Thought Leadership - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

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.

National Advertising Review Board Recommends That JBS Discontinue Net Zero Claims

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, has recommended that JBS USA Holdings, Inc., discontinue claims regarding its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

EEOC Takes On Title VII and AI

Adding to the growing commentary on artificial intelligence (AI) in the employment context, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued a technical assistance document.

The NLRB Recently Takes Bold Action

NLRB General Counsel Cites Top Five Problems With Noncompetes Under the National Labor Relations Act

Protecting Musicians in GenAI: Key Takeaways From the U.S. Copyright Office

Generative AI presents a profound opportunity and challenge for artists in the music industry.

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.

Regulation of AI Systems is Already Here – Look to Data Protection Laws

As the scramble continues to reckon with the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT, Bard, DALL-E, and Midjourney, and the promise of other AI and machine learning systems (for simplicity, “AI systems”) to come, legal and business professionals across industries are asking whether these systems will be regulated, and if so, how.

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

AI Has Captured the Attention of the U.S. Public—and Federal Enforcers

Four federal agencies issued a unique Joint Statement this week on enforcement priorities related to “automated systems,” including artificial intelligence.

Berkeley’s Natural Gas Ban in New Housing and Businesses Not Allowed, Says Ninth Circuit

Local or state regulations seeking to decarbonize new buildings by banning natural gas appliances or infrastructure are preempted under federal law according to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.