susan kirsch

Sep 12, 2024 | lexology.com | Rachel Taylor |susan kirsch

Therapeutic vs non-therapeutic use claims for functional foodsIn an ideal world, therapeutic and non-therapeutic use claims form two sides of the same coin.

Aug 12, 2024 | lexology.com | Rachel Taylor |susan kirsch

When do functional food health claims become prophylactic methods of treatment? Consumer demand for food with health benefits is high and companies are working hard to respond to this. In 2021 the functional food market in Europe and forecast to grow at 2.9% per year. This has corresponded with an increase in patent filings related to functional foods[1]. However, recent case law has highlighted difficulties when trying to apply EPO medical use claim language to functional foods.

Oct 16, 2023 | marinij.com | susan kirsch

The Museum of International Propaganda sits on a quiet corner in San Rafael. It displays examples from 25 countries, including Germany, Vietnam and the Soviet Union. After visiting the museum, I started wondering if Sacramento’s housing policy qualifies. The power of the term startled me. I wanted to back away. That is a goal of propaganda: to discourage critical thinking and discussion about an issue by using denigrating labels and name-calling so the popular narrative proceeds without challenge.

Apr 21, 2023 | marinij.com | susan kirsch

You don’t think of the typical Californian giving in to a mantra of “there’s nothing we can do” or “our hands are tied.” But the threats of a “strike force” coming from Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office; intimidating letters from the Housing and Community Development Department chastising communities for what department considers inadequate housing elements; and well-funded, corporate-serving agencies like the pro-housing group Yes In My Back Yard, as well as it’s legal arm YIMBY Law, are...