On 3 October 2023, a case that could redefine the financial landscape was brought before the Supreme Court. The case in question: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association, Ltd., No. 22-448. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency tasked with consumer protection in the financial sector, challenged the decision…
A state-led Republican challenge to the US Labor Department’s “ESG Rule,” governing retirement investing with respect to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), is now under consideration by the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Over two dozen Republican state attorneys general lodged a suit against the department, appealing against the regulation of…
In an attempt to ensure greater food safety in the state, California Governor Gavin Newsom has recently signed a new piece of legislation known as the California Food Safety Act, or AB 418. The act, coming into force from 1 January 2027, prohibits the use of four additives in food products — brominated vegetable oil…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) reversal of Trump-era restrictions around companies directing shareholder voting has encountered mixed reactions at the Sixth Circuit. While some support the rollback, others have voiced skepticism, aligning themselves with the concerns voiced by another conservative-leaning federal appeals tribunal. The 2022 regulatory rollback imposed by the SEC drew criticism…
The New Jersey courts have recently come under the spotlight as the Appellate Division decided to support plaintiffs’ requests to access Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) of healthcare providers and facilities, albeit under certain conditions. The decision is based on the case of Estate of Lasiw by Lasiw v. Periera, 475 N.J. Super. 378 (2023) amid…
In a David versus Goliath case that was set to hit trial on Tuesday, VetStem Biopharma Inc, a key player in the veterinary medicine industry, reached an agreement to settle a lawsuit over alleged patent infringement in California’s federal court Law360 reports. The suit accused a stem cell clinic of infringing VetStem’s patented veterinary medicine…
The FCC Enforcement Monitor for October 2023 is now available for review. This monthly publication, compiled and released by Pillsbury’s communications lawyers, has been an invaluable resource for legal professionals specialising in the communications sector since its inception in 1999. This monitor is indispensable for anyone seeking detailed information on significant FCC enforcement actions against…
Discussions around large mergers and acquisitions often have significant implications for those in the legal profession. A case that may soon impact this sector revolves around Fortress Investment Group’s recent consideration of a major real estate transaction. In a significant development, the Fortress Investment Group, a leading investment handling company, is said to have approached…
Global investment management company BlackRock Inc. projects a significant expansion in the global private debt market, anticipating it to reach roughly $3.5 trillion by 2028. This outlook, presented in a company note, represents one of the more optimistic stances on the industry’s growth prospects. The firm attributes these expectations largely to what it sees as…
SolarWinds Corp., a software company publicly listed and majorly controlled by Silver Lake Management and Thoma Bravo, is reportedly weighing options that may include a potential sale. These potential steps come to light according to those privy to the subject matter. The company, headquartered in Austin, is allegedly working together with financial advisors to instigate…
A notable New York-based sports apparel company recently filed a lawsuit against Dick’s Sporting Goods, demanding a payment of at least $8 million for the apparent infringement of its registered logo. The company alleges Dick’s Sporting Goods has improperly used an infinity symbol, considerably similar to its own trademark, on women’s clothing products. In the…
Virginia-based TrackTime is seeking a new trial following last month’s verdict where a jury ruled that Amazon did not infringe a multimedia patent with its music and Audible platforms. The appeal was filed on claims that the e-commerce behemoth intentionally misdirected the jury and reneged on its assurances given to the court. The allegation centers…
In an intriguing twist of events, the efforts of Microsoft’s legal chief, Brad Smith, to abandon the company’s once infamous warrior culture has facilitated its triumphant rise in one of the most high-stakes M&A battles in history. Notoriously known for its strong aggressive culture, Microsoft has taken a strategic shift under Smith’s legal leadership. Renouncing…
In a split decision, the Arizona Supreme Court overturned an $800,000 jury verdict awarded to the families of two individuals who were killed by a drunk driver. The decision upholds a state law that limits the liability of establishments for damages that are caused by intoxicated patrons. The plaintiffs had argued that the state’s dram-shop…
In an unexpected turn of legal strategy, the lawyers of former U.S. President Donald Trump have admitted the reality of the COVID-19 virus, a claim their client has controversially labelled as “fake” in the past. The newfound recognition of the pandemic, however, is seen not as a shift towards scientific consensus but rather as a…
Law schools have long been significant catalysts in advancing legal arenas, and among these, Howard University is a standout. Known for producing the most Black lawyers moving on to Biglaw, Howard now stands at the precipice of a new, exciting venture: space law. AJ Link, a professor at Howard University, is advocating for this new…
In a recent show of appreciation from Above The Law, the legal news website expressed its gratitude towards its advertisers, fostering a cooperative and supportive environment for both parties involved. This sentiment not only underlines the mutual respect and regard the news outlet has for its sponsors but also the vital role they play in…
In a recent development, the U.S International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple’s highly popular device – the Apple Watch – infringes upon two patents belonging to Masimo Corp. These two patents pertain specifically to technology used in monitoring the levels of oxygen in the blood. Following this decision, the Commission declared a prohibition on…
In a developing legal case concerning trademark infringement, Georgia-based chemical company StarChem LLC has filed a lawsuit against StarChem USA LLC. StarChem LLC has accused its Florida competitor of adopting a similar name and design mark with the aim to boost its sales. StarChem LLC brought this trademark infringement suit to court on Thursday, emphasizing…
In a recent development, a former member of the renowned 1970s group, KC and the Sunshine Band, has taken the bold step of asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision from the Eleventh Circuit Court. The court had previously declined to revisit his copyright lawsuit directed towards his former bandmate, Harry Wayne Casey….
Nimitz Technologies has informed a Delaware federal judge that it will withdraw its patent infringement lawsuits against media giants Buzzfeed, Bloomberg, and CNET. This decision marks the closure of litigation that has been ongoing for roughly six months. The suits were withdrawn following a probe initiated by the judge into the possibility that IP Edge,…
In a pivotal move, Connecticut has followed the path of jurisdictions such as Oregon, Nevada, Washington D.C., and the City of Chicago, Illinois, introducing regulations to govern the activities of pharmaceutical representatives. Governor Ned Lamont, in June, gave his endorsement to “An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs”, also known as the…
Legal practitioners and healthcare professionals alike are preparing for the final Medicare payment regulations for calendar year (CY) 2024, due to be released within the next week. This definitive pronouncement will resolve prevailing anticipation and speculations within the sector. The last Regs & Eggs blog post touched on a major topic that has kept vested…
As the world continues to grapple with the myriad impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the legal and financial landscapes are undergoing significant flux. The insurance industry, particularly in the United States, is no exception. An intriguing recent development has emerged in the realm of Covid-19 premium refund cases in California. There appears to be a…
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently issued its Final Rule regarding what constitutes joint-employer status under the National Labor Relations Act. This new regulation in employment law supersedes the more rigid 2020 standard, significantly altering the required level of control over employees to establish a joint-employer relationship. The association between legal firm Bradley Arant…