Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and his wife, Berkeley law professor Catherine Fisk, have found themselves at the center of a contentious situation. The couple recently took preventative steps to halt a protest by a Muslim law student at their residence during a ceremonial dinner for graduating students. An…
The use of nationwide injunctions has seen a substantial rise in recent years, as confirmed by a recent study. The trend, which was particularly noticeable during the Trump administration, has fueled debates about the politicization of the judiciary and points towards the need for significant reforms to mitigate further politicization. The topic of this ongoing…
In an unfolding development within the pharmaceutical industry, a class of direct purchasers have asked a district judge in New Jersey to approve a $39 million settlement. This involves allegations against Wyeth, a unit of Pfizer Inc., and Teva Pharmaceuticals for reportedly delaying the generic competition for the antidepressant drug, Effexor XR. The lawsuit claims…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently shed light on potential hazards tied to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by attorneys. In particular, they underscored the imperative for ensuring the accuracy of filings and the human contribution in innovations. Legal practitioners contend this illustrates that ethical norms remain constant, even as we continue…
In a detailed briefing, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) outlined potential risks for attorneys utilising artificial intelligence. Among these outlined concerns, the office emphasised the need for practicing legal professionals to ensure the accuracy of their filings and additionally stressed that humans must play a role in creations and discoveries. This briefing has…
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalization of new drinking water standards aimed at reducing the permissible levels of certain harmful chemicals—specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—in drinking water across America. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used in commercial products since the 1950s. These chemicals are prevalent in common, everyday items…
On Wednesday, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that Hong Kong authorities detained and subsequently deported their representative, Aleksandra Bielakowska. Ms. Bielakowska, who was supposed to monitor the trial of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, was detained for six hours. Bielakowska underwent three searches during her detainment, according to the RSF. The authorities…
In a remarkably high-stakes case in the mobile gaming industry, Skillz Platform Inc. and AviaGames Inc. have indicated to a California federal court that they plan to reach a settlement. This decision comes just months after Skillz Platform Inc. emerged triumphant in a heated patent infringement battle against rival AviaGames, winning an impressive $42.9 million….
In a case that has drawn nationwide attention, Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews has sentenced Jennifer and James Crumbley to 10 to 15 years in prison for manslaughter. The pair are the parents of the teen who perpetrated the deadly Oxford High School shooting in 2021. The judge expressed that the sentencing guidelines did…
On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and a group of 39 other senators, including 37 Democrats and two independents, introduced new legislation designed to solidify the new Judicial Conference of the United States policy against judge shopping. This move comes in spite of resistance from Republicans and a particular court in Texas. Judge…
On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with 37 other Democrats and two independents, introduced a bill aimed at codifying the current policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States against judge shopping. This comes following resistance from Republicans and a Texas court. The practice of judge shopping, or litigants deliberately trying to…
In an ongoing talc disqualification hearing, renowned lawyer Andy Birchfield defended himself against allegations brought forward by Johnson & Johnson. The healthcare company has accused Birchfield, who is affiliated with the law firm Beasley Allen, of unethical behavior in his collaborations with one of their former lawyers. At the center of the debate is a…
The legal landscape has recently been marked with a variety of intriguing cases and events, ranging from judicial expectations and legal disputes in academia to the outspoken return of a notorious attorney. At the forefront of these legal proceedings, we find Judge Cannon, who has expressed considerable frustration with the firm application of the law…
In an update from Chicago, a local resident has initiated a suit against Meta, citing false sexual misconduct accusations that were spread on a Facebook page titled “Are We Dating the Same Guy?”. This individual has raised proposition for a different judge in his lawsuit, on grounds of the present judge having an ‘extensive professional…
In a recent development, LG Electronics has managed to convince the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to deliberate on the validity of two Pantech Wireless patents. This development comes just over a week following a major victory for Pantech Wireless, as they secured a $10 million infringement verdict against OnePlus pertaining to analogous technology….
A recent development in the court case involving Deckers Outdoor Corp., the parent company of the popular UGG footwear brand, and giant retailer Wal-Mart Inc., has called for both parties to provide a more detailed claim construction for a disputed UGG slipper design patent. The presiding California federal judge has urged both companies to submit…
A now-retired plastic surgeon is facing a substantial debt to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) due to involvement in an offshore employee leasing scheme. The government has informed an Ohio federal court that the individual and his wife moved their assets totaling more than $7.7 million to their daughter when she was 11 years old….
Amazon, the multinational technology company, has been ordered to pay $525 million in damages following a patent infringement lawsuit. A federal jury in Illinois ruled in favour of a Chicago-based software company, finding that Amazon had infringed upon three of their patents related to cloud data storage technology. It was noted in the ruling, however,…
Robert Kaufman, a long-established partner at international law firm Proskauer Rose and a Holocaust survivor, recently passed away at the age of 94. An influential figure throughout his career, Kaufman left a legacy that extends beyond the legal sector and into the realms of human rights and social justice. Starting his legal practice at Proskauer…
Hogan Lovells has expanded its Paris office with the hiring of a six-lawyer team, including a former French energy regulator. This strategic hire aligns with the firm’s expansion strategy in the energy sector given the team’s specialty in energy regulations and transactions. Details on the new hires are limited due to a paywall. Interested parties…
In a significant development in Washington State, a ban on high-capacity magazines has been declared unconstitutional by the court. This comes in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. The ban, however, remains in effect pending an appeal. The ruling has ignited a…
In a recent and potentially influential case, a law firm well-versed in cryptocurrency taxation has brought a trade secrets suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This litigation is directed against another law firm and a previous employee. The accusations center around allegations of the inappropriate use of the plaintiff’s…
A complex legal situation is developing around a federal appeals judge currently embroiled in a stock ownership controversy related to the conglomerate, Citigroup (often referred to as Citi). The parties involved in a lawsuit over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s credit card late fee rule will be asked to advise on whether the judge should…
Above the Law recently celebrated National Siblings Day and took the opportunity to spotlight esteemed legal professional Olga V. Mack. Boasting an impressive career resume, Mack is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI editor at law.MIT. Passionate about innovation and evolution in the law profession, she firmly…
The issue of intellectual property rights protection for creations born of artificial intelligence is now under the microscope of a U.S. House of Representatives panel. On Wednesday, it struggled with a consequential determination: defining the extent of human intervention required for such creations to qualify for protective rights. The nexus of law and artificial intelligence…