RopesTalk

On this episode of Ropes & Gray's ITC-focused podcast series, Talkin' Trade, IP litigators Matt Rizzolo, Matt Shapiro, and Lara Ameri break down the ITC’s recent decision in Investigation No. 337-TA-1352, a case involving trade secret misappropriation in the pharmaceutical sector. The discussion covers the procedural twists of the 100-day program, the Commission’s findings on domestic industry and threatened injury, and the remedies imposed—including a seven-year limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders. The team also highlights key takeaways for companies navigating trade secret disputes at the ITC, including the standards for proving injury and the impact of competing products in the market.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, licensing and collaboration partner Hannah England and antitrust partner Lisa Kaltenbrunner discuss how EU antitrust rules impact non-competes and other exclusivity provisions in collaboration agreements, license agreements, and asset acquisitions. They explain why these rules apply even to U.S. companies, outline the key differences between collaboration and license agreements, and highlight the risks of non-compliance, such as unenforceability and regulatory scrutiny. The conversation offers practical guidance on structuring non-compete clauses to align with EU competition law.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partner Michael Lampert and counsel Sam Perrone, and litigation & enforcement partner Andrew O’Connor, rejoin to discuss patient assistance programs, recent enforcement actions, and related regulatory considerations. The conversation covers the legal framework governing these programs, including the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”), Civil Monetary Penalties Law (“CMPL”), and False Claims Act (“FCA”). They focus on recent settlements and agency actions, and highlight key factors that influence regulatory outcomes for patient assistance programs.

On this retrospective episode of the Culture & Compliance Chronicles podcast, Amanda Raad and Nitish Upadhyaya from Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab, and Richard Bistrong of Front-Line Anti-Bribery, reflect on the key themes and insights from season one. They emphasize the importance of culture in driving compliance and regulatory practices, highlighting discussions with various guests who shared their experiences and strategies. Key themes include the significance of contextualizing culture, humanizing compliance, and using data intentionally to inform decisions. The hosts also share practical tips and exercises for maintaining focus and creativity in the compliance space. As they look forward to the next season, they challenge the community to bring new ideas and perspectives to the conversation. Tune in to hear their reflections and stay curious about the evolving landscape of business, compliance and culture.

Michelle DiMartino, a cultural psychologist newly at the Insights Lab, discusses the intricacies of AI adoption in corporate environments. She highlights how high-pressure situations push people towards mental shortcuts, impacting decision-making. The conversation delves into the technological foundations of generative AI and the biases it can carry from historical data. DiMartino emphasizes the importance of a supportive organizational culture for effective AI rollout, balancing risks with opportunities while addressing legal implications.

On this Ropes & Gray podcast, health care partner Michael Lampert and counsel Sam Perrone are joined by litigation & enforcement partner Andrew O’Connor for a two-part discussion, with this first episode focused on recent enforcement activity and broker arrangements in the Medicare Advantage (“MA”) space. They delve into the Oak Street settlement, the Office of Inspector General’s (“OIG”) Special Fraud Alert, and a recent Department of Justice (“DOJ”) False Claims Act (“FCA”) suit against major Medicare Advantage plans and brokers. The conversation covers the complex regulatory framework governing broker arrangements, the implications of recent enforcement actions, and practical takeaways for providers. Listen in for an insightful analysis of these critical issues affecting the health care industry, and stay tuned for part two, where the focus will shift to enforcement in the patient assistance program space.

On this episode of the R&G Dugout podcast, Ropes & Gray intellectual property transactions partner and a leader of the firm’s sports industry initiative Erica Han is joined by tax attorneys Gil Ghatan, Kendi Ozmon and Franziska Hertel, who lead the firm’s tax-exempt organizations practice. Together, they discuss the tax implications of the House v. NCAA settlement, including the rules that permit colleges and universities to pay student athletes for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Tune in to understand the compliance challenges for schools seeking to create opportunities for their student athletes and athletics programs through NIL deals.

On this episode of Ropes & Gray’s Alumni @ RopesTalk podcast, employment, executive compensation, and benefits partner Megan Bisk is joined by alum Dan Krockmalnic, chief operating officer and general counsel at Boston Globe Media. Dan shares his journey from Big Law to his current leadership role, discussing his transition from litigation associate to COO and GC, his experiences producing award-winning content like Murder in Boston, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Tune in to hear Dan's insights on career development, the importance of mentorship, and his advice for young lawyers.

Nicole Rose, a compliance specialist and creative artist from Australia, shares her innovative strategies for tackling compliance challenges. She emphasizes the power of 'moneyballing' by leveraging data-driven insights to create effective controls. Nicole advocates for humanizing compliance training, making it engaging and relevant for employees. She also discusses the importance of simplicity and nurturing relationships in compliance, reinforcing that creativity can significantly enhance the effectiveness of compliance approaches.

On this episode of Fully Invested, Ropes & Gray asset management partner Jessica Marlin and capital markets counsel Marc Rotter discuss ’34 Act Registered Private Funds. These funds register under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and disclose information publicly, while remaining exempt from the Investment Company Act of 1940. Jessica and Marc explore the funds’ features and differences in comparison to traditional private funds.