The legal academic community is gearing up for the 2026 Junior Scholars Conference, a significant event aimed at fostering the intellectual growth and collaboration of upcoming legal minds. Hosted by the European Law Blog, this conference invites junior scholars to engage with topics that push the boundaries of current legal thought. Scholars are encouraged to…
The Call for Papers (CFP) for the European Yearbook on Human Rights 2026 is an important announcement for academics and practitioners in the field of human rights law. This initiative aims to consolidate cutting-edge research and insightful analyses on current human rights challenges faced across Europe and beyond. Researchers are encouraged to contribute by submitting…
In a significant decision that underscores the growing complexities of privacy and technology in the legal field, a California federal judge recently levied a $10,000 sanction against Alston & Bird LLP. The firm, representing GoPro in a patent infringement case, was penalized for conducting juror research via LinkedIn. The judge ruled that LinkedIn research equated…
In a surprising departure from conventional approaches to prosecuting Mafia-related cases, federal prosecutors have chosen not to employ the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) in the unfolding NBA betting scandal. This decision raises questions about strategy and legal ramifications, while reflecting an effort to focus on the complexity and specifics of the case…
Federal prosecutors recently articulated their stance against the imposition of special media restrictions in the ongoing legal battle involving New York Attorney General Letitia James. This development followed a notable motion filed by James’ legal team, which flagged communications between U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan and a journalist, raising questions about the propriety of such interactions….
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is undergoing a significant shift under the leadership of its Director, John Squires. He is set to uphold the agency leader’s new role as the gatekeeper at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), which marks a strategic pivot in handling patent disputes. This move comes amidst a…
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed significant alarm over recent proposals by the Turkish government to enact legislation that many see as a severe infringement on LGBT rights. The organization labeled the proposals as “one of the most alarming rollbacks of rights in decades.” The contentious proposal comes from a leaked draft of reform laws…
Warner Bros. Television is pushing back against a California judge’s decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed from Sherri Alexander, the widow of Michael Crichton, regarding “The Pitt” on HBO Max. Alexander claims the show mimics elements of Crichton’s renowned NBC series “ER.” The production company insists that the lawsuit should have been dismissed on…
The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit recently reinstated a significant lawsuit from West Virginia, spotlighting the intricate legal battles over opioid distribution. This decision is set to impact the ongoing debate about corporate responsibility in the opioid crisis, as it vacated a 2022 district court ruling in City of Huntington, West Virginia…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is introducing a significant procedural adjustment under the leadership of Director John Squires. The new approach for America Invents Act (AIA) patent reviews will entail issuing brief ‘up or down’ decisions on whether to institute reviews, without providing detailed reasoning in most cases according to USPTO officials. This…
The decision by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires to issue brief determinations on whether to institute America Invents Act (AIA) reviews is poised to introduce a new level of efficiency but also uncertainty in patent examination processes. USPTO officials confirmed that, in most instances, Squires will not provide a detailed explanation for…
Meta Platforms has recently petitioned a US district court to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the company of illegally downloading pornographic material to train its artificial intelligence models. This legal maneuver arises following allegations by Strike 3 Holdings, which claims to have detected unauthorized downloads of its adult films from Meta’s corporate IP addresses, as detailed…
Two judicial nominees in Mississippi, selected during the Trump administration, are encountering difficulties in their confirmation process. These challenges highlight the ongoing complexities in federal judicial appointments, particularly in a politically fractured environment. The nominees, whose appointments have drawn considerable attention, are under scrutiny due to procedural and political hurdles. This development, noted by Bloomberg…
In a significant policy shift, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires has reclaimed the authority to decide on the institution of proceedings under the America Invents Act (AIA), a role previously delegated to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). This change, effective October 20, 2025, aims to address concerns about the…
In a significant move reflecting the evolving landscape of legal technology, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz has backed Harvey, an artificial intelligence-driven legal software startup, with an $8 billion valuation. This investment showcases the increased interest in AI’s role within the legal sector, promising to transform how law firms and corporations handle a variety of…
In a notable decision, a California federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Netflix against Broadcom, determining that the patents in question are not eligible for protection under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Alice decision. This ruling represents a key moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding software patents. The case centers around allegations by…
In a significant development within the world of intellectual property, a Santa Clara-based patent monetization entity has fortified its IP portfolio by acquiring a substantial collection of patents from Xerox. This acquisition spans numerous patents globally, underscoring the strategic move to enhance the company’s leverage in technology licensing and patent rights management. Details of such…
In the ever-evolving landscape of legal services, the rankings on the Law360 Pulse Leaderboard provide a compelling snapshot of the firms distinguishing themselves among a crowded field of legal heavyweights. This year, the leaderboard is more than just a ranking; it reflects the dynamic shifts and strategic adaptations firms are undertaking to maintain and enhance…
In recent weeks, a faction of Republican lawmakers has intensified efforts to impeach U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, citing dissatisfaction with his rulings on key Trump administration policies. This movement underscores a broader tension between the legislative and judicial branches over the scope of judicial authority. The controversy centers on Judge Boasberg’s decision to block…
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) have collaborated to establish a national pro bono network aimed at combating antisemitism, with the initiative involving over 40 law firms across the United States. The network is designed to facilitate client referrals and co-counsel arrangements, creating a robust legal framework to address rising antisemitic…
In a notable development involving corporate espionage, a former executive at a government-contracting software firm admitted to stealing and selling valuable trade secrets. The ex-manager, whose firm provided services to the United States government, conceded to transferring sensitive information to an intermediary with ties to the Russian government. This plea highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has revived a critical public nuisance lawsuit, reaffirming that the conditions arising from the over-distribution of opioids can be considered a public nuisance under West Virginia common law. This decision reopens litigation against opioid distributors including those represented by Reed Smith, Williams & Connolly, and Covington…
In a significant shift for the intellectual property landscape, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has signaled a possible expansion in eligibility criteria for patents related to artificial intelligence. This development follows the USPTO’s recent Appeals Review Panel decision in Ex parte Desjardins, which reversed a previous ruling that rejected a patent application concerning…
The U.S. Supreme Court recently called for additional documentation in the case contesting former President Donald Trump’s move to deploy the National Guard to Illinois amid protests, prompting several legal questions surrounding executive power. The case arises from Trump’s October 4, 2025, memorandum, which sought to “disrupt the faithful enforcement of Federal law” in Chicago…
In a recent development, inventor Gilbert Hyatt has approached the full Federal Circuit to reconsider its previous decision related to prosecution laches, a doctrine that can render a patent unenforceable if there are undue delays during its prosecution. Hyatt argues that the stakes of this legal doctrine are significant, emphasizing the implications it could have…