Between the Lines Blog
What is the Definition of a Trade Secret Under Federal Law?
October 9, 2024
by Devin R. Bates
Understanding the definition of a trade secret under federal law is crucial for businesses looking to protect their valuable information. Trade secrets are also defined by state law. While there is no single, universal definition of a trade secret across all states, most states have enacted a…
What Federal Laws Protect Trade Secrets?
October 2, 2024
by Devin R. Bates
In the world of business, safeguarding your company’s valuable information is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. One of the most important assets a company can have is its trade secrets. But what exactly are trade secrets, and how do they differ from other types of confidential information…
When The (IRS Refund) Check Isn't In the Mail
September 16, 2024
by Anton L. Janik, Jr.
A recent spate of mail thefts has left the IRS holding the bag when taxpayer refunds have failed to reach those taxpayers. Congress has begun looking into these thefts. Some have occurred from USPS employee theft, but others arise from outside intervening actors. According to an August 27, 2024…
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Summer 2024 Meeting Summary
The Mitchell Williams Insurance Regulatory team of lawyers recently attended the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Summer 2024 National Meeting which was held in Chicago, Illinois. We have prepared a summary of the open sessions conducted over the course of the meeting…
Adopting Generative AI? Key Contract Considerations for Healthy Due Diligence
August 26, 2024
by Devin R. Bates
As generative AI continues to be a hot topic in board rooms and an unavoidable reality on the front lines of business, leaders must make informed decisions when choosing AI vendors. The integration of AI into your operations can offer substantial benefits, but it also introduces unique risks and…
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law Blog
Criminal Enforcement/Lead Service Line Replacement: U.S. Department of Justice Charges Two New Jersey Individuals with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) filed a criminal complaint against Michael Sawyer and Latronia Sanders of New Jersey for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The alleged wire fraud is stated to have been in connection with the Newark Lead Service Line Service…
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: Baltimore City Council Enacts Prohibition
The Baltimore, Maryland City Council has enacted a bill that would ban “gas-powered debris removal equipment”. See Council Bill 23-0367. The Baltimore Mayor is expected to sign the bill. City Council Bill 23-0367 would prohibit the use of gas-powered debris removal equipment in the City of…
Wastewater Enforcement: Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Cowhide Cove Recreation Area) Enter into Consent Administrative Order
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment – Division of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) entered into a September 25th Consent Administrative Order (“CAO”) addressing an alleged violation of a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge…
Greenhouse Gas Emissions/Pollution Exclusion: Hawaii Supreme Court Addresses Insurance Coverage Issue Arising in Climate Change Litigation
The Supreme Court of the State of Hawaii (“Hawaiian Court”) addressed in an October 7th Opinion an insurance coverage issue arising in a climate litigation matter. See Aloha Petroleum, Ltd. vs. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, et al., SCCQ-23-0000515. The Court addressed…
Fort Smith Property/Cold Storage Warehouse: Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment - Division of Environmental Quality and Arkansas Refrigerated Services, Inc. Enter into Elective Site Cleanup Agreement
The Arkansas of Energy and Environment – Division of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) and Arkansas Refrigerated Services, Inc. (“ARS”) entered into an October 2nd Elective Site Cleanup Agreement (“ESCA”). See LIS No. 24-146. The ESCA addresses a property located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The ESCA in…