Technology

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Clients across the spectrum of the technology industry turn to Covington’s Technology practice because of our ability to provide integrated, strategic, and business-oriented legal advice across the broad range of issues faced by technology companies today, and to advise them on their most significant transactions, disputes, and business challenges. We represent companies focused on:

Clients benefit from Covington’s extensive regulatory and policy, transactional, intellectual property, and litigation expertise, combined with our thorough understanding of the business and legal issues affecting technology companies facing challenges across the many dimensions of the global economy. Our deep technology industry bench includes more than 100 lawyers, many of whom hold advanced technical and scientific degrees.

Success Before ITC and PTAB on Behalf of Tessera

As recognized by The National Law Journal, Covington successfully represented Tessera at the ITC regarding a patent infringement dispute with Broadcom over semiconductor chips. This victory came on the heels of its effective represented before the PTAB. Tessera (Complainant): Certain Semiconductor devices, semiconductor device packages, and products containing same, USITC Inv. No. 337-TA-1010.

Autonomous Vehicles Law and Regulation

We advise manufacturers, technology companies and other stakeholders with respect to a range of legal issues associated with autonomous vehicles. For example, we advised an automotive bidder on a major government contract for a next-generation vehicle regarding NHTSA innovation-related exemptions and autonomous vehicle guidelines. We also advise a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer on NHTSA and CARB certification rules and autonomous vehicle guidelines.

Presidential Order Protecting Qualcomm from Hostile Takeover

Our team led the successful CFIUS-based defense of Qualcomm against the hostile takeover bid by Broadcom, the largest hostile takeover (valued at $121 billion) ever attempted in the semiconductor sector. Our efforts helped secure a U.S. Presidential order compelling Broadcom to "immediately and permanently abandon" its proposed hostile takeover of Qualcomm, based on findings by CFIUS that Broadcom's takeover "threatens to impair the national security of the United States."

NBA in Live Virtual Reality Streaming with NextVR

We represented the NBA in a multi-year deal to stream live NBA games in virtual reality in a partnership with NextVR, which will become the official live virtual reality partner of the NBA. During the 2016-2017 season, live VR games will first be available to NBA League Pass subscribers, with single-game purchase opportunities to follow for all VR consumers as the NextVR app becomes available on new VR devices.

IPR Proceeding Victory on Behalf of Texas Instruments

Representation of Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) as petitioner in an IPR proceeding relating to monolithic battery chargers. In a clean sweep victory in a patent office trial, the patent owner, Unifi Scientific Batteries (USB) ultimately requested judgment in TI’s favor. USB had sued TI in the Eastern District of Texas, alleging infringement of its patent directed to monolithic battery chargers. Covington filed a petition on behalf of TI in the Patent Office seeking invalidation of 16 claims. One week before oral argument, USB filed a Request for Adverse Judgment, disclaiming all of the 16 challenged claims. The Patent Office granted the Request and entered the judgment, successfully ending the trial. Covington also represented TI in the co-pending litigation, which settled successfully.

Major Victory for Atmel in Patent Dispute

Representation of Atmel in a major victory where plaintiff Agere claimed that Atmel infringed four semiconductor patents, including what it touted as its key tungsten patents, and sought damages of approximately $200 million as well as enhancement for claimed willful infringement. After a three-week trial, the jury returned a verdict in Atmel’s favor; invalidating the tungsten patents, finding the fourth not infringed as well as invalid, and awarding Agere no damages.

Representation of Microsoft in Landmark Case Involving Data Stored Abroad

Successfully challenged U.S. government warrant seeking data stored in Ireland. After a favorable decision from the Second Circuit—and while the Supreme Court was reviewing the case—Congress enacted the CLOUD Act, a modernized framework for cross-border data requests. See United States v. Microsoft Corporation, No. 17-2 (U.S.).

Advising Large Public Companies and Investors on Corporate Governance Matters

Represented boards in the pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, health insurance, home equipment, advertising, motor vehicles, network communications, and technology industries as well as hedge funds, public pension funds, and other investors with respect to corporate governance developments regarding board and committee composition, crisis management, cybersecurity, internal controls, shareholder proposals, proxy access, political spending, and other sensitive disclosures and similar matters.

Advised UK-based Clinical AI Company Sensyne Health

Advised Sensyne Health, a UK-based clinical AI company, on: a collaboration with Bayer to analyze patient data from the UK National Health Service using Sensyne’s clinical artificial intelligence platform and apply the findings to Bayer’s cardiovascular disease pipeline; Jefferson Health to evaluate the clinical and commercial potential of its GDm-Health™ system in the United States; novel strategic research and data processing; and agreements with the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Advised B.E.S.T. Funds in Equity Investment in Trak Global Group

B.E.S.T. Funds in its equity investment in UK telematics company Trak Global Group, a leading telematics supplier to the vehicle rental and mobility sector and insurers.B.E.S.T. Funds in its equity investment in UK telematics company Trak Global Group, a leading telematics supplier to the vehicle rental and mobility sector and insurers.

Case of first impression arising from an FMS contract

Represented a U.S. electronics manufacturer in federal trial and appellate courts against contract claims by a foreign sovereign government asserting third-party beneficiary rights under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract. The case raised issues of first impression under the Contract Disputes Act and Arms Export Control Act (AECA).

BSA in Major Domestic and International Copyright Law Reform Efforts

Advise Business Software Alliance in most of the major domestic and international copyright law reform efforts resulting from the advent of the digital age, including the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the WIPO Treaties, the EU Copyright Directive, the EU Software Directive, implementation of the TRIPS Agreement, and amendments to existing copyright laws in over 30 countries worldwide.

Copyright and Fair Use Advice and Counseling to Publishers

Provide general copyright and fair use advice and counseling to publishers such as the National Geographic Society, the Washington Post Company, and Zomba Music Publishing, to various television broadcast stations, and to a number of leading online business and media ventures including The Microsoft Network, USA Interactive, and the National Football League. Covington is also special intellectual property counsel to the Smithsonian Institution.

Cradle IP v. Texas Instruments

Covington successfully defended Texas Instruments in patent litigation alleging infringement by a broad array of digital signal processors sold by TI. After the District Court of Delaware granted TI’s motion for summary judgment of non-infringement regarding all accused products except one, the Federal Circuit granted a complete win to TI on appeal.

European counseling on distribution

We have significant experience advising clients on all aspects of their European commercialization networks, including the design and operation of exclusive and selective distribution systems, pricing/rebates, sales and rental channels, supply chain management, customer loyalty programs, dealer financing, central warehousing, consumer warranties, dealer termination, etc.

Multiple IPRs for Aristocrat Technologies Inc.

Representation of Aristocrat Technologies Inc. in patent infringement litigation brought by IGT on an array of patents directed to gaming devices. Covington prepared and filed IPR petitions on 11 patents, and Covington represented Aristocrat as the patent owner in four IPR proceedings initiated by IGT. The parties reached a favorable settlement ahead of the litigation.

Representation of Knappco in PTAB Proceedings

Representing Knappco, a subsidiary of Dover Corporation, in an IPR against CHS Inc. regarding systems and methods to reduce the potential for unintentional mixing of liquid types in tank systems. In The PTAB instituted proceedings on all claims on all grounds. The patent owner failed to file any responsive papers, and the PTAB entered adverse judgment against CHS cancelling all challenged claims.

Guidance to Governments on Telecommunications Matters

Advised governments on the privatization of telecom service providers, crafting regulations for the introductions of regulatory structures to foster competition in the telecommunications industry; drafted regulations governing telecom activities; and established a licensing and regulatory structure for the introduction of next-generation wireless telecommunications service.

Successful Representation of Samsung at the ITC, District Court, and PTAB

Representation of Samsung as petitioner in an ITC action and related district court action instituted by Black Hills Media, involving nine patents. In the ITC, Black Hills sought to preclude Samsung from importing hundreds of products into the U.S., including cell phones, tablets, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, and home theater systems. Following an evidentiary hearing, the ITC agreed that no Section 337 violation by Samsung had been proven and terminated the Investigation. While the ITC case was pending, the team also obtained a strategically important stay of the parallel E.D. Texas district court litigation, over the plaintiff’s objection, and despite the fact that the district court case involved several patents not at issue in the ITC. The district court case was ultimately dropped by Black Hills. Covington also prepared and prosecuted nine related inter partes review petitions. After oral argument in two of the proceedings, the PTAB issued a Final Written Decision finding all challenged claims unpatentable.

Multi-defendant Flash Tracking Privacy Class Action

Achieved dismissal of a putative class action against Microsoft, CBS, Microsoft, McDonald’s, and Mazda alleging violations of the Wiretap Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and state laws. The complaint alleged that an online ad network used Flash cookies and other tracking mechanisms to build user profiles for the purpose of serving targeted advertising.

Protection of employee personal information

Provided guidance to a major technology and manufacturing company in connection with the unauthorized posting of employee personal information on a third-party webpage. Our efforts on behalf of the client included working with Internet service providers to remove the posted information and providing notice to potentially affected individuals and applicable state regulators.

SBA Size Determination

We took over a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size determination proceeding for our client, an IT services provider, after previous DC government contracts counsel had failed to persuade the SBA that our client was a small business. We submitted thousands of pages of documentation and numerous position papers in what is believed to be the most complex size determination ever performed by SBA, and persuaded the agency that our client is a small business, notwithstanding its affiliation with dozens of other small businesses, thus allowing it to continue to compete for business on small business set-aside contracts.

Securities Counsel to Numerous Fortune 500 companies

Represent numerous Fortune 500 companies in the pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, health insurance, home equipment, advertising, motor vehicles, network communications, and technology industries with respect to the resolution of shareholder proposals concerning executive compensation, majority voting, proxy access, the right to call special meetings, political spending and lobbying disclosures, and a host of other topics.

Service Contract Act investigation and disclosure

Our client, a major large business provider of IT services to the federal government, discovered possible Service Contract Act compliance issues in the operations of a recently acquired subsidiary. We conducted and internal investigation and assisted the client in making a disclosure to the U.S. Department of Labor, which closed the matter without adverse financial or other consequences for our client.

Successfully protested $200 million U.S. Army award

When the U.S. Army awarded a $200 million contract for IT services, we protested the award, arguing that the awardee had an organizational conflict of interest and gained an unfair competitive advantage by hiring a former government official. The agency took corrective action in response to the protest.

Successfully protested the terms of a $600 million cloud procurement

When the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) issued an RFP for cloud services, we filed a protest challenging the terms of the RFP as unduly restrictive of competition. After discussion with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the agency agreed to amend the RFP to revise the terms at issue in the protest.

Broadcasters on DTV Transition

Representation the broadcast industry and individual broadcasters for nearly two decades on the incredible range of technical, legal and policy issues surrounding the transition to digital television. We helped negotiate the DTV standard, and devised the new frequency table. We worked closely at every step with the FCC’s engineers and with engineers across the television industry. We also worked to develop the new rules and legal requirements to accompany the detailed technical analysis.

Microsoft before FCC on Issues Concerning Media Center and DRM Products

Representation of Microsoft before the FCC on various issuing surrounding its Media Center and DRM products. We obtained FCC recognition of Windows Media Digital Rights Management software as a permissible means to handle digital content. We also represent the company in ongoing rulemakings and waiver petitions involving plug-and-play issues, including industry-wide efforts to resolve these issues.

Representation of IBM in age discrimination suit

In the first appellate ruling on the question of whether cash balance plans are age discriminatory, obtained the Seventh Circuit victory reversing the trial court and holding that IBM’s cash balance plan was not discriminatory. The appellate victory avoided $1.4 billion in damages. Cooper v. IBM Personal Pension Plan, 457 F.3d 636 (7th Cir. 2006).

San Francisco Digital Media Advisory Council Member

Covington is the only law firm member of the San Francisco Digital Media Advisory Council, a coalition between the City of San Francisco and a host of leading digital media and entertainment companies, including Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm, Dolby Labs, Wild Brain Entertainment, Giant Killer Robots, Dreamworks Animation and Pixar.

Specialty Equipment Manufacturers on FCC Compliance

Representation of one of the leading distributors of televisions to the healthcare field, Specialty Equipment Manufacturers, on FCC compliance issues. When its leading manufacturer discovered problems complying with an FCC rule, we sought a waiver of the FCC’s Part 15 requirements for one of the leading TV set manufacturer in this market.

FTC Investigation Involving Microsoft's Passport Internet Authentication Service

Microsoft in the FTC’s groundbreaking investigation and agreement related to Microsoft’s Passport Internet authentication service, which was the FTC’s first consent agreement under Section 5 of the FTC Act to impose information security commitments related to the protection of personal information.

Development of Internal Guidelines for Law Enforcement Requests

Regularly assist global businesses in developing internal guidelines for responding to law enforcement requests, including by identifying and advising on relevant legal obligations and assessing best practices for responding to government requests for customer data. We help clients develop procedures for addressing conflict-of-law issues that arise when receiving law enforcement requests from countries worldwide, with an eye toward creating efficient and scalable solutions.

Global Privacy Audit for Leading Consumer Electronics and Technology Companies

On behalf of one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and technology companies, we completed a comprehensive global privacy audit under the laws of the United States, the European Union, and China, including an assessment of the data collection, use, and sharing practices of numerous business units (including HR data), cross-border data transfers, and adopting a going-forward privacy governance and risk-management approach and corresponding policies and procedures.

Litigated Successful Constitutional Challenge

On behalf of Microsoft, successfully challenged a gag order statute that allows courts to forbid technology companies from telling their customers about demands for their data under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). The lawsuit resulted in nationwide reform of the government's practices under the statute. See Microsoft Corporation v. United States Department of Justice, No. 2:16-cv-00538-JLR (W.D. Wash.).

Litigation Resulting in New Rules on Customer Access to Government Data Demands

Representation of technology client in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court litigation challenging restrictions on technology company disclosures about government surveillance. The litigation resulted in new rules that allow technology companies to give their customers more information about how often the government demands customer data. See In re Motion to Disclose Aggregate Data Regarding FISA Orders, Misc. No. 13-04 (FISA Ct. 2014).

Representation of Teva Pharmaceuticals

We represented Teva in its strategic partnership with IBM, which enabled it to become the first multinational pharmaceutical company to deploy IBM’s Watson Health Cloud as its global technology platform. As part of the partnership, a joint Teva-IBM research team will work together using “big data” and machine-learning tools to develop disease models and advanced therapeutic solutions, including solutions designed to collect and analyze real world evidence. The deployment of these models and solutions will enable Teva to provide insights and real-time feedback directly to care providers and patients via mobile devices in order to achieve treatment optimizations and improved patient outcomes.

Merck, Verizon, Spirits International, National Geographic, PBS, and Others before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board

Representation of numerous clients, including Merck, Verizon, Spirits International, National Geographic Society, Public Broadcasting Services, M Financial, Promontory Financial Group, U.S. Soccer Federation, Lewis Brothers Bakeries and Rosie O’Donnell in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Microsoft Transactions

Representation of Microsoft Corp. in its $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype Communications S.à.r.l., the largest acquisition in the company’s history, in connection with its $4.5 billion acquisition of certain Nortel patents, in its $7.2 billion acquisition of the handset division of Nokia, and its $2.5 billion acquisition of Mojang, the developer of Minecraft.

Microsoft on Internet Protocol Television Issues

Advised Microsoft on Internet Protocol Television issues, including testimony before Congress, appearances at the FCC, and industry negotiations, and advised on industry negotiations to encourage movie studios and the cable industry to use their digital rights management technology for distributing movie and other content over the Internet.

Numerous Clients in Managing U.S. and Global Trademark Portfolios

Advise on cutting edge trademark strategies, domain name, social media, and keyword advertising issues, manage U.S. and global portfolios, and provided trademark advisory and prosecution services to leading US and global brand owners, including: American Automobile Association (AAA); AOL, Inc.; Astelllas US; Business Software Alliance; Dale & Thomas Popcorn; Expedia, Inc.; FeraDyne Outdoors; German American Chambers of Commerce; Lewis Bakeries, Inc.; Merck & Co. Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; National Basketball Association; National Football League; National Geographic Society; National Hockey League; Public Broadcasting Service; Phi Beta Kappa Society; Promontory Financial Group; and U.S. Soccer Federation.

Qualcomm in Acquisitions and Investments with Omnia

Qualcomm in acquisitions and investments including its joint venture with Omnia, a subsidiary of Saudi Oger, to create a UK-based company to deploy CDMA-based technology; its acquisition of UK-based Elata (Holdings) Limited, which provides content delivery and device management software systems; and its acquisition of Trigenix Limited, a European mobile content delivery software producer.

Representation of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. in Two IPR Proceedings

Representation of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. as petitioner in two IPR proceedings adverse to patent owner Boston University relating to gallium nitride semiconductor devices. The two proceedings were terminated following successful settlement of the underlying litigation, in which Covington represented Samsung.

Successful Resolution for Bockstar Technologies in an IPR Proceeding

Representation of Bockstar Technologies LLC as patent owner in an IPR proceeding brought by Cisco Systems Inc., challenging the validity of four patents related to routers, switches, and computerized telephony. Covington filed substantive initial responses for three of the four petitions. The PTAB rejected one of the petitions in its entirety, and instituted only as to a single patent claim in a second petition—effectively eliminating half of Cisco’s petitions at a single stroke. The proceedings were terminated shortly thereafter as part of a global settlement.

Successful Resolution of Peregrine IPR Proceeding and Litigation

Representation of Peregrine Semiconductor as patent owner in an IPR proceeding brought by RF Micro Devices. The patent is directed to high frequency RF switches for 4G access technologies. Covington also represented Peregrine in the co-pending litigation. Both the IPR and the litigation were settled successfully for Peregrine.

Successful Settlement of IPR Proceedings for Knowles Electronics, LLC

Representation of Knowles Electronics, LLC as patent owner in four IPR proceedings relating to silicon microphone packages and MEMS microphones, all of which were successfully terminated by settlement. Covington also represented Knowles in the co-pending litigation, which successfully settled.

Advising Europe's Largest Purchasing and Marketing Association

Advising Europe’s largest purchasing and marketing association in industrial B2B, E/D/E (Einkaufsbüro Deutscher Eisenhändler GmbH) on the implementation of an electronic marketplace for tool-supply (www.toolineo.de), including complex data protection and electronic payment services issues.

Trend Micro Inc. Reexamination Proceedings

Representation of Trend Micro Incorporated as patent owner before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in ex parte reexamination proceedings relating to two patents directed to anti-virus technology. Reexamination Certificates for both patents were issued, and Trend Micro and the third-party requester settled the state court litigation in which the validity of the patents was at issue.

Venture Negotiations and Public Policy Efforts for Pearl Mobile DTV

Represented Pearl Mobile DTV in establishing a nine-company venture to provide Mobile Digital Television services in the United States. Covington led the negotiations leading to the creation of the Pearl Mobile DTV venture, the negotiation of content license agreements, and public policy efforts before Congress and at the White House and the FCC.

Xerox plan administrator Supreme Court victory

Secured victory for Xerox in the Supreme Court on the deference owed plan administrators. Coming into the case after an adverse decision in the Second Circuit, and despite vigorous opposition from the Solicitor General, the Department of Labor, and the Internal Revenue Service, we persuaded the Supreme Court that the lower courts erred in refusing to give deference to the plan administrator's reasonable interpretation of the plan made in the course of litigation after his pre-litigation interpretation was held to be mistaken.

Yahoo! in Trademark Infringement Suit in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Representation of Yahoo! in a trademark infringement suit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in which Yahoo! was accused of infringing the mark “Street Buzz” by using the term on its website in connection with web-based video segments.

Insurance Coverage for AI, Autonomous Vehicles, and Other IoT Products

We advise clients on closing insurance gaps associated with new technologies. Matters have included advising a client in identifying and providing solutions to gaps in coverage relating to AI use and risk, including with respect to AI used for autonomous vehicles. We help policyholders recover insurance—both in the U.S. and abroad—for a wide variety of claims, including mass-tort liabilities, property and business interruption losses, marine, and D&O, E&O, and many other types of exposures.

Successful Representation of Samsung at the District Court, PTAB, and the U.S. Court of Appeals

Representation of Samsung as a third-party intervenor in the District Court of Delaware in a case instituted by Gold Charm. Gold Charm sued Toshiba, a customer of Samsung Display Co., asserting a dozen unrelated patents relating to LCD technologies. Many of the accused products contained components manufactured by Samsung Display. Samsung decided to intervene to protect its customer. The result was a decisive victory based on a broad effort comprised of: IPRs that knocked out several patents; a motion for partial summary judgment on licensing that knocked out another patent and drastically reduced the plaintiff's alleged damages; and further summary judgment motions on the two most significant remaining patents were filed and granted by the court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit summarily affirmed the IPR victory on one of the patents. None of the other IPR victories were appealed.

$2.7 Billion Acquisition of the Safran Identity & Security Business

Represented the private equity firm Advent International and its portfolio company Oberthur Technologies in securing the CFIUS and U.S. national industrial security approvals for Advent’s acquisition of the Identity & Security business (d/b/a “Morpho”) from Safran, for the purpose of combining it with Oberthur.

Advising Multinational Technology Companies and Associations on Proposed E-evidence Regulation

Advising a number of multinational technology companies and trade associations on the European Commission's proposed Electronic Evidence Directive and Electronic Evidence Regulation, which would facilitate the ability of EU law enforcement authorities to compel U.S.-based online service providers to disclose user data in criminal investigations.

Advising Client Efforts in Analysis of Patient Information

Advising clients in the life sciences, healthcare and technology sectors on collaborations with hospitals and hospital systems in respect of the analysis of patient information, including: advising on laws and regulations governing the collection and use of patient information; structuring, negotiating and drafting collaboration agreements between life sciences and technology companies; advising on data-driven revenue models; drafting and negotiating data processing agreements under GDPR and business associate agreements under HIPAA; advising on the regulation of the provision of healthcare services.

Microsoft Ireland Case

Representing Microsoft before the U.S. Supreme Court in its challenge to the government’s attempt to compel disclosure of customer emails stored in Ireland using a search warrant. The case set Irish and European privacy law and national sovereignty against U.S. law enforcement needs and raised a whole host of issues relating to demands for data by government agencies from another country.

Significant Privacy Case Before the Irish High Court

The Irish High Court referred the validity of the Standard Contractual Clauses used as a basis to transfer data and specifically whether they are compatible with the EU treaties to the EU Court of Justice. This is an amicus brief where we will appear on behalf of our client alongside the U.S. Government in making submissions before the EU Court of Justice.

Huawei Privacy Class Action

Defending Huawei, a Chinese mobile handset maker, in a putative class action alleging violations of the Wiretap Act, Stored Communications Act, and various state laws. The suit stems from the allegation that third-party mobile analytics software transmitted data about mobile device users’ activities to other parties without authorization.

Patent, Copyright and Trade Secret Licensing Agreement Negotiations for Microsoft

Representation of Microsoft in negotiation of patent, copyright and trade secret license agreements for the Advanced Access Content System, a copy protection system for Blu-ray Disc and other high definition storage media and licenses for IP related digital output and copy protection technologies for the Xbox 360 game console and Zune music player.

Schneider Electric SA's sale of industrial software business to AVEVA Group

Represented Schneider Electric of France on CFIUS and related U.S. national security regulatory approvals in connection with the sale of its industrial software business to UK-based AVEVA Group and the acquisition by Schneider Electric of a majority interest in AVEVA Group, creating a leading engineering and industrial software company valued at approximately $3.88 billion.

Global Privacy Assessment and Audit for Leading Consumer Technology Company

On behalf of one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and technology companies, we completed a comprehensive global privacy audit under the laws of the U.S., the EU, and China, including an assessment of the data collection, use, and sharing practices of numerous business units (including HR data), cross-border data transfers, and adopting a going-forward privacy governance and risk-management approach and corresponding policies and procedures.

VoIP and Other Tech Companies

Covington provides guidance to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) providers and innovative tech companies seeking to incorporate modern forms of voice services into their products in ways not originally anticipated by the FCC or its rules. Our lawyers advise VoIP providers and emerging tech companies on compliance with the FCC’s existing rules and represent their interests in rulemaking and adjudicatory proceedings.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment Class Action

Represented Sony BMG Music Entertainment in a class action lawsuit brought by the Allman Brothers Band and Cheap Trick on behalf of all artists whose contracts pre-date the era of digital downloaded music. Sony BMG pays the artists under the applicable royalty rate for album sales at brick-and-mortar record stores, while the artists claim that Sony BMG should be paying a much greater royalty rate for downloaded music.

Advised Client on UK Parliamentary Inquiries

Counselling executives in relation to attendances at House of Commons hearings, assisting clients in the submission of evidence and opinion, and advising in relation to hearings and final reports. Recent examples include hearings by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Foreign Affairs, Work and Pensions, and Liaison Select Committees.

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COVID-19: Legal and Business Toolkit

As the legal, regulatory, and commercial implications of coronavirus COVID-19 continue to evolve, our lawyers and advisors are helping clients navigate the complex considerations that companies around the world are facing and develop plans and strategies in response. Reach out to our COVID-19 task force at COVID19@cov.com. Below is a compendium of resources ...

Brexit Task Force

Since the beginning of the Brexit process in 2016, Covington’s Brexit Task Force–comprised of over 40 lawyers and former senior diplomats and policymakers, in London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Dublin, and Washington–has advised clients in a wide range of industries on the challenges and opportunities created by this historic event. While the EU-UK negotiations have ...

Rep. Castor Reintroduces Bill to Rewrite the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

Yesterday, Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced an updated version of the “Protecting the Information of our Vulnerable Children and Youth Act” (Kids PRIVCY Act), which would make broad changes the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Rep. Castor introduced a similar bill in early 2020, but it stalled alongside other proposals to overhaul the ...

EDPB Publishes Guidelines on Codes of Conduct for Data Transfers

On July 7, 2021, the European Data Protection Board (“EDPB”) published draft guidelines on codes of conduct for personal data transfers for consultation. These guidelines complement the EDPB’s earlier guidelines on codes of conduct and monitoring bodies. Interested parties have until October 1, 2021 to respond to the consultation. The guidelines focus on the ...

U.S. AI, IoT, CAV, and Privacy Legislative Update – Second Quarter 2021

In this update, we detail the key legislative developments in the second quarter of 2021 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), connected and automated vehicles (“CAVs”), and federal privacy legislation. As we recently covered on May 12, President Biden signed an Executive Order to strengthen the federal government’s ...

U.S. AI, IoT, CAV, and Privacy Legislative Update – Second Quarter 2021

Introduction In this update, we detail the key legislative developments in the second quarter of 2021 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), connected and automated vehicles (“CAVs”), and federal privacy legislation. As we recently covered on May 12, President Biden signed an Executive Order to strengthen the federal ...

California Federal Court Adopts Narrow Reading of Telephone “Instrument” Under the California Invasion of Privacy Act

Last year, Apple’s iOS14 incorporated a new feature notifying users when an app copied from the iPhone’s clipboard. The feature resulted in media scrutiny for a number of well-known apps, some of which faced putative class action lawsuits as a result. A court in the Eastern District of California recently dismissed one such suit, Mastel... Continue Reading…

Virginia Consumer Data Protection Work Group Holds Second Meeting, Hears Recommendations from the Office of the Virginia Attorney General

Last week, Virginia’s Joint Commission on Technology and Science held its second meeting of the Consumer Data Protection Work Group. Instead of following a detailed rulemaking process for implementation like that provided for in the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA) is being reviewed over the next few ...

Belgian Supervisory Authority Launches Public Consultation on the Use of Biometric Data

On July 15, 2021, the Belgian Supervisory Authority (“SA”) released a 40-page draft recommendation on the use of biometric data and launched a public consultation to solicit feedback about it. Most notably, the SA points out that there is no valid legal basis other than explicit consent (with all the GDPR limitations attached to it)... Continue Reading…

COVID-19: Processing of Vaccination Data by Employers in Europe

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination programs across the EU and the UK, employers are faced with questions about whether or not they are legally permitted to ask employees about their vaccination status and, if so, how that information may be used. Employers may wish to inquire about the vaccination status of their employees in... Continue Reading…

Proposed Bill Would Expand the Scope of the CMIA

In a new post on the Covington Digital Health blog, our colleagues discuss proposed legislation that would expand the definition of “provider of health care” under California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (“CMIA”). Under the proposed law, a provider of health care would include: “any business that offers personal health record software or ...

Proposed Bill Would Expand the Scope of the CMIA

Legislation that would amend California’s Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (“CMIA”) is working its way through California’s Senate and passed in the Senate Health Committee earlier this week. The proposed bill passed in the state’s Assembly back in April. Introduced by Democratic California Assemblymember Edwin Chau, who sits on the Privacy and ...

Federal Banking Agencies Issue Proposed Guidance on Third-Party Risk Management

On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively, the “Agencies”) invited public comment on proposed interagency guidance on managing risks associated with third-party relationships (the “Proposed Guidance”). By harmonizing ...

South Africa: Guidance on POPIA Exemptions and Registration of Information Officers

South Africa’s Information Regulator (the “Regulator”) issued, on June 22, 2021, a Guidance Note on Exemptions from the Conditions for Lawful Processing of Personal Information (“Guidance Note”), arising under sections 37 and 38 of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”). The purpose of the Guidance Note is to provide guidance to... ...

Italian Supervisory Authority Fines Foodinho Over Its Use of Performance Management Algorithms

On July 5, 2021, the Italian Supervisory Authority (“Garante”) announced that it has fined Foodinho S.r.l. (“Foodinho”) 2.6 million EUR for its use of performance algorithms in connection with its employees. The authority held Foodinho in breach of the principles of transparency, security, privacy by default and by design, and held it responsible for not... ...

The French Competition Authority gives its views on the competition issues arising from Fintech

Back in 2020, the French Competition Authority (“FCA”) had announced, in its annual priorities, its interest in the competition implications of the digital revolution in the financial sector, notably in the context of the growth of FinTech, the introduction of blockchain technology and the emergence of “digital giants” in payment services. Shortly after this ...

Congress Repeals the OCC’s True Lender Rule

On June 30, President Biden signed into law a joint resolution to repeal the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) so-called true lender rule. The rule was repealed under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to repeal new federal regulations by passing a joint resolution of disapproval that must be later... Continue Reading…

Congress Repeals the OCC’s True Lender Rule

Second Circuit Rejects New York State Department of Financial Services’ Lawsuit Against the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

On June 3, 2021, in Lacewell v. OCC, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Second Circuit”) dismissed the New York State Department of Financial Services’ (“DFS”) lawsuit against the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). DFS challenged the OCC’s decision to commence accepting applications for special-purpose national ...

FCC Set to Ease Rules that Have Limited Pre-Sales and Other Marketing of Some New Electronic Devices

Last Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) announced that it will consider a Report and Order at its June 21, 2021 open meeting that would permit the importation and conditional sale of radiofrequency (RF) devices prior to obtaining equipment authorization in some circumstances. The consumer electronics industry has advocated for this rule ...

FCC Set to Ease Rules that Have Limited Pre-Sales and Other Marketing of Some New Electronic Devices

Final Countdown to POPIA Compliance – Five Critical Steps to Take Before July 1st, 2021

In Episode 12 of our Inside Privacy Audiocast, together with special guest Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa, we discussed the Information Regulator’s mandate, and the implementation of data protection legislation in South Africa. Now, with less than a month to go before South Africa’s Protection of Personal ...

Final Countdown to POPIA Compliance: Five Critical Steps to Take Before July 1st, 2021

In Episode 12 of our Inside Privacy Audiocast, together with special guest Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa, we discussed the Information Regulator’s mandate and the implementation of data protection legislation in South Africa. Now, with less than a month to go before South Africa’s Protection of Personal ...

FCC Announces New Efforts to Block “Insecure Devices” from the U.S. Market

Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced that at its next monthly public meeting on June 17, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) will kick off a process to change its equipment authorization rules and competitive bidding procedures to address national security threats. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”), released Thursday, ...

European Commission Proposes New Artificial Intelligence Regulation

In April 2021, the European Commission released its proposed Regulation Laying Down Harmonized Rules on Artificial Intelligence (the “Regulation”), which would establish rules on the development, placing on the market, and use of artificial intelligence systems (“AI systems”) across the EU. The proposal, comprising 85 articles and nine annexes, is part of a ...

European Commission Proposes New Artificial Intelligence Regulation

President Biden Signs Executive Order Aimed at Improving Government Cybersecurity

On May 12, the Biden Administration issued an “Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity.” The Order seeks to strengthen the federal government’s ability to respond to and prevent cybersecurity threats, including by modernizing federal networks, enhancing the federal government’s software supply chain security, implementing enhanced cybersecurity ...

President Biden Signs Executive Order Aimed at Improving Government Cybersecurity

FCC Seeks Input on Impact of Global Semiconductor Shortage

As has been widely reported, there is an ongoing global shortage of semiconductor chips that enable products and services throughout many sectors of the economy. On Tuesday, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released a Public Notice seeking public comment on the impact of this chip shortage on the U.S. communications sector specifically. The ...

Federal Reserve Proposes Guidelines on Requests for Accounts and Payment Services at Federal Reserve Banks

On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) issued a notice requesting public comment on proposed guidelines articulating a series of principles to be used by Federal Reserve Banks in evaluating requests for Reserve Bank master accounts and payment services (the “Proposed Guidelines”). The Federal Reserve ...

European Commission Conducts Further Consultation on the European Health Data Space Initiative

On May 3, 2021, the European Commission (the “Commission”) opened a further public consultation (“Consultation”) on the European Health Data Space (“EHDS”). This follows a consultation earlier in the year, on the Commission’s “Inception Impact Assessment” in relation to the EHDS. (For further information on the earlier consultation and an overview of the EHDS, ...

UK Court Rules on Copyright over Software Developed Whilst Working at Home

In Penhallurick v MD5 Ltd [2021] EWHC 293 (IPEC) the Court held that the copyright in various literary works relating to software Mr. Penhallurick created during his tenure with former employer MD5 belonged to MD5. The Court found that the works were created in the course of Mr. Penhallurick’s employment with the result that MD5... Continue Reading…

The Week Ahead in the European Parliament – Friday, April 16, 2021

Next week will be a committee week in the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament (“MEPs”) will gather virtually and in person in Brussels. Several interesting votes and debates are scheduled to take place. On Thursday, MEPs of the Committee on Legal Affairs (“JURI”) will have an exchange of views with Thierry Breton on... Continue Reading…

Strategic Technology Transactions in Europe – Considerations for U.S. and Global Companies

Over the last year we have seen increasing interest from our global client base in investing in strategic, transformational technology transactions with European counterparties. These transactions often facilitate access to key technologies, geographies and, of course, data. In this note we set out 6 key points to keep in mind when planning, negotiating and ...

Supreme Court Narrows Meaning of TCPA Autodialer Definition

Today, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Facebook v. Duguid, adopting a narrow interpretation of a key definitional term in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and resolving the circuit split we previously described here and here. In effect, the Supreme Court’s opinion means that to qualify as an “automatic telephone dialing system” (ATDS)... ...

"Inside Dispute Resolution" Audiocast Series

In this series of audio updates, our London disputes team of lawyers and invited guests will be exploring key developments and hot topics in English dispute resolution. Email Catherine Karia, at ckaria@cov.com, for further details or contact any member of our London team using the links below. Episode 1: Witness Memory and Evidence (March 2021) In this episode, ...

Leading FTC Lawyer Rejoins Covington

WASHINGTON—Andrew Smith, most recently the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, has rejoined Covington as a partner in its Advertising and Consumer Protection, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity, and Financial Services practices. He will be based in the firm’s Washington office. While serving as Bureau Director at the FTC, ...

UK Government Announces Review Into Use Of Health Data For Research And Analysis

On February 9, 2021, the UK Government’s Department for Health and Social Care (“DHSC”) announced a review into the efficient and safe use of health data for research and analysis for the benefit of patients in the health sector (“Review”). The DHSC encourages stakeholder feedback in the context of the Review, and will be of... Continue Reading

FTC Reaches Settlement with Digital Health App, Requires First Notice of Privacy Action

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced this month a proposed settlement against Flo Health, Inc. (“Flo”), the developer of popular menstrual cycle and fertility-tracking application (the “Flo App”), resolving allegations that “the company shared the health information of users with outside data analytics providers after promising that such information ...

AI Update: The Future of AI Policy in the UK

The UK is currently ranked third in the Global AI Index (an important Japanese interest in the recent UK-Japan Trade Agreement was the potential to combine UK expertise in this field with Japanese leadership in robotics). The UK Government views Brexit as an opportunity to cement the UK as a global leader in the use... Continue Reading…

M.D. Anderson Wins Appeal Over $4.3 Million HIPAA Penalty

On January 14, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated a $4.3 million civil monetary penalty that the Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) of the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) imposed against the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (“M.D. Anderson”). OCR ordered the penalty in 2017... Continue Reading

AI Update: The Future of AI Policy in the UK

On January 6, 2021, the UK’s AI Council (an independent government advisory body) published its AI Roadmap (“Roadmap”). In addition to calling for a Public Interest Data Bill to ‘protect against automation and collective harms’, the Roadmap acknowledges the need to counteract public suspicion of AI and makes 16 recommendations, based on three main pillars,... ...

HITECH Amendment Provides Some Protection For Covered Entities and Business Associates that Adopt Recognized Security Standards

On January 5, 2021, an amendment to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (“HITECH”) Act was signed into law. The amendment requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to “consider certain recognized security practices of covered entities and business associates when making certain determinations” regarding ...

Top Issues to Watch in Africa: 2021

Can African governments head off a sustained spike in the spread of COVID-19 and recover economically in 2021? How will the Biden administration engage the continent? Will companies implement more effective due diligence efforts in their supply chains to prevent human rights abuses? What impact will efforts to battle corruption and mitigate climate change ...

European Commission Conducts Open Consultation on the European Health Data Space Initiative

On December 23, 2020, the European Commission (the “Commission”) published its inception impact assessment (“Inception Impact Assessment”) of policy options for establishing a European Health Data Space (“EHDS”). The Inception Impact Assessment is open for consultation until February 3, 2021, encouraging “citizens and stakeholders” to “provide views on the ...

National Security Update: Department of Commerce Releases Interim Final Rule to Implement the Information and Communications Technology Supply Chain Executive Order

On January 19, 2021, the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) published an Interim Final Rule to implement provisions of Executive Order 13873, “Executive Order on Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain” (May 15, 2019) (the “ICTS Order”). Unless suspended by the Biden Administration, the Rule will go into effect 60 days ...

AI Update: UK Parliament Research Briefing on AI in the UK Healthcare System

On 18 January 2021, the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (“POST”)* published its AI and Healthcare Research Briefing about the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the UK healthcare system (the “Briefing”). The Briefing considers the potential impacts of AI on the cost and quality of healthcare, and the challenges posed by the... Continue ...

Data in a Connected World: Highlights for the Upcoming Covington Technology Forum

The Covington Technology Forum – Data in a Connected World, will be taking place on January 27th, 28th, and 29th. Intended for legal and business professionals who manage any aspect of the data economy for their organizations, the Forum will equip attendees with the information and insights they need in order to understand the evolving legal, regulatory and ...

AI Update: The Council of Europe Publishes Feasibility Study on Developing a Legal Instrument for Ethical AI

On 17 December 2020, the Council of Europe’s* Ad hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAHAI) published a Feasibility Study (the “Study”) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) legal standards. The Study examines the feasibility and potential elements of a legal framework for the development and deployment of AI, based on the Council of Europe’s human rights ...

Bite-Sized Brexit: What You Need to Know

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (EUTCA) reached on December 24th is a wide-ranging and complex agreement. Our Brexit Task Force offers these "bite-sized" recordings to give a snapshot of what you need to know in each area. Though the EUTCA provides the overall architecture of the future relationship in a number of areas, much of the detail must still ...

CFPB’s Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law Releases Report

On January 5, 2021, the CFPB’s (the “Bureau”) Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law (the “Taskforce”) released a report (the “Report”) recommending how consumer protection in the financial marketplace may be improved. Chartered by the Bureau in January of 2020, the Taskforce was charged with “examin[ing] the existing legal and regulatory environment ...

CFPB’s Taskforce on Federal Consumer Financial Law Releases Report

Covington Advises Veritas Capital and Gainwell Technologies in Acquisition of HMS

WASHINGTON—Covington is assisting Veritas Capital-backed Gainwell Technologies in its acquisition of HMS for approximately $3.4 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2021. Veritas will look to optimize the HMS solution set across Gainwell and Veritas-backed Cotiviti, Inc. Gainwell will acquire the HMS capabilities focused on the ...

UK Government Plans for an Online Safety Bill

In April 2019, the UK Government published its Online Harms White Paper and launched a Consultation. In February 2020, the Government published its initial response to that Consultation. In its 15 December 2020 full response to the Online Harms White Paper Consultation, the Government outlined its vision for tackling harmful content online through a new ...

Covington Assists Veritas Capital with Federal IT and Mission Support Services Acquisition

WASHINGTON—Covington is assisting Veritas Capital and its portfolio company Peraton with their pending acquisition of the federal IT and mission support services business of Northrop Grumman for $3.4 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2021. Peraton is a trusted provider of highly differentiated space, intelligence, cyber, defense, ...

Covington Again Named Law360 Firm of the Year

WASHINGTON —Law360 named Covington as one of its Firms of the Year for the third consecutive year. The firm won eight Practice Group of the Year awards, tied for the most of any law firm. The recognition highlights the firm's depth and breadth of practice across its corporate, litigation, and regulatory practices, as well as key industry sectors like life ...

Covington Represents GovernmentCIO in Sale to Private Equity Firm

WASHINGTON—Covington represented GovernmentCIO, LLC, a leading provider of high-end technology and digital solutions to the Federal Health IT Services market, in its sale to Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. GovCIO is a rapidly growing provider of advanced technology solutions and digital services to the federal government. In the 10 years since its founding, ...

Covington Artificial Intelligence Update: USPTO Releases Report on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Policy

On October 6, 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a report titled Public Views on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Policy. The report summarizes the nearly 200 comments received in response to patent-related questions regarding AI set forth in a request for comments (RFC) issued by the USPTO in August 2019 and... ...

OCC Issues Guidance on National Banks and Stablecoin Activities

On September 21, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) published a letter addressing the authority of nationals banks to hold deposits that serve as reserves for stablecoins, which is a type of cryptocurrency designed to have a stable value. The OCC concludes that national banks and federal savings associations may engage... Continue ...

Lindsey Tonsager Named California Trailblazer by The Recorder

SAN FRANCISCO— The Recorder has named Covington’s Lindsey Tonsager to its second annual list of “California Trailblazers.” The list profiles 50 lawyers who made significant marks on the practice, policy, and technological advancement of their practice. As head of Covington’s West Coast Privacy and Cybersecurity practice, Ms. Tonsager helps some of the world’s ...

Covington Announced as a Deal of the Year Winner at IFLR1000 United States Awards

WASHINGTON—Covington was recognized as a Deal of the Year winner in the Capital Markets category at the inaugural IFLR1000 United States Awards, in connection with its work as co-issuer’s counsel on Uber Technologies’ U.S. IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Covington served as Uber’s co-counsel on its $8.1 billion initial public offering of 180,000,000 shares ...

EU's AI Regulations Could Lay Blame With CTO

John Ahern is quoted in Waters Technology regarding the unintended consequences of AI regulation. Mr. Ahern shares that if the EC isn’t careful in writing future AI legislation, that the old law of unintended consequences could kick in. “What we need to be attentive to is where in the chain of liability are individuals affected. Think, for example, of the CTO: ...

OCC Interpretation Paves Way for Banks to Custody Cryptocurrency

Today, the OCC released an interpretive letter concluding that national banks and federal savings associations (together, “banks”) may permissibly provide cryptocurrency custody services for customers. The letter, written by Chief Counsel Jonathan Gould, describes custody of cryptocurrency as a modern form of the traditional banking activity of providing ...

OCC Interpretation Paves Way for Banks to Custody Cryptocurrency

The European Commission launches an antitrust sector inquiry into the sector of Internet of Things for consumer-related devices and services

On 16 July 2020, the European Commission (“Commission”) announced that it has launched an antitrust sector inquiry into “consumer-related products and services that are connected to a network and can be controlled at a distance, for example via a voice assistant or mobile device.” Commission Executive Vice President and Competition Commissioner Vestager said ...

The European Commission Launches an Antitrust Sector Inquiry into the Sector of Internet of Things for Consumer-Related Devices and Services

On July 16, 2020, the European Commission (“Commission”) announced that it has launched an antitrust sector inquiry into "consumer-related products and services that are connected to a network and can be controlled at a distance, for example via a voice assistant or mobile device."

U.S. AI, IoT, and CAV Legislative Update: Second Quarter 2020

In this update, we detail the key legislative updates in the second quarter of 2020 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). The volume of legislation on these topics has slowed but not ceased, as lawmakers increasingly focus on the ...

NHTSA Launches Automated Vehicle TEST Initiative to Improve Transparency and Safety of Self-Driving Technology

On June 15, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced the launch of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (“NHTSA”) Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing (“AV TEST”) Initiative, a voluntary data-sharing initiative intended to improve safety, testing, and transparency of automated vehicle (“AV”) ...

Presidential Proclamation Blocks Entry of Foreign Workers Into the U.S.

On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued a proclamation titled “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak” (“June 22 Proclamation”). The June 22 Proclamation blocks the entry of foreign workers entering the United States on certain nonimmigrant visa categories, including H-1B, H-2B, ...

Return to Workplace Considerations for Businesses Using AI and IoT Technologies

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the digital transition and the adoption of artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools and Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices in many areas of society. While there has been significant focus on leveraging this technology to fight the pandemic, the technology also will have broader and longer-term benefits. As the New York Times has ...

EasyJet Latest Firm to Face UK Data Breach “Class Action”

On 19 May 2020, easyJet announced that personal data of approximately 9 million customers worldwide had been unlawfully accessed by third parties in a “highly sophisticated cyber-attack”. Data stolen by the cyber-attackers includes credit card details of 2,000 of the affected customers and, for most other customers, travel details such as departure and arrival ...

OCC Issues Final Rule Clarifying Permissible Interest on Loans Sold to Third Parties by National Banks and Federal Savings Associations

On May 29, 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) issued a final rule to clarify that the interest on a loan originated by a national bank (or a Federal savings association), if permissible when the loan was originated, continues to be permissible after the loan is sold, assigned, or otherwise... Continue Reading…

Covington Advises Commerce Layer in Series A Preferred VC Financing and Reorganization

PALO ALTO —Covington advised Commerce Layer in its $6M Series A Preferred VC Financing, led by Benchmark with participation from Mango Capital, DAXN, PrimeSet, SV Angel, and NVInvestments. The investment required the Covington team to also reorganize Commerce Layer by establishing a US parent company for its existing Italian business. Commerce Layer provides a ...

European Commission Launches Key Consultations Regarding Digital Finance

On April 3, 2020, the European Commission launched two public consultations on a new digital finance strategy for Europe and on a retail payment strategy for Europe, which will both run until July 15, 2020. The consultations follow two other consultations on an EU framework for markets in crypto-assets and on a potential initiative on... Continue Reading…

SEC Orders Equity Exchanges and FINRA to Submit New Single National Market System Plan for Equity Market Data

On May 6, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an order (“Order”) directing the registered equity exchanges and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) (together, the “Self-Regulatory Organizations” or “SROs”) to submit to the SEC a new National Market System (“NMS”) plan to govern the public dissemination of real-time, ...

U.S. AI and IoT Legislative Update - First Quarter 2020

Though it seems like the distant past now, in this update we detail the notable legislative events from the first quarter of 2020 on artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). Prior to the slowdown in non-COVID related legislation that accompanied the ...

Recent Developments in Artificial Intelligence Law and Policy

Lee Tiedrich, B.J. Altvater, and James Yoon recently published an article summarizing recent developments in artificial intelligence law and policy on the University of Pennsylvania Law School’s Regulatory Review. The article primarily focuses on developments in the United States, including the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act introduced by ...

China’s new cybersecurity rules could hit foreign service providers

Yan Luo spoke with the South China Morning Post about new Chinese guidelines for operators of “critical information infrastructure,” requiring them to undergo a cybersecurity review process for any procurements that could have national security implications. According to Ms. Luo, the criteria may push companies to stay away from multinational providers that are ...

China Toughens Procurement Rules for Tech Equipment

Yan Luo is quoted in The Wall Street Journal regarding China’s tough, new adoption of cybersecurity rules for buyers of technology equipment, which could place foreign tech products at a disadvantage in the Chinese market. Ms. Luo says the prospect of potentially lengthy reviews may prompt Chinese companies to stay away from foreign products and services.

Covington Represents Ligado Networks in Unanimous FCC 5G License Approval

WASHINGTON—Covington represented satellite provider Ligado Networks in its successful application for rights to deploy 5G services over its mid-band spectrum. On April 22, the full Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a unanimous decision approving Ligado’s application, finding that it will advance economic and security interests nationwide. The ...

AI Update: Using Artificial Intelligence to Combat COVID-19

The rapid spread of COVID-19, along with the effectiveness of existing public health response plans and the impacts of social distancing on the economy, have raised the question of how new technology can be used to address and manage the pandemic. On April 1, 2020, the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence hosted “COVID-19 and... Continue ...

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Checklist for Technology Solutions

To assist companies that are developing technology solutions to help predict, mitigate or contain the spread of COVID-19, our cross-practice digital health team has put together a checklist of considerations to keep in mind. For additional guidance, please visit our COVID-19 Legal and Business Toolkit or reach out to us at COVID19@cov.com.

Covington Assists Veritas Capital with $5 Billion Acquisition of DXC’s Health and Human Services Business

WASHINGTON—Covington is assisting Veritas Capital with its acquisition of DXC Technology’s U.S. State and Local Health and Human Services business in a deal valued at $5 billion. The transaction is expected to close no later than December 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. DXC Technology’s U.S. State and Local Health and Human ...

Daily Journal Selects Covington Defense of Dropbox Inc. as one of its 2019 Top Verdicts

SAN FRANCISCO—The Daily Journal has selected Covington's successful defense of Dropbox Inc., in Ironhawk Technologies v. Dropbox Inc., as one of its 2019 Top Verdicts, recognizing the largest and most significant verdicts in California in 2019. The Covington team led by Clara Shin and Jeff Davidson secured a significant victory on behalf of Dropbox in a ...

Digital Tax Talks May Result in Trade War Even If Democrats Win

Samuel Maruca spoke with Bloomberg about the possibility of a digital tax on tech companies doing business internationally. The U.S. and 130 other countries are currently negotiating at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development about a new international tax system that would redefine which countries can tax which corporate profits. There’s ...

US tech tycoons direct personal wealth to new frontiers

Tom DeFilipps spoke with the Financial Times about trends he is seeing in investors’ willingness to invest in tech start-ups. Mr. DeFilipps says he has seen little decline in Silicon Valley’s appetite for risky investments. “You have all of this wealth, and there’s just a limited amount you can do with it within the confines of the way people behave in Silicon ...

AI and Attorney Obligations Are Still Outpacing the Law

Lee Tiedrich spoke with Legaltech News about lawyers’ obligations pertaining to the law and artificial intelligence. Ms. Tiedrich indicated that much like the internet in the 1990s, the growth of technologies such as AI continues to outstrip the development of the law. The lack of absolute regulatory clarity raises the stakes for organizations. “You need to be ...

U.S. AI and IoT Quarterly Legislative Update: Fourth Quarter 2019

U.S. federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the fourth quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our fourth AI & IoT ...

Covington Named a Law360 "Firm of the Year"

WASHINGTON—Law360 has named Covington one of its 2019 “Firms of the Year” for the second consecutive year based on the firm having received six Practice Group of the Year awards. The Covington practices named 2019 Practice Groups of the Year are: Competition/Antitrust Government Contracts International Arbitration Life Sciences Media & ...

US House privacy bill differs from Senate counterparts

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in Global Data Review regarding a recently released draft privacy bill from the US House Committee on Energy & Commerce which differs from current Senate bills. With roughly a quarter of House Democrats coming from California, Ms. Tonsager told GDR that there will be major opposition to pre-emption in the House. “We’ve already seen the ...

ICO hits electronics retailer with maximum pre-GDPR fine

Daniel Cooper is quoted in Global Data Review regarding the UK ICO’s decision to fine DSG Retail £500,000 under pre-GDPR data protection law. The fine stems from the company being compromised by a cyberattack affecting at least 14 million people. Mr. Cooper says, “the ICO's imposition of a maximum fine appears due, in part, to the fact that it felt DSG should ...

California's New Privacy Rule Will Impact Financial Institutions

Michael Nonaka spoke with WatersTechnology about the impact of the California Consumer Privacy Act on financial institutions. Mr. Nonaka says, “There are exemptions [in the CCPA] for information that is covered by the GLBA. This is consumer information used by FIs, including broker-dealers. But there is not a broad exemption that just takes out the entirety of ...

European Commission takes cautious approach on AI liability

Daniel Cooper spoke with Global Data Review about the European Commission’s recommended changes to artificial intelligence liability rules. Mr. Cooper says the commission is keen to stress that the conclusions drawn from the report remain those of the expert group only. “One has to assume that the commission wants to be careful to test the waters first and gauge ...

California's privacy law arrives to confusion and costs for businesses

Lindsey Tonsager spoke with the Financial Times about the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the different ways companies are trying to comply with the new law. Addressing some companies’ efforts to create self-serve portals to handle users’ privacy requests, Ms. Tonsager says, “This works fine but if you get a high spike of data access requests — right ...

AI Resists Ethics and Explanation. So Why Is It Still Used?

Lee Tiedrich is quoted in Legaltech News regarding the continued use of artificial intelligence, despite ethics concerns. Ms. Tiedrich says that companies could put in “good governance processes to manage the [AI] product design, development and implementation in accordance with their ethnical principles.” She also noted that to limit bias, it is also necessary ...

National Security Update - Commerce Department Releases Proposed Rule Implementing the Information and Communications Technology Supply Chain Executive Order

The Department of Commerce (“the Department”) has issued a proposed rule implementing the May 15, 2019 Executive Order entitled “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain,” which we previously analyzed here. Once finalized and effective, the regulations will govern the process and procedures that the Secretary of Commerce ...

AI and IoT Legislative Developments: Third Quarter 2019

Federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our third AI & IoT Quarterly ...

FDA Issues Updated Guidance on the Regulation of Digital Health Technologies

On September 26, 2019, the FDA issued two revised guidance documents addressing its evolving approach to the regulation of digital health technologies. These guidances primarily describe when digital health solutions will or will not be actively regulated by FDA as a medical device. In parallel, FDA also updated four previously final guidance documents to ...

Trustworthiness of AI in Law Debated at International Roundtable

Lee Tiedrich recently participated in the “AI and the Rule of Law Roundtable” in Athens and spoke with Bloomberg Law about with the event, which was , focused on ensuring that AI tech works as intended—and that those who implement and operate such systems are competent to do so. Ms. Tiedrich says, “Although the Roundtable participants came from different ...

FTC's YouTube Settlement Another Sign of COPPA Enforcement Heating Up

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in Legaltech News regarding Google’s settlement with the FTC involving violations of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. Ms. Tonsager says, “This is the first FTC settlement that dealt with behavioral advertisements against a platform that just hosts third-party content.” She noted FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter’s ...

WirtschaftsWoche Names Covington Top IT Law Firm in Germany

FRANKFURT—WirtschaftsWoche, Germany’s leading business weekly news magazine, has named Covington as the top law firm for IT law and Dr. Lars Lensdorf, a partner in Covington’s Frankfurt office, to its list of top IT lawyers in Germany. Dr. Lensdorf focuses his practice on IT law, outsourcing, digitalization and industry 4.0, IT related bank regulatory matters, ...

Covington Assists CPI in its Acquisition of GD's Satellite Antenna Systems Business

WASHINGTON—Covington’s Government Contracts and Communications regulatory practices are representing Communications & Power Industries LLC (CPI) in its recently announced deal to acquire SATCOM Technologies, the antenna systems business of General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., a business unit of General Dynamics. SATCOM Technologies designs, manufactures and ...

New York DFS Announces New Division Overseeing Fintech

On July 23, the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) announced a new Research and Innovation Division. The Division will assume responsibility for licensing and supervising virtual currencies. It will also “assess efforts to use technology to address financial exclusion; identify and protect consumer data rights; and encourage innovations in ...

New York City, Vermont, and Other State and Local Governments Evaluating AI Trustworthiness

Earlier this year, the White House issued an Executive Order on AI mandating that the National Institute of Standards and Technology develop a guide to federal engagement on AI technical standards. While the federal government’s actions have understandably garnered significant attention, state and local governments are also undertaking preliminary efforts to ...

AI and IoT Legislative Update: Second Quarter 2019

Federal and state policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing both substantive measures that would regulate the use of the technology and by supporting funding bills aimed at increasing investment. In our second AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, ...

Covington Advises Autonomous Vehicle Startup in $2.6 Billion Volkswagen Investment

PALO ALTO—Covington advised Argo AI, LLC, a technology platform company that is working with leading automakers to deliver a fully integrated self-driving system, in the deal announced today with Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company. Volkswagen will be making a $2.6 billion investment, becoming Argo AI’s second investor and building upon a $1 billion investment ...

Covington Represents BSA in Landmark Data Protection Case Before Europe's Highest Court

BRUSSELS—Today, a team of Covington lawyers argued before the European Court of Justice in a landmark data protection case, Case C-311/18, Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland and Maximillian Schrems (“Schrems II”). The case has significant ramifications for any organization that relies on the standard contractual clauses (“SCCs”) to transfer personal ...

Wanted: Lawyers Who Understand AI

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in the Wall Street Journal regarding the initiative to increase artificial intelligence legal practices. Ms. Tonsager says data is the fuel that drives artificial intelligence, but it can come with legal restrictions. Companies acquiring datasets need to be sure their contracts give them the right to use the data to train algorithms. ...

Daily Journal Names Lindsey Tonsager One of California’s Top AI Lawyers

SAN FRANCISCO—The Daily Journal has named Lindsey Tonsager to its 2019 “Top Artificial Intelligence Lawyers,” recognizing the top artificial intelligence lawyers in California. Ms. Tonsager co-chairs the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which is a cross-functional practice advising companies developing or utilizing AI technologies. She is advising ...

Covington Represents Peraton in Solers Acquisition

WASHINGTON—Covington is representing Peraton in its recently announced deal to acquire Solers, Inc., a leading provider of software development and systems integration for space situational awareness, satellite ground systems and operations, cybersecurity engineering, and enterprise cloud-based solutions.Covington is handling government contracts, national ...

Expert Q&A on the EU Cybersecurity Act

Mark Young participated in a Q&A with Thomson Reuters about the EU Cybersecurity Act and its new cybersecurity certification schemes for information and communication technology products, services, and processes, especially internet of things devices. The interview also discusses how the Act supports the EU Directive on the Security of Network and Information ...

National Security Update: President Trump Signs Executive Order on Information and Communications Technology Supply Chain; Commerce Department Adds Huawei to Entity List

We are writing to provide an update on two important developments in U.S. national security-based regulation of trade: (1) a new, potentially expansive Executive Order on information and communications technology supply into the U.S. market, and (2) the Department of Commerce’s action to add Huawei to the Entity List.

AI and IoT Legislative Developments: First Quarter 2019

Federal and state policymakers introduced a range of new measures on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the first quarter of 2019. In our initial AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, we detail the notable legislative events from this quarter on AI, IoT, cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous ...

Connected and Automated Vehicles Webinar Series: Levering Data in a Connected World

This webinar covered such topics as: Securing rights to use data created by connected and automated vehicles (CAVs); Key elements of a data strategy for connected and autonomous vehicles; the data risks involved with CAVs including privacy, cybersecurity, and law enforcement; and best practices in negotiating commercial agreements involving data.

Covington Represents Elbit in $350M Acquisition of Night Vision Business

WASHINGTON—Covington advised Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., in its definitive agreement with Harris Corporation for the acquisition of Harris' Night Vision business for a purchase price of $350 million. The closing of the transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals. Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high ...

The Internet of Things: Legal Issues, Policy, & Practical Strategies

Our cross-disciplinary Internet of Things initiative contributed to the ABA's first book on IoT, The Internet of Things: Legal Issues, Policy, & Practical Strategies. Laura Kim and Jennifer Johnson authored the chapter “U.S. Regulatory Framework for IoT,” with contributions from Sarah Wilson (product safety); Wade Ackerman, Elizabeth Guo, Christopher Hanson, ...

Covington Named “Dealmakers of the Year” by The American Lawyer

WASHINGTON—The American Lawyer has recognized Covington among its 2019 “Dealmakers of the Year.” The annual feature highlights “the lawyers behind the most significant work” in deal making, and this marks the second time the firm has received this distinction in the last three years. In March 2018, Covington helped Qualcomm, Inc. secure a U.S. Presidential ...

GM Request for Fully Autonomous Cars Faces Legal Speed Bumps

Sarah Wilson spoke with Legaltech News about the legal liability of autonomous cars. Ms. Wilson says, “It’ll be a more complicated liability analysis when a car is fully autonomous and there is an accident, because you’ll have to figure out who is all at fault, or which system is at fault [or] if it’s [the] hardware or software.”

AI Update: What Happens When a Computer Denies Your Insurance Coverage Claim?

Artificial intelligence is your new insurance claims agent. For years, insurance companies have used “InsurTech” AI to underwrite risk. But until recently, the use of AI in claims handling was only theoretical. No longer. The advent of AI claims handling creates new risks for policyholders, but it also creates new opportunities for resourceful policyholders to ...

Covington Represented Financial Advisors to NII Holdings in Sale of Nextel Brazil

NEW YORK—Covington represented Rothschild & Co US Inc. and Greenhill & Co., financial advisors to NII Holdings, Inc., in its sale of Nextel Brazil to América Móvil for a purchase price of $905 million on a debt-free and cash-free basis. The sale represents the disposition of NII's sole remaining operating asset. Additionally, in connection with the transaction, ...

Senate Reintroduces IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act

On March 11, 2019, a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Cory Gardner introduced the Internet of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2019. The Act seeks “[t]o leverage Federal Government procurement power to encourage increased cybersecurity for Internet of Things devices.” In other words, this bill aims to shore up... ...

Net Neutrality Update: House Hearing and Proposed Legislation

Since the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) repealed the 2015 net neutrality rules last year, federal and state lawmakers have debated how to address the issue of net neutrality going forward. We previously have discussed some of the state net neutrality laws that were enacted, including California’s law, which currently is on hold pending the ...

Connected and Automated Vehicles Webinar Series: What's Going on with U.S. Law and Regulations?

The webinar covered such topics as federal regulations affecting connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), with a focus on NHTSA, the FAA, the FCC, and CFIUS review; where Congress stands on CAV legislation, including the AV START Act, the SELF-DRIVE Act, and infrastructure legislation; state-level legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, with a closer ...

Facebook, Uber Among Cos. Sowing Diversity In Legal Ranks

We are proud to partner with our client Uber in support of the first-of-its-kind Law in Technology Diversity Collaborative to help expand the pipeline of diverse lawyers. The summer internship program includes seven tech companies and 12 law firms that will provide opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities in technology law.

Leading California Technology M&A Lawyer Joins Covington

SAN FRANCISCO—Denny Kwon has joined Covington as a partner in its Corporate Practice in San Francisco. Mr. Kwon represents numerous public and private companies, private equity firms, and investment banks in a wide range of M&A transactions. His transactional experience includes the acquisition and sale of domestic and foreign public companies, private ...

Covington Advises Sensyne Health on Collaboration with Jefferson Health

NEW YORK—Covington has advised Sensyne Health, the British clinical AI technology company, on its agreement with Jefferson Health to evaluate the clinical and commercial potential of its GDm-Health™ system in the United States. GDm-Health is a direct patient-to-clinician blood glucose monitoring management system specifically designed for the management of ...

NIST Seeks Comment on Security for IoT Sensor Networks

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) is seeking comments on its draft project on securing sensor networks for the Internet of Things (“IoT”). Organizations and individuals concerned with the security of IoT sensor networks are invited to comment on the draft through March 18, 2019.

DoD tightens enforcement of cyber regulations on contractors to protect data

Susan Cassidy is quoted in Federal News Network regarding the Department of Defense’s tightening of cybersecurity enforcement regulations on contractors. Ms. Cassidy says, “DoD wants to get everyone to a certain cybersecurity level. Now they are tightening up and they are going to make it a performance and award differentiator.” She said before an award, ...

Covington Advised SK Holdings in $100M Investment

PALO ALTO—Covington advised South Korea-based SK Holdings in its $100 million investment in Kinestral Technologies, Inc. The Series D funding round was led by SK Holdings and included existing Kinestral investors like 5AM Ventures, Alexandria Real Estate, Capricorn Investment Group, and Versant Ventures. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kinestral ...

House Moves to Get “SMART” on the IoT Industry

Congress is working to better understand the growing Internet of Things (“IoT”) industry—and soon may be asking industry stakeholders for input. On Wednesday, November 28, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation designed to provide Congress with greater insights into the inner workings of the IoT industry and to promote collaboration ...

Covington Advises Standard Cognition in $40M Series A Preferred Stock Financing

PALO ALTO—Covington advised Standard Cognition, which provides artificial intelligence-powered autonomous checkout solutions for brick and mortar retailers, in raising a $40 million round of Series A Preferred Stock investment. Available to any retailer, the Standard Cognition solution allows consumers to shop and pay without waiting in line, scanning, or ...

Artificial Intelligence: Useful—But Risky, Deloitte Survey Says

Lee Tiedrich spoke with Legaltech News regarding a recent survey on the legal and regulatory risks of artificial intelligence. Ms. Tiedrich suggested clients take a global perspective when assessing what laws are relevant to a particular AI program. She notes that artificial intelligence is not limited to a single jurisdiction, and clients should seek advice on ...

Covington Advises Investcorp on Acquisition of HR Software Provider

FRANKFURT—Covington advised Investcorp Technology Partners on its acquisition of Berlin-based Softgarden, a human resources software provider. Investcorp is a leading global provider and manager of alternative investments and has $22.6 billion in total assets under management, including assets managed by third party managers and assets subject to a ...

What California's new law on internet-connected devices means for Bay Area tech companies

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in the San Francisco Business Times regarding California’s new cybersecurity bill regulating internet-connected devices. Ms. Tonsager believes the vagueness of the “reasonable” standard makes the law flexible. She says, “It’s really helpful that the legislation acknowledges flexibility in identifying which standards are reasonable. ...

Calif. Starts Ball Rolling With Novel Internet Of Things Law

Lindsey Tonsager is quoted in Law360 regarding California’s newly enacted rules mandating security features for internet-connected devices. Makers of IoT devices will be required under Senate Bill 327 to equip products with "reasonable security features." Ms. Tonsager says, "The 'reasonable security' standard is quite flexible, which is good when operating in a ...

Covington AI/IoT Update: EPA and NHTSA Seek Comment on Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

On Friday August 24, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register: The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (“Proposed Rule”). 83 Fed. Reg. 42817. The long-anticipated rulemaking ...

NTIA’s International Internet Policy Priorities for 2018 and Beyond

On July 20, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) published comments it received from a wide array of tech and telecom companies, trade groups, civil society, academia, and others regarding its “international Internet policy priorities for 2018 and beyond.” NTIA’s Office of International ...

The GDPR and Blockchain

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise many industries; it has been said that “blockchain will do to the financial system what the internet did to media”. Its most famous use is its role as the architecture of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, however it has many other potential uses in the financial sector, for instance in... Continue Reading…

Covington Advises Senvion Group on Global Outsourcing

FRANKFURT—Covington advised Senvion Group on the global outsourcing of its IT infrastructure, network, and application services. The outsourcing includes the transformation of the global legacy data center environment into a new hybrid cloud environment. Founded in Germany, Senvion is a global manufacturer of onshore and offshore wind turbines and has installed ...

Covington Nabs Veteran Tech Dealmaker From Wilson Sonsini

The Recorder highlights the arrival of Suzanne Bell to Covington's Technology Transactions practice. Bell says she was attracted to the firm's strong regulatory practice given the increased intersection between the technology sector and government regulations. Bell adds that she is looking forward to using her experience in technology transactions to assist ...

Giving The Middle Class Credit: With Latest Bill, Congress Is Taking A Step In The Right Direction

Bank-fintech partnerships are good for consumers and banks, as I recently explained in testimony to Congress during a hearing on the opportunities and challenges in the fintech marketplace. Consumers benefit because banks are able to use fintech to deliver safer, more transparent, lower cost and more convenient financial products and services to consumers over ...

Miranda Cole Named Among Politico's "Women Who Shape Brussels"

BRUSSELS—Politico has named Covington partner Miranda Cole to its “2017 Women Who Shape Brussels” list, a group of “20 powerhouses driving debates and influencing policy in 2017.” In its profile of Ms. Cole, the publication highlights her defense of leading technology clients, including Microsoft, Facebook, and Verizon, before the European Commission. Politico ...

Emily Henn Named One of Silicon Valley’s Most Influential Women

SILICON VALLEY—Silicon Valley Business Journal has named Covington partner Emily Henn to its annual “Women of Influence” list, honoring “100 of the most influential business women in Silicon Valley.” Ms. Henn serves as co-chair of the firm’s Class Action Litigation Practice, specializing in defending antitrust, consumer, and other types of class actions. Ms. ...

9th Circ. Ruling Generates Copyright Preemption Confusion

Earlier this month, in Maloney v. T3Media Inc.,[1] the Ninth Circuit held that former college athletes could not assert a right of publicity to prevent the NCAA and its licensee, T3Media, from distributing images of the players. The court ruled that the players’ right of publicity was preempted by Section 301 of the Copyright Act because photographs of the ...

4 Takeaways From The 'Buy American' Executive Order

President Donald Trump took a significant step this week toward implementing his often touted objective of protecting U.S. manufacturers and workers by signing the “Presidential Executive Order on Buy American and Hire American” on April 18, 2017. In addition to addressing reforms to the H1-B visa program to protect U.S. workers, the EO sets forth a policy and ...

Two Former PTAB Judges Join Covington's Patent Office Trials Practice

SILICON VALLEY—Former Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) judges Peter Chen and Scott Kamholz have joined Covington’s Patent Office Trials Practice. Mr. Chen and Dr. Kamholz are the only former PTAB judges to enter private practice who have overseen Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011 (AIA) trial proceedings from institution through final decision. Peter ...

Covington Advises Intersil on $3.2 Billion Sale to Japan's Renesas

WASHINGTON—Covington represented semiconductor manufacturer Intersil Corporation in its $3.2 billion sale to Japan’s Renesas Electronics Corporation. The firm advised Intersil on aspects of the transaction involving Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI), trade controls, and government ...

2 Disputes Lawyers Move To Covington Amid KWM Collapse

Jeremy Wilson is quoted in a Law360 article regarding the arrival of Craig Pollack and Louise Freeman to the firm’s European Dispute Resolution practice. According to Wilson, “The firm’s growing footprint in London is a reflection of client demand that is fueled by the increasingly challenging regulatory and compliance environment, and the fact that London is, ...

Covington Boosts Dispute Resolution Practice in London with Two Partners

LONDON—Craig Pollack and Louise Freeman have joined Covington as partners in the firm’s European Dispute Resolution practice resident in London. Mr. Pollack will also serve as co-chair of the firm’s Global Disputes Initiative with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and former U.S. Under Secretary of State Alan Larson. Mr. Pollack focuses on complex high ...

Six Covington Lawyers Named Law360 MVPs

WASHINGTON—Law360 has named six Covington lawyers as MVPs in their respective practice areas. The awards single out lawyers from across various practice areas based on their “success in high-stakes litigation, complex global matters, and record-breaking deals.” The Covington lawyers recognized as Law360 MVPs are: Shara Aranoff, International Trade. Ms. ...

Gov't Contracts MVP: Covington & Burling's Jay Carey

Law360 selected Jay Carey as a 2016 Government Contracts MVP and profiled his involvement in a number of major bid protests by federal contractors in a variety of industries, such as UnitedHealth’s challenge to $58 billion Tricare contracts. According to Carey, “One of the things I really enjoy about it is that every protest is a challenge in terms of learning ...

Insurance MVP: Covington & Burling’s Marty Myers

Law360 selected Marty Myers as a 2016 Insurance MVP and profiled his work over the past year, including his representation of World Fuel Services which scored the company a $24.5 million reward for insurance coverage related to a $17 million marine cargo loss off the coast of West Africa. “Each case suggests its own strategies,” Myers says. “In part, it’s being ...

Former China Head of Harris Corporation Pays $46,000 to Settle SEC's FCPA Allegations

On September 13, 2016, Jun Ping Zhang (“Zhang”), former head of Harris Corporation’s (“Harris”) subsidiary in China, agreed to pay $46,000 to settle allegations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that Zhang knowingly authorized and facilitated bribes to Chinese government officials at state-owned hospitals and local health departments and ...

Covington grabs partner from Sidley to grow NorCal offices

Tom DeFilipps and Doug Gibson are quoted in a Daily Journal article regarding DeFilipps’ move to Covington’s Silicon Valley office. Commenting on the draw to Covington DeFilipps says, “One of the more compelling aspects of the Covington platforms is the way it allows you to meld the strength of its regulatory practice in D.C. and non-U.S. jurisdictions, like ...

Covington Continues Calif. Growth With Sidley Palo Alto Leader

Tom DeFilipps and Doug Gibson are quoted by The Recorder in an article regarding DeFilipps’ recent move to Covington, where he will serve as chair of the West Coast corporate practice. According to DeFilipps, “Covington presented to me an opportunity to do something that sounded very interesting at this point in my career.” He continues, "I felt as though it was ...

Silicon Valley Dealmaker Joins Covington

Timothy Hester and Tom DeFilipps are quoted in an ABF Journal article regarding the arrival of DeFilipps to Covington. According to Hester, “Adding Tom to our Silicon Valley office is a major step forward in our plan for continued growth in California.” DeFilipps says, “I am very pleased to join Covington’s growing California practice.” He continues, “I am ...

Leading Silicon Valley Dealmaker Joins Covington

SILICON VALLEY—Tom DeFilipps has joined Covington as a partner in the Silicon Valley office and will serve as chair of the West Coast Corporate practice. “Adding Tom to our Silicon Valley office is a major step forward in our plan for continued growth in California,” said Timothy Hester, Covington’s chair. “Tom has built a successful Northern California ...

Covington Nabs Sidley NorCal Vet To Lead West Coast Deals

Timothy Hester and Tom DeFilipps are quoted in a Law360 article regarding DeFilipps’ recent arrival. According to Hester, “Adding Tom to our Silicon Valley office is a major step forward in our plan for continued growth in California.” He continues, “Tom has built a successful Northern California corporate practice over many years and has a demonstrated track ...

UK Votes to Leave the EU

The UK has voted to leave the European Union in an advisory referendum. 52% leave - 48% remain. Were the UK to leave the EU, this would have significant implications for the UK and for international businesses operating in the UK. The longer term impact of the decision on the regulatory framework for the UK will depend, in part, on the relationship that the UK ...

Bias Allegations Require Agency Depositions, COFC Concludes

Scott Freling is quoted in a Federal Contracts Report article regarding a recent COFC ruling that allowed Starry, an IT firm challenging solicitation cancellation, to depose HHS officials due to an alleged bias. According to Freling, allegations of bias often fail to gain traction during bid protest litigation because it is difficult to allege sufficient ...

Covington's Competition Law Practice Named to GCR Global Elite

WASHINGTON, December 22, 2014 — The Global Competition Review (GCR) has named Covington & Burling to its Global Elite, a list of the top 20 competition practices worldwide, ranking it among the top practices in both Brussels and Washington, D.C. Each year, GCR undertakes extensive analysis of competition law groups in 50 jurisdictions around the world. In ...

Government contractors increasingly eye insurance to transfer cyber risks

Covington's David Fagan and Marialuisa Gallozzi are quoted in this article regarding a symposium co-hosted by Covington & Burling and George Washington University's Cybersecurity Initiative titled "Cybersecurity for Government Contractors." "That is the bubble that we're sitting on at this moment," said Covington and Burling insurance attorney Marialuisa ...

Business of Law

Marty Myers is mentioned in Bloomberg regarding his recent move to Covington: "Covington & Burling LLP said Martin H. Myers joined its insurance recovery practice, representing corporate policyholders in complex coverage disputes with insurers. Myers, who joins the firm as a partner in San Francisco, was previously at Jones Day."

U.S. News-Best Lawyers Again Ranks Covington Among Nation's Top Law Firms

WASHINGTON, DC, November 7, 2012 — Covington & Burling received 97 first-tier practice rankings in the 2013 “Best Law Firms” survey by U.S. News-Best Lawyers, placing Covington among the top 10 firms nationwide. Covington was also named “Law Firm of the Year” in both FDA Law and Corporate Compliance Law. The honor is presented to one law firm in each of the ...

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Aristocrat Acquisition Financing

Success Before ITC and PTAB on Behalf of Tessera

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Autonomous Vehicles Law and Regulation

Sony BMG Music Entertainment in Class Action Lawsuit

Presidential Order Protecting Qualcomm from Hostile Takeover

NBA in Live Virtual Reality Streaming with NextVR

Government Electronic Surveillance and Law Enforcement Access

Kit Check Pharmacy Automation System Distribution

Leading semiconductor transactions

Licensing and Enforcement-Based Royalties

LightBridge Communications in Cross-Border Acquisition

IPR Proceeding Victory on Behalf of Texas Instruments

Knowles Electronics ITC Section 337 Silicon Microphone Packages Investigation

Major Victory for Atmel in Patent Dispute

Blockchain Industry Association

Advised UK-headquartered Software Developer

Corsair ITC Section 337 Investigation

Samsung ITC Section 337 in Certain Digital Media Devices Investigation

Samsung ITC Section 337 Electronic Devices Investigation

Samsung in ITC Section 337 Mobile Telephones and Wireless Communication Devices Investigation

In re Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation

Acquisition of Cubic Advanced Technical Systems

Acquisition of IBM's semiconductor manufacturing business

Advise Multinational Sharing Economy Company Network

Advising Consortium of German Automotive Companies

Advising Global Service Provider on Financial Services Project

Advising a Leading U.S. Cloud Service Provider

Advising a Leading Global Technology Trade Association

Advising Leading Global Technology Service Provider and Trade Association

Advising Leading Global Technology Service Provider and Trade Association on Ethics Guidelines

Advising a Global Trade Association on Possible U.S. Claims

Advise Multinational Technology Companies and Trade Association on European Commission Proposals

Assist U.S. Online Services Provider on European Commission's Disinformation Code of Practice

Assist a Global Cloud Services Provider in Drafting AI Analysis

Assist Online Services Provider in Assessing Applications of EU Competition Law

Advise a Multinational Sharing Economy Company

Representation of Microsoft in Landmark Case Involving Data Stored Abroad

Acquisition of Global Crossing

Acquisition of Optical Components Manufacturer

Acquisition of Schneider Electric’s Custom Sensors & Technologies business

Advising Large Public Companies and Investors on Corporate Governance Matters

Advise a Multinational Technology and Ecommerce Company

American Airlines IT Outsourcing

American Express’s Divestiture of Its Global Travel Business

Assist International Subscription Video on Demand Service on International Launch

Competition Counsel for Multinational Technology and E-commerce Company

$1.75 billion divestiture of IBM’s personal computers division

$2.1 billion acquisition of IBM server business by Lenovo

$3.7 billion acquisition of Sapient by Publicis Groupe

$5.6 billion acquisition of Invensys plc

$750 million Dassault Systèmes acquisition of Accelrys

Advising an Emerging Technology Company on Wireless Charging Patent

Advised UK-based Clinical AI Company Sensyne Health

Advised B.E.S.T. Funds in Equity Investment in Trak Global Group

Advised B.E.S.T. Funds in the Sale of Intelligent Mechatronic Systems, Inc.

Advising on Open Source Issues

Advising Private Equity Investor

Advise a Multinational Sharing Economy Company on Competition Aspects Middle East Acquisition

Advise Technology Companies in UK CM Inquiries

Advising E.ON Group on Global Outsourcing

Advising on IT and Data Protection Transactions

Advising on the Sale of Shares in a Joint Venture

Advising Global Automotive Suppliers on Open Source Issues

Advising a German Energy Provider

Assist an International Video-on-Demand Service

Advised BenevolentAI on its $90 million Equity Investment from Temasek

Assisted International Broadcaster on Its Application for a Broadcasting License

Assist an International Content Creator