Womble Perspectives

As Womble Bond Dickinson celebrates its 150th anniversary, Lori Patton sits down with Sarah Motley Stone, Charlotte Office Managing Partner, to reflect on more than two decades of growth, leadership, and service at the firm. Sarah shares her journey from a first-year summer associate who never expected to become a litigator to a respected leader helping shape the future of one of the firm's largest offices. The conversation explores the enduring impact of mentorship, the role of trust and integrity in firm culture, the realities of balancing career and family, and the lessons learned from stepping into leadership. Sarah also offers thoughtful perspectives on the future of the legal profession, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, and why embracing change while staying grounded in core values remains essential for long-term success.

Today, we’re tackling part two of what it takes to find expert witnesses, and we’re following up with the next big question: once you’ve got a shortlist of candidates, how do you choose the best one? It turns out, it’s not just about degrees and licenses. There are multiple other factors that can make or break credibility in front of a jury.More infoFinding an Expert Witness (Part 2): Best Practices for Choosing the Best CandidatePart 1: Where to Look and What to Ask to Find the Right Witness for Your CaseAbout the authorKim Beane

Today, we’re diving into an international legal battle that’s been making its way through the gaming world: a patent dispute between Nintendo and the creators of Palworld.Read the full articleGotta Catch ’Em All...In Court?: Nintendo Bolsters U.S. Patent Portfolio In Wake of Japanese Lawsuit Against PocketpairAbout the authorsReid BarberJohn H. Wright, III

Today’s topic is a federal case that’s got some in the sports world playing defense: charges against former and current NBA players and coaches for illegal sports gambling, rigged poker games, and organized crime.Read the full articleFormer and Current NBA Players and Coaches Have Been Charged Under Federal Law. What Law?About the authorsGlenn J. LightKarl F. RutledgeJason C. HicksDon Lee

Today, we’re revisiting a story that’s as provocative as it is legally fascinating: the ongoing trademark battle over the F-word.Read the full articleF-Word as a Trademark? Federal Circuit Leaves the Door Open as it Vacates TTAB’s DecisionAbout the authorsJennifer A. Van KirkErica R. HalsteadLori B. Cohen

Recently, the White House and the FDA issued statements suggesting a possible connection between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risks of autism and ADHD. These announcements have prompted strong reactions from the scientific community. Organizations like The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and The World Health Organization have responded with caution, emphasizing that the current evidence does not support a definitive causal link.So, what does the science actually say?Read the full articleAutism and Acetaminophen Use during Pregnancy: Does Science Support the Claim of a Link?About the authorMatt Quinn, Ph.D.

Social media has become the new storefront for everything from dietary supplements and CBD oils to herbal tinctures and homeopathic remedies. These products are often promoted as “natural,” “safe,” or “alternative,” and that language resonates with consumers looking for holistic options. But here’s the catch, many of these products make bold claims about treating or preventing health conditions. And those claims don’t always have the backing of the FDA.Read the articleMarketing Holistic Health on Social Media? Here’s Why the FDA Might Come KnockingAbout the authorMatt Quinn, Ph.D.

A recent FDA reminder revealed that nearly 30% of certain clinical trials still lack publicly reported results—raising concerns about transparency and bias in scientific research. In this episode, we explore how missing or selectively reported data can distort the scientific record and influence litigation outcomes. We break down the role of Daubert and Rule 702, and discuss how attorneys can identify gaps in the evidence to challenge expert reliability. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of science, regulation, and the law. Read the full articleWhat the Scientific Record Leaves Out: Unreported Evidence and Expert Reliability Under Daubert About the authorGloria Malpass, Ph.D.

In this special 150th anniversary episode of Womble Perspectives, Vice Chair Ken Van Winkle reflects on his tenure as Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership and what it means to lead with purpose in a growing community. He shares how trust, consensus-building, and a shared vision can align diverse leaders around complex regional challenges.Ken also offers practical insights on balancing professional responsibilities with community service, why authenticity—not visibility—should drive involvement, and how civic leadership strengthens both relationships and business development. Looking ahead, he discusses Phoenix’s evolution into a vibrant, self-sustaining city and issues a clear call to action: start now, engage where you’re passionate, and help shape the next generation of leaders.Womble at 150: Legacy Made, Future Focused

The FCC is proposing a sweeping overhaul of its robocall framework, signaling a shift toward stricter, more prescriptive compliance requirements. In this episode, we break down the key elements of the FNPRM—from the introduction of Know Your Upstream Provider (KYUP) obligations to expanded KYC rules and tighter STIR/SHAKEN standards. We also explore what these changes mean for operational processes, compliance costs, and industry accountability. Tune in to understand how this evolving regulatory landscape could reshape voice service providers’ approach to risk management and compliance. Read the full articleFCC’s KYUP FNPRM Signals a Further Shift Toward Prescriptive Robocall Compliance Obligations About the authorsSusan Duarte, CIPP (US/E), CIPMJill CanfieldStephen T. Sharbaugh

A major shift in federal employment law is underway. In this episode, we unpack the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s June 9, 2026 opinion declaring key aspects of disparate-impact liability under Title VII unconstitutional. We explore how this change narrows employer risk, raises the bar for plaintiffs, and challenges long-standing EEOC guidance—while leaving state laws and disparate-treatment claims firmly in place. Tune in for a clear breakdown of what changed, what didn’t, and what employers should do next. Read the full articleDOJ Reinterprets Title VII Disparate Impact — Practical Implications for Employers About the authorsJohn PueschelKiley McCarthy-Connolly ScholtzRichard Raleigh

Today we’re breaking down a recent regulatory update from the FDA that landed on February 5th, 2026, which deals with how food companies can use the phrase “no artificial colors” on their labels. And even though the laws haven’t changed, the practical impact could be substantial. It’s an update that may seem small on the surface but touches marketing, compliance, and consumer perception all at once.Read the articleUpdate for Big Food: FDA Announces New Policy on “No Artificial Colors” LabelingAbout the authorAl Windham 

Today we’re diving into new supplemental guidance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could have an effect on how design patents are drafted for digital products. On March 13, 2026, the USPTO published this guidance in the Federal Register specifically addressing design patent applications claiming computer-generated interfaces, icons, and even holograms. Read the articleUSPTO Issues Supplemental Guidance on Design Patents for Computer-Generated Interfaces and IconsAbou the authorsAlex WhartonJacob Wharton

Today, we’re unpacking findings from the 2026 Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey, which paints a clear picture of where business leaders are right now. Innovation—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating faster than the rules meant to govern it. And that gap is creating both opportunity and real risk. Read the articleEmerging Tech, Escalating Risks: What Corporate Leaders Reveal in the Womble Bond Dickinson Client SurveyAbout the authorsTara ChoJohn GrayMark HenriquesChris Jones 

As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies currently divide responsibility, and why Congress may be the key to long‑term clarity. We explore what a risk‑based regulatory framework could look like—and what it means for businesses, investors, and the future of digital assets in the U.S. Read the full articleA Framework for Crypto Asset Regulation About the authorsLouis FroelichJD Uglum

California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital asset companies should be doing now to prepare for DFPI oversight. Read the articleCalifornia’s New Digital Financial Assets Law Requires Application for Cryptocurrency Licenses to be Submitted by July 1, 2026 About the authorsAmy Greenwood-FieldDerek W. EdwardsScott J. Hyman, CIPP (US/E), CIPM, CIPTRobert W. Savoie

Today’s episode focuses on a fascinating intersection of science, law, and economics: the rise of psychedelic therapy and the legal frameworks shaping its future. In this era of industrialized capitalism, there are strong incentives to promote products in emerging industries. Intellectual property law has always played a key role in fueling innovation and now, it’s poised to do the same for psychedelic therapies. Read the full articleActualizing Therapy from Psychedelic Compounds Requires Acknowledging the Past Pioneers as well as Encouraging Cooperation from Current Market PlayersAbout the authorBen Bourke

In this episode of Womble Perspectives, Chief Recruiting Officer Lori Patton sits down with partner Chris Douglas to explore her two-decade journey at the firm. Chris shares how her passion for learning shaped her path from litigation to leadership.About Chris Douglas

What began as a backyard celebration now draws over a thousand people to support food insecurity in Middle Tennessee. Bill Ramsey takes us inside the evolution of “Ode to Otha” and why community leadership starts with showing up.Tickets: Ode to OthaAbout the event: Ode to Otha: Bill Ramsey Honors Friend & Legendary Musician Otha Turner with Annual Charity Event

Food doesn’t travel a straight line from farm to fork, and when safety issues arise, tracing that journey can be challenging. In this episode, we break down FDA’s Food Traceability Rule, why it was created, and what it means for companies handling higher-risk foods. From past produce outbreaks to new recordkeeping expectations and the extended compliance timeline, we explore how traceability is evolving. And what businesses can do now to prepare for what’s ahead.Read the full articleFrom Farm to Fork: Understanding FDA’s Food TraceabilityAbout the AuthorJennifer German

In April 2026, the European Union adopted a landmark Directive on Combating Corruption, creating the first harmonized criminal anti-corruption framework across all Member States. In this episode, we break down what the Directive does, how it expands corporate liability, why its jurisdictional reach matters for multinational companies, and how it goes further than the FCPA in critical ways. We also discuss why perceived shifts in U.S. enforcement do not justify scaling back compliance—and what companies should be doing now to prepare for the new European enforcement reality.Read the articleThe EU’s New Anti-Corruption Directive—What it Means for Global Companies as FCPA Enforcement ShiftsAbout the authorsLuke CassAudrey N. Karman 

In this episode of Womble Perspectives, host Lee Van Voorhis is joined by Kristina Moore to discuss what companies—particularly in the energy and data center sectors—should know about Congressional investigations and oversight. Kristina draws on her extensive Capitol Hill experience to explain how these inquiries differ from traditional regulatory or enforcement actions, including the practical realities of subpoenas, privilege concerns, and political dynamics. The conversation covers current and potential oversight priorities in both the House and Senate, along with what executives and general counsel can do now to reduce risk and prepare. About Kristina MooreAbout Lee Van Voorhis

In this episode, we’re diving into a critical topic that deals with the future of energy: spent nuclear fuel, or SNF. And as of right now, the U.S. has more than 91,000 metric tons of SNF sitting in storage with no permanent solution. That’s a truly staggering number. Especially since about 95% of that material can actually be reused. And through reprocessing and recycling, we could turn what we call “waste” into new reactor fuel, which would dramatically reduce high-level waste.Read the full articleUnlocking the Potential of Spent Nuclear Fuel – Renewed Interest in Reprocessing and Recycling in the United StatesAbout the authorThomas J. Dougherty

Today we're breaking down a copyright decision out of the Southern District of New York. On January 8, 2026, the court granted Universal Music Group’s motion to dismiss in a case brought by hip‑hop legends Salt‑N‑Pepa. Read the full articleUniversal Music Group’s Recent Success in Blocking Section 203 Termination Rights Could Pose a Threat to Artists’ Abilities to Reclaim Sound Recording Rights in the Future.About the authorsWilliam T. RamseyMariam N. StocktonDani Bhadare-Valente 

By now, we all know that Generative AI models are trained on massive amounts of data, much of which is collected from the Internet, as well as other sources.This AI is also generating tons of new content, much of which ends up online. But what happens when this AI-generated content is used again to train the AI models?Read the full article.About the authorDr. Christian E. Mammen

Today we’re digging into the energy demands of artificial intelligence and the political pressure it’s creating. Senate Democrats are calling out Big Tech over the skyrocketing electricity consumption of data centers powering AI, which makes this not just a tech topic, but a conversation about consumer costs, infrastructure, and the politics of energy.Read the full articleSenate Democrats Press Big Tech on the Cost of AI’s Soaring Energy DemandsAbout the authorKristina Moore

Today we’re unpacking our new Energy Outlook 2026. This is our fifth global energy sector report, and with insights from more than 650 senior leaders across energy companies, investors, service providers, and energy-intensive consumers worldwide, it paints a fairly comprehensive picture of what’s ahead. Read more2026 Global Energy Sector Under Pressure2026 Energy Report

California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital asset companies should be doing now to prepare for DFPI oversight. Read the articleCalifornia’s New Digital Financial Assets Law Requires Application for Cryptocurrency Licenses to be Submitted by July 1, 2026 About the authorsAmy Greenwood-FieldDerek W. EdwardsScott J. Hyman, CIPP (US/E), CIPM, CIPTRobert W. Savoie

Nebraska has enacted Legislative Bill 717, a sweeping update to its consumer finance laws. This brief covers the expansion of the Nebraska Installment Loan and Sales Act from $25,000 to $100,000, changes to how the state’s 16% usury cap applies, and new net tangible benefit disclosure requirements for installment and mortgage refinances—all ahead of an estimated July 18, 2026 compliance date. Read the articleNebraska Amends Various Finance LawsAbout the authorsRobert W. SavoieJulia Berry Lopez

Data breaches are no longer just cybersecurity incidents, they’re litigation events, and this episode explores how cyber incidents can quickly turn into class actions, regulatory‑driven discovery, and complex disputes over standing, causation, and damages. As cyber risk becomes enterprise‑wide legal risk, litigation readiness is no longer optional. An integrated digital solutions approach can help organizations prepare for cyber incidents with an eye toward what matters most. Read the articleUnder Attack: Managing Disputes Arising from Digital IncidentsAbout WBD’s Digital Solutions TeamDigital Solutions at Womble Bond Dickinson

As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies currently divide responsibility, and why Congress may be the key to long‑term clarity. We explore what a risk‑based regulatory framework could look like—and what it means for businesses, investors, and the future of digital assets in the U.S. Read the full articleA Framework for Crypto Asset Regulation About the authorsLouis FroelichJD Uglum 

On March 27, 2026, the Office of Foreign Access Control issued three new general licenses focused on Venezuela’s minerals sector, including gold. In today’s episode, we break down what each license authorizes, the conditions that apply, and how they differ in scope. From trade in Venezuelan-origin minerals, to operational support, to contingent contracts for new investment, we explore what these licenses permit, and what they still leave off-limits.Read the Full ArticleExplaining OFAC Venezuela Mining Sector-Related General Licenses 51A, 54 and 55About the AuthorsJosé Luis Vittor*Alan F. EnslenFrancisco Balduzzi*Julius H. Bodie

Getting inventorship wrong can do more than complicate a patent, it can destroy it. In this episode, we unpack a recent Federal Circuit decision that invalidated two patents after a co-inventor was omitted and couldn’t be added later. Using Fortress Iron v. Digger Specialties as a case study, we explore why inventorship errors arise in collaborative development environments, why some mistakes can’t be fixed after issuance, and what companies can do early in development to protect the enforceability of their patents. Read the Full ArticleInventorship Errors Can Undermine Patent Value: Practical Steps to Reduce Risk About the AuthorsKarthika Perumal, Ph.D.Michael R. Samardzija, Ph.D.Jeffrey S. Whittle

Advanced Air Mobility is often imagined as a bold new urban aviation network, but early implementation may look far more familiar. In this episode, we explore why existing public airports are emerging as key early sites for AAM planning and deployment. Focusing on land use, governance, and recent developments in Arizona, we discuss how airport frameworks, statewide planning signals, and sponsor-led concepts—like those in Phoenix—may shape how AAM is introduced both on and beyond airport property.Read the articleOn Airport First: Early Observations on Advanced Air Mobility in ArizonaAbout the authorHeidi K. Short

Today we’re diving into new supplemental guidance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could have an effect on how design patents are drafted for digital products. On March 13, 2026, the USPTO published this guidance in the Federal Register specifically addressing design patent applications claiming computer-generated interfaces, icons, and even holograms. Read the articleUSPTO Issues Supplemental Guidance on Design Patents for Computer-Generated Interfaces and IconsAbou the authorsAlex WhartonJacob Wharton

South Carolina lawmakers have just proposed legislation that could significantly affect how social media companies handle consumer data. It’s called the Digital Choice Act and it focuses on data access, portability, and interoperability between platforms. For privacy professionals and legal teams, this will be one to watch. Read the articleProposed Legislation in South Carolina: The “Digital Choice Act” About the authorRyan Ellard 

Today, we’re unpacking findings from the 2026 Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey, which paints a clear picture of where business leaders are right now. Innovation—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating faster than the rules meant to govern it. And that gap is creating both opportunity and real risk. Read the articleEmerging Tech, Escalating Risks: What Corporate Leaders Reveal in the Womble Bond Dickinson Client SurveyAbout the authorsTara Cho John Gray Mark Henriques Chris Jones 

Over the last year, and especially after a recent February decision, the Texas Business Court is quickly becoming a go‑to venue for trade secrets disputes. What’s interesting is that this shift may not stop at trade secrets alone. There are strong signs the court could play a significant role in patent‑adjacent litigation as well. Read the articleTexas Business Court Signals Broad IP Jurisdiction, Opening Door to Patent‑Adjacent DisputesAbout the authorsJeff Whittle Kartika Perumal 

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Jeff Whittle, a partner in our Houston office and Head of our Global Energy and Natural Resources team. The two discuss Jeff’s journey with Womble, his initial leap of faith to join the firm, and his experience in building the Houston office. More about WBD's Energy and Natural Resources practice

Today we’re breaking down a recent regulatory update from the FDA that landed on February 5th, 2026, which deals with how food companies can use the phrase “no artificial colors” on their labels. And even though the laws haven’t changed, the practical impact could be substantial. It’s an update that may seem small on the surface but touches marketing, compliance, and consumer perception all at once.Read the articleUpdate for Big Food: FDA Announces New Policy on “No Artificial Colors” LabelingAbout the authorAl Windham 

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Michael McCue, a partner in our Intellectual Property group who joined Womble as part of our combination with Lewis Roca in January of 2025. The two discuss Womble's entrepreneurial approach and his experience since joining the firm.More about WBD's Intellectual Property practice.

Today, we’re looking at a provocative development in reproductive science: selecting embryos based on projected intelligence. Picture this: a couple undergoing IVF is presented with three embryos. They’re told each has a different predicted IQ. Embryo 1, 2, or 3—who’s likely to be the smartest?Read the full articleThe Intersection of Genetics and Law: Navigating New FrontiersAbout the authorChristina Upton Douglas

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a pretty big shift in how lab-developed tests are regulated in the United States. If you’re up on FDA developments, you may have heard that there’s an effort to regulate these tests as medical devices. But a recent federal court ruling in Texas just flipped the script.Instead of agreeing with the FDA, the court basically said, “Nope, lab-developed tests aren’t devices—they’re services.” And services aren’t under the FDA’s jurisdiction.Read the full article:FDA’s Authority Over Lab-Developed Tests Overturned: What the Court’s Decision Means for Lab TestingAbout the authors:L. Christine LawsonKatie Clowers 

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Ana Gutierrez, head of Womble's Environmental Practice. The two discuss leaps of faith and what led Ana to land at our firm.More about WBD's Energy and Natural Resources sector.

Today’s episode is part of our Recruiting Success stories series. Lori Patton, our Chief Recruiting Officer, sits down with Ana Gutierrez, head of Womble's Environmental Practice. The two discuss leaps of faith and what led Ana to land at our firm.More about WBD's Energy and Natural Resources sector.

Today we’re digging into a potentially groundbreaking legal ruling about AI. It’s the first time a federal court has weighed in on whether chats with an AI tool like Claude or ChatGPT can be considered privileged. Spoiler: the court said no. And this could have implications for businesses and legal teams.Read the full articleClient’s Use of AI Not Protected by Attorney Client PrivilegeAbout the authorsIan P. O’KeefeHayden J. Silver, IIIScott D. AndersonLuke Cass 

Today we’re digging into a potentially groundbreaking legal ruling about AI. It’s the first time a federal court has weighed in on whether chats with an AI tool like Claude or ChatGPT can be considered privileged. Spoiler: the court said no. And this could have implications for businesses and legal teams.Read the full articleClient’s Use of AI Not Protected by Attorney Client PrivilegeAbout the authorsIan P. O’KeefeHayden J. Silver, IIIScott D. AndersonLuke Cass 

Today, we’re talking about a federal development that’s primed to reshape an entire industry: the booming market for hemp‑derived cannabinoids. If you’ve seen delta‑8 gummies at a gas station or THC seltzers in a mainstream grocery store, you’ve witnessed this explosion firsthand.Read the articleNavigating New Hemp Laws: A Major Shift for the Cannabis IndustryAbout the authorJennifer German 

Today we’re unpacking our new Energy Outlook 2026. This is our fifth global energy sector report, and with insights from more than 650 senior leaders across energy companies, investors, service providers, and energy-intensive consumers worldwide, it paints a fairly comprehensive picture of what’s ahead. Read more2026 Global Energy Sector Under Pressure2026 Energy Report

Today’s episode sits at the intersection of culture, commerce, and creativity, diving into a trademark dispute that’s got both the fashion and music industries watching closely. It’s a case that asks: Can a rock band’s name really confuse consumers into thinking they’re buying luxury jewelry?Read the full articleHe Has His Heart of Gold…. Why Not a Chrome Heart, Too?About the authorLori B. Cohen