The chemical industry is subject to complex and ever-evolving laws and regulations. New standards governing the production and use of chemicals are implemented every year worldwide, and existing laws and regulations are constantly changing to keep pace with new information and scientific advancements. Chemical Industry Regulatory Update provides a monthly digest of recent legislative and regulatory developments and related industry news.
Ignorance of the Law Is an Excuse: Supreme Court Holds a Copyright Registration Containing Inaccurate Information Can Be Valid
Jesse L. Jenike-Godshalk, Carrie A. Shufflebarger
To obtain a copyright registration, the author of a work must submit an application to the U.S. Copyright Office in which the author provides information about the work. If the Copyright Office decides that the work is copyrightable and meets other legal requirements, the office will issue a certificate of registration reflecting the information that the registrant included on the application. Sometimes the registrant includes inaccurate information on the application, which could invalidate the resulting registration. Continue reading.
The Latest on the Ukraine/Russia Crisis
David M. Schwartz, Francesca M.S. Guerrero, Michelle Li, Samir D. Varma, Dan Ujczo, Joyce Rodriguez, Scott E. Diamond*
Thompson Hine is closely following the developments regarding the crisis involving Ukraine and Russia. We have compiled a summary of our recent updates related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Visit our SmarTrade blog regularly for current information on the evolving situation.
*Not licensed to practice law
ESG Survey
The ESG Collaborative
Investors and other key stakeholders are increasingly applying environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria when evaluating risks and growth opportunities within companies. As concerns over sustainability, climate change and social justice grow, corporate ESG response is being carefully scrutinized. Companies that fail to provide sufficient transparency or embrace accountability in these areas may face reduced interest in investment, decreased performance, re-election challenges with directors and reputational damage. In Thompson Hine’s recent ESG Survey, we gathered information on how companies facing similar challenges are responding. Access the survey here.
STB to Hold Hearing on Reciprocal Switching
On March 15 and 16, the Surface Transportation Board will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to enhance rail competition by making reciprocal switching more accessible to shippers. Reciprocal switching requires a railroad that solely serves a facility to interchange that facility’s traffic with a nearby competing railroad, opening up rail competition for the facility’s traffic on a portion of its route. Although Congress gave the Board authority to require reciprocal switching where practicable and in the public interest, or where necessary to provide competitive rail service, 35 years of Board precedent has set such an extremely high bar for justifying reciprocal switching that it has never been awarded and no case seeking reciprocal switching has been brought in decades. Making reciprocal switching more accessible will encourage better rail service and more competitive rates for captive traffic that is eligible. The hearing will be available on the Board’s YouTube channel.
Employment Legislative Outlook
With new state employment laws continuously being enacted, it can be challenging to keep up on each change and ensure that your policies and practices are compliant. We have your solution.
This monthly digest is designed to keep you apprised of upcoming major state law changes in areas including paid sick and safe leave laws, family and parental leave, recreational and medicinal marijuana use, workplace gun laws, asking candidates about salary history and unpredictable scheduling. Read more.
Join the Global Adhesive and Sealant Industry in Chicago – April 25-27, 2022
The World Adhesive & Sealant Conference in 2022 is the most important international event for stakeholders in the industry worldwide. WAC takes place only once every four years alternating between the United States, Europe and Asia. The event was postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic, so this is a HIGHLY anticipated gathering of the industry!
Key regulatory talks will include:
- European Regulations Challenges to Our Industry – With FEICA (The Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry)
- Key Developments & Future Outlook on U.S. State & Federal Chemical Regulation
- An Update on Chemical Management in Canada – Key Priorities and Regulatory Developments – With Consumer and Cleaning Products, Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Compliance of Adhesive & Sealant Products in China – With CIRS Group USA, Inc.
Click here for more information about the event.
Chemical Industry Regulatory Update is compiled by Thompson Hine lawyers on behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council. It should not be construed as legal advice, and the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ASC or its members.
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For more information, contact the editor, William J. Hubbard, or any of the authors.
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