All Perspectives

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a recent discussion at SupplySide Connect in Secaucus, Associate Mario Torrico addressed the impact of tariffs on global supply chains.

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

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

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

Consumer Products Co-Leader Katia Asche discussed California’s Assembly Bill 728, which seeks to ban the sale of over-the-counter skincare products containing retinol and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to minors under the age of 18.

FDA Practice Leader and Agriculture & AgTech Industry Leader Karen Carr will moderate a fireside chat on agriculture policy at AgBio 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 9.

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

Partner David Greenberg was quoted on a series of patient lawsuits challenging the alleged use of artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms by health insurers, commenting on the potential hazards of insurers using the technology.

Government Relations Partner Elizabeth Horner will present on a panel titled “Drafting Legislation” in Washington, DC, on April 8, 2025, as part of a National Academies workshop.

Join Mario Torrico for a panel at SupplySide Connect New Jersey.

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

The Consulate General of Finland featured Partner Jon Jurva, Finnish Honorary Consul in Chicago, highlighting his contributions to supporting diplomatic and cultural ties between Finland and the United States.

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

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

Health Care Partner Debra Albin-Riley will participate in a session titled “Emerging Medical Staff Trends” at the California Society for Healthcare Attorneys’ (CSHA) 2025 Annual Meeting & Spring Seminar on April 6, 2025.

James Kim was quoted on how the Trump Administration’s new 25% tariffs on cars and auto parts are prompting automakers and suppliers to reassess the North American automotive supply chain.

On March 25, ArentFox Schiff obtained a renewed preliminary injunction in federal court in Iowa preventing the enforcement of an Iowa law providing for the removal of books from school and classroom libraries.

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