Business Law and Corporate Law

Many organizations have access to large volumes of spend data, but fragmented systems, inconsistent information, limited market intelligence, and a lack of systematic processes often make it difficult to translate visibility into measurable savings.

North Carolina businesses face significant legal risks when employees mishandle confidential information, but courts evaluate whether companies made reasonable efforts to protect their trade secrets before granting legal protection. This guide examines the specific security measures, documentation practices, and cultural safeguards that satisfy legal standards for trade secret protection under federal law and North Carolina's Trade Secrets Protection Act.

The SEC has proposed eliminating Rule 14a-8, which grants shareholders the right to include certain proposals in company proxy statements, shifting this authority to state corporate law and company governing documents. The proposal would also expand circumstances under which companies may exercise discretionary voting authority on shareholder proposals not included in their proxy materials. Comments on this significant regulatory change must be received by November 20, 2026.