Life Sciences

Opinion

Congress Should Step In To Solve The Opioid Crisis

Instead of relying on piecemeal litigation to solve the opioid crisis, Congress should utilize data to create a coordinated national solution that would distribute culpability between parties and then allocate funds to affected areas, say Peter Kelso and Kristen Knorn at Roux Associates.

Medical Device Cases Show Increased Sunshine Act Scrutiny

Recent U.S. Department of Justice and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services settlements with two medical device manufacturers signal ramped-up enforcement of the Sunshine Act, highlighting a departure from a historically gentler approach, say Jaime Jones and Brenna Jenny at Sidley.

A Biz Strategy Model To Improve Lateral Atty Hiring Diversity

Quantitative comparison tools commonly used by companies in evaluating merger targets will allow law firms to assess lateral hire candidates in a demographically neutral manner, help remove bias from the hiring process and bring real diversity to the legal profession, says Thomas Latino at Florida State University.

5 Steps To Successful Mass Tort Management

When handling mass tort litigation, making strategic preparations before you're swimming in an ocean of data can maximize efficiency and increase the chances of delivering wins for your client, say Ryan Cobbs and Ashley Drumm at Carlton Fields.

How Legal Profession Can Help LGBTQ Patent Attys Thrive

Given the underrepresentation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community in the patent bar, and recognizing that inclusivity benefits not only employees but also firms and clients, Jeremy Saks at Fish & Richardson discusses measures the legal profession can take to support LGBTQ patent attorneys.

What Tax Court's Mylan Legal Fee Ruling Means For IP Suits

The U.S. Tax Court's recent ruling that Mylan Inc. could deduct as regular business expenses the legal fees it incurred defending itself against patent infringement suits from brand-name drug manufacturers has the potential to increase patent litigation and may make settlement less appealing, say attorneys at Snell & Wilmer.

Smaller Firms Need Employee Wellness Programs, Too

As we emerge from the pandemic, small and midsize firms — which offer an ideal setting for companywide connection — should follow in the footsteps of larger organizations and heed the American Bar Association’s recommendations by adopting well-being initiatives and appointing a chief wellness officer, says Janine Pollack at Calcaterra Pollack.

China Trade Secret Developments Bring Certainty For US Cos.

U.S. companies should welcome recent reforms to Chinese trade secret legislation and case law that make the litigation landscape more plaintiff-friendly and provide clarity on what business information is protectable and what confidentiality measures the law requires, say attorneys at Jones Day.

Opinion

Calif. Survival Damages Bill Would Cost Cos., Consumers

California lawmakers should reject a pending bill that would add pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages to punitive and economic loss awards in survival lawsuits, because it would dramatically increase costs for businesses and local governments, say Mark Behrens and Mayela Montenegro-Urch at Shook Hardy.

Compliance Considerations For Pharma Co. Testing Programs

Diagnostic tests sponsored by pharmaceutical companies can provide real benefits to patients, but should be carefully structured to mitigate compliance risks related to possible fraud and patient privacy, say Eve Brunts and Alison Fethke at Ropes & Gray.

How Ad Disputes Between Cos. Fuel Consumer Class Actions

Whether companies are bringing or defending claims of false advertising against competitors, they should recognize and anticipate the additional legal risk that may accrue from follow-on consumer actions, says Ross Weiner at Risk Settlements.

What Semiconductor Shortage Means For Patent Drafting

Since a critical shortage in the global supply of semiconductors could lead to an increase in U.S. capacity, semiconductor-related patent owners should consider directing more patent claims to manufacturing processes, manufacturing tools and intermediate structures, say Darren Smith and David Ben-Meir at Norton Rose.

Unpacking The Latest Trends In Biologics-Related IPRs

Analysis of the roughly 120 biologics-related inter partes review and nine post-grant review petitions filed over the last four years suggests that these considerably successful petitions will continue to be attractive, effective weapons for both innovators and biosimilar applicants, say current and former Steptoe & Johnson attorneys.

Stop Networking, Start Relationship Marketing

USA 500 Clubs' Joe Chatham offers four tips for lawyers to get started with relationship marketing — an approach to business development that prioritizes authentic connections — and explains why it may be more helpful than traditional networking post-pandemic.

When Your 9th Circ. Case Needs California High Court Input

With the Ninth Circuit increasingly certifying state law questions to the California Supreme Court, litigants should pay careful attention to the rules for ancillary proceedings, study recent issues the state high court decided on certification, and consider strategic options, say attorneys at Buchalter.