White House Authorizes Indemnification for Ebola Contracts
Client Alert | 1 min read | 11.17.14
On November 13, 2014, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum authorizing the U.S. Agency for International Development to indemnify contractors performing Ebola-response contracts in Africa "with respect to claims, losses, or damage arising out of or resulting from exposure, in the course of performance of the contracts, to Ebola." This Presidential action is the latest example of how contractors may obtain contract-based indemnification for certain activities (previously discussed here, here, here, here, and here), including activities that pose unusually hazardous risk, and serves as a reminder to contractors engaged in such activities to request that such indemnification clauses be included in their contracts when appropriate.
Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 07.02.25
USPTO's Upcoming Changes to the Accelerated Examination Program
On June 10, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a final rule that will discontinue the Accelerated Examination program for utility applications, beginning July 10, 2025. The final rule also modifies the rules of practice to clarify the grounds for which a petition to make special may be granted and when a fee is required for such a petition. Currently, Applicants have several ways to expedite examination of their patent applications. For example, an Applicant can expedite examination of utility patent applications by either petitioning to make their application special through the Accelerated Examination program or by applying through the Prioritized Patent Examination Program (“Track One” program).
Client Alert | 2 min read | 07.01.25
DoD Establishes New DOGE Approval Process for ITC&MS and A&AS Contracts
Client Alert | 10 min read | 07.01.25
Ninth Circuit Decision Underscores Increasing False Claims Act Risks to U.S. Importers
Client Alert | 8 min read | 06.30.25