August 30, 2023 – Legal News Feed

JDSupra

Navigating Workplace Conflict: A Comprehensive Guide through Pandemic, Generational, and Technological Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In a recent podcast episode from JAMS Neutrals, Genesis Fisher, Esq. and Deirdre McCarthy Gallagher, Esq. provide comprehensive insights on the evolution and trends of workplace conflict in the light of various challenges. These include the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting work environments, generational differences and the introduction of new technologies. Listen to the podcast here. The…

Law360

Ex-Sheriff’s Deputy Accused of Threatening to Burn Down Courthouse

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a development that underscores the need for strict vigilance within law enforcement agencies, news surfaced on Wednesday of a former sheriff’s deputy in Massachusetts being accused of severe threats against the judicial institution. The individual, whose identity is yet to be publicly disclosed, allegedly issued threats to court security officers. But what raised the…

Law360

Federal Circuit Upholds Sanctity of Patent Settlements in Tech Industry Dispute

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a decision on Wednesday, the Federal Circuit stood behind a ruling of a Texas federal court regarding a patent settlement dispute between two Israeli software companies. The court denied the request of one software developer aiming to escape a patent settlement it had purportedly made with another, with our Judicatory explicitly stating that unequivocally,…

The American Lawyer

Actionstep Acquires FilePro to Expand Cloud-Based Practice Management Solutions

Pieter Gunst3 years ago01 mins

New Zealand’s practice management platform provider, Actionstep, has announced its acquisition of Australia’s FilePro, another provider of practice management software. As stated in a press release, the acquisition will enable FilePro customers to access cutting-edge, cloud-based technology. Actionstep’s acquisition will also fuel further product development investment. The move sees Actionstep, which boasts offices in the…

Law360

Seventh Circuit Nullifies $57M Attorney Fee in Antitrust Chicken Case, Impacting Class Action Litigation

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a noteworthy judicial move, the Seventh Circuit opted to nullify a $57 million attorney fee award from a $181 million settlement for chicken buyers in a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit recently. The court’s argument was that the lower court failed to examine bids made by class counsel in auctions from other cases or fee awards…

Law360

Free Speech and Judiciary: Tensions Rise in North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Lawsuit

Pieter Gunst3 years ago01 mins

A recent lawsuit by a liberal North Carolina Supreme Court justice against the Republican-led state Judicial Standards Commission addresses the evolving tension between the First Amendment and the judiciary. This is considered an unusual but pivotal move, according to legal experts. The suit raises critical questions about the application of free speech rights within the…

Law360

AT&T, Nokia to Pay Finesse Wireless $181.2M Following Patent Infringement Ruling

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In recent legal developments unfolding out of Texas, a federal judge has quashed efforts by AT&T and Nokia to challenge a jury’s ruling on their infringement of two Finesse Wireless patents. These patents are particularly crucial to the reduction of interference in wireless networks. The judge stated that the jury’s verdict was backed by “substantial…

Law360

Federal Circuit Denies Revival of Gaming Patent Claims Against Sony

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a notable ruling, the Federal Circuit will not revive patent claims against Sony, specifically related to PlayStation consoles. The scuffle surrounds allegations that the PlayStation consoles infringe on certain patent claims. The patents involved purportedly cover technology that is designed specifically for gaming machines. The patent licensing company behind the allegations against Sony consistently…

Law360

Samsung Experiences Legal Setback Over Voice Assistant Patent Infringement Case

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a noteworthy legal advancement, Samsung has failed in its attempt to evade a lawsuit that accuses the technology giant of infreringing on a set of patents encompassing features like voice assistant technology. A Texas federal judge has dismissed Samsung’s assertions that claim these patents are not enforceable. This development follows an ongoing dispute which…

Law360

Littler Mendelson Accuses Ex-Associate of Confidential Document Theft in Legal Dispute

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

Littler Mendelson PC is currently embroiled in a dispute with a former associate whom the firm has accused of stealing confidential documents. The case, which has gained significant traction in the legal community, centers around the discovery of stolen information in the ex-associate’s personal devices and digital accounts. The legal battle has seen the parties…

The American Lawyer

Law Firms Race to Harness AI Expertise Amid Growing Client Demands

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

As the legal industry grapples with the enormous potential and myriad implications of artificial intelligence (AI), clients are driving increased demand for AI-focused legal expertise. This phenomenon is leading to a significant uptick in the number of large law firms that are investing resources to meet these demands. To keep pace with clients’ needs, many…

Jurist

Rudy Giuliani Held Liable for Defamation of Georgia Election Workers Amid 2020 Presidential Race

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

A federal court in Washington DC has held Rudy Giuliani, former lawyer to ex-President Donald Trump, liable for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss during the 2020 US presidential election. Amid the turbulent aftermath of the election results, which confirmed President Joe Biden’s majority victory in Georgia, Giuliani reportedly initiated what the…

Above the Law

UNC Law Under Fire: Professors Prioritize Classes Amid Active Shooter Incident

Pieter Gunst3 years ago04 mins

In a recent incident at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Law School, it has been reported that an active shooter situation wasn’t enough to derail regular classes. According to Above the Law, several UNC law professors thought their classes held more priority than the ongoing incident, prompting concerns about the school’s approach to emergency…

Law360

Ex-Attorney-Turned-Judge Defends Against Apple’s IP Sanctions Bid in Trade Secrets Case

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

Recently, a unique challenge in the California federal court has attracted attention in the legal community. A former attorney from Quinn Emanuel, now serving as a judge, stood before a California federal magistrate to defend against a sanctions bid from tech giant Apple. The case’s intrigue lies in the accusations made by Apple, which include…

Bloomberg Law

Trump Assets Inflation Allegations Reach $2.2 Billion, Asserts New York Attorney General

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

Former President Donald Trump and his company allegedly inflated the value of his assets by as much as $2.2 billion, according to a recent court filing by New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James. The assertion was made as part of an urging effort to have the former president found liable for fraud before a trial…

JDSupra

IRS Delays Enforcement of Roth Catch-Up Contributions Until 2026 for Compliance Ease

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a recent move aimed at addressing compliance concerns, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has opted to delay the enforcement of required Roth “catch-up” contributions until 2026, per recent guidelines issued. This decision is pivotal for industry stakeholders, as it addresses concerns raised by employer coalitions and industry groups on their ability to implement the…

JDSupra

Alabama Department of Revenue Shares Key Legislative Updates with Tax Professionals

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

At the recent annual meeting of the Alabama State Bar Tax Section, representatives from the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) provided an enlightening update on some critical legislative and administrative developments. The conference, which took place in Montgomery on August 16, offered tax professionals an invaluable overview of the changes and adjustments made over the…

JDSupra

IRS Delays SECURE Act 2.0 Roth Requirement for Employers Until 2026

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a recent development, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a two-year break for employers in regards to the implementation of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act 2.0’s rule. The rule in question involves the stipulation that catch-up contributions made by higher-income participants must be designated as after-tax Roth contributions. The…

JDSupra

Luxembourg-UK Double Tax Treaty: Implications and Opportunities for Investment Funds and Companies

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

On 19 July 2023, the Luxembourg parliament ratified the new Luxembourg-UK double tax treaty (“DTT”). If all goes as planned, the measure should take effect in 2024, marking an important move for companies and investment funds operating in both countries. The UK ratified the treaty earlier, on 7 June 2022. This agreement introduces key changes,…

JDSupra

Navigating Legal Risks: The Need for AI Workplace Policies in Business Operations

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly integrates into the operational fabric of virtually every business and organization, it has become crucial to implement applicable workplace policies. Notwithstanding its multitude of benefits, the utilization of AI-powered applications and tools also introduces a series of potential challenges, some of which can entail significant legal risks…

JDSupra

9 Tips to Drive Web Traffic from Social Media for Legal Professionals

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

As more law firms look to leverage social media as part of their digital strategy, it’s essential to understand the best ways to drive web traffic from these platforms. In the past, many legal practitioners perceived social media as a platform for casual networking, photos, and harmless status updates. However, current trends suggest that these…

JDSupra

DOJ Announces Results of Nationwide Crackdown on COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

In a coordinated, nationwide effort to combat coronavirus relief fraud, the Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted a recent enforcement action that culminated in 718 enforcement actions. The hefty undertaking ushered in federal criminal charges against 371 defendants, tallying to alleged fraudulent dealings involving upwards of $836 million in COVID-19 relief funds, as noted by legal…

Law360

Supreme Court Urged to Reevaluate Hormel Patent Case Involving Bacon Prepping

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

The president of a food equipment manufacturing company has recently called on the U.S. Supreme Court to reevaluate a Federal Circuit ruling that did not recognize him in conjunction with a Hormel patent for prepping bacon. As of now, no further information has been released on the aftermath of this plea. The full details regarding…

JDSupra

Marshall Islands Maritime Act Amendments: Potential Implications for Legalities and Compliance

Pieter Gunst3 years ago03 mins

In August 2023, notable legislative changes occurred in the maritime sector that legal professionals should examine closely. The parliament of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Nitijela, approved amendments to the Maritime Act of 1990, which can be of marked significance to multinational corporations and law firms involved in maritime legalities. To understand the…

Law360

CBRE and CXRE Settle Trademark Dispute, Highlighting Industry Precedent

Pieter Gunst3 years ago02 mins

CBRE Inc. and CXRE LLC, two major brokerage firms, have confirmed to a Texas federal judge that they’ve settled a contentious trademark dispute. The quarrel between the two companies originated from accusations that CXRE LLC had perpetrated confusion and deception among customers through their use of a potentially infringing trademark. Since both corporations operate in…