In a sweeping change to the patent review process, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires announced that he will assume responsibility for all decisions related to America Invents Act (AIA) reviews of patents. This shift marks a significant overhaul in how patent challenges are evaluated, concentrating decision-making authority in the hands of the…
The United States Supreme Court is facing a potential crisis as it anticipates running out of funding within the coming weeks due to the ongoing government shutdown. Although the justices plan to continue hearing and deciding cases, access to the public may be restricted as the court strives to manage limited resources. This issue raises…
The federal judiciary has announced plans to limit its operations and initiate furloughs as the government shutdown continues. According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, judicial staff will perform only “certain excepted activities” as permitted under the Anti-Deficiency Act. This includes activities essential for fulfilling constitutional duties, such as resolving cases, and ensuring…
The protracted federal government shutdown, now extending into its seventeenth day, has reached the corridors of the U.S. Supreme Court. On Friday, the court’s Public Information Office, led by Patricia McCabe, conveyed through an email statement that the Court is on the brink of exhausting its financial resources by October 18. This development arises amidst…
This week, Law360 presented its Legal Lions accolade to law firms Caldwell Cassady & Curry PC and Miller Fair Henry PLLC following a significant legal victory in the federal arena. A California jury concluded that tech giant Samsung is liable to pay around $445.5 million for infringing four wireless communication patents, bolstering the reputation of…
In Gaza, the volatile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has led to tragic consequences for journalists, with the recent death of Saleh Aljafarawi underscoring the persistent dangers they face. The 28-year-old Palestinian journalist, known for his social media presence, was killed on October 12 while documenting the unrest in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City….
MGA Entertainment is actively contesting a recent decision by a California federal judge, who has ordered a new jury trial to evaluate potential punitive damages in a trademark dispute. The case revolves around the L.O.L. Surprise O.M.G. doll line and involves high-profile plaintiffs, hip-hop moguls Clifford “T.I.” Harris and Tameka “Tiny” Harris. This legal battle,…
In a developing legal confrontation within the music industry, a group of independent songwriters has initiated a lawsuit against Suno AI in an Illinois federal court. This action alleges that the company used the songwriters’ copyrighted works to train its AI music generation models. The case marks a significant move following similar claims filed against…
In the rapidly evolving landscape of legal practice, the emergence of the ‘triple-threat’ associate is capturing the attention of law firm leaders who are pondering the future of their workforce. This new breed of associate is distinguished by a combination of legal acumen, technological fluency, and business insight, qualities that are increasingly seen as essential…
The University of California’s San Francisco-based law school has been granted the green light to remove the name of Serranus Clinton Hastings, a decision reinforced by a California state appeals court’s recent ruling. This legal development follows a similar judgment by a lower court, dismissing the lawsuit brought forward by descendants of Hastings and various…
Health Net has reached a $40 million settlement to resolve allegations concerning its inaccurate provider directories, a matter that has drawn considerable scrutiny from regulators and consumer advocates. The settlement stems from claims that Health Net, a prominent health insurance provider, misled consumers by listing doctors and other healthcare providers who were not actually affiliated…
A Georgia Superior Court judge, who had held a prominent position as the leader of the state’s Council of Superior Court Judges, has resigned following a DUI arrest in Jacksonville, Florida. The arrest occurred outside a local strip club, drawing considerable attention to the circumstances surrounding the incident. This turn of events raises questions about…
In an intriguing career move, former Union Pacific Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Rhonda Ferguson has rejoined Greenberg Traurig for her third tenure with the firm. This strategic return highlights Ferguson’s robust professional trajectory and her continued influence in the legal sector. Ferguson initially joined Greenberg Traurig with roles that began shaping her extensive expertise, particularly…
Gowling WLG has announced the appointment of Chris Towle as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its UK LLP, effective May 2026. Towle, who began his career with the firm as a trainee in 2004, currently leads the Birmingham corporate team and serves as global co-lead for the firm’s US initiatives. He has been…
In the midst of a strategic expansion, a prominent Texas-based wealth management firm has announced the appointment of a new General Counsel (GC). Such a move underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its legal framework as it navigates a rapidly evolving financial landscape. The decision reflects the broader trend among wealth management firms seeking to…
The state of Utah has made a significant move in its long-running opioid litigation by terminating its legal relationship with the law firm Motley Rice LLC. The decision was confirmed by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, signaling a strategic shift in the state’s approach to these complex legal battles. The opioid crisis has led to…
Covington & Burling LLP has strengthened its team in Washington, D.C. by bringing on board Jeremy A. Staub, the former IRS Special Counsel. This strategic move highlights Covington’s continued focus on expanding their expertise in tax controversies and compliance. Staub, known for his extensive experience in tax law, will bolster the firm’s capabilities particularly in…
The state of Utah has terminated its engagement with the law firm Motley Rice LLC in its ongoing litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors. This decision follows a motion filed by OptumRx, a pharmacy benefit manager, seeking to disqualify Motley Rice from representing Utah. OptumRx alleged that the firm had previously investigated the company on…
The Third Circuit’s recent decision in NRA Group LLC v. Durenleau on August 26 has significantly limited employers’ ability to utilize the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) in investigations concerning employee misconduct. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing interpretation of the CFAA, impacting how organizations handle internal probes regarding unauthorized data…
The British Columbia Supreme Court has commenced hearings on the controversial 2024 Legal Professions Act (LPA), as the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) challenges the legislation’s impact on the independence of lawyers. The LSBC argues that the Act endangers the bar’s autonomy, a principle it holds as fundamental to the Canadian legal framework. This…
The legal community is observing closely as the law firm Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo PC has initiated a lawsuit against a former client. Mintz is seeking $2 million in success fees allegedly owed for its role in a patent litigation victory. The client, BOM Foreign Trade and Investment LLC, had reportedly agreed…
In a notable legal development for the luxury goods sector, the Northern District of California dismissed claims of anti-competitive conduct against Hermes International SCA regarding its sales practices for the iconic Birkin bags. This decision, dated September 17, 2025, resolves the antitrust allegations in the case of Cavalleri v. Hermes International SCA with a dismissal…
The courtroom spotlight is set on U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang as he oversees a high-profile case involving former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Accused of mishandling classified documents, Bolton, once a trusted confidant of President Donald Trump, now stands as an adversary in this unfolding legal drama. Chuang’s adept handling of criminal law,…
This week, legal professionals and analysts have been closely examining trends in the industry by the numbers. A significant point of discussion has been the representation of lawyers of color in multidistrict litigation (MDL). Recent data reveals an unsettling trend: lawyers of color are losing leadership roles in these cases, which could have long-term implications…
In a significant move within the legal industry, Audrey Strauss, the former Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), has joined Sidley Austin LLP as a partner in its esteemed white collar defense team. This transition underscores Sidley’s commitment to bolstering its prowess in handling high-stakes investigations and regulatory matters. During…