The Virginia Appeals Court has reversed a $2 billion verdict in a high-profile trade secrets case involving software companies Appian and Pegasystems. Appian had accused Pegasystems of misappropriating trade secrets to enhance its own business-services products. The reversal marks a significant development in what had previously been the largest award in Virginia’s history. For further…
In a recent legal development, the New York Trial Court is deliberating whether to extend the scope of the “zone of danger” tort to include pets as part of the “immediate family” class. This tort currently allows individuals who are within the zone of physical danger created by negligent acts to recover for their emotional…
Putting a Face (and a Voice) to Your Brand An organization’s brand is among its most valuable assets. Maintaining control of messaging is as important as consistent use of logos or taglines in brand management. Tips for preparing a spokesperson are crucial in ensuring that the brand voice aligns with the company’s values and public…
Brittany Mangan has joined Tarter Krinsky & Drogin as a partner in its matrimonial and family law practice on Long Island, according to the firm’s announcement Tuesday. Mangan brings significant experience in advising clients through complex divorce and family law issues. Mangan is noted for her work in distributing complex marital estates and managing custody…
A recent federal ruling in California has set a significant precedent for class action lawsuits involving ‘Trap and Trace’ software on websites. According to Robert Tauler, an attorney at Los Angeles firm Tauler Smith who is representing the plaintiff, “It’s the first case effectively saying that software on a website can violate the Trap and…
Critical Mass: TorHoerman’s $495M Verdict and J&J’s Talc Bankruptcy Plan Recent developments in mass tort litigation have brought to light two significant cases that legal professionals attentively follow. Firstly, the July 26 verdict against Abbott has highlighted key issues around infant formula associated with gastrointestinal diseases in preemies. This case, successfully prosecuted by the law…
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has opted to remain silent concerning the corruption investigation involving his wife, Begoña Gómez. Sánchez exercised his legal right not to testify, instead proposing to provide written evidence, which Judge Juan Carlos Peinado declined. The judge insisted on questioning Sánchez in person, considering him primarily as Gómez’s spouse rather than…
The debate over term limits for U.S. Supreme Court justices has permeated legal discourse for decades. Early in President Biden’s administration, the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court endorsed the idea, lending it greater visibility through the power of the presidential endorsement, or “bully pulpit.” Despite this newfound attention, the concept of term limits has…
The ongoing litigation involving CooperSurgical has taken a notable turn, as plaintiffs are advocating for multidistrict litigation (MDL). According to attorney Tiseme Zegeye, the defense’s strategy aims to “divide and conquer,” recognizing the consolidated strength of the plaintiffs. This move is seen as an effort by defendants to mitigate potential risks by insisting on litigating…
A federal judge has dismissed Kirkland & Ellis’s argument to throw out patent infringement claims against Dyson, brought by competitor SharkNinja. Represented by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, as well as Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, SharkNinja alleges Dyson’s U.S. line of cordless vacuums infringes eight patents owned by Omachron Alpha, SharkNinja’s exclusive partner. According…
In the latest legal developments, several noteworthy issues have emerged that demand attention from professionals within the corporate and legal sectors. Law students, particularly those preparing for the bar exam, have been presented with an intriguing opportunity. The new bar exam is seeking beta testers, offering a compensation of $1500 for participation. This initiative addresses…
The White House announced three new intended federal district court nominees on Wednesday, including former U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi (D-N.Y.). Brindisi, who served in Congress from 2019 to 2021, is currently fulfilling duties as a judge on the New York State Court of Claims in Utica, N.Y. His nomination arrives amidst long-standing circumstances surrounding Judge…
Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that parts of the 2023 electoral reform are unconstitutional. This reform aimed at reducing the size of the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament. The court specifically highlighted that the 5 percent electoral threshold, inherent in Article 4(2) second sentence no. 2 of the Federal Elections Act, violates Articles 21(1) and…
In his guest post for LawNext, Massachusetts lawyer and educator Marc Lauritsen challenges the conventional view held by some bar authorities and legal professionals that technology providing legal assistance without a licensed attorney’s intervention constitutes the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). He paints a contrarian picture where suppressing such technological tools, labeled as “illegal tech,”…
Amnesty International has raised significant concerns regarding the living conditions and treatment of refugees at the Samos Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) in Greece. In a report released on Tuesday, the human rights organization highlighted that the arbitrary detention practices at the centre are in violation of European standards and international law. The report is…
The revenue landscape for the UK’s top 50 law firms has seen notable shifts in the 2023-24 financial year, with Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Allen & Overy (before its merger with Shearman) each surpassing £2 billion in revenue. Other firms have reported double-digit growth, with results still coming in. A standout performer is Macfarlanes, which…
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Commerce & Finance Law Offices are advising on the $100 million US IPO of Chinese robotaxi firm, WeRide. This comes after Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Ltd. raised $440 million earlier in the year. For more details, visit the original article on Law.com.
In an unprecedented move, the UK’s Takeover Panel has handed down its toughest ever punishment, targeting ten individuals for breaches of the code dating back over a decade. Renowned law firm Gibson Dunn represented the UK Takeover Panel during this high-profile case. Details are scarce due to the paywall, but for more information, visit the…
Welcome to Bloomberg Law’s Wake Up Call, a daily rundown of the top news for lawyers, law firms, and in-house counsel. A former Yale Law School classmate and friend of Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) made public emails and texts from Vance, in which the Republican vice presidential candidate said he “hate[s] the police” and called…
Japan’s legal market is set to become more accessible to foreign lawyers following a new agreement aimed at simplifying the registration process. This move could see an influx of legal professionals from overseas, bringing diverse expertise to the country’s law firms and corporate legal departments. For more details on this development, you can read the…
Corporate America is bracing for potential upheaval in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as the U.S. heads toward the 2024 presidential election. Under Joe Biden’s administration, there was a significant push for DEI programs, marked notably by the repeal of Donald Trump’s executive order that had restricted such initiatives (White House). However, with…
EU Report on Rights Violations A report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has revealed systematic shortcomings by states in investigating “life-threatening human rights violations” at the EU’s borders. The FRA has suggested measures intended to enhance the effectiveness of investigations to prevent further instances of mistreatment and loss of life. The…
Research has shown that U.K. residents are party to an average of eight class action lawsuits each, a startling statistic given that many individuals may not even be aware of their involvement. The study also highlights a significant 48% increase in the value of opt-out claims in 2023. For more details and comprehensive insights, read…
White & Case LLP has announced the addition of Adam Greenfield to their team as a global intellectual property partner, based in Washington, D.C. This strategic move underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its Intellectual Property (IP) practice, particularly in complex litigation and licensing issues concerning electrical and computer technology for global financial institutions. Greenfield,…
Companies Delay Voiding Noncompetes With Fate of Ban Uncertain Companies are grappling with the decision of whether to inform current and former employees about the voiding of noncompete agreements, as the fate of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ban on such contracts hangs in the balance. The regulation, aimed at eliminating restrictive employment contracts for…