Between the Lines Blog
What is Not a Trade Secret Under Federal Law?
October 16, 2024
by Devin R. Bates
If the secrecy of certain confidential information is compromised, it may lose its status as a trade secret. Courts will not recognize information as a trade secret if it has become generally available, is commonly used within an industry, or has become outdated. While the facts and circumstances…
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…
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law Blog
PFAS/Safe Drinking Water Act: American Water Works Association Opening Brief Challenging U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Drinking Water Regulations
The American Water Works Association (“AWWA”) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (“ASMWA”) have filed their Opening Brief in a challenge to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) regulations setting National Primary Drinking…
Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission Meeting – Friday, October 25
The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission (“Commission”) is the environmental policy-making body for Arkansas. The Commission, with certain exceptions, meets on a monthly basis. The Commission will meet Friday, October 25th, at 10 a.m. in the Commission Room located at the Arkansas…
Air Enforcement: Alabama Department of Environmental Management and Talladega County Automobile Manufacturing Plant Enter into Consent Order
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (“ADEM”) and Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC (“Honda”) entered into a October 9th Consent Order (“CO”) addressing an alleged violation of an Air Permit. See Consent Order No. 25-___-CAP. The CO provides that Honda operates an…
GreenBlue/The Recycling Partnership: Organizations Announce Development of U.S. Community Recycling Program Acceptance Data
The organizations GreenBlue and The Recycling Partnership (“Partnership”) announced on September 23rd the release of its U.S. Community Recycling Program Acceptance Data (“Acceptance Data”). The Acceptance Data is stated to be powered by the Partnership’s National Recycling Database. The Acceptance…
Hazardous Waste Enforcement: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Richmond, Missouri Epoxy Manufacturing Facility Enter into Consent Agreement
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and Arnette Polymers, LLC (“Arnette”) entered into an August 19th Consent Agreement and Final Order (“CAFO”) addressing alleged violations of the Missouri hazardous waste regulations. See Docket No. RCRA-07-2024-0079. The CAFO provides that…