Domestic Preferences – CBP Says (Again) More Than Software Download Needed to Effect a Substantial Transformation under the Trade Agreements Act
Client Alert | 1 min read | 03.16.15
In a final determination published today, Customs and Border Protection ruled that the last "substantial transformation" (and, hence, the country of origin) of a laptop occurred in a country not "designated" under the Trade Agreements Act when the "base unit" was assembled from principal components (e.g., the CPU and BIOS chip) which were also manufactured in that "non-designated country." Subsequent "download" (which CBP distinguishes from "programming") in a country "designated" under the TAA of critical software necessary for the laptop to function as a computer (e.g.,the BIOS and the Operating System, both of "designated country" origin) were insufficient to substantially transform the laptop and shift the country of origin to the "designated country" and permit sale under GSA Schedule and contracts subject to the TAA.
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Client Alert | 3 min read | 02.13.26
In October 2024, the FTC adopted a final rule that substantially modified the HSR form, requiring new categories of information and documents. The final rule was the most significant overhaul of the HSR premerger notification requirements in decades. The new requirements imposed additional time and expense on merging parties, with the FTC estimating that the new form would likely take triple the amount of time to complete than the previous form. Numerous groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sued to challenge the rule.
Client Alert | 12 min read | 02.13.26
What Organ Procurement Organizations Need to Know About CMS's New Proposed Rule
Client Alert | 9 min read | 02.12.26
Client Alert | 3 min read | 02.12.26

