January 2026

ITC Launches Investigation into Medical Imaging Device Imports Amidst Patent Infringement Claims

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has announced an investigation into medical imaging device imports, prompted by a complaint of alleged patent infringement by a Canadian-American company. This review raises significant implications for the medical technology sector and its cross-border trade dynamics, reflecting the growing importance of intellectual property enforcement in international economics. The complaint,…

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Arkansas Abortion Ban Faces Legal Challenge as Plaintiffs Argue for Reproductive Rights

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In Arkansas, a legal challenge has arisen against the state’s abortion ban, initiated by four women and a physician. This action is taken in response to the legislation that came into effect following the US Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which effectively overturned Roe v. Wade. The Arkansas law, enacted…

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Patent Trolling in the Gaming Industry: Valve’s Legal Battle with Rothschild Advances to Trial

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Valve Corporation recently experienced a partial victory in its ongoing legal battle against inventor Leigh Rothschild, as reported by Law360. A federal judge in Seattle ruled that Rothschild breached an intellectual property licensing agreement by filing groundless infringement claims against Valve in 2022. However, other significant issues await jury determination when the patent trolling case…

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Corporate Litigation Under Scrutiny as Uber and J-M Manufacturing Levy RICO Allegations Against Plaintiff Law Firms

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In an evolving legal landscape, plaintiffs’ lawyers in California are seeking the dismissal of a racketeering lawsuit brought against them by Uber Technologies Inc. Amid this legal battle, a new lawsuit has emerged as J-M Manufacturing has filed a similar case against the Gori Law Firm, alleging racketeering activities related to asbestos litigation. These developments…

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USPTO and Federal Courts at Odds Over AI and Software Patent Eligibility

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The divergence between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and federal courts on patent eligibility, particularly concerning artificial intelligence (AI) and software, continues to widen. Over the past decade, Section 101 of the Patent Act has been a notable barrier for obtaining and monetizing software patents. As artificial intelligence technology advances, AI-based patents encounter…

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Swiss Court Ruling Paves Way for U.S. Gymnast Jordan Chiles to Reclaim Olympic Medal Amid Legal Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a recent development that holds significant implications for international sports law, Gibson Dunn attorneys, in collaboration with Homburger AG, have achieved a legal victory for U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles. The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has opened a path for Chiles to potentially reclaim the bronze medal she was initially awarded during the 2024…

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Apple vs. Optis: Texas Judge’s Ruling Escalates High-Stakes Patent Battle

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The patent litigation saga between Apple Inc. and Optis Wireless Technology LLC continues to unfold, with significant recent developments. A Texas federal judge has rejected the motions for summary judgment submitted by both companies, keeping alive Optis’ claim that Apple willfully infringed on its patents related to wireless communication technology. This decision moves the case…

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California Judiciary Confronts Challenges to Court Access Amid Escalating ICE Activities

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In California, the state’s Chief Justice is taking significant steps to address growing concerns about court access amidst increasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities near judicial buildings. This development draws attention to a pressing issue where heightened enforcement actions may deter individuals from seeking justice due to fears of deportation. The situation reflects broader…

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Court Upholds Arbitration Clause in Partnership Dispute, Bolstering Legal Precedent

Pieter Gunst03 mins

An appellate court has ruled that a former partner embroiled in a shareholder lawsuit against his previous law firm cannot evade arbitration. The court clarified that the language regarding the selection of arbitrators in the partnership agreement was clear and unambiguous. This decision underscores the enforceability of arbitration clauses in partnership agreements. The core of…

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California Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Congressional Map Amid Partisan Redistricting Dispute

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a recent judicial development, California is pressing the Supreme Court to maintain a new congressional map designed to potentially grant Democrats five additional seats in the House of Representatives. This move is positioned as a strategic response to counterbalance Republican gains made possible by a similar redistricting action in Texas. The debate arises amidst…

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USPTO’s Proposed Rule on Foreign Patent Representation Sparks Debate Among Legal Experts

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In recent developments, a trade group representing intellectual property owners is seeking clarity regarding the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) proposed rule requiring all foreign patent owners to be represented by a domestic-registered patent practitioner. This proposal, which has generated significant discussion among legal professionals, aims to streamline the patent application process by ensuring…

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Federal Circuit Court Upholds Decision in Hulu Streaming Patent Case, Citing Non-Infringement of Sound View Innovations’ Technology

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld a lower court’s decision, affirming that Hulu LLC did not infringe upon Sound View Innovations LLC’s patent related to streaming technology. This ruling concludes a protracted legal battle over U.S. Patent No. 6,708,213, which describes methods for enhancing the caching of streaming multimedia data…

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CFTC’s Regulatory Overhaul: New Standards Aim to Legitimize Prediction Markets

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is poised to introduce new regulatory standards for prediction markets, a move that signals a commitment to fostering innovation within these complex financial systems. According to CFTC Chair Michael Selig, the aim is to provide “clear rules and a clear understanding” to support lawful development in this sector. This…

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Syngenta Settles Key Paraquat Case, Avoiding Landmark Trial on Parkinson’s Link

Pieter Gunst03 mins

On January 27, 2026, Syngenta reached a settlement with a retired landscaper who alleged that exposure to the company’s paraquat-based herbicide, Gramoxone, led to his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. The settlement occurred just one day before the trial was set to commence in Philadelphia. ([thenewlede.org](https://www.thenewlede.org/2026/01/syngenta-settles-bellwether-trial/?utm_source=openai)) The plaintiff, 77-year-old Bill Mertens, operated a landscaping business during the…

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AI Licensing Dispute Highlights Critical Need for Clarity in Contractual Language

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In the evolving landscape of intellectual property, a recent AI licensing lawsuit underscores the significant risks inherent in vague contract terms. As technology evolves at a frenetic pace, contractual clarity has never been more critical. This particular case highlights how unclear contractual language can lead to extensive legal disputes. The lawsuit revolves around an AI…

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ITC Upholds Penalties on Grocery Chains for Breaching Import Ban on Chocolate Malt Drink Mix

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant development for U.S. trade enforcement, the International Trade Commission (ITC) has chosen not to review penalties imposed on four grocery chains for breaching a ban against importing chocolate malt drink mix. The administrative law judge’s ruling penalizes these retailers for flouting trade restrictions, reflecting an ongoing commitment to uphold regulatory measures. The…

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How Tennis Sharpens Legal Minds: The Unexpected Benefits for Attorneys

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Engaging in tennis as an extracurricular activity can have significant advantages for legal practitioners. Attorneys often find that strategies on the tennis court are remarkably applicable to their legal endeavors. From honing focus to mastering strategic thinking, playing tennis translates into improved skills in the office and courtroom alike. As outlined in a recent article…

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Cadwalader Experiences Major Talent Shift as Fund Finance Attorneys Move to Sidley Austin and Paul Hastings Amid Merger with Hogan Lovells

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a notable shift within the legal sector, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP is witnessing the departure of about a dozen fund finance attorneys. These legal experts are transitioning to Sidley Austin LLP and Paul Hastings LLP, aligning themselves with firms that are bolstering their fund finance capabilities. As Cadwalader prepares to merge with Hogan…

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Concerns Arise Over Appointment Process of U.S. Attorney for Western District of Pennsylvania

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Attorney General Pamela Bondi has announced the elevation of the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania to the role of full U.S. attorney, amid broader scrutiny surrounding recent appointments within the administration. The announcement, made on Thursday, raises questions about the permanence of the appointment and whether it will undergo the…

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USPTO Ruling Reverses Patent Review as Revvo Technologies’ Challenge Fails Again

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant decision for intellectual property law, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires has once again dismissed Revvo Technologies’ request for a review of a patent held by Cerebrum Sensor Technologies Inc. The patent in question involves advanced tire sensor technology, which Revvo Technologies has contested through the USPTO’s Patent Trial…

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D.C. Appeals Court Upholds Landlord’s Victory in $30 Million COVID-19 Rent Dispute with Crowell & Moring LLP

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals delivered a significant decision regarding a $30 million rent dispute between Crowell & Moring LLP and its Washington, D.C. office landlord, who refused a rent abatement linked to COVID-19 disruptions. The appeals court’s ruling, issued on Thursday, upheld the landlord’s position, marking another chapter in ongoing commercial real…

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