Alerts

On February 11, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a settlement agreement and $252 million civil penalty against California-based Applied Materials Inc. and its subsidiary Applied Materials Korea, Ltd.

Fully autonomous vehicles (i.e., those that can operate on public roads without a human driver, SAE level 4), now mostly in the form of ride-hailing services, are becoming ubiquitous in urban areas across the nation as manufacturers and operators look to expand their services and gain market share.

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina has captivated the world, but not just for the athletic feats on display.

Gift card cash redemption laws — also known as “cash-out” laws — require retailers to refund the remaining balance on a gift card in cash when that balance falls below a specified dollar threshold. These consumer protection statutes are designed to prevent small, unusable balances from becoming “breakage” that benefits the retailer rather than the consumer. Several states have enacted such laws, each with varying thresholds and requirements.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

The plaintiff, NEXT Payment Solutions, Inc., designs and develops customer service software. The defendant, CLEAResult Consulting, Inc., provides North American utilities with energy efficiency programs and services for utility customers, including the opportunity to schedule in-home appointments for services like home energy-efficiency assessments.

A recent Michigan federal court decision emphasizes the need to review the separateness of corporate entities so that operational issues associated with one entity do not result in potential exposure for others.

After months of anticipation, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has issued its long-awaited opinion on the legality of the tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA or the Act), and the decision should be a landmark victory for importers.

A federal court’s recent ruling shields members of a national trade association from Oregon’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program pending trial, raising constitutional questions that could affect similar programs in other states.

When most consumer product companies think about the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they think recalls and injury prevention.

Welcome to the February 2026 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.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Lot, Kevin E. Timson speaks with Zach Kuzemka, CEO of NBB, about the current state of the dealership buy-sell market, with a focus on the need to “grow or go,” bring in outside capital, optimize rooftop mix, and implement long-term succession plans and estate plans.

Family offices enter 2026 amid structural changes across tax policy, fiduciary law, and regulatory administration. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or OB3) resets key elements of the private wealth landscape, while cautionary tales lurk in marital trust planning and recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) challenges to grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs).

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released detailed payment amounts, performance targets, and reporting requirements for the Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) Model, applicable to care periods beginning July 5 through December 31, 2027.

On February 5, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it will now allow food companies to use “no artificial colors” claims when foods do not contain any food, drug, and cosmetic (FD&C)-certified synthetic colors, shifting away from the historical view that such claims were only appropriate where no color was added at all.

The ArentFox Schiff Hospitality team reviews 10 of the most pressing legal issues for hospitality companies for 2026.

While enforcement may have taken a backseat to other trade priorities in 2025, this year may be poised to bring a swift and aggressive return to form, particularly if the tariff landscape begins to stabilize.

Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries

2026 brings cautious, steady progress in a continually evolving regulatory and commercial landscape. Stakeholders should expect ongoing change across policy, markets, compliance, and enforcement, creating both risks and opportunities for teams that plan ahead and adapt quickly.

On February 12, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the elimination of EPA’s 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding and all subsequent federal GHG emission standards for vehicle model years 2012 and newer — a move that will dramatically limit federal government engagement on climate issues.

On February 3, President Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding package into law just hours after the House passed the Senate’s amended version of the FY2026 appropriations package, H.R. 7148, ending a brief partial government shutdown that began in the early hours of January 31.

Massachusetts proposed amendments to the regulations that govern skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Here is what operators, real property owners, and investors need to know as they acquire facilities, change managers, and navigate licensure renewals in Massachusetts.

On January 22, 2026, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division’s Fraud Section released its 2025 Year in Review (the Report), detailing its enforcement efforts and priorities.

The popular perception that we are in a relaxed federal enforcement environment should not lull businesses into taking their foot off the gas on compliance activities.

In the latest episode of “Tax Stuff You Should Know,” hosts Bob Pluth and Gene Magidenko unpack the CFM Insurance decision, spotlighting the complexities of captive insurance arrangements and the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) scrutiny of them.