
Hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson · EN
Welcome to Womble Perspectives, where we explore a wide range of topics from the latest legal updates to industry trends to the business of law. Our team of lawyers, professionals and occasional outside guests will take you through the most pressing issues facing businesses today and provide practical and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever-changing legal landscape. With a focus on innovation, collaboration and client service, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and to the communities we serve.

A recent FDA reminder revealed that nearly 30% of certain clinical trials still lack publicly reported results—raising concerns about transparency and bias in scientific research. In this episode, we explore how missing or selectively reported data can distort the scientific record and influence litigation outcomes. We break down the role of Daubert and Rule 702, and discuss how attorneys can identify gaps in the evidence to challenge expert reliability. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of science, regulation, and the law. Read the full articleWhat the Scientific Record Leaves Out: Unreported Evidence and Expert Reliability Under Daubert About the authorGloria Malpass, Ph.D.

In this special 150th anniversary episode of Womble Perspectives, Vice Chair Ken Van Winkle reflects on his tenure as Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership and what it means to lead with purpose in a growing community. He shares how trust, consensus-building, and a shared vision can align diverse leaders around complex regional challenges.Ken also offers practical insights on balancing professional responsibilities with community service, why authenticity—not visibility—should drive involvement, and how civic leadership strengthens both relationships and business development. Looking ahead, he discusses Phoenix’s evolution into a vibrant, self-sustaining city and issues a clear call to action: start now, engage where you’re passionate, and help shape the next generation of leaders.Womble at 150: Legacy Made, Future Focused

The FCC is proposing a sweeping overhaul of its robocall framework, signaling a shift toward stricter, more prescriptive compliance requirements. In this episode, we break down the key elements of the FNPRM—from the introduction of Know Your Upstream Provider (KYUP) obligations to expanded KYC rules and tighter STIR/SHAKEN standards. We also explore what these changes mean for operational processes, compliance costs, and industry accountability. Tune in to understand how this evolving regulatory landscape could reshape voice service providers’ approach to risk management and compliance. Read the full articleFCC’s KYUP FNPRM Signals a Further Shift Toward Prescriptive Robocall Compliance Obligations About the authorsSusan Duarte, CIPP (US/E), CIPMJill CanfieldStephen T. Sharbaugh

A major shift in federal employment law is underway. In this episode, we unpack the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel’s June 9, 2026 opinion declaring key aspects of disparate-impact liability under Title VII unconstitutional. We explore how this change narrows employer risk, raises the bar for plaintiffs, and challenges long-standing EEOC guidance—while leaving state laws and disparate-treatment claims firmly in place. Tune in for a clear breakdown of what changed, what didn’t, and what employers should do next. Read the full articleDOJ Reinterprets Title VII Disparate Impact — Practical Implications for Employers About the authorsJohn PueschelKiley McCarthy-Connolly ScholtzRichard Raleigh

Today we’re breaking down a recent regulatory update from the FDA that landed on February 5th, 2026, which deals with how food companies can use the phrase “no artificial colors” on their labels. And even though the laws haven’t changed, the practical impact could be substantial. It’s an update that may seem small on the surface but touches marketing, compliance, and consumer perception all at once.Read the articleUpdate for Big Food: FDA Announces New Policy on “No Artificial Colors” LabelingAbout the authorAl Windham

Today we’re diving into new supplemental guidance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could have an effect on how design patents are drafted for digital products. On March 13, 2026, the USPTO published this guidance in the Federal Register specifically addressing design patent applications claiming computer-generated interfaces, icons, and even holograms. Read the articleUSPTO Issues Supplemental Guidance on Design Patents for Computer-Generated Interfaces and IconsAbou the authorsAlex WhartonJacob Wharton

Today, we’re unpacking findings from the 2026 Womble Bond Dickinson Client Survey, which paints a clear picture of where business leaders are right now. Innovation—especially artificial intelligence—is accelerating faster than the rules meant to govern it. And that gap is creating both opportunity and real risk. Read the articleEmerging Tech, Escalating Risks: What Corporate Leaders Reveal in the Womble Bond Dickinson Client SurveyAbout the authorsTara ChoJohn GrayMark HenriquesChris Jones

As crypto assets move deeper into the financial mainstream, the U.S. government is under pressure to create clearer, smarter rules. In this episode, our hosts break down why crypto regulation has been so fragmented, how federal agencies currently divide responsibility, and why Congress may be the key to long‑term clarity. We explore what a risk‑based regulatory framework could look like—and what it means for businesses, investors, and the future of digital assets in the U.S. Read the full articleA Framework for Crypto Asset Regulation About the authorsLouis FroelichJD Uglum

California residents to be licensed—or have an application pending through NMLS—by July 1, 2026. This episode covers who must comply, key consumer protection requirements under AB 39 and SB 401, new rules for crypto kiosks, and what digital asset companies should be doing now to prepare for DFPI oversight. Read the articleCalifornia’s New Digital Financial Assets Law Requires Application for Cryptocurrency Licenses to be Submitted by July 1, 2026 About the authorsAmy Greenwood-FieldDerek W. EdwardsScott J. Hyman, CIPP (US/E), CIPM, CIPTRobert W. Savoie

Today’s episode focuses on a fascinating intersection of science, law, and economics: the rise of psychedelic therapy and the legal frameworks shaping its future. In this era of industrialized capitalism, there are strong incentives to promote products in emerging industries. Intellectual property law has always played a key role in fueling innovation and now, it’s poised to do the same for psychedelic therapies. Read the full articleActualizing Therapy from Psychedelic Compounds Requires Acknowledging the Past Pioneers as well as Encouraging Cooperation from Current Market PlayersAbout the authorBen Bourke