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Go Ahead and Offer the Senator a Cup of Coffee

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 02.21.08

As detailed in the attached bullet analysis, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, in response to the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (“HLOGA”), published new guidance concerning the gift exceptions for items of little intrinsic value and food offered other than as part of a meal. Although the Senate clarifications arguably clear up very little, they are a good reminder that it is time to update company codes of conduct and compliance manuals in light of the many new requirements established by HLOGA.

Insights

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:...