Featured Stories
Ropes and Gray: Novo Signs Hengrui Pharma Oral Obesity Drug Licensing Deal Up to $2.6 Billion
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 30 -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Novo Signs Hengrui Pharma Oral Obesity Drug Licensing Deal up to $2.6 Billion
September 29, 2026
Novo has entered into a licensing agreement with Shanghai-based Hengrui Pharma for HRS-1596, a drug candidate with potential for once-weekly oral dosing for obesity and diabetes in a deal worth up to $2.6 billion. The transaction was announced on September 29 and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Under the agreement, Novo will obtain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 30 -- Ropes and Gray, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Novo Signs Hengrui Pharma Oral Obesity Drug Licensing Deal up to $2.6 Billion
September 29, 2026
Novo has entered into a licensing agreement with Shanghai-based Hengrui Pharma for HRS-1596, a drug candidate with potential for once-weekly oral dosing for obesity and diabetes in a deal worth up to $2.6 billion. The transaction was announced on September 29 and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Under the agreement, Novo will obtain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercializeHRS-1596 outside of Greater China. The potential total value of the agreement is up to $2.6 billion contingent on the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones.
This includes a $300 million upfront payment. Hengrui Pharma is eligible to receive royalties based on net sales of HRS-1596 within the licensing territory.
The drug candidate is designed to reduce weight and improve glycemic control through multiple mechanisms, including appetite suppression, stimulation of insulin secretion, and improved insulin sensitivity, supporting its potential use in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases.
The Ropes & Gray team was led by life sciences licensing partner Hannah England and associate Ian Nilsen and included life sciences partner Katherine Wang and associate Sabrina Kim.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ropesgray.com/en/news-and-events/news/2026/09/novo-signs-hengrui-pharma-oral-obesity-drug-licensing-deal
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Littler's 2026 Labor Survey Report
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 30 (TNSrpt) -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Littler's 2026 Labor Survey Report
Survey of 665 executives reveals how AI, multigenerational workforces and communication challenges are impacting labor relations strategies
September 29, 2026
U.S. employers are navigating a range of thorny issues that impact their labor relations strategies, from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and multigenerational workforces to increasingly aggressive collective bargaining tactics and work stoppages. Yet regulatory whiplash and short-term cost
... Show Full Article
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Sept. 30 (TNSrpt) -- Littler, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Littler's 2026 Labor Survey Report
Survey of 665 executives reveals how AI, multigenerational workforces and communication challenges are impacting labor relations strategies
September 29, 2026
U.S. employers are navigating a range of thorny issues that impact their labor relations strategies, from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and multigenerational workforces to increasingly aggressive collective bargaining tactics and work stoppages. Yet regulatory whiplash and short-term costpressures can make it difficult for employers to act on employee relations and engagement initiatives that can effectively mitigate risk.
Littler's 2026 Labor Survey Report explores how in-house lawyers, human resources (HR) professionals and business leaders are evolving labor relations approaches and adapting employee engagement initiatives in the current landscape. The report's second edition draws on responses from 665 executives at organizations that span a range of sizes and industry types and represent both unionized and nonunionized workplaces.
Key Findings
* Nine percent of employers feel "very prepared" for AI's impact on labor relations. This comes as most respondents (87%) expect unions to use employee fears about AI displacing or changing jobs to fuel organizing interest over the next 12 months.
* Only 29% of employers have updated their labor relations strategies since the start of 2025. Over that same period, 30% of employers saw employees become more vocal or disruptive on social media and 24% saw the same in public forums. Additionally, fewer than half of employers' labor relations plans address business and operational changes that carry workforce impacts (47%), communications and media strategy (42%) and AI strategy (32%).
* Employers are investing in employee engagement strategies and are attuned to the challenges of managing a multigenerational workforce. The vast majority of respondents (96%) say their organizations have focused on improving engagement with employees over the past year and 87% are tailoring their communication and engagement approaches to the preferences and styles of a multigenerational workforce.
The full survey report examines these and other findings in detail, including sector-specific findings in healthcare, retail/hospitality and manufacturing, and differences among large organizations and those with and without unionized employees.
* * *
Authors
Jonathan O. Levine
Shareholder
Milwaukee
jlevine@littler.com
* * *
Brooke E. Niedecken
Shareholder
Columbus
bniedecken@littler.com
* * *
Brendan Fitzgerald
Shareholder
Columbus
bfitzgerald@littler.com
* * *
REPORT: https://www.littler.com/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026_littler_labor_survey_report.pdf?rlg4jgy740e
* * *
Original text here: https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/littler-report/littler-labor-survey-report-2026
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Hughes Hubbard Advises Cote D'Ivoire on Energy Infrastructure Projects With Power32
NEW YORK, Sept. 30 -- Hughes Hubbard and Reed, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
September 29, 2026
Hughes Hubbard Advises Cote d'Ivoire on Energy Infrastructure Projects with Power32
Projects support Cote d'Ivoire's energy security and power generation goals.
Highlights
* Advised Cote d'Ivoire on two strategic energy infrastructure projects with Power32 to strengthen electricity generation and natural gas supply.
* Assisted with the structuring, negotiation and implementation of a 225 MW floating power plant, as well as a LNG storage and regasification project near Abidjan.
*
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 30 -- Hughes Hubbard and Reed, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
September 29, 2026
Hughes Hubbard Advises Cote d'Ivoire on Energy Infrastructure Projects with Power32
Projects support Cote d'Ivoire's energy security and power generation goals.
Highlights
* Advised Cote d'Ivoire on two strategic energy infrastructure projects with Power32 to strengthen electricity generation and natural gas supply.
* Assisted with the structuring, negotiation and implementation of a 225 MW floating power plant, as well as a LNG storage and regasification project near Abidjan.
*Negotiated key concession, supply, operating and guarantee agreements supporting the country's long-term energy security and infrastructure development.
-
Hughes Hubbard advised Cote d'Ivoire on two critical infrastructure projects with Power32, as part of the West African country's drive to reinforce its electricity production capacity and secure a reliable supply of natural gas for its energy needs.
The projects involve the supply and operation by Power32 of a 225 MW floating power plant to be moored off Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the supply and operation of a floating unit for the storage of liquefied natural gas and an on-land regasification facility, together with associated infrastructure and pipelines.
Hughes Hubbard assisted the state on the structuring of the projects and the negotiation and finalization of the project contracts, including concession agreements, supply and operating agreements, and associated guarantees.
Power32 is a clean energy company backed by global petrochemical and energy company Proman that develops methanol-fueled power and heat generation solutions.
Sena Agbayissah and Rhidian David led the Hughes Hubbard team.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hugheshubbard.com/news-insights/news/hughes-hubbard-advises-cote-d-ivoire-on-energy-infrastructure-projects-with-power32
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Advises FNM on Euros80 Million EIB Financing Backed by a SACE Guarantee to Support the Development of Hydrogen Mobility
NEW YORK, Sept. 30 -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises FNM on Euros80 million EIB financing backed by a SACE guarantee to support the development of hydrogen mobility
29 Sep 2026
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised FNM S.p.A. (FNM) on the execution of an Euros80 million financing facility with the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at supporting a significant investment programme in sustainable mobility across the Lombardy region.
The transaction, supported by InvestEU and SACE's Archimede Guarantee,
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 30 -- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, a law firm, issued the following news:
* * *
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advises FNM on Euros80 million EIB financing backed by a SACE guarantee to support the development of hydrogen mobility
29 Sep 2026
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised FNM S.p.A. (FNM) on the execution of an Euros80 million financing facility with the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at supporting a significant investment programme in sustainable mobility across the Lombardy region.
The transaction, supported by InvestEU and SACE's Archimede Guarantee,will finance FNM Group projects related to the use of hydrogen in transportation, contributing to the energy transition and the development of a more modern and sustainable transport system in Italy.
The facility has a final maturity of 15 years from utilisation, with an availability period of 36 months from signing, and will be repaid on an amortising basis following a three-year grace period.
The financing agreement includes financial and non-financial covenants, conditions precedent and events of default in line with market practice for transactions of this nature. A SACE guarantee covering 50% of the financed amount has also been provided.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer acted for FNM with a team led by Emanuela Da Rin, Partner and Head of the Italian Banking & Finance team, together with Alessandro Buiani, Senior Associate.
* * *
URL: FNM
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hsfkramer.com/news/2026-09/hsf-kramer-advises-fnm-on-80-million-eib-financing-backed-by-a-sace-guarantee-to-support-the-development-of-hydrogen-mobility
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Clark Hill: Petitions Put Chinese Wooden Fence Pickets at Risk of Duties Near 300 Percent
BIRMINGHAM, Michigan, Sept. 30 -- Clark Hill, a law firm, issued the following legal update:
* * *
New Petitions Put Chinese Wooden Fence Pickets at Risk of Duties Near 300 Percent
September 28, 2026
Authors
Mark R. Ludwikowski , Kelsey J. Christensen , R. Kevin Williams , Ashley Gifford
New Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions
On September 24, 2026, U.S. producers filed antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions covering certain wooden fence pickets from China. The petitions allege dumping margins of 111.87% to 295.89% and subsidies above the de minimis level. These
... Show Full Article
BIRMINGHAM, Michigan, Sept. 30 -- Clark Hill, a law firm, issued the following legal update:
* * *
New Petitions Put Chinese Wooden Fence Pickets at Risk of Duties Near 300 Percent
September 28, 2026
Authors
Mark R. Ludwikowski , Kelsey J. Christensen , R. Kevin Williams , Ashley Gifford
New Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Petitions
On September 24, 2026, U.S. producers filed antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions covering certain wooden fence pickets from China. The petitions allege dumping margins of 111.87% to 295.89% and subsidies above the de minimis level. Theseare allegations, not duties now in force or rates that Commerce has calculated. If the investigations proceed and Commerce makes affirmative preliminary determinations, U.S. importers could face cash deposit requirements on covered entries as early as December 2026 for CVD and March 2027 for AD, subject to changes in the schedule.
The proposed scope reaches finished and unfinished pickets made from several wood species, in a range of shapes, with a finished thickness of no more than 1 inch, width of no more than 12 inches, and length of at least 3 feet. Painting, staining, treatment, and certain processing in a third country do not necessarily take a product outside the scope. The proposed exclusions include pickets made exclusively of specified wood species and products covered by the existing China wood mouldings and millwork orders. The product description, rather than the tariff classification alone, controls.
Importers, retailers, distributors, and their Chinese suppliers should review the proposed scope against their actual products and supply chains now. An affirmative preliminary finding could change landed costs and cash flow while orders and shipments are still in the pipeline. The agencies have not yet determined whether the domestic industry is injured or whether the alleged dumping and subsidies exist.
Proposed Product Scope
The petitions propose the following scope language. Commerce may revise the scope during the investigations:
The scope of this investigation includes certain wooden fence pickets, finished and unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled. Wooden fence pickets included in this scope are typically made from Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar or Sugi), but can also be made from other wood species, including but not limited to Western Red Cedar, Redwood, Incense Cedar, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese Fir). Wooden fence pickets are included within the scope of this investigation regardless of form or shape, including, but not limited to, square, pointed, dog ear, flat top, and gothic.
The finished products covered by the scope of this investigation have the following dimensions: a thickness of no more than 1 inch, a width of no more than 12 inches, and a length of at least 3 feet. The products covered by the scope are typically a length of 5 feet, 6 feet, or 8 feet when finished.
Wooden fence pickets are included within the scope of the investigation regardless of whether they have been painted, stained, pressure-treated, or otherwise coated or treated. Subject merchandise also includes wooden fence pickets that have been further processed in a third country, including but not limited to trimming, cutting, notching, sanding, planing, or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of the investigation if performed in the country of manufacture of the in-scope product.
Excluded from the scope of the investigation are wooden fence pickets made exclusively of bamboo, Brazilian Pine (Parana pine), or Southern Yellow Pine (including Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata), Slash Pine (Pinus ellioti), Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris), or Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)).
Also excluded from the scope of the investigation are wood mouldings and millwork products covered by the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on wood mouldings and millwork products from China. See Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People 's Republic of China, 86 Fed. Reg. 9486 (Dep't Commerce Feb. 16, 2021) (amended final antidumping duty determination and antidumping duty order); Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People 's Republic of China, 86 Fed. Reg. 9484 (Dep't Commerce Feb. 16, 2021) (countervailing duty order).
Imports of subject merchandise are typically classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) statistical numbers 4404.10.00.40, 4407.19.00.92, 4421.99.70.20, and 4421.99.70.40. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.
Alleged Margins and Named Companies
The petitions identify certain Chinese producers and exporters and U.S. importers. Being named does not establish that a company's products are covered; being absent from the lists does not establish that they are excluded. Companies should review their merchandise and supplier relationships against the proposed scope. Clark Hill can provide the lists identified in the petitions.
The petitioners allege the following margins. Commerce will calculate any applicable deposit rates during its investigations:
- China: alleged AD margins of 111.87% to 295.89%; alleged CVD subsidies above de minimis, without a proposed numerical CVD rate.
How the Investigations Proceed
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will first decide whether there is a reasonable indication of material injury or threat of material injury to the U.S. industry. A negative preliminary injury finding would end the investigations. If the ITC's finding is affirmative, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) will investigate dumping and subsidization and calculate any AD and CVD rates. Final duties require affirmative final determinations from both agencies.
If the investigations continue, Commerce's preliminary CVD and AD determinations are estimated for December 18, 2026, and March 3, 2027, respectively. Following an affirmative preliminary determination, cash deposits generally begin on covered entries as of publication of that determination in the Federal Register. A critical circumstances finding can, under specified conditions, extend duty exposure up to 90 days before that publication. The dates are estimates and may be extended; the petitioners' alleged margins are not the deposit rates.
What Importers and Chinese Suppliers Should Do Now
U.S. importers should compare specifications, species, dimensions, and processing history for each product with the proposed scope; identify the manufacturer and exporter; and map open orders and expected entry dates. Review landed cost and cash flow scenarios using possible AD and CVD deposits, without treating the petitioners' estimates as the eventual rates.
Chinese producers and exporters should preserve product, sales, production, and subsidy records, identify related companies, and prepare for possible Commerce questionnaires. In a China AD investigation, timely separate rate applications may be important for exporters seeking a rate distinct from the China-wide rate. The agency's initiation notice and subsequent questionnaires will set actual filing deadlines.
Both sides should review pricing and duty allocation terms in supply contracts and decide promptly whether to present product scope or injury arguments. The indicative schedule below is subject to agency notices and extensions.
Approximate Key Dates/*
Antidumping Duty Investigation
Event ... No. of Days ... Date of Action
Petition Filed ... 0 ... 9/24/2026
DOC Initiation Date ... 20 ... 10/14/2026
DOC Separate Rate Applications ... To be set ... To be announced
DOC Q&V Questionnaires ... To be set ... To be announced
ITC Preliminary Determination ... 45 ... 11/9/2026
DOC Preliminary AD Determination ... 160 ... 3/3/2027
DOC Final AD Determination ... 235 ... 5/17/2027
ITC Final AD Determination ... 280 ... 7/1/2027
DOC AD Publication of Order ... 287 ... 7/8/2027
Countervailing Duty Investigation
Event ... No. of Days ... Date of Action
Petition Filed ... 0 ... 9/24/2026
DOC Initiation Date ... 20 ... 10/14/2026
DOC Q&V Questionnaires ... To be set ... To be announced
ITC Preliminary Determination ... 45 ... 11/9/2026
DOC Preliminary CVD Determination ... 85 ... 12/18/2026
DOC Hearing Request Deadline (if applicable) ... To be set ... To be announced
DOC Final CVD Determination ... 160 ... 3/3/2027
ITC Final CVD Determination ... 205 ... 4/19/2027
DOC CVD Publication of Order ... 212 ... 4/26/2027
*/ All deadlines are approximate and are subject to change throughout the course of an investigation. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or Federal holiday are extended to the next business day, as shown above. Contact Clark Hill for current updates and details.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive future International Trade alerts directly to your inbox.
* * *
This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. The information in this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed herein represent those of the individual author(s) only and are not necessarily the views of Clark Hill PLC or Clark Hill Solicitors LLP. Although we attempt to ensure that postings on our website are complete, accurate, and up to date, we assume no responsibility for their completeness, accuracy, or timeliness.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.clarkhill.com/news-events/news/chinese-wooden-fence-pickets-ad-cvd-duty-petitions/
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Akin Gump: Sara McLean Discusses DOJ Cybersecurity Enforcement With Law360
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Sara McLean Discusses DOJ Cybersecurity Enforcement with Law360
September 29, 2026
Akin False Claims Act/qui tam defense partner Sara McLean is quoted by Law360 in an article titled, "DOJ Puts FCA Target On Health Data Security Lapses."
The article examines how the U.S. Department of Justice is using the False Claims Act to pursue entities that fail to meet cybersecurity obligations, particularly those involving sensitive health information.
Drawing on her experience as a former Assistant Director in
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Sara McLean Discusses DOJ Cybersecurity Enforcement with Law360
September 29, 2026
Akin False Claims Act/qui tam defense partner Sara McLean is quoted by Law360 in an article titled, "DOJ Puts FCA Target On Health Data Security Lapses."
The article examines how the U.S. Department of Justice is using the False Claims Act to pursue entities that fail to meet cybersecurity obligations, particularly those involving sensitive health information.
Drawing on her experience as a former Assistant Director inthe DOJ's Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section), Sara emphasizes that the DOJ's Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative remains a significant enforcement priority.
"Claims are false because of failure to comply with cybersecurity obligations, not because disaster struck. Disaster can strike whether a company is or is not complying with the cybersecurity obligations, and that's something that's well recognized within government," says Sara.
Read the full article here (https://www.law360.com/articles/2531342).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/media-mentions/sara-mclean-discusses-doj-cybersecurity-enforcement-with-law360
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Akerman: Donnie M. King, Eric D. Coleman, Reginald E. Janvier, and Cherly Lucien Analyze AI Capability Risk in Chambers AI & Intellectual Property 2026 Guide
MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 30 -- Akerman, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Donnie M. King, Eric D. Coleman, Reginald E. Janvier, and Cherly Lucien Analyze AI Capability Risk in Chambers AI & Intellectual Property 2026 Guide
September 29, 2026
Akerman Litigation Practice Group Partners Donnie M. King and Eric D. Coleman and Associates Reginald E. Janvier and Cherly Lucien contributed the chapter "AI Capability Claims Under Scrutiny: IP, Disclosure and Governance Risk" to the Chambers AI & Intellectual Property 2026 Guide, one of the world's most widely distributed international
... Show Full Article
MIAMI, Florida, Sept. 30 -- Akerman, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Donnie M. King, Eric D. Coleman, Reginald E. Janvier, and Cherly Lucien Analyze AI Capability Risk in Chambers AI & Intellectual Property 2026 Guide
September 29, 2026
Akerman Litigation Practice Group Partners Donnie M. King and Eric D. Coleman and Associates Reginald E. Janvier and Cherly Lucien contributed the chapter "AI Capability Claims Under Scrutiny: IP, Disclosure and Governance Risk" to the Chambers AI & Intellectual Property 2026 Guide, one of the world's most widely distributed internationallegal guides. The chapter offers general counsel and senior executives a practical framework for managing the converging risks that AI capability claims create across intellectual property, securities disclosure, and corporate governance.
The authors explain that AI capability disputes rarely arise in isolation. Exposure typically surfaces when there is a gap between how a company describes its AI publicly and the underlying reality of what it owns, how it works, and what role it actually plays in the business. They examine the intellectual property layer first, addressing what proprietary AI claims actually assert, the risks of overstating ownership of licensed or third-party technology, the evolving law on training data and copyright, and the question of who owns the intellectual property in what AI itself produces.
Building on that foundation, the authors turn to "operational AI-washing," their term for an emerging theory under which plaintiffs may try to frame AI-driven workforce reductions and restructurings as securities fraud when internal records diverge from public messaging. They explain that the documentary record is often decisive: a consistent story across board materials and public statements strengthens the defense, while a gap between the two can become the foundation of a plaintiff's case. The authors also examine the board's Caremark duty of oversight in the AI era, offering practical guidance on how directors can build governance structures that are both effective and defensible.
The authors close with practical protocols for managing AI capability risk, including conducting vendor and licensing diligence, documenting the sources of training data, separating historical facts from forward-looking projections in public disclosures, and designating formal board committee ownership of AI oversight. They note that as state and international AI regulations continue to advance, the pressure on companies to maintain rigorous, consistent records is only increasing.
Read the full chapter here (https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/ai-intellectual-property-2026/usa-florida/trends-and-developments).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.akerman.com/en/firm/newsroom/donnie-m-king-eric-d-coleman-reginald-e-janvier-and-cherly-lucien-analyze-ai-capability-risk-in-chambers-ai-and-intellectual-property-2026-guide.html
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
