Thought Leadership - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

There’s Nothing Weak About the SEC’s “Weakened” Climate Disclosure Mandate

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its long-awaited climate disclosure mandate for publicly traded companies (Final Rule).

The FDA and the Future of AI Oversight

In January 2024, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report highlighting current obstacles to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) timely and effective regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in medical devices and other emerging health care technologies (GAO...

Advancing Women’s Reproductive Health Access: Medicaid Should Be a Part of Your Growth Strategy

Medicaid is a critical source of health care coverage for women in their childbearing years, covering 1 in 5, or 13 million, women of reproductive age.

FTC and HHS Send Letter Warning of Risks From Online Tracking Technologies

On July 20, 2023, the OCR at the HHS and the FTC sent a joint letter to approximately 130 hospital systems and telehealth providers to alert them to the “serious privacy and security risks” stemming from the use of online tracking technologies integrated into their websites and mobile apps.

2023–24 California State Budget Finalized—At Least for Now

After around-the-clock weekend negotiations between Democratic legislative leaders and Governor Gavin Newsom, working against a looming June 30 constitutional deadline, leaders announced a budget agreement late Monday night.

Cash is King: How A Capital Strategy Can Enable Today’s Startups to Survive

2023 has proved to be challenging for many cash-conscious startups, especially those that anticipated raising venture capital in the first half of the year.

Startup Financing: When Is a SAFE Not So Safe?

Startups have been raising money using the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) since it was first introduced by Y Combinator in 2013.

Startups, SAFE Act, Financing, Entrepreneurs

Kraken Crypto Staking Program for U.S. Investors Shut Down in Aggressive Expansion of the Howey Test

Payward Ventures, Inc., d/b/a Kraken, the cryptocurrency exchange, has entered into a $30 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations the company failed to register its cryptocurrency staking program, in violation of U.S. securities laws.

NYS Governor Hochul Delivers 2023 State of the State Address

On January 10, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her second State of the State address, outlining her policy and fiscal agenda for the upcoming year.

Manatt Advances 19 Legal and Consulting Professionals Across Practices Nationwide

Manatt, Phelps @ Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, announced today the advancement of 19 professionals, effective January 1, 2023@nine attorneys to equity partnership, one consultant to senior managing director, four attorneys to partnership, four consultants to managing directors and one attorney to counsel. These elevations illustrate the power of...