Consumer Goods | Speaker series

February 19, 2026 

DLA Piper partners highlighted how companies can strengthen supply chain integrity by managing legal, regulatory, sustainability, trade, and logistics risks end‑to‑end.

Key takeaways

• Think lifecycle, not silos. Supply chain risks span sourcing, manufacturing, transport, sales, and end‑of‑life—requiring coordinated legal, compliance, and business strategies.
• Sustainability is enforceable. Expanding disclosure, due diligence, and anti‑greenwashing rules demand supplier visibility, credible data, and strong contractual controls.
• Trade compliance protects market access. Tariffs, sanctions, export controls, and forced‑labor laws require accurate classification, supply chain mapping, and continuous screening.
• Logistics amplify risk. Theft, fraud, weather disruption, and single points of failure underscore the need for resilient networks and trusted service partners.
• Circularity reshapes design decisions. Growing EPR laws link packaging and material choices directly to compliance costs, reporting obligations, and brand risk

To learn more about how DLA Piper helps clients, explore our Sustainability, National Security and Global Trade, Regulatory and Government Affairs and Consumer Goods Food and Retail capabilities.

To gain access to the recording of this conversation, reach out to Maddie Line.

Guerrilla marketing can deliver outsized cultural impact—but only when creative ambition is balanced with legal and operational discipline.

Key takeaways

• High‑impact, low‑budget tactics like building projections and experiential stunts remain powerful for reaching new audiences and driving organic virality through social sharing.
• Top campaign examples—Red Bull Stratos, Bottega Veneta’s paparazzi ads, the Fiji Water Girl moment, and viral dance challenges—show how authenticity and participation fuel buzz while raising issues around permissions, likeness rights, and IP.
• Core legal risks include permitting and public‑space regulations, public safety liability, false‑advertising exposure, unauthorized image capture, and copyright or choreography misuse—all especially relevant to teams planning public activations or social‑driven stunts.
• Vendor and contractor oversight is critical, as brands can be held liable for partners’ actions during unconventional campaigns.
• Best practices focus on safety, compliance, and clear creative governance, ensuring campaigns are culturally resonant, legally sound, and operationally controlled.

To learn more about how DLA Piper helps clients, explore our Intellectual Property and Media, Sports and Entertainment capabilities.

To gain access to the recording of this conversation, reach out to Maddie Line.

December 18, 2025

The session explored how evolving public health priorities, regulatory actions, and litigation trends are reshaping the food and beverage industry’s approach to ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

Key takeaways:

• Definition and Scope of UPFs Remain Unsettled: UPFs lack a clear federal definition. The NOVA system is widely cited but not universally adopted, making compliance and policy-making difficult.
• Regulatory Momentum Is Accelerating: Federal agencies are seeking input to create a uniform UPF definition, considering ingredients, processing, and nutrition. State actions like California and Texas add complexity.
• Litigation Risks Are Rising: Product liability, public nuisance, and deceptive marketing lawsuits are increasing for UPFs. The “dose makes the poison” principle is key in liability cases.
• Industry Faces Patchwork Compliance Challenges: Varied state rules and proposed federal reforms (e.g., GRAS changes, ingredient disclosures) complicate compliance for manufacturers and retailers.
• Proactive Risk Mitigation Is Essential: Companies should form cross-functional committees, track regulatory changes, review ingredient portfolios, and create clear communication strategies to reduce risks.

For more information about DLA Piper's Consumer Goods, Food and Retail capabilities, reach out to Maddie Line.

FDA in Focus: 2025 review and 2026 outlook

In 2025, FDA concentrated on rebuilding and modernizing its internal infrastructure amid unprecedented organizational and leadership changes. Against the backdrop of a significant reduction in force, shifting regulatory philosophies, and evolving policy priorities, the Agency focused on strengthening food safety, advancing medical product innovation, and enhancing oversight across its programs.
 

Office Hours with Senator Richard Burr | Timely discourse from Washington, DC

Get timely guidance on the rapidly changing legal and regulatory environment shaped by the current administration and congressional priorities.

Drawing on Senator Burr’s deep experience and insider perspective, this webcast series offers actionable insights into Capitol Hill developments that impact businesses and stakeholders across industries.

What to expect

• Insights and perspectives from former US Senator Richard Burr
• Candid discussions on emerging legislative priorities
• Conversations shaped by current headlines and organizational concerns

Stay Informed: FDA Regulatory News and Trends

Keep pace with the latest developments impacting the life sciences and healthcare sectors. DLA Piper’s FDA Regulatory News and Trends provides timely insights on:

• Policy Shifts & Guidance Updates: Understand evolving FDA regulations and compliance expectations.
• Enforcement Priorities: Learn what recent actions signal for manufacturers and stakeholders.
• Emerging Issues: Explore topics such as product approvals, labeling requirements, and risk management strategies.

This resource is essential for regulatory professionals, legal counsel, and industry leaders seeking clarity in a complex regulatory environment.