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FY 2013 NDAA Shines a Spotlight on Contractor Indemnification

Client Alert | 1 min read | 01.04.13

Section 865 of the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law on January 2, requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress when "entering into a contract that includes an indemnification provision relating to bodily injury caused by negligence or relating to wrongful death" or modifying an existing contract to include such language. This requirement (which excludes contracts awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 2354 and CERCLA, but not indemnification provisions authorized under Public Law 85-804) ratchets up the recent focus on contractor recovery for work performed under government contracts with its mandate that the Secretary explain to Congress the justification for including the indemnification provision.


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:...