The July 2025 decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Epic Games v. Google marks a landmark development in the ongoing evolution of antitrust remedies for unilateral conduct in the technology sector. The court’s willingness to affirm not just prohibitory, but also mandatory, forward-looking injunctions—requiring Google to take affirmative steps to open its Android app ecosystem to competition—signals a vigorous approach to restoring competition in digital platforms.

Semiconductors are critical components that form the foundation of virtually all modern technologies and industries, including computers, smartphones, consumer electronics, automobiles, and medical devices. Their global importance continues to grow. This blog provides an overview of recent legal developments in the semiconductor markets of Japan and the United States.

The EPA announced on June 11 its intention to repeal three rules under the Clean Air Act that regulate emissions from power plants. This move comes as part of the Trump Administration’s broad energy and regulatory policy shift aimed at expanding domestic energy production, reducing regulatory burdens, and ensuring affordable, reliable energy, as outlined in Executive Order 14154— “Unleashing American Energy” and Executive Order 14156— “Declaring a National Energy Emergency” issued in January 2025. Critics of the Administration’s strategy fear that adverse impacts may result to the energy industry, public health, and the climate.