As December 2025 begins, Canada is entering a critical phase in its border-security and immigration-system overhaul. Parliament is actively reviewing Bill C-12 — Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act — which the Government of Canada introduced earlier this fall. With the holiday travel season underway, record migration flows reported globally, and ongoing federal initiatives to reinforce border security, Bill C-12 has become one of the most closely watched legal proposals of the year.
The New York LLC Transparency Act (LLCTA) is a new state law that requires limited liability companies (LLCs) that are formed in New York or authorized to do business in New York to report information about their beneficial owners to the New York Department of State.
This requirement is separate from — and in addition to — the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) rules. The New York law applies only to LLCs and is enforced by the State of New York, not the federal government.
This law is designed to make LLC ownership more transparent and prevent fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
U.S. courts continue to enforce the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, requiring parties to act honestly and not deprive each other of the benefits of their agreement. While the doctrine doesn’t override clear contract language, recent decisions show that courts will intervene when one party uses contractual power in a way that undermines the bargain.
In November 2025, the USPTO under Director John A. Squires announced a major reversal of its prior, more lenient practice regarding “Real Party-in-Interest” (RPI) disclosures in inter partes review (IPR) and post-grant review proceedings. This shift signals the agency’s increasing focus on transparency and procedural integrity in patent-challenge processes—and has important implications for both patent owners and those who challenge patents.
In a major move unveiled as part of its 2025 federal budget, Canada has announced a new fast-track immigration pathway designed for U.S.-based H-1B visa holders and international researchers.
This initiative, confirmed by the Economic Times and supported by details from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), builds on Canada’s ongoing effort to attract highly skilled professionals in technology, research, and healthcare.