Ten Minute Interview: Crypto

Two recent Federal Circuit decisions offer complementary guidance on a recurring question in patent law: what must a patent specification disclose to satisfy written description and enablement under 35 U.S.C. § 112 when the claimed invention is the new use of a genus of known compounds or compositions?

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (Section 409A) imposes strict rules governing the timing of deferred compensation payments, such as when and under what circumstances such payments can be made. It comes with significant penalties, imposing a 20% tax (and other adverse tax consequences) on non-compliant deferred compensation. Is severance considered deferred compensation covered by Section 409A? The answer may be surprising.

Now that we are halfway through 2026, we want to provide a summary of the proposed and enacted wealth taxes emerging in states and localities. Our mid-year update surveys six recent developments: New York City’s Pied-à-Terre Tax, California’s proposed Billionaire Tax Act, Rhode Island’s Millionaires’ Surtax and Tax on Second Homes, Connecticut’s proposed Mansion Tax, and a failed San Diego Empty Homes Tax.