Insights

Washington – June 8, 2023: Crowell & Moring has been recommended in seven practice areas in the 16th edition of the Legal 500 United States. In addition, partner Daniel R. Forman, co-chair of the firm’s Government Contracts Group, has been named to the Legal 500’s “Hall of Fame” for Government Contracts. The firm’s full rankings can be viewed here.

Washington – June 15, 2022: Crowell & Moring has been recommended in eight practice areas in the 15th edition of the Legal 500 United States. In addition, partner Daniel R. Forman, co-chair of the firm’s Government Contracts Group, has been named to Legal 500’s “Hall of Fame” for Government Contracts. Antitrust & Competition partner Megan L. Wolf has been named a “Next Generation Partner” for Merger Control. Advertising & Media partners Christopher A. Cole and Lauren Aronson have been named a “Leading Lawyer” and “Next Generation Partner” for Advertising and Marketing Litigation respectively. The firm’s full rankings can be viewed here.

In 2023 and 2024, several U.S. states enacted extensive “Right to Repair” laws, reflecting a growing legislative focus on ensuring consumers have access to the parts and resources needed to repair their own products without relying on the product’s original manufacturer. Most recently, California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon implemented comprehensive regulations aimed at providing consumers direct access to tools, parts, and information for the repair of various electronic devices and equipment, including digital products and agricultural machinery. As the “Right to Repair” movement continues to gain significant traction across the United States, it is critical that manufacturers understand these laws and how these laws will impact their individual businesses.

Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson announced on February 24, 2025, that the FTC will create the agency’s “first-ever” labor task force, signaling the agency’s continued focus on competition in labor markets, answering an open question from companies as to the fate of the agency’s no-poach and non-compete enforcement priorities. On February 26 Chair Ferguson followed up on his announcement with a Directive Regarding Labor Markets Task Force, providing additional details on the task force and the agency’s priorities.

In the last days of the Biden Administration, the Antitrust Division (DOJ) took the rare step of bringing two separate enforcement actions relating to violations of the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act. The DOJ announced a record $5.6 million civil penalty for “gun jumping” in connection with a 2021 acquisition of a crude oil producer. Days later, the agency sued a private equity fund for violating the HSR rules by failing to make required notifications and omitting or altering required “Item 4” documents.

The right to repair is at the center of a key policy debate with the Biden Administration voicing support for competition and consumer choice in repair markets. Over the summer, the FTC announced three proposed settlements alleging violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the FTC Act. Additionally, the right to repair movement is gaining momentum as the pace of private litigation in this area has increased.

In the fifth installment of Crowell & Moring’s webinar series, our seasoned Antitrust & Competition practitioners will discuss the potential antitrust risks created or exacerbated by the ongoing supply chain crisis.  Our panelists will explore issues that arise throughout the supply chain, including those related to price discrimination, availability & access challenges, exclusionary contract provisions, resale price maintenance, non-price restraints, and competitor collaborations.  The panel will offer practical tips to navigate these challenges for both suppliers and customers. 

Crowell & Moring's "Government Contracts Classroom" is a podcast that covers a wide range of topics relevant to government contractors and provides training and information designed to help you navigate the complexities of government contracting. In this inaugural episode, counsel Megan Wolf talks with partners Daniel Zelenko and Gail Zirkelbach about the DOJ’s new Procurement Collusion Strike Force, answering the most common questions they have received since the Strike Force was announced.