Mintz

We are excited to announce the elevation of eight attorneys to our new Member class, effective January 1.   These talented attorneys embody Mintz’s collaborative culture and drive to achieve exceptional results for our clients. Please join us in congratulating our newest Mintz Members. Alexander Civetta, David Conway, Nishant Dharia, Lexie Gallo-Cook, Nicholas Mouton, Tim Rousseau, Ellen Shapiro, and Aaron M. Williams. https://lnkd.in/eTW_mVXj

A Mintz team led by Member Paul Dickerson, Projects & Infrastructure Chair Ayaz Shaikh, and Member Kristopher Kirkwood recently represented the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office in the closing of a $1.45 billion loan guarantee to Hanwha Q Cells Georgia, Inc. (QCells), a leading North American crystalline silicon solar manufacturer. The team was also supported by Members Gregg Benson, Eric Blythe, Jacob Hupart, Michael McNamara, Geoffrey Smith, Of Counsel Lyndon Plothow, Special Counsel William J. Squires, III, Associates Jacklyn Branby, Libby Decker, Gretchen Goyette, Joshua N. Rudin, and Xandy Walsh, as well as Katrina K., Mary Lungu, Emily Moniz, Matthew Panebianco, and Matt Shoemaker. Learn more about our representation here. https://lnkd.in/ecRUz_M8

Of Counsel Michelle Capezza was quoted by FiduciaryNews.com in an article about the potential repercussions of the Johnson v. Parker-Hannifin case over alleged failures to correctly monitor investments, leading to high-cost share classes. Michelle noted the importance of establishing investment policy statements and prudent procedures for investment reviews. She said, "Plan investment advisers can play a key role in assisting plan sponsors and benefits committees in negotiating investment fee structures and share classes for plan investment options. A prudent diligence effort must be made to determine the reasonableness of fees and investment options for the size of the particular plan." https://bit.ly/3Do1WPp

With the outcome of the recent elections, there may be major shifts to economic policies and market dynamics, especially in the municipal bond space. To help prepare, Members Christie Martin and Chuck Samuels, R. Neal Martin of ML Strategies, LLC, and Emily Swenson Brock of the Federal Liaison Center, Government Finance Officers Association hosted an insightful panel about how the incoming Trump Administration will impact fiscal priorities, tax policies, and market dynamics. Attendees learned: - How the election may shape the municipal bond market - The impact of possible tax and fiscal policy changes - And how issuers, borrowers, underwriters, and investors should navigate the evolving market If you're interested in learning more, please get in touch with one of the panelists.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into the life sciences field has created exciting new opportunities for advancements in diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine. However, obtaining patent protection for AI/ML-based inventions in life sciences can be difficult, particularly with Section 101 rejections. Members Frank Gerratana and Terri Shieh-Newton, PhD along with Associate Qi Zhang dive into navigating § 101 rejections with a strategic focus on specific technical solutions, real-world applications, and innovative data processing methods. See their insights here. https://bit.ly/4gjI4eR

The Canadian federal government has decided to transfer a $1.9 billion surplus from the Public Service Pension Plan to its general revenue. Toronto Office Manager Partner Mitch Frazer was quoted by Benefits Canada about this decision saying, “The odd thing here is that the employees contribute to this plan, so one could argue that maybe there should be some sort of surplus sharing, but it’s within the government’s ability to transfer the entire surplus to general revenue. Read the full article here. https://bit.ly/49QG4In

Intellectual Property Division Chair Mike Renaud and Member Adam Rizk recently published an article in IAM, focusing on the critical steps entrepreneurs and other business leaders should take to develop a robust IP strategy to best protect and monetize disruptive technology assets. Through analyzing three case studies, Mike and Adam provide six key components of effective IP monetization, including: 1. Conduct an IP portfolio audit 2. Identify high-value assets 3. Protect high-value assets 4. Think big picture 5. Evaluate commercialization and monetization 6. Exercise care when sharing IP Read the full article here. https://bit.ly/3P4jVN2

It’s that time of year again when many public companies are preparing for their 2024 fiscal year-end SEC filings and annual shareholder meetings. As in years past, a team of cross-practice attorneys have created our year-end memorandum to help companies prepare. This year’s guide recaps the SEC’s activities during 2024 and highlights considerations for the new year, including cybersecurity disclosures, artificial intelligence, the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, and regulatory updates at the FDA. Click here to access this report https://bit.ly/3P0tsF0 Anne Bruno, Daniel Kajunski, Melanie Ruthrauff Levy, Page Hubben, David G. Adams, Joanne Hawana, Jacob Hupart, Cynthia Larose, Breton Leone-Quick, Benjamin Zegarelli, Christopher Buontempo

ESG Co-chair Jen Rubin recently spoke to The Washington Post about a Fifth Circuit opinion, which struck down a Nasdaq rule aiming to encourage diversity on corporate boards. Jen shared that companies can still decide whether they want to provide board diversity information and how the ruling highlights the vast influence of board members on businesses. She said, “Really the question becomes: Do you want a board that represents America at large so that you’re able to tap into that wide disparity of viewpoints, experiences, everything that comes to bear in the boardroom? I think many people would agree that is a good thing — that is something that corporate America should be striving for.” Read more here. https://bit.ly/49E9LMV

A Mintz team led by Member Lewis Geffen and Associate Sarah Palmer advised Relation Therapeutics, an industry leader in deploying computation and experimentation to drug discovery, on an equity investment of $15 million from GSK in connection with two simultaneous strategic collaborations aimed at advancing the development of novel therapeutics for fibrotic diseases and osteoarthritis. Learn more about this strategic investment here. https://bit.ly/400H9dB