Golan Christie Taglia invites you to our Tech Chicago Week 2026 event! Hosted in partnership with BuzzCo, Prefect, and WSC Consulting on July 23, 2026.

In recognition of Juneteenth, Marcus T. Turner Jr. and Anthony J. Wenn examine the constitutional and legal decisions during Reconstruction. The article highlights how voting rights, civic participation, and equal protection under the law have shaped opportunities for Black Americans, including the economic empowerment within Black communities. Early voting systems in America were heavily marred by discriminatory practices based on race, and this article details the court cases and jurisprudence that helped form the foundation for current voting rights protections, congressional maps, and broader conversations around voting today.

Generative artificial intelligence has exposed the growing gap in the legal protection of individuals. Presently, an artist’s likeness or voice characteristics can be used to create AI content for others that they did not approve. Publicity rights have traditionally been the mechanism by which celebrities could control the commercial use of their name, image, and likeness, but these rules vary state to state and in most cases are reactive rather than proactive. Currently, U.S. law does not protect a person’s voice so the distinction of copyrighting particular recordings can be a work around and one such celebrity attempting to do this is Taylor Swift. In registering short recognizable audio phrases, Swift is not looking to claim ownership of her voice but rather is attempting to secure exclusive rights in specific auditory signatures that might be associated with her brand. The outcome of efforts like this one will help define the contours of the evolution of the law.

Schedule A litigation was once a quick way for sellers to sue their competition. But, with heightened scrutiny, all that is changing and rights holders must look at Schedule A litigation as a tool, rather than a short cut. With the current landscape, Schedule A litigation can still be effective for IP enforcement if done with coordinated effort and preparation.

Being sued in a Schedule A lawsuit can put online sellers and businesses into a tricky position and often leaves them with very little action to take. Historically, defendants have defaulted or settled quickly but now, that is beginning to change. Courts are increasingly demanding thoroughness from plaintiffs and allowing defendants opportunities to be heard. Those who act expeditiously with experienced counsel and challenge weak procedural foundations can often reduce or even eliminate severe consequences.