Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Trade Secrets: What to Know

Consider writing about:

Apple’s trade secret lawsuit against OpenAI. Among the possible points to explore: key challenges for either side in this dispute; what to watch for as this case proceeds; how the AI sector is fueling high-stakes IP disputes; how employers can best avoid finding themselves on either side of a dispute that involves the kinds of IP allegations at issue in the Apple-OpenAI case; practical guidance regarding pursuing a case under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (or, conversely, potential liability under the DTSA), and/or regarding internal security, departing employees, third-party risk, internal investigations, and more.

IP Hot Spots at Midyear: Tell Us Your Choices

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Your choice ef top intellectual property developments as of the midpoint of this calendar year, whether they be court rulings, jury verdicts, settlements, lawsuits, legislation, or emerging hot-button issues or trends of note, whether on a broad scale or focusing on a specific industry, region, or type of intellectual property.

IP Issues in Franchising [Ongoing]

Consider writing about:

Intellectual property issues that tend to arise in conjunction with franchise operations; common pitfalls to be aware of, on either side of the franchisee-franchisor relationship; best practices as regards negotiations, contracts, or other documentation; any recent or otherwise noteworthy disputes that might illustrate your points regarding trade secrets, trade dress, infringement claims, restrictive covenants, or other matters.

New IRS Program to Offer Automatic Penalty Relief

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The Internal Revenue Service’s recent announcement of its new Automatic Exemption from Penalty Program; when this program goes into effect; who qualifies for relief under this program; whom the program most benefits, or types of penalties or examples of situations to which it will mainly apply; how the new AEP program compares to prior IRS penalty relief options; alternatives to the AEP program; any cautionary notes that may pertain to use of the AEP program.

Related information:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-simplifies-penalty-relief-introduces-automatic-process-for-eligible-taxpayers

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/automatic-exemption-from-penalty-what-taxpayers-should-know

IRS Announces Gift Tax Safe Harbor for Trump Account Contributions

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Information released by the Internal Revenue Service late last month regarding a gift tax safe harbor involving the retirement accounts known as “Trump accounts;” what this safe harbor means for potential tax reporting obligations; personal criteria and other conditions that must be met in order for the safe harbor to apply; additional tax issues to consider when deciding whether to become involved with Trump accounts.

Related information:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-provide-safe-harbor-for-certain-contributions-to-trump-accounts-under-the-working-families-tax-cuts

Appellate Court Rebuffs Professor in Tax Dispute Over Remote Work

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A July ruling in a tax dispute stemming from work done remotely from home during pandemic-related lockdowns; what to know about New York’s convenience of the employer rule; what this ruling demonstrates regarding the intricacies of state tax laws and personal obligations, especially as they pertain to remote or hybrid work arrangements that cross state lines.

Related information:

https://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/current/3dseries/2026/2026_04251.shtml

When Religion and Science Collide: Faith-Based Objections to AI in the Workplace

Consider writing about:

The emergence of faith-based objections to artificial intelligence in the workplace; what employers should know about the possibility of employee requests for religious accommodation or exemptions involving AI-related work duties; potential basis, or precedent, for these types of requests; practical guidance on how employers can possibly get ahead of this issue; reminders regarding best practices for employers fielding any type of religious accommodation requests.

Related information:

https://www.businessinsider.com/worker-got-religious-exemption-using-ai-at-work-2026-6?

House Bill Addresses Menopause Issues in the Workplace

Consider writing about:

The introduction of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives this week to expand workplace protections for workers experiencing menopause; rationale for this measure; what this legislation specifically aims to accomplish; prospects for the bill’s passage; how state legislatures or courts are treating the issue of menopause, worker rights, and accommodation requests.

Related information:

https://debbiedingell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=7106

ADA-Related Trends and Best Practices

Consider writing about:

Your choice of issues involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, as we approach the 36th anniversary of the landmark legislation’s signing into law. Possible angles to write about include, but are not limited to, current hot spots in ADA litigation; common employer pitfalls or employee misconceptions involving the ADA; how ADA awareness, compliance, or enforcement have evolved over the years; emerging or possible future legal battlegrounds involving the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to Pay Nearly $30M Over Price-Fixing Allegations

Consider writing about:

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ agreement to pay $29.6 million to resolve allegations that the company harmed consumers by manipulating the prices of generic medicines and reducing competition; what to know about states’ scrutiny of suspected price-fixing in the pharmaceutical sector; what enforcement trends regarding generic drug pricing illustrate regarding state AGs’ powers and priorities; and perhaps a broader look at trends this year involving price-fixing allegations against drug manufacturers.