Meta Platforms Inc. is facing legal action as two prominent law firms, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein and Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard, have initiated a class action lawsuit against the tech giant. The case, representing lead plaintiff Christopher Farnsworth, author of the “Nathaniel Cade” fiction series, accuses Meta of illegally obtaining “hundreds of thousands”…
Avadel Pharmaceuticals has appealed to the Federal Circuit, arguing that a Delaware federal court exceeded its authority by preventing the company from testing its narcolepsy drug intended for treating a rare sleep disorder. Avadel contends that the court’s decision to block the testing was based on an alleged patent infringement concerning a similar drug from…
In the latest development spotlighted by Above the Law, a Biglaw firm has introduced a substantial new partner class, raising questions around how many of these newly minted partners might be receiving equity stakes. This move reflects broader industry trends of expanding partnerships which, nonetheless, prompt inquiries into the equitable share distribution among partners. On…
In recent developments, the mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has become the focal point of a corruption investigation that promises significant scrutiny. The case was initially reported by legal news outlet Above the Law, highlighting the heightened attention that this inquiry is likely to attract within both political and legal circles. The investigation…
Amarin Pharma Inc., a pharmaceutical company known for its cardiovascular drug Vascepa, has defended a Federal Circuit decision that rejuvenates its patent case involving “skinny labels” against a competing U.K. drugmaker. The term “skinny label” refers to drug labeling that omits certain uses that are still protected by patents. This legal strategy allows generic drugmakers…
In a recent legal development, a federal judge in New York sided against the company behind the well-known Kerrygold butter brand. They were unable to persuade the court that consumer confusion existed between their product and a smaller, emerging Irish butter brand. The judge’s ruling highlighted that the packaging of the two brands was “markedly…
An unfolding patent dispute has surfaced in Colorado, where an Australian company is pursuing legal action against the kin of its technology’s originator. The company claims that the inventor’s sons are marketing sweepers in the United States that infringe on its mechanical sweeper system patently designed for cleaning sports fields. The complaint, lodged in a…
The Federal Circuit has mandated a new damages trial in the case involving Provisur Technologies Inc. and Weber Inc., where Provisur was awarded $10.5 million for patent infringement. The appeals court questioned the Missouri federal court’s determinations regarding willfulness and apportionment, key factors in calculating damages in intellectual property disputes. This decision highlights the complexities…
The third trial concerning cow’s milk-based infant formula, aimed at premature babies, commenced recently at the St. Louis City Circuit Court. This proceeding is noteworthy as it is the first to involve both manufacturers, Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson, as defendants. The trial opened with the lawyer addressing the jury about the alleged harm caused…
In a recent legal development, a North Carolina state judge has issued a preliminary injunction that permits public school athletes in the state to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This ruling effectively overturns a previous ban by the state board of education. The decision marks a significant shift in the scope…
The California Bar is moving forward with a significant initiative aimed at replacing its current bar exam. This step is perceived as a response to ongoing criticism about the effectiveness and fairness of the existing bar examination format, which has come under scrutiny in recent years. The push for reform is being undertaken by the…
In a notable patent infringement dispute involving State Farm, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda, a Texas federal judge has declined to impose sanctions on State Farm. This decision stems from consolidated cases initiated by an inventor, who alleges that the companies utilized his patented driver monitoring technology without authorization. The court highlighted that both parties involved had…
Meta Platforms Inc. is once again in the legal spotlight as it faces another proposed class action in California federal court. The lawsuit, initiated by another author, challenges Meta’s use of copyrighted material from hundreds of thousands of books without permission. The material in question was allegedly used to train Meta’s large language models, known…
In a recent analysis conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, findings have emerged indicating a notable correlation between the political affiliations of appellate court judges and their decisions on trial court reversals. The study uncovers a discernible trend where federal appellate court panels tend to uphold rulings from trial court judges appointed by…
FisherBroyles LLP faces a $10 million malpractice lawsuit brought by a Southern California stem cell treatment center. The suit, filed in state court, alleges that the law firm’s handling of a patent infringement defense was so inadequate that the treatment center had to enlist the services of WilmerHale as the case neared trial. More detailed…
The ongoing litigation involving the Baker Donelson law firm took a significant turn as a federal judge criticized its attempts to remove itself from a case linked to a timber-harvesting Ponzi scheme. The firm’s argument was described as “divorced from reality” by Judge Carlton W. Reeves of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District…
Recent developments in the ongoing litigation pursuits of Devin Nunes, a former U.S. Representative and prominent figure in defamation cases, have shown signs of faltering. Nunes, who has been known for his aggressive stance against perceived defamatory statements, has encountered significant legal setbacks in his efforts. Nunes’ legal actions have often involved high-profile targets, including…
Legal News By Ivan Moreno (October 2, 2024, 5:50 PM EDT) — Kenneth Caillat, one of the producers behind Fleetwood Mac’s seminal 1977 album “Rumours,” has claimed that the play “Stereophonic” improperly borrowed from his memoir “Making Rumours.” Caillat alleges that copyrighted material from his book was used without permission to create the successful Broadway…
The YSL RICO trial has taken an unexpected turn, with proceedings intensifying to such a degree that the presiding judge has had to take a breather. The trial, highly monitored by legal professionals due to its potential impact on future RICO cases, appears to be inching closer to a mistrial with each passing day. Further…
The legal sector is poised for a significant upswing in merger activity by 2025, according to recent industry analyses. A deeper look into the dynamics indicates several catalysts underpinning this trend, ranging from economic conditions to strategic positioning within the market. As already noted in the Above the Law article, law firms are increasingly feeling…
In a significant legal development, General Motors (GM) has been ordered by a Michigan federal judge to address serious allegations put forth by Quality Collision, an aftermarket car parts company. Quality Collision claims that GM orchestrated a government raid on its warehouses. These accusations form part of counterclaims in an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit that…
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments next week regarding a challenge to a 2022 federal rule that aims to regulate so-called “ghost guns.” These are firearms that lack serial numbers and can be assembled quickly from parts that are often purchased online. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) asserts…
In a recent legal development, Supplement maker Nutranext Business LLC has been accused of failing to disclose that a doctor endorsing its products is a paid influencer. Additionally, allegations have surfaced claiming that Nutranext artificially inflated positive reviews on Amazon and misrepresented a study that purportedly shows the benefits of its products. These counterclaims were…
In the ever-competitive landscape of global law firms, recent shifts in revenue rankings have been notable. Since 2020, firms such as Yingke, Ropes & Gray, and Quinn Emanuel have shown considerable growth. These firms have rapidly advanced in the global revenue rankings, underscoring their increasing influence and success within the legal industry. On the other…
The legal landscape for the National Association of Realtors has encountered significant changes following the exit of its Chief Legal Officer, Katie Johnson, amidst internal issues and a court defeat. As outlined in a communication to members, CEO Nykia Wright indicated the organization plans to devise a comprehensive strategy to handle ongoing litigation and reassess…