Christopher Mermigas Esq. CCEP

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, staying up to date with software is not
merely a matter of convenience or efficiency; it is increasingly becoming a legal
imperative. Software permeates nearly every facet of modern life, powering critical
infrastructure, facilitating communication, and driving business operations.
As in nature, software must continue to adapt to new conditions and evolve to

Chris Mermigas is different than many general counsels. With a well-rounded and eccentric background, he takes a proactive approach to counseling his business colleagues.

For 33 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in over 150 jurisdictions, the results of which can be viewed free of charge using the “Rankings” tab at the top of the page.

The rankings are based on a series of criteria, but simply put, we highlight the… Show more

For 33 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in over 150 jurisdictions, the results of which can be viewed free of charge using the “Rankings” tab at the top of the page.

The rankings are based on a series of criteria, but simply put, we highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. Our research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience in the legal market.

The Legal 500 produces a wide ranging series of resources for in-house lawyers including roundtables, client insight reports, and recognises and rewards the best in-house lawyers through our GC Powerlist series and The Legal 500 Awards. Please use the tabs at the top of the screen to find out more.

The Legal 500 is Cyber Essentials certified and an accredited London Living Wage employer. Show less

Boards are urged to plan disclosure in advance — or face failure

It's no secret that consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, often choosing to purchase goods and services from companies that prioritize sustainable practices and products. In fact, according to a recent study by environmental tech firm GreenPrint, 78% of people are more likely to purchase a product that is clearly labeled as environmentally friendly.

This trend has prompted many marketers and businesses to take a closer look at their own sustainability practices and… Show more

It's no secret that consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, often choosing to purchase goods and services from companies that prioritize sustainable practices and products. In fact, according to a recent study by environmental tech firm GreenPrint, 78% of people are more likely to purchase a product that is clearly labeled as environmentally friendly.

This trend has prompted many marketers and businesses to take a closer look at their own sustainability practices and incorporate eco-conscious products into their portfolios. When labeling and advertising these products, companies can find themselves in the legal crosshairs if certain laws and regulations are not closely followed.

Chris Mermigas, Valid USA's General Counsel & Data Privacy Officer, has created an informational guide for our clients to avoid the pitfalls of false advertising.

Read 2022 Moonlight Guidelines to Avoid False Advertising to learn about:

Elements of False Advertising
New Environmental Laws and Regulations
Case Law Examples
Green Claims
The Seven Sins of Greenwashing
The Eight Moonlight Guidelines to Follow for Truthful Advertising

These guidelines provide practical advice for:
Environmental claims printed on plastic cards
Environmental claims printed on card carriers or envelopes
Claims printed on inserts or noted on websites
Use of environmental logos or indicators such as the Mobius loop Show less

Economic globalization flattened the playing field in the business world leaving data privacy lagging behind. Recently, data privacy has shot to the forefront creating more challenges for companies. Join Chris Mermigas, AGC -Data Privacy Officer - Valid, and Alex Islamov, Senior Manager - Baker Tilly, as they discuss how to navigate the winding road ahead and ways to avoid pitfalls.

2020 brings a new decade, new laws, new industry regulations and deadlines for compliance across the globe.

New changes to California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, more commonly referred to as “Proposition 65” or “Prop 65,” has had a ripple effect from retail sellers all the way back to manufacturers and component suppliers such as Valid. Valid, like other manufacturers and suppliers, produces finished goods for their clients, which are then resold and/or distributed throughout the country, and even globally. The new Prop 65 warning labels requires Valid, and manufacturers… Show more

New changes to California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, more commonly referred to as “Proposition 65” or “Prop 65,” has had a ripple effect from retail sellers all the way back to manufacturers and component suppliers such as Valid. Valid, like other manufacturers and suppliers, produces finished goods for their clients, which are then resold and/or distributed throughout the country, and even globally. The new Prop 65 warning labels requires Valid, and manufacturers and suppliers to more fully grasp the environmental and safety impacts of their products or how their components may impact a finished good, with the assumption that they might end up for sale in California. Show less

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) began enforcement on May 25, 2018, and has caused waves throughout the globe. Establishing rights and protections for the personal data of citizens of the EU, the GDPR applies to anyone who handles or possesses personal data of EU citizens or otherwise monitors their behavior, regardless of where the business or the personal data is located. As a response to GDPR, similar data protection laws are being issued in the United States, beginning… Show more

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) began enforcement on May 25, 2018, and has caused waves throughout the globe. Establishing rights and protections for the personal data of citizens of the EU, the GDPR applies to anyone who handles or possesses personal data of EU citizens or otherwise monitors their behavior, regardless of where the business or the personal data is located. As a response to GDPR, similar data protection laws are being issued in the United States, beginning with the California Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which will go into effect January 1, 2020. Numerous elements that are found in the GDPR appear in the CCPA. For instance, the GDPR protects personal information of EU residents, while the CCPA protects the personal information of California residents. However, there are some significant differences that require special attention. Show less

The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) will soon be enforced. But how many employees, or executive members of your organization know what the GDPR is and why they should care about it? Is it IT’s problem? Is it Legal’s problem? Is it Sales’ problem? Whose problem is it? With the enforcement date of May 25th just around the corner, the time is now for organizations to ensure they have the right information regarding their GDPR compliance.

The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) will soon be enforced. But how many employees, or executive members of your organization know what the GDPR is and why they should care about it? Is it IT’s problem? Is it Legal’s problem? Is it Sales’ problem? Whose problem is it?