Apple faces scrutiny from EU enforcers over potential anticompetitive conduct related to how its iPhone and iPad interact with wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands. The European Commission is investigating whether Apple imposes technical and contractual barriers that hinder access to features such as notifications and contactless payments, potentially disadvantaging rival products. This inquiry is part of a broader EU investigation into smart devices and their interfaces, which also includes Google's use of voice assistants. The commission aims to determine if Apple's restrictions stifle innovation and limit market competition.

JetBlue's planned transatlantic expansion has reignited the debate over the competitiveness of joint-venture agreements among legacy airlines. The budget carrier aims to introduce multiple daily flights from Boston and New York to London by 2021, targeting both the budget and premium markets. JetBlue President Joanna Geraghty has called for regulatory changes to support smaller airlines, coinciding with the UK Competition & Markets Authority's investigation into the Atlantic Joint Business Agreement involving American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, and Finnair.

EU judges ruled against the International Skating Union (ISU) in an antitrust case, while preserving the pre-authorization system for events and the arbitration system directing disputes to the Court of Arbitration in Sport in Lausanne. The European Commission's stance on the ISU's conflict of interest and severe penalties was upheld, but the ruling allows for fair and proportionate pre-authorization systems. The General Court also confirmed that sports-related disputes can be resolved at the Court of Arbitration in Sport, with the possibility of bringing antitrust disputes to national courts within the EU. The decision is seen as a relief for sports-governing bodies and a success for the European Commission.

Margrethe Vestager, the EU competition commissioner, has been given broad political responsibilities covering the digital sector while retaining her competition role for a second term by the European Commission's incoming president Ursula von der Leyen. This dual role is unprecedented in the EU's recent history and raises concerns about the integrity of competition procedures. Vestager has emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of these procedures, which must stand up in court. Critics worry about the potential for conflicts of interest, particularly in cases involving US tech firms, as Vestager is also tasked with helping European companies strengthen technological leadership. The European Commission has historically maintained that competition enforcement works alongside other tools to keep markets open and fair.

The European Commission has sent out questionnaires to auto-parts makers to investigate whether Nokia's patent-licensing practices are hindering R&D investment in the automotive industry. This follows antitrust complaints from Daimler and four parts makers, who argue that Nokia's refusal to license standard-essential patents for mobile connectivity is abusive. The commission's inquiries focus on whether companies have suspended R&D spending due to licensing issues and whether they have shown willingness to seek licenses from Nokia. The case draws on EU antitrust rules and a precedent set by the EU Court of Justice regarding 'willing licensees.'

The I.R.S. has issued proposed regulations to clarify information-reporting rules for digital assets, addressing gaps in existing guidance. The regulations expand reporting obligations to include digital assets, define digital assets and brokers, and specify that digital assets are treated as such for reporting purposes. The rules aim to prevent anonymity in digital-asset trading platforms and exclude miners and wallet software providers from the definition of brokers unless they provide direct access to trading platforms.

The study explores the surface modification of Ga-doped LLZO (Li7La3Zr2O12) by adding polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to enhance the electrochemical stability of composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) used in all-solid-state batteries. The research addresses the instability issues between succinonitrile (SCN) and LLZO by incorporating PAN, which prevents SCN polymerization through a cyclization process. The modified CSEs demonstrated improved ionic conductivity and stable cycle performance in coin-type and pouch-type cells. The findings suggest that PAN addition is crucial for enhancing the electrochemical performance and stability of solid-state lithium-metal batteries.

State attorneys general, led by Gwendolyn Cooley, will continue to pursue tough antitrust cases irrespective of legislative or judicial actions. Cooley, taking over as chair of the National Association of Attorneys General Multistate Antitrust Task Force, emphasizes the importance of state-level enforcement and coordination with federal agencies. She highlights the unique advantages states have in understanding local markets and the need for efficient litigation practices. Cooley also plans to enhance training for antitrust attorneys and stresses the non-partisan nature of state antitrust enforcement.

Apple's recent court victory against Epic Games in an antitrust case over the App Store may negatively impact ongoing lawsuits against Google regarding its Play Store. The ruling by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found flaws in Epic's arguments, which are similar to those in the Google cases. The decision could influence the legal strategies of plaintiffs, including US state attorneys general, developers, and consumers. The case is expected to be appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which may provide further legal clarity before Google's trial next fall.

Apple and Ireland are contesting the European Commission's 2016 decision that required Apple to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes, arguing that the EU's interpretation of national tax law was flawed and inconsistent. The commission maintains that Ireland provided Apple with an illegal tax break, resulting in a selective advantage. The case, heard at the EU’s General Court, examines the allocation of profits to Apple's Irish entities and the broader implications for tax powers and subsidy reviews. Key figures include lawyers for Apple and Ireland, EU representatives, and supporting entities like the Polish government and the European Free Trade Association.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Ofcom, and the Information Commissioner’s Office are collaborating to establish a new pro-competition regulatory regime targeting Big Tech companies like Google and Facebook. This initiative follows the CMA's market study highlighting the dominance of these companies in the UK's digital advertising market. The Digital Markets Taskforce and the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum will guide the development of this regime, aiming to enhance competition and innovation while coordinating with international regulatory efforts. The government will ultimately decide on the implementation of these recommendations.

Google successfully defended its proprietary search algorithms in a High Court ruling in London, which rejected Kelkoo's request to expand access to confidential documents in their market-abuse lawsuit. The court emphasized the importance of protecting commercially sensitive data, setting a precedent for other companies. The ruling highlighted the complexities of managing confidentiality in antitrust litigation and underscored the need for case-by-case consideration. Kelkoo, despite the setback, remains determined to challenge Google's practices, reflecting broader tensions in the tech industry over market dominance and data confidentiality.

Daniel Price, a former IRS attorney, revealed that the IRS does not read reasonable-cause statements for late-filed international information returns, raising concerns among taxpayers and tax advisers. The IRS's shift to systemic assessment of penalties via computers has led to high abatement rates, indicating many penalties are wrongly assessed. The Taxpayer Advocate Service criticized the IRS's authority to systemically assess penalties for certain forms and suggested inefficiency and legal unsoundness. Additionally, federal courts are divided on calculating penalties for non-willful FBAR violations, with the Fifth and Ninth Circuits having conflicting interpretations. Price advised taxpayers in the Ninth Circuit to leverage the Boyd case for a more favorable penalty assessment. Despite the IRS's practices, Price emphasized the importance of filing reasonable-cause statements for creating a paper trail and evidence in case of disputes.

The article discusses the new regulations on foreign tax credits introduced at the end of 2021, which require closer conformity to U.S. tax law and add an attribution requirement. These changes may render some previously creditable foreign taxes non-creditable, particularly those based on destination criteria like digital services taxes. The regulations outline different criteria for nonresidents and residents of foreign countries, focusing on activities-based, source-based, and property-based nexus for nonresidents, and wider latitude for residents. Tax treaties may override these regulations to some extent, providing relief for U.S. residents.

The article explores the complexities of goodwill in business sales, particularly in the context of international tax law. It examines the case of International Multifoods Corporation's sale of its Mister Donut franchising business to a Japanese buyer, highlighting the tax implications and the IRS's stance on the allocation of goodwill. The court's decision reinforced the idea that goodwill is inseparable from trademarks and other marketing intangibles. The article also discusses subsequent developments in tax law and IRS rulings, including the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and OECD guidelines on the treatment of goodwill in controlled transactions.

The Corporate Transparency Act (C.T.A.), passed on January 1, 2021, aims to increase transparency by requiring certain entities to report information on their beneficial owners to a database accessible by the U.S. Treasury Department and law enforcement. The article discusses the definitions and obligations of reporting companies, beneficial owners, and company applicants, and highlights the proposed regulations issued by FinCEN on December 7, 2021. These regulations clarify the types of entities that must comply, exemptions, and the reporting requirements. The article also addresses the potential impact on small businesses and law firms, the penalties for non-compliance, and the ongoing process of finalizing the regulations.

Noah Phillips, a centrist Republican on the US Federal Trade Commission, expresses both support and concern for new Chair Lina Khan's bold regulatory agenda. While he appreciates Khan's intelligence and some of her initiatives, he worries that her aggressive antitrust and privacy policies may alienate experienced staff and undermine effective tools like the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Phillips advocates for strategic implementation and maintaining staff morale to achieve the FTC's goals. He also supports a single national privacy law over state-level regulations and calls for careful scrutiny of tech giants' mergers without overly restrictive measures. The article highlights the mixed reactions to Khan's leadership within the FTC and the broader regulatory community.

The UK government's draft legislation, the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, proposes changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, allowing the UK to waive EU state aid rules for Northern Ireland. Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended the bill, stating it is necessary to protect the UK's internal market, despite admissions that it would breach international law. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed significant concern over the UK's intentions, emphasizing the potential undermining of trust and international law. The bill's state aid provisions are crucial for maintaining an open border with the Republic of Ireland, a key element of the Good Friday Agreement.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has targeted Google and Facebook in a new antitrust regime aimed at the digital advertising sector. The CMA's final report on its year-long market study proposes several structural and behavioral controls to address the market power of these tech giants. Measures include separating Google's ad-serving platform from its analytics business and increasing third-party data access for Facebook. Both companies have pushed back, arguing that the digital advertising market is competitive and their data practices protect user privacy. The CMA seeks government support for new laws to regulate the sector, amidst broader concerns over Big Tech's influence.

The article discusses the first inter-Korean summit since 2007, set to take place at the Peace House in Panmunjom, with a focus on denuclearisation and securing permanent peace. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will engage in talks and a dinner, with parts of the summit broadcast live. Expectations and skepticism are mixed among the people from both sides of the border. South Koreans express cautious optimism and concerns about repeating past mistakes, while North Koreans, including defectors and activists, show skepticism about the North's commitment to denuclearisation and criticize the South's approach. The article includes perspectives from various individuals, highlighting their hopes, doubts, and the broader implications of the summit for cross-border relations and the future of the Korean peninsula.

The article discusses the upcoming inter-Korean summit and the concerns raised by NGOs and analysts regarding the exclusion of North Korean human rights issues from the agenda. Despite over 200 NGOs, including Human Rights Watch, urging South Korean President Moon Jae-in to address human rights violations and abductions with North Korea, the South Korean Ministry of Unification confirmed these topics are not scheduled for discussion. The focus of the summit will be on denuclearisation, peace on the Korean Peninsula, and improving relations between the North and South. Critics argue that human rights should be a priority and express disappointment, especially given President Moon's background as a human rights lawyer. The article also mentions the plight of families separated by the Korean War and abductions, highlighting the urgency of these human rights issues.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye has been sentenced to 24 years in prison and fined $16 million for her involvement in a corruption scandal. She was found guilty of charges including bribery, extortion, and influence-peddling. Major conglomerates such as Samsung, Lotte, and SK were implicated in the scandal. Park's confidante, Choi Soon-sil, was also sentenced to 20 years for meddling in state affairs. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea welcomed the verdict, while the opposition Liberty Korea Party criticized the public broadcast of the trial. Park's supporters protested, demanding her immediate release. Legal experts anticipated the verdict but expressed concerns about fairness if Park were to be released early, as has happened with past presidents. Park's impeachment and removal from office followed a unanimous vote by the Constitutional Court after she refused to resign amidst the scandal.

South Koreans have shown a mix of optimism and scepticism towards North Korea's recent proposal for dialogue and denuclearisation. A poll by RealMeter indicates that while a majority welcome the dialogue, there is significant distrust regarding North Korea's sincerity. The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has agreed to a summit with South Korea's president and suggested a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests if talks with the US proceed. Despite the positive step, South Koreans, especially the younger generation, remain doubtful of North Korea's intentions. The international community is also confused by the sudden shift in North Korea's stance, considering its history of missile tests and proclamation as a nuclear-armed state. The political divide in South Korea also reflects differing levels of trust in the North's intentions, with liberals being more optimistic than conservatives.

Maggi Hambling, a prominent British artist, discusses her rejection of being categorized by sexual orientation, preferring to focus on the present and respond to life's happenings. In an interview at her Suffolk studio, she reflects on the queer art scene of 1960s London, her encounters with Francis Bacon, and her lifelong inspirations, Oscar Wilde and the sea. Hambling, who identifies as queer, emphasizes the importance of art over sexual identity labels and shares her unique way of grieving through posthumous portraits. Her recent works, including a series on melting icecaps, address global issues and environmental concerns, showcasing a shift from personal to political themes in her art.