A legal battle is underway as a California-based company, involved in selling do-it-yourself eyelash extension kits, seeks to have a U.S. District Judge, Alan Albright, triple a recent patent infringement verdict amounting to nearly $31 million. The decision concerns a case against a Chinese competitor accused of deliberately saturating the market with 632 models of…
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently issued revised guidance on the tax treatment of condoms and oral contraceptives. According to Notice 2024-71, taxpayers can now claim an income tax deduction for the purchase of condoms. Further illuminating this shift, Notice 2024-75 addresses over-the-counter oral contraceptives, indicating they may be provided by high-deductible health plans…
Nike Inc.’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Hill, has initiated a management shake-up at the global athletic apparel leader. Hill, who assumed the CEO role on October 14, aims to address the company’s recent struggles, as its shares have reportedly declined by nearly 30% this year. Hill’s restructuring efforts focus initially on the legal,…
In the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) concerning the effectiveness of certain decongestants, U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan has significantly impeded the case. The New York court dismissed crucial consumer claims against major pharmaceutical companies producing widely-used over-the-counter medications, such as Sudafed PE and NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu. These dismissals may greatly affect the trajectory…
In the dynamic landscape of legal services, artificial intelligence investments are emerging as a significant catalyst for law firm mergers. According to insights from a merger consultant, some law firms are looking to merge with larger entities to attain the necessary scale for substantial technology investment. This trend aligns with a broader industry movement towards…
A recent legal development has emerged from Seattle where a federal judge has limited a fertilizer manufacturer’s ability to use a competitor’s name in its marketing efforts aimed at cannabis-related products. The court found issues with the marketing strategies employed, specifically concerning the implication that both companies’ products could be used in unison. This ruling…
Former FTX executive Nishad Singh has been sentenced to time served in a federal court in New York, marking a significant development in the aftermath of the collapse of the crypto exchange. The courtroom decision was presided over by Senior District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who commended Singh for his prompt admission of the truth…
In a curious turn of events that underscores the complexity of election law battles, the Trump campaign has claimed victory in a case about voter suppression in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This claim may appear contradictory given the typical stance of Republicans on ballot access measures. Notably, the campaign and Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit…
In the lead-up to the upcoming elections, political narratives surrounding the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg have surfaced among Republican circles. Accusations have arisen suggesting that these narratives are strategically crafted to sway political credibility and voter sentiment. According to an article from Above the Law, there is speculation and concern that such…
In a recent address, Vice President Kamala Harris has committed to reinstating reproductive freedoms in the United States, addressing the ramifications of the policies set during former President Donald Trump’s administration. Harris’s speech, described as her ‘closing argument,’ marks a significant pronouncement on the current administration’s stance on women’s rights. During her speech, Harris emphasized…
In a significant development in Malaysia’s legal landscape, the High Court has ruled that former Prime Minister Najib Razak must enter his defense in the 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption case. This decision follows the court’s determination that the prosecution presented sufficient evidence, allowing the trial to proceed against Najib Razak, who faces multiple…
IBM Corp. is seeking an additional $63 million in enhancement and prejudgment interest following a $45 million patent infringement verdict in its favor against Zynga Inc. The request was made to a Delaware federal judge merely a week after Zynga filed for a new trial concerning the patent dispute. For legal professionals following this case,…
The landscape of false patent marking claims is undergoing a transformation, potentially finding new avenues for litigation under the Lanham Act. This change follows a recent decision by the Federal Circuit in the case of Crocs v. Effervescent, which could reopen doors previously closed by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act of 2011. This Act had…
The ongoing World Series between two of baseball’s most celebrated teams has ignited an increase in counterfeit merchandise sales, as stated by Major League Baseball’s media division in a lawsuit filed in a New York federal court. Specific areas in New York City have been pinpointed as primary centers for the distribution of these unauthorized…
In a move to streamline and enhance the competitive landscape for international corporations, German legal reforms are focused on addressing various regulatory challenges. Key areas of reform include eliminating existing regulatory loopholes, modifying the eligibility for limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and revising ownership structures within firms. These changes are intended to facilitate easier competition for…
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority allowed the state of Virginia to proceed with a voter purge, raising significant concerns over its adherence to federal voting laws. On October 30, 2024, the Court issued a stay on a ruling by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, which…
In an intriguing development that has caught the attention of the legal academic community, a group from Yale Law School has extended an invitation to a rather unconventional figure: a law professor known for his provocative online presence. This move highlights the institution’s engagement with diverse forms of discourse, even when it veers into the…
Nixon Peabody has announced a strategic expansion of its affordable housing and real estate team with the addition of David Barksdale and Joe Bini to its Los Angeles office. Barksdale joins as a partner, while Bini steps into the role of counsel. This move aims to bolster Nixon Peabody’s capabilities in addressing intricate real estate…
Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, a Long Island-based midsize law firm, along with its managing partner David Heymann, faces a lawsuit in New York federal court over allegations of fostering a work environment rife with sexual harassment and discrimination against women. Former partner Laura Brancato has leveled the accusations, claiming she experienced sexist and harassing…
As the United States nears another election cycle, concerns around public trust in the Supreme Court have intensified. Many Americans have expressed skepticism regarding the Court’s impartiality, with partisanship becoming a significant concern. Legal luminary David Boies, however, maintains a different perspective, viewing the institution with a sense of resilience and importance in these divisive…
Barry Berke, a distinguished legal professional, now co-chairs Gibson Dunn’s global litigation practice. This move marks a significant shift as Berke and his partner group depart from their previous roles with Kramer Levin, joining Gibson Dunn. Berke’s extensive experience and leadership in litigation are expected to contribute significantly to Gibson Dunn’s capabilities in handling complex…
The number of class action lawsuits alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) concerning tobacco surcharges on health plans is rising across the United States. Three law firms—Siri & Glimstad, Stueve Siegel Hanson, and the McClelland Law Firm—are at the forefront, having filed eight cases since October 3. These legal…
In a controversial development, Jeff Leach, a prominent attorney from Gray Reed and a member of the Texas House, has admitted to attempting to improperly influence an appellate judge. This admission follows Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s decision to bring the matter to the attention of the state’s Supreme Court. The accusation of “ex parte…
In the intricate dynamics of the legal industry, Big Law firms are increasingly navigating the revolving door between government positions and private practice. This year, law firms have been recruiting a wave of lawyers leaving federal agencies, some of which are engaged in litigation against the firms’ clients. A noteworthy point raised by a legal…
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has introduced a decision, often referred to as the Cemex decision, which aims to enhance its ability to tackle unfair labor practices during organizing campaigns and curtail future occurrences. This ruling, which lowers the threshold for issuing bargaining orders, is currently under review by the Ninth Circuit Court of…