Alan N. Walter In a case that echoes recent AI-related intellectual property disputes like Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit over her voice being used without permission in AI training, Alcon Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBDI) over the unauthorized use of Blade Runner 2049 imagery during Tesla’s cybercab launch event. The drama … Read more
In a landmark move to combat persistent consumer harm, the Federal Trade Commission has unveiled comprehensive new regulations governing negative option programs and recurring subscriptions. This sweeping rule arrives after decades of consumer complaints and a steady stream of state and federal enforcement actions that highlighted the inadequacy of existing piecemeal regulations. While negative option … Read more
The legal profession potentially stands at the threshold of another transformative shift with Anthropic’s latest advancement in artificial intelligence, its Claude Computer Use (CCU). This new capability allows the AI to autonomously control computers, performing tasks that previously required human intervention, such as navigating files, running applications and executing complex workflows. This advancement holds great … Read more
In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, many law firms rethought their traditional billing practices. Clients, under financial pressure themselves, began to demand more value and predictability in their legal costs. This shift in client expectations, coupled with the rise of legal resources available online, led to the growing popularity of alternative fee agreements. … Read more
The California legislature has taken a bold step into artificial intelligence regulation with the passage of California AI Transparency Act. This groundbreaking legislation establishes new requirements for major AI providers operating in California. It is set to take effect in January 2026. At its core, the Act targets providers of generative AI systems that have … Read more
In a previous post, we explored the question of whether artificial intelligence will induce laziness in humans. Building on that discussion, this article delves into potential legal solutions to address AI-generated indolence. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of our daily lives, it’s crucial to consider how legal frameworks can evolve to mitigate any … Read more
As an entrepreneur or business owner, understanding and complying with securities laws is crucial for the success and longevity of your venture. These laws, designed to protect investors and maintain the integrity of financial markets, carry significant implications for businesses of all sizes. This post will explore the importance of compliance, what it entails and … Read more
As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various aspects of our daily lives, one can only wonder: Will AI make us lazy? This blog post explores the potential for AI to influence human behavior, particularly in terms of reducing motivation and effort, and examines the legal implications that may arise from this phenomenon. Task Automation and … Read more
In a significant development for the U.S. healthcare industry, the Federal Trade Commission has taken decisive action against the three largest Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), Caremark Rx, Express Scripts and OptumRx, for alleged anticompetitive practices that have artificially inflated insulin prices. This move comes on the heels of a comprehensive July 2024 Interim Staff Report … Read more
This post is a counterpiece to a previous post in which I laid out the ways artificial intelligence can be helpful to the average person. While AI undoubtedly offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to examine the potential drawbacks and risks associated with this powerful technology. In this post, we’ll explore the ways in which AI … Read more
The enforceability of loan prepayment penalties generally depends on the specific laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the loan was originated, as well as the terms of the loan agreement itself. In most jurisdictions, loan prepayment penalties are enforceable as long as they are reasonable and clearly disclosed in the loan agreement. However, there … Read more
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool for protecting the average person. This blog post explores the various ways AI contributes to public safety and security, while considering the legal implications and necessary safeguards. Enhancing Cybersecurity. AI systems play a crucial role in defending against cyber threats. By … Read more
A recent investigation by Shoshana Walter for The Marshall Project and Reveal has uncovered a disturbing trend in U.S. hospitals: mothers losing custody of their newborns due to unreliable drug tests. The full article paints a troubling picture of a widespread practice with far-reaching consequences. Hospitals across the country routinely employ quick, inexpensive urine drug … Read more
In a historic move, the Council of Europe has adopted a groundbreaking Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. Signed in Vilnius on September 5, 2024, this Convention marks a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework for AI governance with a strong focus on protecting fundamental … Read more
In a stark reminder of the challenges facing our world, the Doomsday Clock remains set at a mere 90 seconds to midnight. This sobering assessment, made by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, reflects the ongoing high risk of global catastrophe that we face today. The threats driving this dire prediction are multifaceted and interconnected. … Read more
In a groundbreaking move, Illinois has amended its Human Rights Act to address the growing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. These changes, set to take effect on January 1, mark a significant step forward in protecting workers’ rights in the age of AI. The amended Act introduces clear definitions for “Artificial Intelligence” and … Read more
In a surprising twist of legal strategy, Ethan Zuckerman, a public policy professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. This innovative legal action aims to use Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act – typically a protective shield for tech companies – as … Read more
The United States Department of Justice, along with the Attorneys General of several states, have filed an antitrust lawsuit against RealPage, a leading provider of revenue management software for landlords. This legal action aims to address alleged anticompetitive practices that have potentially inflated rental prices for millions of Americans. RealPage, founded in 1998 and headquartered … Read more
When most people think of a contract, they envision a document filled with dense, complex language that seems far removed from everyday speech. This type of writing, often referred to as “legalese,” is typically associated with professional legal documents drafted by trained lawyers. However, a study by Eric Martínez, Francis Mollicab and Edward Gibson has … Read more
In August 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed against Anthropic PBC, a technology company recognized for developing advanced AI capabilities, notably its Claude family of large language models (LLMs). The lawsuit, spearheaded by authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber and Kirk Wallace Johnson, accuses Anthropic of unlawfully utilizing copyrighted materials—specifically, a vast collection of pirated … Read more