Technology-focused deals are driving many of the largest global M&A and strategic transactions—whether digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), digital services or gaming. The successful execution of these transactions and ultimate success of the business opportunities promised by them, depends on understanding how emerging technology, regulation and market norms are evolving. In this three-part blog series,
Striking Russian Oil and The Ripple Effects
As Russian Energy Week concluded last week, Western governments strike to the heart of Russia’s energy sector with sanctions packages to cut of revenue that funds Russia’s continued war against Ukraine. Three significant packages were announced in October 2025: the U.S.’s sanctions targeting the Russian energy sector, the UK’s latest sanctions against the Russian oil industry,
Tech Layoffs, Talent Realignment, and the Opportunity for Startups, Workers, and Investors
The past year has brought dramatic changes to the technology sector. Major companies have announced large-scale layoffs while at the same time making unprecedented investments in artificial intelligence and automation. This combination raises difficult questions. Why are companies cutting tens of thousands of jobs while simultaneously committing billions to new technologies? Part of the answer
Commerce Department Solicits Feedback on AI Exports Program
The Commerce Department today published a Request for Information (RFI) inviting the public to submit comments on U.S. artificial intelligence exports. The RFI asks stakeholders to weigh in on aspects of the Department’s new “American AI Exports Program,” an initiative intended to “promot[e] the export of full-stack American AI technology packages.”
The RFI follows from
Data Centers: Emerging Risks and Insurance Coverage Considerations
In a new post by Covington’s Insurance Recovery Group, we discuss the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing that has made data centers indispensable to modern business operations, and the complex insurance risks and coverage issues emerging alongside this rapid expansion.
California Update: New Employment Laws and Compliance Obligations for 2026
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several Assembly Bills (AB) and Senate Bills (SB) that expand employee rights and increase workplace compliance obligations for employers. Here is a rundown on the key new laws. Unless otherwise specified, the laws take effect on January 1, 2026.
EU’s Fifth FDI Annual Report: Five trends in Europe’s screening activities
The figures are fresh off the press: the European Commission published its Fifth Annual Report on the screening of foreign direct investments (“FDI”) into the European Union (“EU”) just a few days ago.[1] Like the previous editions, the Fifth Annual Report offers a statistical overview of the EU FDI framework’s activities in the previous
EU Adopts 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia
On 23 October 2025, the EU adopted a further sanctions package, its “19th Round”, against Russia in connection with its ongoing war in Ukraine. We summarise the key measures below.
Energy
- LNG Import Ban: The EU will prohibit the purchase, import, or transfer, directly or indirectly, of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) from 25 April
China Technology Licensing: A Comprehensive Guide
China Technology Licensing in 2025: A Practical Playbook for IP, Compliance, and Enforcement
Why this guide and why now
Licensing to Chinese companies is surging. In the first half of this year, our law firm handled more China licensing agreements than in any prior full year. Buyers in China want technology, brands, data, and know-how
China Expands Export Control on Rare Earth Minerals and More
On October 9, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced two new decrees (the “New Rules”) significantly expanding and strengthening export controls over the rare earth supply chain: Decree No. 61 primarily targets foreign-made rare earth metals and products, while Decree No. 62 focuses on the control of rare earth-related technology.