The Variety 2016 Legal Impact Report

On September 10, 2026, Governor Newsom signed SB 1119, known as Adam’s Law, substantially expanding California’s requirements for companion chatbots when used by children.

On July 22, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) adopted a Third Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (covered separately here) in which the Commission advances its ongoing efforts to secure the U.S.

Generative AI is transforming litigation defense by enabling in-house legal teams to manage costs and complexity more effectively across the entire case lifecycle. From early research and drafting through expert witness strategy and trial preparation, AI tools are helping defense teams work faster and more consistently. How are these technologies reshaping the way sophisticated counsel approaches multidistrict litigation, mass torts, and large-scale document management?

On October 5, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published its revised Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

FEMA and the FCC will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on November 17, 2026, requiring participation from all radio and television stations, cable systems, and satellite services. EAS Participants must file three separate forms through the EAS Test Reporting System, with specific deadlines ranging from October 30, 2026, through January 2027. Certain translator and repeater stations are exempt from the registration and filing requirements.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a preliminary injunction against Perplexity AI, determining that when an AI agent acts at a user's direction, it is the user—not the AI company—who "accesses" computer systems under federal and California computer fraud statutes. This landmark appellate decision addresses how existing computer-access laws apply to agentic artificial intelligence and has significant implications...

This month’s headline FTC action was the announcement that the FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over deceptive advertising practices. But the FTC has also kept its sights trained on protecting cash-strapped consumers. The FTC announced settlements involving empty credit-repair promises, bill payment platforms masquerading as official payment channels, and tacked-on fees at used car dealerships.

2025 appears to have signalled a return to growth for the games industry with headline figures painting an appealing picture which obscures a more challenging reality. Many in the sector continue to struggle, while a number of outperformers have been the real winners. The industry is undergoing change and may look quite different in the next five years.  

California has enacted a comprehensive package of four bills that fundamentally reshape online safety protections for minors, targeting addictive design features, data privacy practices, age verification systems, and platform liability. These new laws establish strict requirements for social media companies, including mandatory stripped-down interfaces for users under 16, enhanced privacy defaults, and potential damages up to $1 million for negligent harm to children. The legislation represents one of the m

On September 16, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom ceremoniously signed SB 1050 at SAG-AFTRA’s headquarters in Los Angeles, adding a new article to California’s Business and Professions Code that targets the use of AI-generated “synthetic performers” in advertising.

Scott L. Vernick was quoted in The Legal Intelligencer article, "Did UPMC Data Breach Ruling Lock Plaintiffs Out of State Court?" on January 23, 2017.

Fox Rothschild was among three first-time entrants into the Am Law 100 this year, jumping up 10 spots from a year ago.

Mossack Fonseca. Before April 2016, most of us had never even heard of a Panamanian law firm by that name.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just published its Health Products Compliance Guidance ("Guidance"), which it issued to replace an advertising guide from 1998 focused on dietary supplements.

Christopher J. Pippett was featured in the Credit Union Times article, "Feds Uncover New Details in CFO Embezzlement."

Darrell D. Miller is featured in The Wrap's article, "Jamie Chung, ‘Deadpool' Actor Karan Soni Join Jennifer Aniston's ‘Office Christmas Party' (Exclusive)."

Brian McGinnis was featured in the Courier-Post article, "Norcross Calls for Congress to Act on Gun Safety."

The annual State of the Union address fulfills an obligation of the Presidency set forth in Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution...

Joshua Horn's blog post, "Why The SEC Does Not Want The Free Lunch," originally posted the firm's Securities Compliance Sentinel, was mentioned as one of the top postings for October 19, 2015.

Anyone want to lay bets in favor of the individual athlete v. the corporate NCAA? That’s what we thought.