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5/11/2018 Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
The Hunton & Williams Retail-CPG Radar tracks legal issues of importance to retail and consumer products companies, providing insights and guidance to help companies anticipate and prepare for happenings and challenges ahead. We welcome and appreciate your comments and feedback.
About Our Team
Hunton & Williams' retail and consumer products team delivers objective-driven counsel in the areas of labor and employment, commercial litigation, e-commerce, privacy and data security, advertising and marketing, M&A, outsourcing, intellectual property, real estate, international trade, antitrust, employee benefits and corporate governance. Our team is composed of more than 150 attorneys who represent numerous retailer and consumer products companies in the Fortune 500®.
[Read our 2017 Retail Industry Year in Review](https://www.hunton.com/images/content/3/5/v2/35183/2017-RetailYIR.pdf)
ADVERTISING/ CONSUMER PROTECTION
Pending FDA Regulations re "natural" labeling on food products April 15, 2016
The FDA in November 2015 announced that it would begin taking public comments on how "natural" is and should be used on food labels, the first time the agency's done so since the 1990s. The public comment period closed on May 10, 2016, with the FDA allegedly receiving roughly 7,500 comments. View submitted comments in docket folder FDA-2014-N-1207 on Regulations.gov. The FDA's forthcoming guidance may shed light on the issues.
Contact:
[Phyllis Marcus]( https://www.hunton.com/en/people/phyllis-marcus.html): Counsel, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1810 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
ADVERTISING/ CONSUMER PROTECTION
CFPB Rule on Class Action Waivers May 5, 2016
On May 5, 2016, the CFPB issued its proposed rule prohibiting class action waiver clauses in consumer finance contracts. The podcast discusses the genesis of the rule, the requirements of the rule, the status of the rule, and what companies are doing to prepare. The new rule, if finalized, will lead to an increase in class actions against providers of consumer financial products and services, including credit card providers, student loan companies, and other consumer finance companies.
Podcasts and Client Alert:
Podcasts: [Part 1](https://www.hunton.com/Media/CFPB/CFPB-Part1 .m4a), [Part 2] (https://www.hunton.com/Media/CFPB/CFPB-Part2.m4a) and [Part 3] (https://www.hunton.com/Media/CFPB/CFPB-Part3.m4a)
Client Alert: [CFPB Rule Would Prohibit Arbitration Clauses in Many Consumer Financial Contracts ](https ://www. hu nton .com/images/content/1 /8/v2/ 1893/cfpb-rule-would-proh i bitarbitration-clauses-in-many-consu mer-fi. pdf)
Contact:
[Eric Hail](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/eric-hail.html): Partner, Dallas
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+1 214 468 3332 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Call Eric Hail for additional information.
SUPPLY CHAIN / SOURCING
Lautenberg Act Implementation July 13, 2016
The Lautenberg Act amends the Toxic Substance Control Act, exposing businesses that manufacture, process, distribute, use or dispose of certain chemical substances. The act poses a very real risk to the stability of the current retail supply chain, but also provides retail product manufacturers, distributors and sellers the opportunity to evaluate the chemicals used in their products, opt for safer and more sustainable alternatives if EPA classifies them as hazardous, and more effectively mitigate long-term costs and risks.
Blog Post:
[Major Implications for Retail Industry Following Overhaul of Toxic Substance Control Act] (https://www.h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2016/07 /articles/environmental/major-implicationsfor-retai I-industry-following-overhau l-of-toxic-su bstance-control-act/)
Contacts:
[Lori Elliott Jarvis]( https://www.hunton.com/lorijarvis/): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 86391 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Elizabeth Reese]( https://www.hunton.com/elizabeth_reese/): Associate, Richmond
+1 804 787 8060 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
DISPUTES
Bristol-Myers Squibb's Cert Petition October 7, 2016
(petition for writ of certiorari filed)
In Daimler AG v. Bauman, 571 U.S._ (2014), the Supreme Court held that courts can only exercise general jurisdiction over defendants that are essentially "at home" in the forum state. That ruling significantly limited plaintiffs' choice of forum (and curtailed forum shopping). But the California Supreme Court, along with courts in some other states, has circumvented
Daimler by holding that courts can exercise specific jurisdiction even where the plaintiff's claims arising from a product have no connection to the forum state, as long as the defendant sells the same product in the forum state. That would vitiate the protections offered by
Daimler. In its petition, Bristol-Myers Squibb asks the Supreme Court to vacate the California Supreme Court's ruling and limit the application of specific jurisdiction.
[View Related Briefs](http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/bristol-myers-squibb-co-vsuperior-court-of-california-san-francisco-county/)
Contact:
[Tom Waskom](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/thomas-waskom.html): Counsel, Richmond
+1 804 788 84031 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
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Bristol-Myers Squibb's Cert Petition November 10, 2016
(amicus curiae briefs filed)
In Daimler AG v. Bauman, 571 U.S._ (2014), the Supreme Court held that courts can only exercise general jurisdiction over defendants that are essentially "at home" in the forum state. That ruling significantly limited plaintiffs' choice of forum (and curtailed forum shopping). But the California Supreme Court, along with courts in some other states, has circumvented Daimler by holding that courts can exercise specific jurisdiction even where the plaintiff's claims arising from a product have no connection to the forum state, as long as the defendant sells the same product in the forum state. That would vitiate the protections offered by Daimler. In its petition, Bristol-Myers Squibb asks the Supreme Court to vacate the California Supreme Court's ruling and limit the application of specific jurisdiction.
[View Related Briefs] (http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/bristol-myers-sq u ibb-co-vsuperior-court-of-california-san-francisco-cou nty/)
Contact:
[Tom Waskom](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/thomas-waskom.html): Counsel, Richmond
+1 804 788 8403 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
INSURANCE
Cyber Insurance November 10, 2016
Retailer Tesco Pie's banking branch suffered the loss of £2.5 million (approximately $3 million) from 9,000 customer bank accounts in what cyber experts said was the first mass hacking of accounts at a western bank.
The reported loss believed to have occurred through the bank's online banking system. The loss serves as a strong reminder that cyber-related losses are a real threat to retailers and other industries. According to reports, Tesco Bank spent £500 million (approximately $618 million) building up its technology platform over the past seven years. Even that very substantial expenditure was not enough, however, to prevent the recent hack, further illustrating the need for robust cyber insurance as a component of any comprehensive cyber protection program.
Blog post:
[Tesco Bank Hack Illustrates The Need For Robust Cyber Insurance] (https://www.h u nton i nsurancerecoveryblog.com/2016/11 /articles/cyber/tesco-ban k-hackillustrates-the-need-for-robust-cyber-insu ranee/)
Contact:
[Michael Levine](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/michael-levine.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1857 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Retailers and other businesses should determine what, if any, "cyber" coverage may be available under their insurance portfolio. More and more, traditional (legacy) policies are being modified to specifically exclude cyber-related liabilities, making it necessary for policyholders to obtain cyber-specific coverages. However, even those cyber coverages are limited and varied in scope from one company to the next. A thorough review of both legacy and cyber coverages by an experienced insurance coverage lawyer is recommended.
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INTEL LECTUAL PROPERTY
Covered Business Method Review is Scaled Back November 21, 2016
On November 21, 2016, the Federal Circuit issued its Unwired Planet v. Google decision, which defined more narrowly the types of patents eligible for Covered Business Method review at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Covered Business Method (CBM) review at the US Patent and Trademark Office can be an important option for retailers in patent litigation. Among other things, it allows the defendant to allege that the patent claims only an "abstract idea" and is therefore invalid under 35 USC 101. The Federal Circuit recently issued the Unwired Planet v. Google decision whichtook a narrower view of the types of patents eligible for CBM review. This may impact retailersseeking to invalidate patents asserted against them.
Contact:
[Tyler Maddry](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/tyler-maddry.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 16941 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
L ABOR /EMPLOYMENT/OSHA
OSHA Anti-Retaliation Restrictions on Safety Incentive Programs and Post-Accident Drug Testing December 1, 2016
OSHA published a final rule amending the regulation requiring Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. This rule contains, through enforcement guidance, restrictions on safety incentive programs and post-accident drug testing. Legal challenges to these anti-retaliation provisions were unsuccessful and the obligations went into effect on December 1, 2016.
Collateral Materials:
[Occupational Safety and Health Administration] (https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/modernization_guidance.html)
Contact:
[Susan Wiltsie](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/susan-wiltsie.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 15461 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
LABOR /EM PLOYMENT/OSHA
DOL Overtime Rule December 1, 2016
The DOL's final rule requiring that exempt employees receive salary increases to $913 per week was set to take effect December 1, 2016. That rule was preliminarily enjoined on November 22, 2016. Those employers who already implemented changes have tough choices to make - maintain the changes even though not currently required or retract the changes and face potential employee relations issues? Those employers who had not already implemented changes should not assume that the rule is completely dead and should therefore keep their plans at the ready. While the litigation over the rule is winding itself
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through the appeals process, President-Elect Trump will take office and may ultimately have the last word on the rule.
Collateral Materials:
[DOL Overtime Rule Preliminarily Enjoined; No Employer Action Required By December 1st] (https:/ /www.huntonlaborblog.com/2016/ 11 /articles/employment-policies/dol-overti me-rulepreliminari ly-enjoined-no-employer-action-req uired-december-1 sU)
[Trump faces tough decision on overtime rule](http://thehill.com/regulation/307458-trumpfaces-tough-decision-on-overtime-rule)
[This is What You Need to Do in the Wake of the Overtime Injunction] (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/285954)
Contact:
[Ryan Glasgow](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/ryan-glasgow.html): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 8791 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patent Exhaustion at the Supreme Court December 2, 2016
The Supreme Court granted cert December 2, 2016 for the Lexmark v. Impression Products case
Patent exhaustion, also known as the "first sale" doctrine, governs whether a patent holder can impose use restrictions on the products it sells. It also relates to whether sales overseas affect US patent enforcement. The Supreme Court will consider whether the Federal Circuit gave too much influence to patent holders by allowing post-sale use restrictions and holding that sales overseas do not exhaust US patents absent an express or implied license. The ability of patent holders to enforce post-sale restrictions (e.g., "single use only" or geographical restrictions) may be affected.
Contact:
[Tyler Maddry](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/tyler-maddry.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1694 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
DISPUTES
Bristol-Myers Squibb's Cert Petition December 9, 2016
(response to petition for writ due)
In Daimler AG v. Bauman, 571 U.S._ (2014), the Supreme Court held that courts can only exercise general jurisdiction over defendants that are essentially "at home" in the forum state. That ruling significantly limited plaintiffs' choice of forum (and curtailed forum shopping). But the California Supreme Court, along with courts in some other states, has circumvented
Daimler by holding that courts can exercise specific jurisdiction even where the plaintiff's claims arising from a product have no connection to the forum state, as long as the defendant sells the same product in the forum state. That would vitiate the protections offered by
Daimler. In its petition, Bristol-Myers Squibb asks the Supreme Court to vacate the California Supreme Court's ruling and limit the application of specific jurisdiction.
[View Related Briefs](http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/bristol-myers-squibb-co-vsuperior-court-of-california-san-francisco-county/)
Contact:
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[Tom Waskom](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/thomas-waskom.html): Counsel, Richmond
+1 804 788 8403 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
SUPPLY CHAIN / SOURCING
TSCA Reform December 22, 2016
Initial risk evaluation of 1 O substances.
The Lautenberg Act amends the Toxic Substance Control Act, exposing businesses that manufacture, process, distribute, use or dispose of certain chemical substances. The act poses a very real risk to the stability of the current retail supply chain, but also provides retail product manufacturers, distributors and sellers the opportunity to evaluate the chemicals used in their products, opt for safer and more sustainable alternatives if EPA classifies them as hazardous, and more effectively mitigate long-term costs and risks.
Blog Post:
[Major Implications for Retail Industry Following Overhaul of Toxic Substance Control Act] (https://www .h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2016/07 /articles/environmental/major-implicationsfor-retai l-industry-following-overhau I-of-toxic-su bstance-control-act/)
Contacts:
[Lori Elliott Jarvis]( https://www.hunton.com/en/people/lori-jarvis.html): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 86391 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Elizabeth Reese]( https://www.hunton.com/en/people/elizabeth-reese.html): Associate, Richmond
+1 804 787 8060 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
SUPPLY CHAIN / SOURCING
2016 Retail Industry YIR December 31, 2016
We are working in exciting and turbulent times for the retail industry. After a lag during the first half of the year, merger and acquisition activity has taken off. Venture-capital investments in the retail sector are at a near-record pace, and after the 2016 US election, the new administration is expected to focus on job growth, which will squarely impact the retail industry.
[Download our 2016 Retail Industry Year in Review] (https://www.h u nton. com/images/content/2/7 /v2/27 538/Retai I-YI R-2016. pdf)
INSURANCE
Recall Insurance January 11, 2017
The Third Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the rescission of an accidental contamination and government recall insurance policy issued to the H.J. Heinz Company after Heinz sought $25 million from its insurer for its business interruption losses sustained due to lead in its baby cereal. The district court based the rescission on findings that Heinz materially misrepresented its claim history when it purchased the policy.
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Blog post and decision available here:
[Third Circuit Pours Salt In The Wound, Holds Heinz Policy Void Due To Application Misrepresentations ](https://www.h untoni nsurancerecoveryblog .com/2O17/O1 /articles/firstparty-property /th i rd-ci rcuit-pou rs-salt-in-the-wou nd-holds-hei nz-pol icy-void-due-to-applicationmisrepresentations/)
What Should I Do Next?
Companies need to make sure they understand their exposures from potential recalls and related changes to product lines, and confirm that the coverage purchased comports with company expectations. In addition, companies should be diligent during the renewal stage to ensure that the insurer is provided accurate and up-to-date information in the application to minimize the risk of the insurer seeking to rescind the policy. Contact members of the firm's Insurance Coverage team for more information and assistance.
Contact:
[Syed Ahmad](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/syed-ahmad.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1656 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Jenn White](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/jennifer-white.html): Associate, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 18661 [email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
LABOR/EMPLOYMENT/OSHA
OSHA Statute of Limitations
January 18, 2017
Enter story info here
The OSH Act has a six month statute of limitations. On January 18, 2017, new OSHA regulations went into effect changing the statute of limitations for recordkeeping violations to five years. That rule was entitled "Clarification of Employer's Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain Accurate Records of Each Recordable Injury and Illness." It was designed to overturn, by regulation, two DC Court of Appeals cases ("Volks I" and "Volks II") which held that the statute of limitations for recordkeeping violations could not be stretched to five years under a "continuing violation" theory. Congress applied the Congressional Review Act to overturn the new rule. The House passed the bill (H.J.Res. 83) on March 1. The Senate passed it on March 27. President Trump now has signed this bill into law and the OSHA statute of limitations has returned to six months for all purposes.
Contact:
[Susan Wiltsie](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/susan-wiltsie.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 15461 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
All employers should continue to be vigilant about maintaining accurate OSHA records. However, employers no longer are at risk of citations for recordkeeping violations more than six months old.
REAL ESTATE
R-22 Phase-Out in Retail Leases
January 23, 2017 - January 1, 2020
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January 1, 2020 is the date R-22, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) based refrigerant being used in roughly 50% of all HVAC equipment, is set to phased out.
Most triple-net commercial retail leases provide that tenants are responsible for the maintenance of their HVAC systems, and as the deadline approaches, R-22 will be in short supply and prices will quickly become the highest line item in most repairs, likely to be hundreds of dollars per pound. For those who are not prepared, HVAC repairs of R-22 based units may quickly get out of hand and availability issues may cause interruptions in service.
PDF:
[Phasing Out HCFC Refrigerants To Protect The Ozone Layer] (https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-07 /documents/phasing_ out_ hcfc _refrigerants_ to _protect_ the_ ozone _layer. pdf)
Blog Post:
[R-22 Refrigerant Phase Out Will Impact Most Retail Leases] (https:/ /www.h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2017/01 /articles/real-estate/r-22-refrigerant-phasewi II-impact-retail-leases/)
Contact:
[ F reddy Chang](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/frederic-chang.html): Associate, Dallas
+1 214 979 8214 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
DISPUTES
Circuit Split on Standing in Data Breach Class Actions March 3, 2017
Applying Clapper v. Amnesty International USA, 133 S. Ct. 1138 (2013), which requires that any alleged "future harm" be "certainly impending" and that "allegations of possible future injury are not sufficient" the circuits are split regarding whether alleged future injuries satisfy Article 111. Previously, in 2012, the Supreme Court denied a petition for writ of certiorari to address the question of standing in data breach cases, Reilly v. Ceridian Corp., 664 F.3d 38 (3d Cir. 2011 ), cert. denied, 132 S. Ct. 2395 (2012).
On September 17, 2015 the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Remijas v. Neiman Marcus Group, LLC, No. 14-3122 (7th Cir. July 20, 2015) denied a retailer's petition for rehearing en bane of a three-judge panel opinion holding that plaintiffs whose credit card information was stolen in a data breach had standing to sue under Article Ill of the United States Constitution based on alleged fear of future identity theft. See also Lewert v. P.F.
Chang's China Bistro, Inc., 819 F.3d 963 (7th Cir. 2016)( held that plaintiffs have standing where hackers have accessed their sensitive private information). Similarly, in Ga/aria et al. v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., No. 15-3386/3387, 2016 U.S. App. LEXIS 16840(6th Cir. Sep. 12, 2016).,the Sixth Circuit reversed a trial court and found standing based onclaims of plaintiffs being exposed to "a substantial risk of harm" and have "incurred mitigationcosts."
To the contrary, the Third Circuit in Reilly v. Ceridian Corp., 664 F.3d 38 (3d Cir. 2011), dismissed breach claims for lack of standing when plaintiffs alleged various claims related to increased risk of identity theft after an unknown hacker infiltrated Ceridian's computer system and potentially gained access to the personal and financial information of 1,900 companies and 27,000 employees.
Beck v. McDonald, 848 F.3d 262 (4th Cir. 2017) (Affirmed the district court's order dismissing the plaintiffs' putative class for lack of Article Ill Standing. The court recognized the circuit split between its sister courts, explaining that the Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits recognize that plaintiffs can establish such an injury in fact at the pleading stage, but that the F irst and Third Circuits have rejected mere allegations of future identity theft.)
Contact:
[Corey Lee](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/corey-lee.html): Partner, Miami
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Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
+1 305 536 2749 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
LABOR / EMPLOYMENT / OSHA
Expanded Joint Employer Liability for Wage/Hour Violations March 23, 2017
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a new and incredibly broad joint employment standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal law that obligates employers to pay overtime and minimum wage to non-exempt employees. Under the Fourth Circuit's new test, two business entities engaged jointly in a project are presumed to be joint employers of each other's employees unless the two entities are "completely disassociated" from one another vis-a-vis the terms and conditions of the employees' employment. Among other arrangements, the new test presents a grave threat to the franchising model.
Blog Post:
[4th Circuit Joint Employer Test Is Incredibly Broad ] (https:/ /www.huntonlaborblog.com/2017 /03/articles/nlrb/4 th-circuit-joint-employer-testi ncredibly-broad/)
Contact:
[Ryan Glasgow](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/ryan-glasgow.html): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 8791 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Business entities who rely on third party service providers and/or the franchise model must take steps to increase the likelihood that they are "completely disassociated" from their service providers/franchisees. If such steps are impractical (and many times they are), entities should contractually obligate the service provider/franchisee to comply with all wage and hour laws and require that the service provider/franchisee provide indemnification for violations of those laws and/or for violations premised on a joint employer finding.
COMPETITION / ANTITRUST
Delrahim Nominated for Antitrust Division March 27, 2017
President Trump has announced his intention to nominate Makan Delrahim as the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the DOJ's Antitrust Division.
[Click here for the White House Press Release](https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2017 /03/27 /president-donald-j-tru mp-an nounces-i ntent-nominate-makan-delrahim)
Contact:
[Amanda Wait](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/amanda-wait.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 15021 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Stay tuned! Senate confirmation is pending. We will update this tracker once Mr. Delrahim is confirmed.
CORPORATE / SECURITIES / M&A / TREASURY / RESTRUCTURING
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Financial CHOICE Act May 31, 2017 - May 31, 2018
While the Financial CHOICE Act, which would roll back many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, will likely pass the House of Representatives in some form, its future in the Senate is far less certain. Retailers hoping for a legislative repeal of onerous Dodd-Frank provisions covering controversial topics such as conflict minerals and pay-ratio disclosure may be disappointed.
Blog posts
[Recent Developments at the SEC for Retailers] (https://www .h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2017 /05/articles/corporate-governance/recentdevelopments-sec-retailers/)
[Acting SEC Chairman Announces Reconsideration of "Pay Ratio" Rule] (https:/ /www.h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2017 /02/articles/corporate-governance/acti ng-secchairman-annou nces-reconsideration-pay-ratio-rule/)
Client Alert
[2017 Conflict Minerals Update](https://www.huntonretailindustryblog.com/wpcontent/uploads/sites/16/2017 /05/2017 _ conflict_minerals_update.pdf)
Contact:
[Scott Kimpel](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/scott-kimpel.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 15241 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
CORPORATE / SECURITIES / M&A /TREASURY/ RESTRU CTURING
Pay-Ratio Disclosure Uncertain May 31, 2017
With legislative and SEC action to repeal pay-ratio disclosure uncertain, we encourage retailers to continue efforts to prepare for the first disclosures, which for most public companies will appear in the 2018 proxy statement or annual report. A number of our clients have experienced technical and administrative difficulties in collecting the required employee data that may reside in multiple human resources databases that are not linked with one another and were not designed with SEC reporting in mind. Likewise, absent SEC relief, under the current rules retailers subject to data privacy rules abroad must navigate a burdensome exemption process if local law prohibits exporting personal information of foreign workers to the U.S.
Client Alert
[SEC Adopts Final CEO Pay Ratio Disclosure Rules] (https://www .h u nton retail ind ustryblog. com/wp-content/u ploads/sites/ 16/2017 /05/sec-adoptsfi nal-ceo-pay-ratio-disclosure-ru les. pdf)
Blog post
[Recent Developments at the SEC for Retailers] (https:/ /www.h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2017 /05/articles/corporate-governance/recentdevelopments-sec-retailers/)
Contact:
[Scott Kimpel](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/scott-kimpel.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 15241 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Review internal payroll systems and begin assembling raw data necessary to complete required calculations for SEC reporting purposes.
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CORPORATE / SECURITIES / M&A / TREASURY/ RESTRUCTURING
SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Project May 31, 2017
The SEC's disclosure effectiveness project, which seeks to modernize the public company disclosure regime, will likely continue under SEC Chairman Clayton and Director Hinman. Over the next several years, the SEC is likely to adopt amendments to Regulation S-K that will, on the one hand, eliminate antiquated and duplicative disclosure requirements but, on the other hand, will require enhanced disclosure on hot topics such as corporate governance, risk management and executive compensation.
Blog post
[Recent Developments at the SEC for Retailers] (https://www .h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2017 /05/articles/corporate-governance/recentdevelopments-sec-retailers/)
Contact:
[Scott Kimpel](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/scott-kimpel.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1524 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
PRIVACY / SECURITY / TECHNOLOGY
China's New Cybersecurity Law June 1, 2017
China's new Cybersecurity Law will impose new restrictions on flows of personal and critical information from operators of key information infrastructure, and will become effective in June 2017. Under the new law, critical network products and services purchased by operators of key information infrastructure will be subject to a security evaluation if they may affect national security. Key aspects of the new law include data localization, a potential local technology procurement requirement, the handling of personal information, cybersecurity compliance requirements and an obligation to support government law enforcement and investigative agencies.
Blog posts:
[China Publishes Draft Measures for Security Review of Network Products and Services] (https://www .h u nton privacyblog .com/2017 /02/ 16/china-publishes-draft-measures-secu rityreview-network-prod ucts-services/)
[Final Cybersecurity Law Enacted in China] (https://www.h u nton privacyblog .com/2016/ 11 /08/fi nal-cybersecu rity-law-enacted-china/)
[China's Cybersecurity Law Undergoes Third Reading] (https://www .h u nton privacyblog .com/2016/11 /02/ch i nas-cybersecurity-law-u ndergoes-th i rdread i ng/)
Event:
[March 7 Webinar on China's New Cybersecurity Law] (https://www.hunton.com/en/insights/chinas-new-cybersecurity-law.html)
What Should I Do Next?
Companies need to prepare for the implementing rules and regulations, and they should start now to understand what enterprises would fall within the key categories of 'operators of key information infrastructure' and 'network operators.' Companies also should consider undertaking data mapping exercises, under which they identify what information they have flowing into and out of China, and what information flows may be isolated from others.
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Contact:
[Bing Maisog](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/manuel-maisog.html): Partner, Beijing
+86 10 5863 7507 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
PRIVACY / SECURITY / TECHNOLOGY
First Annual Review of Privacy Shield July 1, 2017
The Shield was formally approved by the European Commission on July 12, 2016 and replaced the Safe Harbor as a mechanism in support of cross-border data transfers from the EU to the U.S. The Article 29 Working Party in the EU has expressed some skepticism about the Shield, and will raise its concerns during the first annual review meeting to discuss the Shield in July 2017.
Blog Posts:
[European Commission Adopts Privacy Shield] (https://www.huntonprivacyblog.com/2016/07 /12/european-commission-adopts-privacy-shield)
[EU Regulators Will Not Challenge Adequacy of Privacy Shield for at Least One Year] (https://www .h u nton privacyblog .com/2016/07 /26/eu-reg u lators-wi 11-not-challenge-adequacyof-privacy-shield-for-at-least-one-year)
Contact:
[Aaron Simpson](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/aaron-simpson.html): Partner, London
+44 (0) 20 7220 56121 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
SUPPLY CHAIN / SOURCING
TSCA Reform July 1, 2017
Final rule-making re: risk evaluation; Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals established.
The Lautenberg Act amends the Toxic Substance Control Act, exposing businesses that manufacture, process, distribute, use or dispose of certain chemical substances. The act poses a very real risk to the stability of the current retail supply chain, but also provides retail product manufacturers, distributors and sellers the opportunity to evaluate the chemicals used in their products, opt for safer and more sustainable alternatives if EPA classifies them as hazardous, and more effectively mitigate long-term costs and risks.
Blog Post:
[Major Implications for Retail Industry Following Overhaul of Toxic Substance Control Act] (https://www.h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2016/07 /articles/environmental/major-implicationsfor-retai l-industry-following-overhau 1-of-toxic-su bstance-control-act/)
Contacts:
[Lori Elliott Jarvis]( https://www.hunton.com/en/people/lori-jarvis.html): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 86391 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Elizabeth Reese]( https://www.hunton.com/en/people/elizabeth-reese.html): Associate, Richmond
+1 804 787 8060 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
12/20
5/11/2018 Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
ADVERTISING / CONSUMER PROTECTION
Pending NJ Supreme Court Decision Regarding TCCWNA July 1, 2017
TCCWNA case law has continued to develop with no end in sight. Recently, courts have grappled with definitional questions that could impact the scope of the law and affect sellers of consumer goods and services. Many of these TCCWNA cases are being stayed pending the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision regarding the definition of an "aggrieved consumer" and whether NJ state regulations alone provide a basis for TCCWNA claims.
Blog Posts
[TCCWNA Updates](https://www.huntonretailindustryblog.com/2017/02/articles/consumerprotection/tccwna-updates/)
[The New Wave of Consumer Class Action Targeting Retailers: What is the TCCWNA?] (https://www.huntonretailindustryblog.com/2016/06/articles/class-action/the-unprecedentednew-wave-of-consumer-class-action-litigation-targeting-retailers-what-is-the-tccwna/)
Contact:
[Ryan Phair](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/ryan-phair.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1921 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Retailers should keep an eye on the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision regarding the definition of an "aggrieved consumer'' and whether New Jersey state regulations alone provide a basis for TCCWNA claims, because it could change how retailers comply with the law altogether.
LABOR /EM PLOYMENT / OS HA
Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claims Under Title VII July 3, 2017
In a landmark ruling on April 4, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, sitting en bane, became the first federal appellate court to officially recognize a discrimination claim under Title VII based solely on the plaintiff's sexual orientation. See Hively v. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Case No. 15-1720 (7th Cir. Apr. 4, 2017). The Seventh Circuit's decision comes on the heels of two other cases from the Second and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals. See Evan v. Georgia Reg'/ Hosp., No. 15-15234, 2017 WL 943925 (11th Cir. Mar. 10, 2017); Christiansen v. Omnicom Group, Inc., No. 16-748 (2d Cir. Mar. 27, 2017). It remains to be seen whether these decisions will be appealed to the full court or whether any decision will be appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Blog Post:
[Circuit Courts Reevaluate Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claims Under Title VII] (https:/ /www.huntonlaborblog.com/2017 /04/articles/title-vii/circuit-courts-reevaluate-sexualorientation-discri mi nation-claims-title-vii/)
Contact:
[Kurt Larkin](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/kurt-larkin.html): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 8776 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Ryan Glasgow](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/ryan-glasgow.html): Partner, Richmond
+1 804 788 8791 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Tyler Laughinghouse](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/tyler-laughinghouse.html): Associate, Richmond
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5/11/2018
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Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
September 27, 2017
Makan Delrahim was confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
[Read the DOJ Press Release](https://www.justice.gov/atr/staff-profile/meet-assistantattorney-general)
Contact:
[Amanda Wait](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/amanda-wait.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1502 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Proposed Budget Cuts to Food Stamp Program October 1, 2017
At the end of May, President Trump unveiled his latest proposed budget blueprint for 2018. The proposed budget contains significant funding
cuts for many government programs, including more than a 25 percent cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP"), formerly
known as the Food Stamp Program. SNAP is a federal aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, though benefits are
distributed at the state level. The program supplies approximately 44.2 million low-income Americans with food assistance via an Electronic
Benefit Transfer ("EBT") card account. These EBT debit cards are then used by recipients to pay for food at grocery stores, convenience stores
and other food retailers.
Blog post
[Proposed Budget Cut to the Food Stamp Program Worries Many Food Retailers] (https://www.h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2017 /06/articles/health-care/proposed-budget-cutfood-stamp-program-worries-many-food-retailers/)
Contacts:
[Brian Tanenbaum](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/brian-tanenbaum.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 703 714 74591 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Jessica Vara](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/jessica-vara.html): Associate, McLean, VA
+1 703 714 7405 I [email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
Retailers should keep an eye out for the final budget, which should be passed in the new fiscal year. Watch for updates from Congress and the White House.
COMPETITION / ANTITRUST
FTC to hold a roundtable to examine empirical evidence on the effects of occupational licensure November 7, 2017
15/20
5/11/2018 Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
As part of the FTC's Economic Liberty Task Force, on November 7, the FTC will hold a roundtable to examine empirical evidence on the effects of occupational licensure.
[Read the FTC Press Release](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/eventscalendar/2017/11 /effects-occupational-licensure-competition-consumers-workforce)
Contact:
[Amanda Wait](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/amanda-wait.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1502 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
Contact:
[Phyllis Marcus](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/phyllis-marcus.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1810 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
LABOR/EMPLOYMENT/OSHA
Applicants in California January 1, 2018
No More Salary or Criminal History Questions for Job Applicants in California
As of January 1, under AB 168, California employers may not ask an applicant about his or her prior salary, compensation, or benefits, and may be required to provide the position's pay scale to an applicant upon reasonable request. Moreover, AB 1008, California's new ban-thebox law prohibits California employers from asking about an applicant's criminal history before a conditional offer of employment has been made, and mandates that employers follow a "fair chance" process before denying employment based on an applicant's conviction history.
Contact:
[Susan Joo](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/susan-joo.html): Associate, San Francisco
+1 415 975 3705 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
California employers should review their job applications as well as interviewing, background check, and hiring forms, communications, and processes to ensure compliance. California employers should also train HR, supervisors/managers, and other individuals involved in the interviewing, background check, and hiring process on the new laws.
SUPPLY CHAIN/ SOURCING
2017 Retail Industry Year in Review January 18, 2018
On January 18, 2018, Hunton & Williams LLP's retail industry lawyers, composed of more than 100 lawyers across practices, released their annual Retail Year in Review. The Retail Year in Review includes many topics of interest to retailers including blockchain, antitrust enforcement in the Trump Administration, ransomware's impact on the retail industry, SEC and M&A activity in 2017, cyber insurance, vulnerability to class actions, and the reduced tax rate.
[Download our 2017 Retail Industry Year in Review] (https://www.hunton.com/images/content/3/5/v2/35183/2017 -Retail-YI R.PDF. pdf)
16/20
5/11/2018 Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
CORPORATE / SECURITIES / M&A / TREASURY/ RESTRUCTURING
Internet Sales Tax January 18, 2018
While the Financial CHOICE Act, which would roll back many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, will likely pass the House of Representatives in The Supreme Court has accepted the petition for certiorari in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc. The case raises the issue of whether the Supreme Court should abrogate Quill Corp. v. North Dakota (19 92), which upheld the "physical presence" requirement for imposition of state sales tax. This issue has profound implications for all businesses that sell products on the internet, which currently do not have to collect a sales tax when the item sold will be sent to a state where the business does not have a physical presence and thus enjoy a competitive advantage over retailers with a physical presence in those states.
Key Dates
-Petition for cert granted on January 12, 2018
-Petitioner's merits brief due February 2 6, 2018
-Respondent's merits brief due March 2 8, 2018
-Reply brief due April 2 7 , 2018
Blog post
[Top Issues Facing Retailers in the Trump Administration] (https://www .h u nton retail ind ustryblog.com/2016/ 11 /articles/labor-employment/top-
issues-facing-retailers-tru mp-administration/)
Contact:
[Mike Mueller](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/michael-mueller.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1202419 21161 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Evangeline Paschal](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/evangeline-paschal.html): Counsel, Washington, DC
+1202419 21741 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
COMPETITION / ANTITRUST
AmEx Anti-Steering Provisions February 2 8, 2018
SCOTUS to Hear Argument on AmEx Anti-Steering Provisions on February 26, 2018
The Supreme Court will hear argument in Ohio v. American Express Co. on February 2 6, presenting the issue of whether, under the "rule of reason," the government's showing that American Express' anti-steering provisions stifle price competition between merchants is enough to prove anti-competitive effects. Retailers hope that the Second Circuit's decision in favor of American Express will be reversed, as the lack of interbrand price competition for credit card merchant services has resulted in credit card fees being the among their largest and fastest-growing expenses, which eventually are shared in some part by consumers.
[Read the SCOTUSblog post](https://www.justice.gov/atr/staff-profile/meet-assistant
attorney-general)
Contact:
[Amanda Wait](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/amanda-wait.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 9 5 5 1502 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
17/20
5/11/2018 Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
L ABOR / EMPLOYMENT /OSHA
New California Independent Contractor Test April 30, 2018
The California Supreme Court has adopted a new three-part test to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee under California's wage orders, which regulate wages, hours, and working conditions. Under the new "ABC test," to show a worker is an independent contractor the company must establish: (A) the worker is free from the control and direction of the hirer in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of such work and in fact; (8) the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity's business; and (C) the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business of the same nature as the work performed for the hiring entity. The highly anticipated ruling could have wide ranging effects for businesses operating in California and beyond, as companies try to navigate the new gig economy.
Blog post
[California Supreme Court Adopts New Independent Contractor Test] (https://www.huntonlaborblog.com/2018/05/articles/california-developments/californiasupreme-court-adopts-new-independent-contractor-tesU)
Contacts:
[Matthew Bobb](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/matthew-bobb.html): Associate, Los Angeles
+1 213 532 2116 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Emily Burkhardt Vicente](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/emily-vicente.html): Partner, Los Angeles
+1 213 532 2153 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
What Should I Do Next?
In light of this decision, companies operating in California should review their classification of workers as independent contractors under the new test.
PRIVACY / SECURITY / TECHNOLOGY
Implementation of EU General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") May 25, 2018
As of May, 2018 companies handling personal data will have to be fully compliant with the provisions of the GDPR. The territorial scope of the GDPR is significantly wider than under the Directive, and it will apply to all companies that offer goods or services to individuals located in the EU, or that monitor the behaviour of EU-based individuals. Enhanced compliance obligations and increased financial sanctions are likely to be a challenge for retail companies operating worldwide.
Blog Post:
[EU General Data Protection Regulation Finally Adopted] (https://www.huntonprivacyblog.com/2016/04/14/eu-general-data-protection-regulation-finallyadopted)
Contact:
[Aaron Simpson](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/aaron-simpson.html): Partner, London
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5/1 1/2018
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Hunton Andrews Kur th Retail-CPG RADAR
+44 (0) 20 7220 56121 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
CORPORATE/ SECURITIES/ M&A /TREASURY/ RESTRUCTURING
Sustainability and Corporate Clean Power September 1, 2018
Climate Week NYC, September 2018
Based on a number of factors (including shareholder pressure, corporate responsibility initiatives, declining renewable energy equipment prices, etc.) corporate entities (retailers, manufacturers and technology companies) are entering the renewable energy arena for the first time or, in some cases, bolstering their current positions. Although this creates a number of new opportunities (e.g., positive publicity and possible tax benefits and fixed, or lower, electricity prices), such renewable energy transactions introduce new legal and regulatory issues that corporations need to consider carefully.
Contacts:
[Scott Kimpel](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/scott-kimpel.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1524 1 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Eric Pogue](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/eric-pogue.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1847 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
REAL ESTATE
Impact of New FASB Leasing Standard December 15, 2018
Public Company transition period beginning for fiscal years after December 15, 2018 ( calendar year 2019); all other companies effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (calendar year 2020)
On February 25, 2016, FASB issued a new Accounting Standards Update. The new rule makes significant changes to the FASB standards for lease accounting by requiring tenants and other lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for certain operating leases, which were traditionally kept off-balance sheet.
These changes in balance sheet reporting will have dramatic effects on how companies hold real estate and may present significant operating challenges upon implementation.
The FASB changes will impact whether companies decide to lease real property or purchase it. While historically many companies chose to lease real estate assets in order to keep significant long-term obligations off their balance sheets, the new accounting standards will cause companies to rethink that decision.
Companies that enter into leases may want to change how those leases are negotiated. Companies with existing operating leases may face implementation costs arising from the need to keep a more detailed database of their leases. Additionally, the inclusion of operating leases as liabilities may also upset companies' debt-to-equity ratio, which might require the renegotiation of existing financing covenants to avoid being in breach.
Contact:
[Shaswat Das](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/shaswat-das.html): Senior Attorney, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 1520 I [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
19/20
5/11/2018 Hunton Andrews Kurth Retail-CPG RADAR
Sustainability and Corporate Clean Power January 1, 2020
Step down dates for federal PTCs (production tax credits for wind) and ITCs (investment tax credits for solar), including January 1, 2020 which is the current cut-off date for PTCs and the beginning of the step-down for ITCs
Based on a number of factors (including shareholder pressure, corporate responsibility initiatives, declining renewable energy equipment prices, etc.) corporate entities (retailers, manufacturers and technology companies) are entering the renewable energy arena for the first time or, in some cases, bolstering their current positions. Although this creates a number of new opportunities (e.g., positive publicity and possible tax benefits and fixed, or lower, electricity prices), such renewable energy transactions introduce new legal and regulatory issues that corporations need to consider carefully.
Contacts:
[Scott Kimpel](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/scott-kimpel.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 15241 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
[Eric Pogue](https://www.hunton.com/en/people/eric-pogue.html): Partner, Washington, DC
+1 202 955 18471 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
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