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9.27.24
Sustainability and ESG Advisory Practice Update, September 2024
We are pleased to share the September 2024 issue of Wilson Sonsini's Sustainability and ESG Advisory Practice Update. Each issue combines news, key legal developments, and resources related to sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters relevant to public and private companies internationally.
Newsletters
8.28.24
Sustainability and ESG Advisory Practice Update, August 2024
We are pleased to share the August 2024 issue of Wilson Sonsini’s Sustainability and ESG Advisory Practice Update. Each issue combines news, key legal developments, and resources related to sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters relevant to public and private companies internationally.
Alerts
8.23.24
FCC Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the Use of AI-Generated Technologies for Consumer Communications
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently issued a unanimous Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry targeting the use of AI-related technologies for communicating with consumers.1 In the proposed rule, the FCC seeks to impose a broad definition for AI technologies subject to the requirements of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Companies using technology falling within the FCC’s proposed definition would be required to make certain disclosures under the TCPA to notify consumers that they are communicating with AI-technology. This proposal is the latest move by the FCC to tackle its largest source of consumer complaints: unwanted and illegal robocalls and robotexts.2 The proposed new rule may require companies to modify their current approach in engaging with consumers through AI-generated calls and/or texts, including potentially altering their current practices in collecting consent where necessary.
Alerts
8.22.24
FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Fake and Misleading Consumer Reviews and Testimonials
On August 14, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule that prohibits publishing or trading in fake or misleading consumer reviews and testimonials, or engaging in other related deceptive promotional tactics. Notably, under the FTC’s new rule, the commission will be authorized to seek civil penalties against violators.
News Articles
6.06.24
John Slafsky Honored as 2024 Global Leader by World Trademark Review
On June 5, 2024, the World Trademark Review named Wilson Sonsini partner John Slafsky a 2024 Global Leader in the private practice category. The WTR Global Leaders rankings draw on a three-month nomination and research process to identify the best of the best in trademark practice.
Alerts
5.07.24
Copyright Battle in 2K Games Lawsuit Comes to a Close
The case of Hayden v. 2K Games, Inc. involving a tattoo artist’s copyright battle against the gaming giant, 2K Games, was decided earlier this month.1 In 2017, tattoo artist James Hayden filed the lawsuit over 2K Games’ realistic portrayals of his tattoo designs on its popular basketball player avatars.2 Wilson Sonsini previously reported on this lawsuit here and here.
Alerts
4.29.24
The ELVIS Act: Setting the Stage for Policing Unauthorized Use of AI-Generated Sound and Likeness
Last month, Tennessee, birthplace of the “King of Rock and Roll,” broadened the state’s already robust right of publicity statute by passing the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (the so-called “ELVIS Act”). The ELVIS Act, which goes into effect on July 1, breaks new ground by specifically targeting generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and services that potentially enable the use of people’s likeness without permission. Other states, and potentially Congress, may soon follow Tennessee’s “opening act” in broadening right of publicity protections focused on uses of generative AI.
Alerts
2.13.24
FCC Rules AI-Generated Voices Are “Artificial” Under the TCPA
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently declared that AI-generated voices do fall within the meaning of “artificial” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in a ruling issued on February 8, 2024.1 The ruling follows a recent surge in robocalling and robotexting using AI technologies that simulate a human voice or that generate call content using a prerecorded voice, resulting in a significant number of complaints from consumers and attorneys general. Going forward, businesses and callers who use AI-generated voices will need to ensure they first obtain, at a minimum, prior express consent from the receiving party and otherwise comply with the requirements of the TCPA.
News Articles
2.08.24
Wilson Sonsini Trademark Practice, Attorneys Recognized in 2024 World Trademark Review 1000
World Trademark Review (WTR) has recognized Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati’s trademark and advertising practice in its recently published 2024 edition of World Trademark Review 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals. The WTR 1000 is an annual guide that solicits industry feedback and identifies the top trademark professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe. Wilson Sonsini is recognized as a leading firm in both California and Washington.
Client Highlights
12.22.23
Wilson Sonsini Advises K18 on Intellectual Property, Licensing, and Corporate Matters Related to Acquisition by Unilever
On December 22, 2023, Unilever, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire premium biotech haircare brand K18. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is advising K18 on intellectual property, licensing, and corporate matters related to the transaction.
Alerts
10.16.23
FTC Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule Requiring Disclosure of Fees in Consumer Goods and Services
Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed rule that would regulate a broad range of “junk fees” in consumer goods and services, from resort fees associated with travel and lodging, to delivery fees associated with meal and grocery delivery, to convenience fees associated with financial services (the proposed rule). The proposed rule would generally prohibit the omission of mandatory fees from advertised prices. If finalized, violations of the proposed rule could result in civil penalties of up to $50,120 per violation. The public has 60 days to comment after the proposal is published in the Federal Register.