In the hyper-connected era of smart manufacturing, accelerated by “Industry 4.0,” the manufacturing sector is undergoing a digital revolution. By leveraging technologies such as advanced automation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and the like, manufacturers continue to
Manufacturing Industry Advisor
Manufacturing Industry Advisor, published by Foley & Lardner LLP, focuses on legal and regulatory issues affecting the manufacturing sector. The blog covers topics such as supply chain management, cybersecurity risks and strategies, intellectual property protection for emerging companies, FDA enforcement policies relevant to medical device manufacturers, and compliance challenges including anti-corruption and internal investigations. It addresses the intersection of law and business operations, providing insights on export controls, economic sanctions, contract management, and industry-specific regulatory developments. The content is aimed at helping manufacturers navigate legal complexities to mitigate risks and enhance operational resilience.
Latest from Manufacturing Industry Advisor - Page 2
What Every Multinational Company (that Operates in Mexico) Should Know About . . . Managing Fixed Assets
Multinational companies operating in Mexico are subject to Mexican regulations regarding the use of foreign goods. Mexican customs law provides that, with the exception of goods for personal use, any person who possesses, transports, or handles foreign goods shall be…
Seventh Circuit Revives Franchise No-Poach Case, Holds Per Se Treatment Possible
A recent opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reinstates allegations against McDonald’s that no-poach provisions in the company’s franchise agreements violate the antitrust laws, holding that such provisions may be per se illegal.
Until 2017,…
What Every Multinational Organization Should Know About . . . Unexpected Government Contacts
Whether arriving as a “dawn raid,” an agent’s knock at the door, or service of a civil subpoena, government contacts often come out of the blue and always involve high stakes. A swift and careful response is critical to ensuring…
“Keeping Trade Practices on Your Radar”: Examining the Increased Federal & State Use of Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Laws and Ways to Safeguard Against Them
Note: We’d like to thank Natalie Garcia, summer associate, for her contributions to this article.
State Attorney Generals (“State AGs”) and the federal government are capturing headlines for increasingly suing large corporations for unfair and deceptive trade practices. In some…
What Every Importer Should Know About . . . Customs Compliance
The inaugural article in our International Trade, Enforcement & Compliance regulatory series, “What Every Multinational Organization Should Know About . . . Customs,” provided a list of Customs red flags and errors that we commonly see at major…
Seventh Circuit Finds the Duty to Warn Can Extend to Packaging Manufactured by Another Company
Can a company be found liable for failure to warn about hazards of another company’s product used in packaging for its own product? What about when the company wasn’t warned that packaging could contain anything potentially hazardous? According to the…
What Every Multinational Company Should Know About . . . Navigating Economic Downturns through Racial Equity Audits
A strong correlation exists between a multinational company’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts and the company’s financial performance. Racial equity audits often are utilized to measure the precise quality and efficacy of these DEI initiatives. In light of these…
Change in Standard for Religious Accommodation Means Manufacturing Employers Need to Revisit their Accommodation Policies and Practices
On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court upended the standard for the accommodation of employee religious beliefs and practices that have been relied upon by employers since 1977.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers may…
Trademark Protection for Consumer Product Brands
By Kay Schwartz
Kay Schwartz is a partner in Foley’s Dallas office and a co-chair of the Trademark, Copyright, and Advertising Practice Group. She routinely works with manufacturers on trademark matters. In this video, Kay discusses examples and requirements of a trademark. She…