Business Trending Topics

To help with your writing efforts, here’s what people are looking for in Business Law online. Trending topics culled from JD Supra, search analytics, social media conversations, and other sources:

Top Takeaways From FTC Strategic Plan 

Consider writing about:

The Federal Trade Commission’s FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, which was announced on April 3; what stands out to you about the plan’s enforcement priorities and other emphases; how they compare to prior FTC Strategic Plans in nature or scope or as regards any areas that the plan may not highlight or otherwise address; the Strategic Plan’s practical implications for the business community in terms of compliance efforts and potential areas of risk.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/ftc-publishes-new-strategic-plan

Former Top Execs Draw Prison Sentences Over Money Paid to Terrorist Groups 

Consider writing about:

Prison sentences imposed this month on former top executives at Lafarge, one of the world’s leading cement manufacturers, in connection with payments allegedly made to jihadist groups in an effort to continue manufacturing operations in Syria after a civil war began in that country. How rare are sentences of this magnitude in a case of this type? Consider examining the practical implications of this case as regards any of the following points: risks involved in international business operations, potential liability on the part of individuals and of subsidiary, parent, or successor companies, importance of complying with economic sanctions, related legal trends (in the jurisdiction of your choice or globally) involving bribery-related enforcement actions and prosecutions.

Related information:

https://www.ft.com/content/54b1480f-43b8-4ef7-9319-d0e133b77194?syn-25a6b1a6=1

What to Know About China’s New Supply Chain Regulations 

Consider writing about:

New supply chain regulations announced by Chinese authorities on April 7; the regulations’ effective date, apparent intent, enforcement mechanisms, and potential penalties for violations; the regulations’ key compliance challenges for companies doing business in or with China.

Related information:

https://www.barrons.com/news/us-firms-voice-concern-over-china-s-new-supply-chain-rules-c21b679d

Are Changes Looming for Negative Option Compliance? 

Consider writing about:

An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the Federal Trade Commission on March 11 regarding the agency’s negative option rule; what negative option practices consist of; what to know about the FTC’s enforcement history – and its current and potential future position – regarding negative option marketing; timeline for the rulemaking process; how businesses sometimes run afoul of federal or state regulators’ enforcement stance on negative option marketing practices.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/negative-option-rule

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/03/ftc-seeks-public-comment-response-advance-notice-proposed-rulemaking-regarding-negative-option

Congressional Investigations: Priorities, Risks, and Preparation Points 

Consider writing about:

Congressional investigations; industries or issues that are proving to be, or likely to be, priorities for such investigations this year; associated risk areas for the business community; how businesses can best anticipate, stay informed on, and prepare for congressional investigations and hearings. Consider whether to present some best practices, or lessons from past, real-life congressional investigations, or a list of do’s and don’ts on navigating the intricacies, and potential danger zones, of a congressional investigation so as to avoid a “gotcha” moment or other forms of reputational damage or serious repercussions.

FCPA Trends: What to Watch 

Consider writing about:

Recent or otherwise noteworthy developments involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; any significant investigations, prosecutions, verdicts, settlements, declinations, or deferred prosecutions; additional issues involving individual liability for actions that fall under the FCPA; potential new FCPA-related liability risks involving actions by Congress or state authorities; where enforcement priorities and key compliance challenges stand now.

What to Know About Force Majeure Clauses 

Consider writing about:

Force majeure clauses; potentially renewed interest in these clauses, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, tariffs, climate-related disasters, geopolitical conflicts, or other developments; common misconceptions about force majeure clauses; what to understand about force majeure clauses’ role, scope, limits, and potential importance; practical guidance on navigating the terms of force majeure clauses.

Who Gets the Last Word on Live Nation Antitrust Allegations? 

Consider writing about:

Antitrust allegations against Live Nation Entertainment; nature of the alleged violations; history of antitrust investigations into Live Nation’s activities; what to know about a settlement reached between Live Nation and the U.S. Department of Justice, the terms of the settlement, and the court’s concerns over how the settlement’s disclosure was handled; status of the final settlement deal; why more than 30 states have rejected the DOJ’s settlement with Live Nation, and what this development may portend for the company; response from members of Congress to Live Nation’s deal with the DOJ; what the Antitrust Accountability and Transparency Act aims to achieve.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/livenation-antitrust-justice-department-0a6ef66f497e5f626096de753bfff8ce

https://variety.com/2026/music/news/live-nation-settlement-klobuchar-introduces-antitrust-act-1236690375

Implications of DOJ’s New Corporate Enforcement Policy 

Consider writing about:

The March 10 release of the U.S. Department of Justice’s first-ever departmentwide corporate enforcement policy for criminal matters; significance of this policy; what this policy means for U.S. Attorney’s Offices; the DOJ policy’s potential benefits to companies of voluntarily disclosing misconduct; additional guidance on key questions or concerns that you may have been receiving from clients since the DOJ’s March 10 announcement of this policy.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-releases-first-ever-corporate-enforcement-policy-all-criminal-cases

SDNY Announces New Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Program 

Consider writing about:

A Feb. 24 announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York regarding the office’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Program; main focus of this new program; how declinations may be obtained under the terms of this program; additional benefits of making a voluntary self-disclosure under the SDNY program; any applicable cautionary notes regarding decisions on whether or not to self-disclose misconduct in conjunction with this new program.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/sdny-announces-corporate-enforcement-and-voluntary-self-disclosure-and-cooperation

Disaster Planning and Recovery: Obligations and Best Practices [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Tips on disaster planning – or recovery after the fact – potentially including issues related to any or all of the following: business-critical systems and backup systems, protection or recovery of important records, use of cloud services, emergency communications systems and protocols, contract terms and contractual obligations, worker safety and compensation, insurance claims, and/or contingency plans for resuming post-disaster operations. Feel free to go general in nature, or to focus on a specific industry or region, or a particular subset of a company hierarchy (board of directors, middle management, etc.) or a particular type of disaster. (Also consider whether to publish a series on disaster planning and recovery, with each article geared to a specific type of incident.) Alternatively, consider whether to examine noteworthy litigation or settlements stemming from disasters and the adequacy of a company’s disaster preparations and recovery processes.

Succession Planning Do’s and Don’ts [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

The succession planning process and its potential legal and business ramifications. Delve into best practices or common pitfalls associated with planning for and implementing a succession plan. Among various potential approaches to the topic, decide whether to present a detailed list of top items for business owners and decision-makers to consider, or a hypothetical or real-life cautionary tale. Also consider whether to focus on a particular industry or region or type of business (for example: new, smaller, or family businesses).

Data Privacy Lessons From Record-Setting CCPA Settlement 

Consider writing about:

A $2.75 million settlement that California’s attorney general announced on Feb. 11 with the Walt Disney Co.; company practices that led to this record-setting settlement under the California Consumer Privacy Act; practical takeaways for other companies regarding the CCPA, consumer opt-out rights, and business obligations to ensure compliance with those rights.

Related information:

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/california-wont-let-it-go-attorney-general-bonta-announces-275-million

https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/CA_SUP_LAX_26STCV04425__Final_Judgment_and_Permanent_Injunction.pdf

Pre-Merger Notification Requirements: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

Noteworthy developments involving federal or state pre-merger notification requirements; history and current status of a Biden-era rule on pre-merger information disclosure obligations; what to know about a Texas federal judge’s Feb. 12 ruling that blocked the rule, and the FTC’s appeal of that ruling; current or anticipated state laws that set forth pre-merger notification requirements.

Are Auto-Renewal Risks Ramping Up for Companies? 

Consider writing about:

Trends involving companies’ auto-renewal policies; the Federal Trade Commission’s renewed attention to the negative option or “click to cancel” rule; company practices and consumer rights that the rule addresses; noteworthy enforcement actions involving companies’ auto-renewal practices or other practices related to customer subscriptions or memberships; where the “click to cancel” rule stands now; how companies should be addressing related legal or regulatory risks, whether involving FTC enforcement actions, consumer lawsuits, or actions by state attorneys general.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/01/ftc-submits-draft-anprm-related-negative-option-plans-omb-review?utm_source=govdelivery

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/01/ftc-sues-justanswer-deceiving-consumers-enrolling-costly-recurring-monthly-subscription

https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/negative-option-rule

Implications of DOJ Whistleblower Award 

Consider writing about:

The U.S. Department of Justice’s recent announcement of a $1 million whistleblower award; nature of the alleged violations in the underlying case; what this whistleblower award may signal regarding DOJ priorities; how companies should be viewing their compliance histories and their internal whistleblower policies in light of the DOJ’s $1 million award; what else to know about antitrust enforcement under the second Trump administration and the DOJ Antitrust Division’s Whistleblower Rewards Program, its origins, and how it works.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/antitrust-division-and-us-postal-service-award-first-ever-1m-payment-whistleblower-reporting

Jury Returns $8M Verdict Against Uber in Bellwether Sexual Assault Trial 

Consider writing about:

An $8.5 million jury verdict against Uber in a lawsuit over a driver’s alleged sexual assault of a passenger; grounds for finding Uber liable for the driver’s conduct; what to know about other lawsuits against the ride-sharing company over similar assault reports; what this week’s verdict could mean for these other cases; whether Uber drivers’ status as independent contractors is a factor in these cases; any practical takeaways for other companies.

Related information:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/feb/05/uber-liable-sexual-assault

Pricing Practices Draw Scrutiny 

Consider writing about:

Pricing practices that are drawing the attention of consumers, legislators, or federal and state regulators; what to know about pricing transparency and algorithmic, surveillance, and dynammic pricing, how they are used, and how they compare to each other; mechanisms or usages that are being scrutinized or challenged; noteworthy settlements or other developments; best practices for companies as they launch or refine their pricing systems.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/instacart

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/data-privacy-day-attorney-general-bonta-focuses-surveillance-pricing-compliance

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/protecting-new-yorkers-secret-online-price-hikes-governor-hochul-announces-nation-leading

Google Faces Antitrust Probe by European Commission 

Consider writing about:

An antitrust investigation recently launched by the European Commission over Google’s use of content from YouTube and web publishers for some of its AI-related endeavors; basis for the Commission’s action; what practical implications other tech companies should take from this EU probe.

Related information:

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/da/ip_25_2964

https://fortune.com/2025/12/11/google-illegally-scraped-the-web-to-fix-its-ai-problems-and-catch-up-to-openai-european-regulators-probe

Government Contractor’s Senior Manager Indicted in Cybersecurity-Related Fraud Case 

Consider writing about:

The recent indictment of a former senior manager at a government contractor on fraud charges; alleged actions leading to the indictment; potential repercussions in this case; what to know about the U.S. Department of Justice’s attention to cybersecurity and any perceived lack of compliance on the part of federal contractors; what else contractors should know about relevant cybersecurity standards and their related obligations.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/senior-manager-government-contractor-charged-cybersecurity-fraud-scheme

Don’t Overlook the FTC’s Consumer Review Rule 

Consider writing about:

The Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Review Rule; what it consists of; the FTC’s process for following up on consumer complaints over alleged rule violations; potential penalties for violations; recent or otherwise noteworthy FTC actions involving its review rule; how companies can best comply with the rule – or how they can best respond to an FTC enforcement action regarding the consumer review rule.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/12/ftc-warns-10-companies-about-possible-violations-agencys-new-consumer-review-rule

State-Level Data Privacy Developments Businesses Should Be Heeding 

Consider writing about:

Recent state-level developments involving data privacy; any noteworthy regulatory guidance, enforcement actions, litigation, amendments, legislation, newly effective dates for measures, or other significant developments; related practical information on compliance, potential penalties, and risk management. Also consider whether to focus on one particular state or region of the United States, or whether to do a comparison across states, or a look at any particular emphases or trends that may be emerging or multiplying. Alternatively, consider whether to do a year-end review of data privacy highlights for 2025, with a presentation of those highlights’ practical implications for 2026, or a heads up regarding any new data privacy compliance requirements that may be quickly approaching on the state level.

Implications of White House Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence 

Consider writing about:

A Dec. 11 Executive Order on artificial intelligence; what the Executive Order could mean for state laws on AI use, state or federal enforcement actions, businesses’ compliance obligations or best practices, and the future of the AI industry and AI development on a wider basis; how the Trump White House’s approach to AI compares to the position taken by authorities in other countries or regions.

Related information:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/eliminating-state-law-obstruction-of-national-artificial-intelligence-policy

Practical Takeaways from Meta’s Win in Antitrust Case 

Consider writing about:

A recent ruling by a District of Columbia judge in the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust case against Meta; key issues in this case; top takeaways from Judge James Boasberg’s decision; challenges for regulators in pursuing antitrust claims against major tech companies; how the antitrust landscape may be evolving in response to technological or market changes.

Implications of the EU Digital Omnibus 

Consider writing about:

The EU Digital Omnibus; its purpose, origins, and significance; whom key Omnibus proposals would most affect; timeline and process for the implementation of proposed changes regarding the regulation and use of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data under the Omnibus measure.

Related information:

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/digital-omnibus-regulation-proposal

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2718

Compliance Lessons From FCPA Deferred Prosecution Agreement 

Consider writing about:

A deferred prosecution agreement entered into last month by the U.S. Department of Justice in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case involving Comunicaciones Celulares S.A.; significance of this agreement in terms of risk factors at issue and enforcement priorities for the DOJ; practical guidance regarding the current FCPA enforcement landscape and regarding how to secure a deferred prosecution agreement.

What to Know About the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act 

Consider writing about:

The European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act; main focus of the Act; timeline for implementation of the Act and for related compliance obligations; what affected entities should be doing to prepare for the Act’s requirements.

Related information:

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/cyber-resilience-act

Compliance Lessons From Temu’s $2M Settlement With the FTC 

Consider writing about:

A recent $2 million settlement that the operator of online marketplace Temu will pay to resolve allegations by the Federal Trade Commission that the company violated the INFORM Consumers Act of 2023; specific company actions or compliance lapses at issue; what to know about the INFORM Consumers Act and key obligations or enforcement trends involving that Act; what other online marketplaces may be able to learn from the Temu case.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/232-3096-whaleco-inc-dba-temu-us-v

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/online-marketplace-temu-pay-2-million-penalty-alleged-inform-act-violations

Are TCPA Changes Ahead? 

Consider writing about:

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted by the Federal Communications Commission at its Oct. 28 meeting; what the proposals could mean for Telephone Consumer Protection Act requirements, consumer rights, and business obligations; what potentially affected businesses should know about the FCC rulemaking process, the proposals’ status, and the potential timeline for implementation of any changes.

Related information:

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-25-76A1.pdf

California Tightens Data Breach Notification Requirements 

Consider writing about:

Data breach disclosure requirements for companies doing business in California; how the requirements are changing under recently signed legislation (Senate Bill 446); when the changes are set to take place; potential penalties for non-compliance; exceptions to the requirements.

Related information:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB446