On March 24, 2025 Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia signed into law H.B. 2354 which will impose a ban on the use of specified food additives, including seven food dyes, in food, drink, confectionery, or condiment products in the state. In passing this law, West Virginia became the first state to broadly ban food dyes,
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California Frontier AI Working Group Issues Report on Foundation Model Regulation
On March 18, the Joint California Policy Working Group on AI Frontier Models (the “Working Group”) released its draft report on the regulation of foundation models, with the aim of providing an “evidence-based foundation for AI policy decisions” in California that “ensure[s] these powerful technologies benefit society globally while reasonably managing emerging risks.” The Working
Trump 2.0 Tariffs and Commercial Disputes: Key Questions to Consider
Introduction
The Trump Administration’s implementation of significant and widespread tariffs – and the potential for additional and farther-reaching tariffs – represents more than just a trade challenge. For companies engaged in international commerce, the uncertainty created by these measures increases the risk of commercial disputes. Among other things, tariffs can increase costs, reduce margins, and
EU’s Reaction to New U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
On 12 March, the European Commission responded to the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on EU steel and aluminum imports. The Commission pledged to implement “swift and proportionate countermeasures on U.S. imports into the EU,” signaling a firm stance while leaving the door open for future negotiations.
Announced Countermeasures under the Enforcement Regulation
The EU’s
February 2025 AI Developments Under the Trump Administration
This is part of an ongoing series of Covington blogs on the AI policies, executive orders, and other actions of the Trump Administration. The first blog summarized key actions taken in the first weeks of the Trump Administration, including the revocation of President Biden’s 2023 Executive Order 14110 on the “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development
New Artificial Intelligence Legislation in Mexico
Since 2020, over 60 bills have been introduced in the Mexican Congress seeking to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). In the absence of general AI legal framework, these bills have sought to regulate a broad range of issues, including governance, education, intellectual property, and data protection. Mexico lacks a comprehensive national strategy or policy on AI.
Flurry of Trump Administration Executive Orders Shakes Up Tech Policy, Creates Industry Opportunities
Since taking office, President Trump has issued dozens of executive orders, many addressing key technology policy areas that include international trade and investment, artificial intelligence (AI), connected vehicles and drones, and trade controls. Some of these executive actions reverse the previous administration’s efforts on these issues—such as the order revoking President Biden’s October 2023 executive
European Commission Publishes Automotive Industrial Action Plan
On March 5, 2025, the European Commission published the Industrial Action Plan for the European Automotive Sector. This plan outlines measures to strengthen the competitiveness of the European automotive industry and to accelerate the transition to zero-emission mobility in the EU. This plan is the result of the “Strategic Dialogue” that has been taking
California Senator Introduces AI Safety Bill
On February 27, California State Senator Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) released the text of SB 53, reviving efforts to establish AI safety regulations in a state that is home to both Silicon Valley and the nation’s first comprehensive privacy law. SB 53 proposes a significantly narrower approach compared to Senator Weiner’s Safe & Secure
Latest COVID-19 Business Interruption Decision
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE v Bath Racecourse Company Ltd[2025] EWCA Civ 153
The Court of Appeal has handed down judgment in an important COVID-19 business interruption case, just three weeks after the hearing took place. There were two main issues that were considered in the appeal in Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE -v- Bath Racecourse