’s undertaking of COVID-19 testing for its employees. Mr. Hanson notes that diagnostic testing “presents an array of regulatory considerations” in the U.S., such as checking whether a test has been approved by regulators. He says that even in the U.S. “the landscape is changing ...

OCC Finalizes Overhaul Of Community Lending Rules

Randy Benjenk spoke with Law360 about the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s overhaul of bank regulations of lending to low-income and underserved communities. The rulemaking document still leaves some open questions, including what specific numerical thresholds and benchmarks banks will be judged against under the revised grading methodology. Mr. ...

OCC Goes It Alone on Anti-Redlining Rule Rewrite

Randy Benjenk is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding new anti-redlining rules from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Mr. Benjenk says the OCC’s plans to assess new data as banks are still complying with existing CRA rules is going to create problems for the industry and the agency’s examiners. He adds, “CRA personnel are going to have to be doing many ...

Creepy Technologies Invade European Post-Pandemic Workplaces

Daniel Cooper spoke with Bloomberg about new wearable technology devices that alert users when they are within close proximity of someone with COVID-19. Mr. Cooper notes that businesses are walking a fine line between keeping people safe and protecting their privacy. The absence of clear guidance from European regulators is forcing companies -- who could also be ...

Pandemic makes climate action case as sustainable funds do well

David Martin spoke with Roll Call about the success of companies that consider environmental, social, and governance issues in their business models through the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Martin says, “The pandemic is causing companies to ask and answer questions which ESG, in some areas at least, has already been asking. What is your ability to cope with a broader ...

US lawmakers propose temporary COVID-19 privacy law

Libbie Canter is quoted in Global Data Review regarding a bill that would regulate contact-tracing apps and similar projects geared towards tracking the spread of COVID-19. Ms. Canter says the bill is narrow in scope, but where it does apply, the protections are stronger than those offered by state laws like the CCPA. She raises questions about how the bill ...

Washington Nationals General Counsel Joins Covington

WASHINGTON—Damon Jones, who most recently served as Senior Vice President & General Counsel of the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball franchise, has joined Covington’s Sports Practice in the Washington office. Mr. Jones has more than 20 years of experience advising clients in sports, media, and entertainment matters. During his nearly 13 years with the ...

Going Back to Work: Tips on What Your Boss Can—and Can’t—Make You Do

Lindsay Burke is quoted in The Wall Street Journal regarding the actions employers can take when asking employees to return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. When addressing the concerns of an employee who is nervous to commute to work, Ms. Burke says, “If you are able to work from home, ask to do so. If you are considered a vulnerable individual or have an ...

Is Fed taking too long on middle-market loan relief?

Jeremy Newell is quoted in the American Banker regarding the Federal Reserve’s management of middle-market loan relief. Mr. Newell says the Main Street Lending Program is “just fundamentally different than anything the Fed has ever undertaken in its other emergency liquidity facilities” and likely requires more time to make sure all processes are in place. He ...

As US Reopens, Businesses Want Protections From Lawsuits

Lindsay Burke spoke with Agence France-Presse about the lawsuits U.S. businesses may face from employees who contract COVID-19 while at work. Ms. Burke says companies should follow government guidelines to protect themselves legally as they bring employees back into the workplace. “We are generally advising employers to resume on-site operations in a voluntary ...

Vestager refuses to pause state aid rules

Johan Ysewyn spoke with Global Competition Review about EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager’s request to suspend European state aid rules during the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Ysewyn says there was a similar “knee-jerk reaction during the financial crisis in 2008 from member states,” but the idea was quickly discarded. As in the financial crisis, the ...

China’s new cybersecurity rules could hit foreign service providers

Yan Luo spoke with the South China Morning Post about new Chinese guidelines for operators of “critical information infrastructure,” requiring them to undergo a cybersecurity review process for any procurements that could have national security implications. According to Ms. Luo, the criteria may push companies to stay away from multinational providers that are ...

Privacy Challenges Against FATCA Face Uphill Battle

Michael Lloyd is quoted in Law360 regarding the implications of EU data protection laws on the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act’s requirements. Mr. Lloyd says there has been very little, if any, traction for cases against FATCA in the U.S. He adds, “Those cases went nowhere in the U.S. They didn’t survive and there has been no real challenge.”

Biggest Hurdle to Bringing People Back to the Office Might Be the Commute

Lindsay Burke spoke with The Wall Street Journal about the incentives companies can offer to employees returning to work. Ms. Burke says, “Extremely large companies might offer to subsidize people's purchases of private vehicles or subsidize rental cars.”

China Toughens Procurement Rules for Tech Equipment

Yan Luo is quoted in The Wall Street Journal regarding China’s tough, new adoption of cybersecurity rules for buyers of technology equipment, which could place foreign tech products at a disadvantage in the Chinese market. Ms. Luo says the prospect of potentially lengthy reviews may prompt Chinese companies to stay away from foreign products and services.

Will High Court's Trademark Ruling Spark Litigation Wave?

Ronald Dove spoke with Law360 about the potential increase in trademark litigation cases following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Mr. Dove says, “An accidental infringement by a small mom-and-pop business is not likely to lead to an award of profits and financial ruin. But a willful or reckless disregard of preexisting trademark rights will now more readily be ...

US business groups seek protection from coronavirus lawsuits

Lindsay Burke and Carolyn Rashby spoke with the Financial Times about the request from U.S. businesses that seek a shield from litigation if they expose employees to COVID-19 after calling them back to work. Both Ms. Rashby and Ms. Burke note that the firm’s employment practice has been flooded with questions about how employers could minimize their legal risks ...

‘Work Sharing’ Offers Lifeline to Companies Eyeing Virus Rebound

Carolyn Rashby is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding the increase of “work sharing,” a tool that lets employees tap into jobless benefits when their hours are reduced, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Rashby says, “Having an option to keep people employed at some reduced percentage of their hours and pay but having that option to quickly say, ‘OK we’re ready to ...

Fake Covid-19 Products Sold on Facebook, Other Sites, EPA Says

Thomas Brugato spoke with Bloomberg Law about the EPA’s warning to e-commerce platforms that they were being used to sell disinfectants that fraudulently claim to fight the coronavirus. Mr. Brugato says, “It’s been the case for some time that online sellers of pesticides are responsible for insuring compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and ...

Blind trusts, inside information and the ‘mosaic theory’: Why charging members of Congress with insider trading is so fraught

Robert Kelner spoke with Fortune about the recent allegations of politicians committing insider trading and the implications under the STOCK Act. Mr. Kelner says, “Prior to the STOCK Act, it was a source of controversy whether the existing securities laws applied to members of Congress.” He points to “carve-outs” in Section 10 of the STOCK Act that, while not ...

Food and drug regulatory specialists help turn vodka into sanitizer

Wade Ackerman and Scott Danzis spoke with the Daily Journal about their work with clients on emergency use authorization (EUA) requests. Mr. Ackerman says of the firm, “One of the things I appreciate about being in California, but also part of this firm that’s deeply connected with D.C., is that we have connectivity with what’s going on at FDA and on the ...

Covington Represents Ligado Networks in Unanimous FCC 5G License Approval

WASHINGTON—Covington represented satellite provider Ligado Networks in its successful application for rights to deploy 5G services over its mid-band spectrum. On April 22, the full Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a unanimous decision approving Ligado’s application, finding that it will advance economic and security interests nationwide. The ...

Legal Pitfalls Loom For Employers Reopening Post-Pandemic

Lindsay Burke and Carolyn Rashby are quoted in Law360 regarding legal dangers and logistical challenges associated with reopening businesses in the U.S. Ms. Burke says, “We're in a lot of new territory here. I don't think any employers in modern history have had to return to operations in the middle of a global health crisis. And so we're really trying to ...

Dark Clouds Loom for Lobby Firms Currently Buzzing With Business

Muftiah McCartin spoke with Bloomberg Law about lobbying efforts in first quarter of 2020. Ms. McCartin says she thought the action this year would be Democrats teeing up priorities for 2021, including legislation addressing climate change, infrastructure spending and drug pricing. “Now we are just dealing with keeping our head above water! We had no idea then ...

Navigating Virtual Brussels

Sebastian Vos spoke with Politico about his experience working virtually in Brussels during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says in the early stages of the crisis, things were a bit chaotic and during this adjustment period, it was hard to figure out which files were moving and which weren’t. “It wasn’t that [the Commission] wasn’t well-organized, it was that we ...

Virus-Stricken Workers Face High Hurdles When Suing Employers

Lindsay Burke and Carolyn Rashby spoke with Bloomberg Law about the uphill battle employees who contract COVID-19 on the job may face if they choose to sue their employer. Ms. Burke says, “We’re in territory we haven’t seen before. We are looking at a whole lot of different legal risks and issues. It’s not clear how they will play out. Traditionally an illness ...

COVID-19 Kept BigLaw Lobbyists Busy In Q1

Muftiah McCartin is quoted in Law360 regarding COVID-19’s impact on federal lobbying efforts in the first quarter of 2020. Ms. McCartin says, “We had no idea then how hectic it would be as companies across industries are now facing an economic crisis that demands federal attention, and will continue to demand attention through the end of the year, both on the ...

Brussels call for European investment screening but Rome has its own plan

Horst Henschen and Peter Camesasca spoke with Politico about the European Commission’s push to make foreign investment screening less national and more European. However, Italy is not conforming to the idea. Mr. Henschen says, “I hope this is really due to the corona crisis and that things will go back to normality, as otherwise there will be apparent conflicts ...

Two Covington Partners Named Among Top 30 Data Breach Response Lawyers

WASHINGTON—Cybersecurity Docket has named David Fagan and Ashden Fein to its “Incident Response 30” for 2020. The list features “30 of the best data breach response lawyers in the business.” Mr. Fagan co-chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice. He has counseled companies on responding to some of the most sophisticated documented cyber-based ...

Experten über neue Investitionsregeln: „Misstrauen statt Vertrauen

Horst Henschen is quoted in Juve regarding the German government’s move to tighten controls of foreign direct investment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Henschen says, “The criticism from the economy is partially understandable, especially with regard to the enforcement ban for the acquisition of companies in critical infrastructures. In contrast to ...

COVID-19 and CFIUS: Coronavirus Pandemic Slows National Security Reviews

David Fagan is quoted in Corporate Counsel regarding the impact of coronavirus on CFIUS. Mr. Fagan says, “It is not that CFIUS is closed, but there is an impact on CFIUS too, and you have to factor that into your planning.” He adds that the increasing delays mean that parties that proceed to close a transaction on the basis of a “no action” to a declaration ...

Morrisons Ruling Leaves Door Open For Data Breach Suits

Mark Young spoke with Law360 about a UK Supreme Court case involving the intentional breach of customer data information by an employee at Morrisons. The court ruled Morrisons will no longer have to pay a fine. Mr. Young says this is the “dual-edged result” of the Supreme Court judgment. Although a company is off the hook if an employee “goes off the deep end” ...

John Hurvitz Named “Healthcare and Life Sciences Trailblazer”

WASHINGTON—The National Law Journal has named Covington's John Hurvitz to its list of “Healthcare and Life Sciences Trailblazers.” This list features 26 honorees who are recognized as “agents of change” whose work has advanced innovation in the health care and life sciences industries. Mr. Hurvitz co-chairs C&B's Life Sciences Industry Group, heads the firm's ...

Morrisons not liable for rogue employee data breach

Daniel Cooper spoke with Global Data Review about a UK high court case involving the deliberate breach of personal information by a supermarket employee from Morrisons. The court ruled that the supermarket was not liable for the actions of the employee. Mr. Cooper described the decision as “dual-edged” and said that “when coupled with the Lloyd Court of Appeal ...

EPA Cracking Down on Misbranded Coronavirus Treatment Products

Thomas Brugato is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding the EPA’s increased enforcement measures against products making unproven antiviral or disinfectant claims in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Brugato says, “This is the tip of the iceberg. I think we’ll definitely see more cases like this.” He adds that given the clear public health implication of the ...

Covington Boosts Global Competition Team with London Hire

LONDON—James Marshall has joined Covington’s Competition Practice in London as a partner. Mr. Marshall advises on all aspects of competition law and sector regulation and regularly counsels clients on merger control, investigations, commercial deals, abuse of dominance, and compliance. He is recommended by Legal 500 in multiple categories and is recognized as a ...

Mitch Kamin Named to The Hollywood Reporter's Power Lawyers 2020

LOS ANGELES—The Hollywood Reporter has named Mitch Kamin to its “Power Lawyers 2020,” a list of the top 100 lawyers in Hollywood. Each year, THR's editors extensively research the attorneys who are negotiating the industry's biggest deals and navigating its most impactful litigation to select 100 individuals for the Power Lawyers list. Mr. Kamin is a trial ...

$2 trillion stimulus bill gives contractors some relief but falls short on added costs

Susan Cassidy spoke with Federal Computer Week about the concerns of defense contractors under the coronavirus relief package. According to Ms. Cassidy, equitable adjustments aren't necessarily a guarantee and require a mutual agreement between the contractor and government as well as quantifiable proof the costs have increased due to the changing environment ...

CECL Down but Not Out

Jeremy Newell spoke with the American Banker to discuss the new coronavirus stimulus package that includes language allowing lenders that have already implemented the Current Expected Credit Losses to delay compliance until the end of the national emergency. According to Mr. Newell, while two and a half years seems like a long time, their impending conversion ...

Ralph Voltmer Named to India Business Law Journal’s International A-List

WASHINGTON—India Business Law Journal has named Ralph Voltmer to its 2020 “International A-list.” The list consists of the world’s top 100 India-focused lawyers at international law firms. Mr. Voltmer, chair of Covington’s India Practice and a partner in the firm’s corporate group, has been active in India for 20 years, working with companies such as Reliance ...

How should facilities deal with COVID-19?

Miriam Guggenheim is quoted in National Products Insider regarding how food and drug facilities can manage the spread of COVID-19. Ms. Guggenheim says, “The FDA, from the perspective that this is not a food-borne illness and transmittable that way, has said that facilities will not have to shut down. The emphasis is on other employees, not the products you ...

FEMA Walks Back Use Of Wartime Law To Get Virus Test Kits

Samantha Clark is quoted in Law360 regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s announcement that it obtained coronavirus test kits without relying on the Defense Production Act. Ms. Clark told Law360 she was surprised by the quick turnaround. “Everyone is on high alert that [the Defense Production Act] could be used and could be used on short notice,” ...

Coronavirus Fallout Leaves Gov't Contractors Scrambling

Samantha Clark is quoted in Law360 regarding the confusion some government contractors are facing on whether their business is “essential” after recent policy changes. According to Ms. Clark, to complicate matters even more, some states have implemented their own definitions of "essential," creating potential conflicts with federal guidance and confusion over ...

Where Does ESG Oversight Fit on the Board?

David Martin is quoted in Agenda regarding the increased importance for companies to take up environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Mr. Martin says that in his experience, larger companies are more likely to have greater exposure to ESG risks and reputations hinging on oversight of ESG issues, so the issues are more likely to pop up in ...

Telcos share location data for coronavirus efforts

Dan Cooper spoke with Global Data Review about how telecommunications companies are providing data regulators location data to track the effects of social distancing in the wake of coronavirus. Mr. Cooper told GDR that the measures in Europe are “not too much of a concern” from a privacy perspective as the data being used by authorities is anonymized and ...

Democrats Want to Prevent Coronavirus Credit Report Harm

David Stein spoke with Bloomberg about legislation from Senate Democrats to shield U.S. citizens from negative credit reporting for the duration of the new coronavirus crisis. Three senators are looking to throw out a rule where credit bureaus are required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to collect negative information. Mr. Stein says, “To the extent that ...

Test makers say testing volume ramping up quickly despite concerns over reagents

Scott Danzis spoke with BioWorld about the uptick in coronavirus testing by the FDA and CDC. Mr. Danzis says that while the FDA and the CDC struggled to move testing forward in the early days, “things have shifted dramatically” since that time. He adds that the issue of FDA regulation of lab-developed tests is of long standing, but that the Verifying ...

FDA turns to Twitter to help track testing supply shortages

Scott Danzis is quoted in Politico regarding tracking medical device shortages and whether regulations requiring drug manufacturers to warn the government when a shortage seems likely should be applied to medical devices. Mr. Danzis says, “There's a balance that has to be struck between giving that information to FDA and creating additional reporting ...

Some FBI spying powers in limbo with lapse of Freedom Act

Trisha Anderson spoke with Global Data Review about Congress’s lapse in renewing the Freedom Act while dealing with COVID-19. Ms. Anderson told GDR if Congress doesn’t renew the business records provision, the FBI will have to operate with pre-Patriot Act surveillance tools. She adds that the FBI would still be able to obtain business records via grand jury ...

Covington Assists Veritas Capital with $5 Billion Acquisition of DXC’s Health and Human Services Business

WASHINGTON—Covington is assisting Veritas Capital with its acquisition of DXC Technology’s U.S. State and Local Health and Human Services business in a deal valued at $5 billion. The transaction is expected to close no later than December 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. DXC Technology’s U.S. State and Local Health and Human ...

3 Alternative Protein Trends To Watch In 2020

Brian Sylvester noted in Forbes that litigation of alternative proteins was a trend to watch in 2020. Mr. Sylvester says these cases “could influence the ongoing regulatory conversation at the federal level around new standards of identity for both plant-based and cell-cultured meat."

The Brussels Effect—The EU’s Digital Strategy Goes Global

On February 19, the European Commission laid out its ambitious plans for regulating data, AI, and the digital sphere. These set the stage for the next five years’ work for President von der Leyen’s Commission in this critically important, and ever expanding, domain. Crucially, in its plans the Commission is making a concerted attempt to call on the “Brussels ...

Electronic Health Record Company Settles Department of Justice Kickback Probe

On January 27, Practice Fusion, Inc. (“Practice Fusion”), an electronic health record (“EHR”) company acquired by Allscripts in 2018, agreed to pay $145 million to resolve criminal and civil investigations with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) related to an illegal kickback arrangement with a major opioid company. Practice Fusion solicited and received nearly ...

FDA Publishes Draft Guidance Proposing to Establish Standardized Assay Limits for Medicated Feeds

Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) published a draft Guidance for Industry (draft guidance) proposing to standardize assay limits for medicated feeds. CVM requests electronic or written comments concerning the draft guidance be submitted to the docket by April 27, 2020. The draft guidance recommends a standardized ...

Covington Advises Univision in Sale of Majority Stake to Searchlight and ForgeLight

WASHINGTON—Covington represented Univision Holdings, Inc. in its definitive agreement to sell a majority ownership interest to private investment firms Searchlight Capital Partners, LP and ForgeLight LLC. Under the terms of the acquisition, Searchlight and ForgeLight will purchase a 64 percent interest from Univision stockholders while Televisa, a leading media ...

2019 End-of-Year Summary of FDA Advertising and Promotion Enforcement Activity

This e-alert reviews trends emerging from warning letters and untitled letters concerning product advertising and promotion issued in 2019 by the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP) of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), the Advertising and Promotional Labeling Branch (APLB) in the Office of Compliance and Biologics Quality (OCBQ) of the ...

Covington Represents Ukraine in Securing Favorable Ruling Under U.N. Law of the Sea Convention

WASHINGTON—Covington secured a major ruling for Ukraine in an arbitration against the Russian Federation under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The ruling, issued today by a five-member arbitral tribunal, rejected the majority of Russia’s jurisdictional objections and permits Ukraine’s case to proceed to the merits. “The Tribunal’s ...

Witney Schneidman on expectations for Pompeo's visit to Africa

Witney Schneidman appeared on China Global Television Network to discuss U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Africa and the opportunities for American investment in the continent. Mr. Schneidman says, “Secretary Pompeo would like to see a lot more investment in Africa… But there is a big hurdle there. Americans don’t really understand Africa that ...

What happens to leftover campaign funds when a candidate drops out of the presidential race?

Robert Kelner is quoted in Fortune regarding the capabilities of Super PACs in a presidential election and what happens campaign funds when candidates drop out of the presidential race. Mr. Kelner says, “Super PACs have fairly broad discretion on what they can do with excess funds.” He adds, “Where you see a lot of money left over in the Super PAC after the ...

FDA Publishes Draft Guidance on Pre-Submission Consultation Process for Animal Food Additive Petitions and GRAS Notices

On February 13, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a draft guidance document describing the pre-submission consultation process for food additive petitions (FAPs) and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) notices for ingredients used in animal feed/pet food, and describing what to include in food use authorization (FUA) requests. The Animal Drug ...

Revised CCPA regulations slightly more business-friendly, experts say

Libbie Canter is quoted in Global Data Review regarding the California Attorney General Xavier Beccera’s revisions to the California Consumer Privacy Act’s (CCPA) regulations. The revisions have left many businesses concerned and with unanswered questions. Ms. Canter says despite the revisions “ambiguities” remain for entities that collect data from third ...

Former Top U.S. Diplomat for Latin America Joins Covington

WASHINGTON—Kimberly Breier, the U.S. Department of State’s former top diplomat for Latin America, has joined Covington as a senior advisor. Ms. Breier most recently served as Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, the United States’ top diplomat for the Western Hemisphere. She led the State Department’s policy formation, oversaw U.S. ...

CFTC's Plan To End Position Limits Saga Faces Big Test

Anne Termine is quoted in Law360 regarding the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s effort to impose position limits meant to curb speculators’ ability to distort prices. The new plan allows users to seek exemptions not set forth in the rule proposal by applying directly to their relevant exchanges. The CFTC would have 10 days to review that decision or ...

Audit Process Remains A Mystery In DOD Cybersecurity Plan

Susan Cassidy is quoted in Law360 regarding the DoD’s implementation of cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors. Ms. Cassidy says that questions about the process, such as who will audit the thousands of contractors that need to be certified for cybersecurity compliance, how they will be audited and what options they will have if they disagree with an ...

AI and Attorney Obligations Are Still Outpacing the Law

Lee Tiedrich spoke with Legaltech News about lawyers’ obligations pertaining to the law and artificial intelligence. Ms. Tiedrich indicated that much like the internet in the 1990s, the growth of technologies such as AI continues to outstrip the development of the law. The lack of absolute regulatory clarity raises the stakes for organizations. “You need to be ...

U.S. and Kenya to Start Talks on 'Model' Trade Deal for Africa

Witney Schneidman is quoted in the Financial Times regarding the United States’s and Africa’s search for a replacement to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which gives nearly 40 African states tariff-free access to the U.S for 6,500 products, and has faced increasing criticism in Washington. Mr. Schneidman says, “Africans are saying, we are trying ...

GSA Praised for Progress on Contracting Schedule Consolidation

Mike Wagner spoke with Government Executive about the General Services Administration's restructuring of the terms and conditions of current contracts so that they are in sync with those on the new, single contracting vehicle, which also features new contracts. . Mr. Wagner says, “Contractors should not be seeing changes to any negotiated elements of their ...

Neema Sahni Named Among LA's Most Influential Minority Attorneys

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Neema Sahni in its 2020 list of the most influential minority lawyers in Los Angeles. The list recognizes lawyers who are particularly impactful, maintain the highest professional and ethical standards, and contribute to the Los Angeles business and legal community. In Ms. Sahni's profile, the Business ...

Brexit Day Marks a Beginning, Not an End

This evening, at 11:00 p.m. GMT, the UK will leave the European Union. Brexit day marks a beginning, not an end. The UK today embarks on a complex process of negotiating new arrangements for trade and cooperation with the EU and partners around the world. Regulatory divergence seems inevitable, given that the UK will want to make its own decisions on existing ...

Preemption of state interest rate limitations: current challenges involving bank partnership models

Ashley Simonsen published an article on the statutory and regulatory background of preemption and “true lender” challenges to bank partnership models in The Review of Banking & Financial Services. "In recent years, state regulators and private plaintiffs have sought to attack bank partnership models, including marketplace lending arrangements, by arguing that ...

Sarah Cowlishaw Named to The Lawyer “Hot 100”

LONDON—The Lawyer has named London life sciences partner Sarah Cowlishaw to its “Hot 100,” a list that recognizes the most daring, innovative and creative lawyers from in-house, private practice and the Bar around the U.K. The Lawyer highlighted Ms. Cowlishaw’s work for biotech company Sensyne Health on regulatory matters related to its AIM IPO and her ongoing ...

Inbound US Real Estate Investments To Face New Oversight

Heather Finstuen is quoted in Law360 regarding CFIUS’s decision to extend its regulatory purview across a broad portion of U.S.-targeted real estate transactions. The new regulations go a step further by clearly defining sensitive locations and the proximity to those locations that could cause national security concerns, which will now be divided by The ...

Companies Should Understand USMCA's Labor Obligations as They Are Significant and Likely to Be Enforced

Because labor-related obligations in existing U.S. trade agreements are general and largely hortatory, few enforcement actions have been taken with regard to these obligations. The labor obligations in the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States and Canada (“USMCA” or “Agreement”), however, are specific and likely to be ...

CFPB Tightens Approach To Abusiveness With New Policy

Eric Mogilnicki is quoted in Law360 regarding the CFPB’s new policy of restraint in bringing enforcement actions against financial services providers for abusive acts and practices. Mr. Mogilnicki says, “It is a helpful guide for how the bureau will enforce the abusiveness prohibition. However, this guide is not rooted in the language of the statute, which means ...

Covington Named to GCR's Global Elite

WASHINGTON—Global Competition Review has once again named Covington to its 2019 "Global Elite," a list of the top 25 firms practicing competition law internationally, as well as including the firm in the list of top ten antitrust litigation practices globally. Now in its 20th year, GCR100 undertakes extensive analysis of antitrust and competition law groups in ...

Senate Bill Takes Aim at Cell-Cultured Food Labeling

Brian Sylvester spoke with Food Quality and Safety about a bill aimed at safeguarding accurate and transparent labeling of food products created using animal cell-culture technology. Mr. Sylvester says, “When it comes to food tech, both the FDA and USDA have accommodated new innovations into the existing regulatory framework for years: I think this is absolutely ...

Covington Represents Piramal in $950M Sale of Healthcare Data and Analytics Company

WASHINGTON—Covington represented Piramal Enterprises Limited in itsdefinitive agreement to sell Decision Resources Group to Clarivate Analytics plc, in a deal valued at $950 million. The $950 million purchase price includes $900 million in cash and approximately $50 million in Clarivate ordinary shares to be issued following the one-year anniversary of ...

Covington's Michael Imbroscio Named 'Litigator of the Week'

WASHINGTON—Am Law Litigation Daily has named Covington partner Michael Imbroscio, co-chair of the firm’s Product Liability and Mass Tort practice, as a “Litigator of the Week.” Mr. Imbroscio led the defense of Eli Lilly and Company in litigation alleging that its medicine Cialis – as well as Pfizer’s medicine Viagra – could cause melanoma, convincing the trial ...

Covington Advises Illumina on Clinical Human Genome Sequencing Project

London—Covington represented Illumina on its partnership with Genomics England, to sequence up to 500,000 whole genomes for the NHS Genomic Medicine Service. This partnership is part of the wider ambition to analyse up to 5 million genomes by 2024, to enable the UK to maintain its position as a global leader in genomics. Under this partnership and guided by ...

Will Fed's simpler capital regime be ready before next stress tests?

John Veroneau is quoted in the Washington Post regarding a recently signed partial trade deal between the United States and China. Mr. Veroneau says, “This administration is more open to intervening in the economy than most recent Republican administrations have been.”

New U.S. Sanctions Against Sectors of Iran’s Economy and European Trigger of the JCPOA Dispute Resolution Mechanism

On January 10, 2020, President Trump issued a new Executive Order (“January 10 Executive Order”) that provides authority for the imposition of sanctions with respect to certain additional sectors of Iran’s economy, including Iran’s construction, mining, manufacturing, and textiles sectors. The January 10 Executive Order introduces both property-blocking ...

Covington Represents Elanco in Divestitures of Pet Care Products

WASHINGTON—Covington represented Elanco Animal Health in connection with an agreement with Dechra Pharmaceuticals to divest Osurnia® for $135 million in an all-cash deal. Covington also represented Elanco in an agreement to divest the U.S. rights and related assets for Capstar® to PetIQ, Inc., for $95 million in an all-cash deal. Elanco is a global animal ...

Covington Named a Law360 "Firm of the Year"

WASHINGTON—Law360 has named Covington one of its 2019 “Firms of the Year” for the second consecutive year based on the firm having received six Practice Group of the Year awards. The Covington practices named 2019 Practice Groups of the Year are: Competition/Antitrust Government Contracts International Arbitration Life Sciences Media & ...

US House privacy bill differs from Senate counterparts

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in Global Data Review regarding a recently released draft privacy bill from the US House Committee on Energy & Commerce which differs from current Senate bills. With roughly a quarter of House Democrats coming from California, Ms. Tonsager told GDR that there will be major opposition to pre-emption in the House. “We’ve already seen the ...

ICO hits electronics retailer with maximum pre-GDPR fine

Daniel Cooper is quoted in Global Data Review regarding the UK ICO’s decision to fine DSG Retail £500,000 under pre-GDPR data protection law. The fine stems from the company being compromised by a cyberattack affecting at least 14 million people. Mr. Cooper says, “the ICO's imposition of a maximum fine appears due, in part, to the fact that it felt DSG should ...

Regulatory Questions Remain As FDA's CBD Report Deadline Looms

Jessica O'Connell spoke with Inside Health Policy about the FDA's plan to remove adulterated cannabis products from the CBD market. Ms. O'Connell says, "There’s a range of products out there that aren’t compliant, and FDA only has so many resources and can only enforce so much. I think one difference here that might be helpful is that there are these robust ...

California's New Privacy Rule Will Impact Financial Institutions

Michael Nonaka spoke with WatersTechnology about the impact of the California Consumer Privacy Act on financial institutions. Mr. Nonaka says, “There are exemptions [in the CCPA] for information that is covered by the GLBA. This is consumer information used by FIs, including broker-dealers. But there is not a broad exemption that just takes out the entirety of ...

European Commission takes cautious approach on AI liability

Daniel Cooper spoke with Global Data Review about the European Commission’s recommended changes to artificial intelligence liability rules. Mr. Cooper says the commission is keen to stress that the conclusions drawn from the report remain those of the expert group only. “One has to assume that the commission wants to be careful to test the waters first and gauge ...

SEC And CFTC Regulatory Priorities To Watch In 2020

Anne Termine is quoted in Law360 regarding CFTC’s proposal to regulate cross-border swaps and govern when cross-border swaps should be registered with the agency. Ms. Termine says, “The commission is trying to thread the needle of registration that is not over-reaching beyond our borders, yet sufficiently protects the interests of the U.S. and U.S. markets. This ...

California's privacy law arrives to confusion and costs for businesses

Lindsey Tonsager spoke with the Financial Times about the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the different ways companies are trying to comply with the new law. Addressing some companies’ efforts to create self-serve portals to handle users’ privacy requests, Ms. Tonsager says, “This works fine but if you get a high spike of data access requests — right ...

4 Gov't Contracting Policy Developments To Watch In 2020

Fred Levy spoke with Law360 about the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Mr. Levy says the upcoming NDAA could also include more provisions that would expand the government’s right to obtain pricing information on commercial items, given recent congressional attention to alleged “price-gouging,” even as that definition has been applied somewhat ...

Former UK trade minister: Risk of no-deal Brexit remains, but it’s unlikely

Francis Maude appeared on CNBC to discuss the risk and possibility of a Brexit no-deal. Lord Maude says, “The risk of a no-deal Brexit without a withdraw agreement is very unlikely because it is in no one’s interest for that to happen… But there has always been a risk that if both sides get into an absolute standoff that there could be an end to the ...

Top 7 Gov't Contracting Policy Changes In 2019

Fred Levy is quoted in Law360 regarding the formation of the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, a cooperative effort among the U.S. DOJ’s Antitrust Division, in an article highlighting the top government contracts policy changes in 2019. The strike force is indicative of a broader trend in government contracts over roughly the last year: the “criminalization of ...

Top 5 Gov't Contracts Cases Of 2019

Fred Levy spoke with Law360 about an FCA case involving a rocket and missile propulsion company misleading the U.S. DoD about its failure to safeguard "unclassified controlled technical information" from cybersecurity threats, in an article highlighting the top government contracts cases of 2019. Mr. Levy says the growing attention federal agencies are giving to ...

Variety Recognizes Robyn Polashuk in 2019 Dealmakers Impact Report

Variety has named Robyn Polashuk to its 2019 Dealmakers Impact Report, recognizing people behind the biggest pacts in the world of showbiz. Ms. Polashuk co-chairs the firm's Communications and Media Industry Group, which provides the highest level of legal and strategic advice to telecommunications, media, and technology companies around the world. Her ...

UK Election Brings Certainty but Concerns Continue

Francis Maude is quoted in the International Financial Law Review regarding the UK election results and its effect on the future of Brexit. Lord Maude says, “It is too early to say for definite what will come next, though I feel that London will continue to be the financial center of Europe. It is where the critical means of capability is. I’m confident that the ...

AI Resists Ethics and Explanation. So Why Is It Still Used?

Lee Tiedrich is quoted in Legaltech News regarding the continued use of artificial intelligence, despite ethics concerns. Ms. Tiedrich says that companies could put in “good governance processes to manage the [AI] product design, development and implementation in accordance with their ethnical principles.” She also noted that to limit bias, it is also necessary ...

The Hill Recognizes Covington's Public Policy Practice

WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes Washington’s top policy experts and influencers voicing the concerns of the nation’s largest companies, labor unions, and associations in the nation’s capital. Named to the list for the seventh consecutive year, ...

Covington Represents Merck In $2.7B Acquisition of Cancer Drug Developer

WASHINGTON—Covington represented Merck & Co., Inc. in its definitive agreement under which Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire ArQule for $20 per share in cash for an approximate total equity value of $2.7 billion. ArQule is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on kinase inhibitor discovery and development for the treatment of patients with ...

New privacy initiative aimed at 2020 ballot costing money and certainty

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in Daily Journal regarding a new voter initiative designed to improve consumer privacy in California. Ms. Tonsager says, “The new ballot initiative has introduced some uncertainty into the conversation for businesses. There has been a real whiplash throughout the whole process of the CCPA. It was enacted back in 2018, and its already ...

European Countries Reluctant To Challenge FATCA

Atli Stannard is quoted in Law360 regarding the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s claims of European Union banks violating privacy and anti-discrimination laws when they share customer information with the IRS. EU countries may negotiate with the Treasury Department, but only if they receive larger cross-border effort against tax avoidance. Mr. Stannard says, ...

Seven Covington Lawyers Named Law360 MVPs

WASHINGTON—Law360 has named seven Covington lawyers as MVPs, third most among all firms, in their respective practice areas. The awards single out lawyers from across numerous practice areas based on their success in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters, and record-breaking deals. The Covington lawyers recognized as Law360 MVPs are: Thomas ...

Arbitration Cybersecurity Protocol Outlines Best Practices

Micaela McMurrough is quoted in Law360 regarding a recently unveiled cybersecurity protocol guidelines aimed at arbitrators, institutions and arbitration users on topics including baseline security measures. Ms. McMurrough says, "We tried to build in flexibility [so that the] document can be used as guidance, rather than something that's prescriptive.”

Ian King Live - Tim Stratford

Tim Stratford spoke with Ian King of Sky News regarding current U.S.-China trade negotiations. Mr. Stratford says, “If there is strong interest to do a deal, it may stop the tit-for-tat escalation of tariffs. But it may not address the real underlying issues that lead to the trade war in the first place.”

Bid Protest Successes Counter Agencies' Frivolity Concerns

Jay Carey spoke with Law360 about the high rate of success for federal contract protests at the Government Accountability Office over the last five years, as shown in a recent GAO report. Mr. Carey say among other barriers in the way of a successful protest, protesters bear the burden of proof, often have less access to relevant information than agencies, and ...

Covington Secures Decisive Victory For Ukraine Before the International Court of Justice

WASHINGTON—Covington has secured a decisive win for Ukraine in proceedings against the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice (“ICJ”) concerning violations by Russia of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (“ICSFT”) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial ...

New Report Shows Feds' Nuanced Approach To Contractors

Mike Wagner is quoted in Law360 regarding the 2018 Suspension and Debarment report. Mr. Wagner says “that modest decline in suspension and debarment activity over time has also been offset in part by suspension and debarment officials' increased use of alternative measures. This dual trend is interesting — I think it speaks to the overall evolution of the ...

House CFTC Reauthorization Bill Would Broaden Enforcement Reach

Laura Brookover is quoted in Bloomberg Law regarding a House bill to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for the first time in more than a decade. The bill would give the agency stronger legal footing to pursue fraudulent overseas trading activities. Ms. Brookover says that language would potentially give the agency broader authority over ...

IAPP: 'Sale' Under CCPA May Not Be as Scary as You Think

As the effective date of the California Consumer Privacy Act looms closer, companies are grappling with the significance of the law and its definitions. One defined term in particular, “sale,” has sparked heated debate between industry and consumer advocates, and even within the legal profession. While much has been said about this term, more needs to be said. ...

Covington Represents Central European Media Enterprises in $2.1B Acquisition

NEW YORK—Covington represented Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. in its definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of PPF Group N.V. in a cash transaction valued at approximately $2.1 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, holders of all of CME’s issued and outstanding Class A common shares will receive $4.58 per share. This valuation ...

DOD's Haste May Spell Turbulent Start For Cybersecurity Plan

Susan Cassidy spoke with Law360 about the Department of Defense’s goal for its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its impact on join bid contractors. Ms. Cassidy says such teaming arrangements are already complicated and can take years to put together for big defense procurements. Although the DOD has said cybersecurity compliance will be ...

BigLaw Lobbying Returns Continue To Rebound In Q3

Muftiah McCartin is quoted in Law360 regarding the firm’s lobbying efforts in the third quarter of 2019. Ms. McCartin said that while it's easy to assume the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump might be the only focus of Congress in the short term, that's actually not the full story. She adds, “On the contrary, we expect Congress to be in for a very ...

US-UK Data Sharing Agreement Might Not Soothe Law Firms’ Cloud Concerns

Trisha Anderson spoke with Legaltech News about a bilateral data access agreement, a new mechanism of the CLOUD Act and its effect on law firms. A year after the CLOUD Act, the first data-sharing agreement is most relevant to U.K. law enforcement agencies having access to the vast data held by U.S.-based tech companies, says Ms. Anderson. She adds, “The most ...

Will China’s revised cybersecurity rules put foreign firms at risk of losing their secrets?

Yan Luo is quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding China's revised cybersecurity rules. Ms. Luo says many of the relevant cybersecurity requirements are “not that out of the global norm”, and unlikely to be a challenge for firms that already has “robust cybersecurity programmes.”

EU Cookie Ruling Tightens Leash On Ad Tech Staple

Kristof Van Quathem is quoted in Law360 regarding a European Court of Justice’s decision to increase web cookie consent measures. Mr. Van Quathem says, “It’s unfortunate that the court didn’t address that point because it’s commercially and politically a very sensitive topic, on which there is a lot of uncertainty right now, and it’s a question that could have ...

Elizabeth Warren Proposes a Big New Tax on Lobbyists. But Is It Legal?

Robert Kelner spoke with Time about Senator Elizabeth Warren’s proposed new tax on lobbying. The proposal is meant to discourage major corporations from spending more than $500,000 to lobby the government. Mr. Kelner says, “I think any plan to tax lobbying is almost certainly unconstitutional. It’s extraordinarily likely to be struck down by the Supreme Court if ...

CCPA Amendments Would Ceate Independent Enforcer

Lindsey Tonsager spoke with Global Data Review about proposed amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act filed by Alastair Mactaggart of the Californians for Consumer Privacy. Ms. Tonsager said that given the time and resources spent on preparing staff within California’s office of the attorney general for the CCPA, she was “baffled” to see the proposal ...

Push to Disclose Foreign Agents Could Ensnare Corporate Executives

Robert Kelner is quoted in The Wall Street Journal regarding the differences between U.S. Department of Justice’s newly unveiled online filing system for foreign agents and the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). Mr. Kelner says, “This is not an issue just for lobbying firms and public relations firms because FARA sweeps very broadly and applies to ...

Californian privacy law looms large for 500,000 US companies

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in the Financial Times regarding the California Consumer Privacy Act’s effect on businesses in the state and around the world. Ms. Tonsager says, “Once the new law takes effect, the California attorney-general will overnight become one of the most powerful privacy regulators in the world.” She adds, “Companies that already had to apply ...

Nooree Lee Receives NAPABA's Best Under 40 Award

WASHINGTON—The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) has recognized Nooree Lee with its Best Under 40 Award. The award recognizes talented individuals within the Asian Pacific American legal community under the age of 40 who have achieved prominence and distinction in their fields of endeavor—be it the practice of law, academia, business, ...

Trustworthiness of AI in Law Debated at International Roundtable

Lee Tiedrich recently participated in the “AI and the Rule of Law Roundtable” in Athens and spoke with Bloomberg Law about with the event, which was , focused on ensuring that AI tech works as intended—and that those who implement and operate such systems are competent to do so. Ms. Tiedrich says, “Although the Roundtable participants came from different ...

U.S. Unveils Plans to Extend Scrutiny of Foreign Investment

Mark Plotkin is quoted in Reuters regarding U.S. Treasury’s announcement that it will introduce new regulations expanding the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) to further scrutinize foreign investments involving sensitive technology, infrastructure, personal data, and real estate. Mr. Plotkin pointed out that many CFIUS watchers had ...

U.S. Outlines Plans to Scrutinize Chinese and Other Foreign Investment

Mark Plotkin spoke with The New York Times about U.S. Treasury’s announcement that it will introduce new regulations expanding the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) to further scrutinize foreign investments involving sensitive technology, infrastructure, personal data, and real estate. Mr. Plotkin said that the proposed rules were ...

US Moves to Expand Sweep of Foreign Deal Review Powers

Mark Plotkin is quoted in the Financial Times regarding U.S. Treasury’s announcement that it will introduce new regulations expanding the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) to further scrutinize foreign investments involving sensitive technology, infrastructure, personal data, and real estate. Mr. Plotkin says, “The regulations reflect ...

California Passes Final Version of CCPA, but Questions Remain

Lindsey Tonsager spoke with Global Data Review about the recently-passed California Consumer Privacy Act. Ms. Tonsager says the issues the attorney general need to clarify include what a “do not sell my personal information” link should look like on company websites, how that link should be formatted, and where it should be placed. One of the most important ...

Government Agencies Field More Cybersecurity Maturity Models

Susan Cassidy, Samantha Clark, Ryan Burnette, and Ian Brekke are mentioned in Gov Info Security regarding their blog post analyzing the CMMC draft. "The guidance offers no insight into how DOD will determine the CMMC certification level required for each contract solicitation or whether it intends to standardize a process for making such determinations across ...

FTC's YouTube Settlement Another Sign of COPPA Enforcement Heating Up

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in Legaltech News regarding Google’s settlement with the FTC involving violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Ms. Tonsager says, “This is the first FTC settlement that dealt with behavioral advertisements against a platform that just hosts third-party content.” She noted FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter’s ...

China confirms drug reforms to spur innovation, ensure drug quality, ease restrictions

John Balzano is quoted in BioWorld regarding recent updates to China’s drug administration law and the establishment of marketing authorization holders (MAH). Mr. Balzano says, “This creates much-needed flexibility for research-based companies to develop products and bring them to market.” Another advantage of the MAH system is that licenses can officially be ...

What economic powers does Trump have at his disposal?

John Veroneau spoke with Marketplace about the President’s economic power and tariff law. According to Mr. Veroneau, the President could invoke Section 338 which gives the president broad authority to impose or raise tariffs if U.S. companies or interests are being discriminated against. He says that if Section 301 is used to address unfair trade practices, then ...

Trump may be able to order US firms out of China — but it will cost him politically, says business leader

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC about the possibility of President Trump ordering U.S. companies out of China. Mr. Stratford says, “The President could issue orders that would make it very difficult for American companies to continue to do business in China, but I think it’s not a legal question of whether he’s going to do that — it’s a political and economic ...

Has the time come for U.S. companies to leave China?

Timothy Stratford is quoted in CGTN regarding the possibility of U.S. companies leaving China over the current trade war between the two countries. Mr. Stratford says it would be a good idea if President Trump takes his time, consults his advisers, and makes sure that he thinks carefully through what he's doing. “If you try to back China's leaders into a corner ...

Brexit: What’s Next?

Francis Maude participated in a discussion with Bloomberg on the prorogation of the U.K. Parliament and its effect on Brexit. Lord Maude says, “There is nothing radical about [proroguing]. It’s also the case that Parliament always rises for recess in the second part of September…I think, actually, the judgment, that this makes a deal potentially more likely, is ...

WirtschaftsWoche Names Covington Top IT Law Firm in Germany

FRANKFURT—WirtschaftsWoche, Germany’s leading business weekly news magazine, has named Covington as the top law firm for IT law and Dr. Lars Lensdorf, a partner in Covington’s Frankfurt office, to its list of top IT lawyers in Germany. Dr. Lensdorf focuses his practice on IT law, outsourcing, digitalization and industry 4.0, IT related bank regulatory matters, ...

Jonathan Sperling Named "Top Music Lawyer" by Billboard

NEW YORK—For the second consecutive year, Billboard has named Jonathan Sperling to its annual "Top Music Lawyers" list. This annual list recognizes lawyers who are "on the front lines of the music industry's legal battles and deals." Recognized in the "Negotiation & Litigation" category, Billboard highlights Sperling's representation of over 50 record labels and ...

Former FDA lawyer: DSHEA largely 'a success'

Peter Hutt spoke with the Natural Products Insider podcast in the second part of a discussion about the FDA’s role over the decades in regulating dietary supplements and efforts to impose restrictions that were stymied time and again. Mr. Hutt says, “FDA has not done adequate enforcement against [companies that put prescription drug ingredients in dietary ...

Covington Serving as U.S. Counsel to Philippines Investigative Journalist

WASHINGTON—Covington announced that the firm will be serving as part of an international team of lawyers representing media pioneer Maria Ressa, CEO, Cofounder and Executive Editor of Rappler, one of the leading online news platforms in the Philippines, as well as representing Rappler itself. Covington will be serving as U.S. counsel and will coordinate as ...

Exchange Rules Spark Conflict

Anne Termine spoke with The Information about the issues cryptocurrency exchange companies face with U.S. regulation. Some exchange companies have resulted to forbidding U.S. customers from using their services. Ms. Termine said that to avoid regulatory scrutiny and possible ﬁnes, crypto exchanges should make a “reasonable eﬀort” to prevent U.S. residents from ...

American business group highlights smoothly functioning commerce in HK

Timothy Stratford is quoted in CGTN regarding the Hong Kong protests’ effect on U.S. businesses. Mr. Stratford says, “It is without question that smoothly functioning Hong Kong commerce is fundamentally important to our members' business interests and an important validator of the 'One Country, Two Systems' approach, faithful implementation of this approach ...

Covington Assists CPI in its Acquisition of GD's Satellite Antenna Systems Business

WASHINGTON—Covington’s Government Contracts and Communications regulatory practices are representing Communications & Power Industries LLC (CPI) in its recently announced deal to acquire SATCOM Technologies, the antenna systems business of General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., a business unit of General Dynamics. SATCOM Technologies designs, manufactures and ...

Why Is the US Not Yet a Leader in Crypto Regulation? — Experts Answer

Michael Nonaka spoke with CoinTelegraph to discuss cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. Mr. Nonaka says, "The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued its first guidance addressing cryptocurrency companies in 2013, and since then regulatory action for digital assets has been slow to develop but has picked up in the past few years as an increasing ...

Anne Lee Named "DC Rising Star" by The National Law Journal

WASHINGTON—The National Law Journal has named Covington partner Anne Lee a “DC Rising Star,” recognizing her as one of the “region’s 40 most promising lawyers age 40 and under.” Recently named co-chair of Covington’s Global Antitrust practice, Ms. Lee represents clients in complex commercial and antitrust litigation and has litigated cases at the trial and ...

Keeping Up with the Tech: Behind the FTC's COPPA Review

Lindsey Tonsager spoke with Legaltech News about the FTC’s public request for comment on the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Ms. Tonsager said, “Regardless of whether the FTC is looking at the rule or not, I think the common best practice is to collect only the information that you need. The data minimization helps regardless if the regulator ...

BigLaw Lobbying Picks Up In Q2 After Slow Start To Year

Muftiah McCartin is quoted in Law360 regarding the firm’s lobbying efforts in the second quarter of 2019. Ms. McCartin says, “If a budget deal is not reached this week, it will have to be reached in September to allow the completion of the annual appropriations measures. We also anticipate Congress addressing drug pricing and trade issues — two issues that ...

As Prosecutors Eye Silicon Valley, Big Law Eyes White-Collar Lawyers

Doug Sprague spoke with The Recorder about the increase in white-collar legal work in Silicon Valley. Mr. Sprague said, “The Department of Justice as a whole is focused on actors from overseas, especially Asia, and being more specific, China.”

Demand Grows for Lawyers in Secrective World of CFIUS

Mark Plotkin is quoted in the Financial Times regarding the increasing demand for lawyers with CFIUS experience. Mr. Plotkin says, “With CFIUS it is not like you can pick up the book and know what you are doing. The law is not that complicated and it is reasonably straightforward, but there’s no body of cases.”

Covington Secures Key Victory for KBR in Iraq War Contract Dispute

WASHINGTON—Covington recently secured a significant victory on behalf of Kellogg Brown & Root Services Inc. (KBR) in a long-running contract dispute with the U.S. Army arising from the Iraq War. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit unanimously affirmed a 2017 ruling by the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) that held the United States ...

Covington Represents BSA in Landmark Data Protection Case Before Europe's Highest Court

BRUSSELS—Today, a team of Covington lawyers argued before the European Court of Justice in a landmark data protection case, Case C-311/18, Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland and Maximillian Schrems (“Schrems II”). The case has significant ramifications for any organization that relies on the standard contractual clauses (“SCCs”) to transfer personal ...

Wanted: Lawyers Who Understand AI

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in the Wall Street Journal regarding the initiative to increase artificial intelligence legal practices. Ms. Tonsager says data is the fuel that drives artificial intelligence, but it can come with legal restrictions. Companies acquiring datasets need to be sure their contracts give them the right to use the data to train algorithms. ...

Asia's Complex Compliance Landscape

Eric Carlson spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about the compliance challenges prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. On the emergence of general compliance in the region, Mr. Carlson says, “When I first moved to Beijing in 2008, there were only a couple of dozen people who had compliance on their business card. It just wasn’t a job in China then. Ten years ...

Prominent Financial Services Lawyer Joining Covington

WASHINGTON—Jeremy Newell has joined Covington's Financial Services Group as a partner in Washington. Mr. Newell's arrival follows the recent addition of Karen Solomon, who joined Covington after serving as the acting Chief Counsel of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Mr. Newell was formerly Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief ...

Despite Truce, No End in Sight for the U.S.-China Trade War

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the World Economic Forum regarding a potential trade agreement between the U.S. and China by the end of 2019. Mr. Stratford says, “The business community is very pleased that they are going back to the negotiating table … and that additional tariffs are going to be postponed for the time being. What we are most concerned about is ...

Daily Journal Names Lindsey Tonsager One of California’s Top AI Lawyers

SAN FRANCISCO—The Daily Journal has named Lindsey Tonsager to its 2019 “Top Artificial Intelligence Lawyers,” recognizing the top artificial intelligence lawyers in California. Ms. Tonsager co-chairs the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which is a cross-functional practice advising companies developing or utilizing AI technologies. She is advising ...

SCOTUS Punts on TCPA Fax Case; Court Conservatives Would Go Further

Kevin King is quoted in Communications Daily regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in PDR Network v. Carlton & Harris Chiropractic, a case involving a company's efforts to disregard an FCC rule about junk faxes. According to Mr. King, the decision could have significant impact for the FCC and regulated companies in the subsidiary questions remanded to the 4th ...

High Court Punt Plunges TCPA Suits Into Greater Uncertainty

Kevin King spoke with Law360 about the Supreme Court’s decisions over the contours of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. According to Mr. King, the Supreme Court dodged the main issue, the justices’ narrow approach does provide a boost to both consumers and companies by providing them with “two powerful ways to challenge FCC orders: They can argue that the ...

Anti-Money-Laundering Watchdog Calls for Stronger Cryptocurrency Regulations

Michael Nonaka is quoted in The Wall Street Journal regarding the Financial Act Task Force’s request to virtual currency firms to develop procedures for sharing customer information with other financial institutions. Mr. Nonaka says that some crypto companies have invested heavily in compliance, others have a long way to go to build the systems necessary for ...

Covington Represents Peraton in Solers Acquisition

WASHINGTON—Covington is representing Peraton in its recently announced deal to acquire Solers, Inc., a leading provider of software development and systems integration for space situational awareness, satellite ground systems and operations, cybersecurity engineering, and enterprise cloud-based solutions. Covington is handling government contracts, national ...

Companies in furious bid to prevent new China tariffs as summit looms

John Veroneau is quoted in the Washington Post regarding the President’s plan to impose tariffs on virtually all products from China and its impact on U.S. companies and customers. Mr. Veroneau says, “Companies have tried to shield customers from tariff increases, but that will no longer be possible. To the extent possible, companies are working hard to ...

States' Model Payments Law May Ease Entry For Fintechs

Karen Solomon is quoted in Law360 regarding the Conference of State Banking Supervisors’ push to knock down barriers to entry for small fintech companies. Ms. Solomon says, “CSBS, for example, has released a series of recommendations aimed at streamlining and simplifying the multiple state requirements that apply when nonbank firms conduct business across state ...

Dust has yet to settle two years after Chinas landmark cybersecurity law

Yan Luo was quoted in Technode regarding China's evolving cybersecurity framework. Ms. Luo says foreign companies operating in China are pursing compliance through tailoring their existing global cybersecurity program to fit China's regulatory environment.

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Kangaroo Media Inc. in Negotiation of Agreement with Formula One

Keanu Reeves and Stephan Hamel's Production Company on Project in China

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) against False Advertising Claims

King Pharmaceuticals Acquisition by Pfizer

Kos Pharmaceuticals Medicare Part D coverage

Labrador Communications in Exclusive Content Distribution Agreement with Cingular Wireless

Landmark Ruling for Tennis Channel

Latin America customs clearances internal investigation

LaRue v. DeWolff, Boberg & Assocs., Inc., 128 S. Ct. 1020 (2008) (counsel for amicus)

Lawsuit Challenging State Ethanol-Free Gasoline Requirements

Leading Food and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers on Advertising Requirements

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Legal environment evaluation project

Libel Defense Litigation and Prepublication Review of News and Other Content for Broadcasters

Libya and Syria sanctions advice

LIN TV Corp. in Acquisition of Red McCombs Media

Litigation Challenging FCC's Rule on Telemarketing and Fax Advertising

Litigation Challenging Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program

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Los Angeles County Transit System Alternative Fuel Incentives

LTV Steel environmental recoveries

Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Pricing Matters

Safety Data Sheet Requirements for Surgical Product

Safety Data Sheet Requirements for Food Product

Safety Data Sheet Requirements for Biochemical Reagents

National Stone Association in OSHA Rulemaking Proceedings

Construction Company Regarding Potential OSHA Issues

CenturyLink's $34 billion Acquisition of Level 3 Communications

Portfolio Recovery Associates CFPB Investigation, Enforcement Action and Consent Order

Consumer Financial Protection and Practices

Trade Association Strategy and Political Advocacy

Fintech Financial Regulatory and Data Privacy Compliance

$44 Million Breach-of-Contract Recovery for KBR

Six-Year Dispute with DOJ Ends with Declination

Blockchain Public Policy Counsel

Dismissal of Allegations Related to Security Contract

Bacardi Transaction

KKR and Texas Pacific Group Acquisition of TXU Corp.

Vivint Solar Acquisition by SunEdison

Residential Solar Division Sale to groSolar

In re Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation

In re Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation - Fuel Injection Systems

$2 billion Los Angeles Clippers Acquisition