DoD Prohibits FY17 Funds for Contractors with Restrictive Confidentiality Agreements
Client Alert | 1 min read | 11.21.16
On November 14, 2016, DoD issued a class deviation prohibiting its agencies from awarding FY17 funds to companies that require employees or subcontractors to sign internal confidentiality agreements or statements that restrict them from lawfully reporting waste, fraud, or abuse. As described here, there has been increased scrutiny by government agencies in recent years of the use of internal confidentiality agreements, and a FAR final rule on the subject is expected in the near future.
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Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.11.25
Director Squires Revamps the Workings of the U.S. Patent Office
In March 2025, President Trump nominated John A. Squires for the positions of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 20-2, Squires was confirmed by the Senate on September 17, 2025, by a vote of 51-47 after anti-filibuster measures were invoked. During and after the confirmation process, Squires emphasized several goals for the USPTO during his time as Director. Such goals included:
Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.10.25
Creativity You Can Use: CJEU Clarifies Copyright for Applied Art
Client Alert | 4 min read | 12.10.25
Federal Court Strikes Down Interior Order Suspending Wind Energy Development
Client Alert | 14 min read | 12.10.25
SBA Office of General Counsel Audit of Participants in the 8(a) Program and Beyond
