August 18, 2026 – Legal News Feed

Law360

Whistleblower Claims Political Bias in DOJ’s University Investigations Under Trump Administration

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

According to a recent whistleblower disclosure, investigations launched into Harvard, Columbia, and other prestigious universities during the Trump administration were driven by political motivations despite internal concerns and scant justification. A former U.S. Department of Justice lawyer publicly revealed that officials proceeded with these inquiries, even when legal advisors flagged the lack of substantial evidence…

Law360

Delaware Chancery Court: Navigating Complex Corporate Litigation and Setting Legal Precedents

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The Delaware Chancery Court remains a pivotal arena for corporate litigation, exerting significant influence on American corporate law. Recently, it has been tackling complex disputes involving multibillion-dollar mergers, corporate oversight, and litigation concerning special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). Known for its specialized jurisdiction over corporate matters, this court plays a crucial role in interpreting and…

Law360

Dismissal of Army Nurse’s Case Against Thesis Nootropics Highlights Risks of AI in Legal Research

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The recent dismissal of a U.S. Army nurse’s lawsuit against Thesis Nootropics highlights the increasing pitfalls associated with reliance on artificial intelligence for legal research and documentation. The Washington federal judge’s decision was strongly influenced by an expert report marred by bot-generated false citations, which ultimately undermined the expert’s credibility and by extension, the plaintiff’s…

Law360

California Court Dismisses Trademark Lawsuit Against Lady Gaga: Key Implications for Intellectual Property Rights

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago02 mins

In a notable legal victory, a California federal judge has ruled in favor of Lady Gaga, dismissing a lawsuit brought by a surf and lifestyle brand over the alleged infringement of the trademark “Mayhem.” The brand claimed that Lady Gaga’s use of the term on her merchandise misled consumers. However, the judge found the arguments…

Law360

U.S. Indicts Iranian Nationals in $3.4 Billion Cyber Espionage Case, Exposing Rising Threat of State-Sponsored Digital Theft

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

In a sweeping federal action, Manhattan prosecutors have unveiled new charges against a group of Iranian individuals accused of orchestrating a state-sponsored cybertheft campaign. This operation allegedly targeted private enterprises, governmental bodies, and academic institutions worldwide, resulting in the theft of intellectual property and academic data valued at approximately $3.4 billion. The action by U.S….

Law360

Tech Companies Urge Supreme Court to Review USPTO Director’s PTAB Discretionary Powers

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The debate over the powers wielded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) director has intensified as major technology companies and attorneys specializing in Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) matters seek intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court. This follows a decision by the Federal Circuit, which declined to restrict the director’s discretion in…

Law360

Pharmaceutical Industry Faces Setback as D.C. Circuit Upholds Medicare Price Negotiation Authority

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

The D.C. Circuit’s recent decision represents another chapter in the ongoing legal tussle between the pharmaceutical industry and the federal government over Medicare’s newly minted pricing negotiation capabilities. While the pharmaceutical sector faces a setback, the ruling provides nuanced insights that may inform future litigation strategies. The court’s affirmation aligns with the judgments of other…

Law360

Boeing Faces Legal Challenge Over Financial Disclosures in NASA Lunar Program Dispute with Wilson Aerospace

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Boeing is facing legal pressure to disclose financial records amid a contentious dispute with Wilson Aerospace LLC. The dispute centers around intellectual property related to technology used in NASA’s lunar program. Wilson Aerospace is urging a Washington federal judge to compel Boeing to release documents they believe are pertinent to the case, highlighting the intensifying…

Law360

Big Tech Appeals for Supreme Court Review of USPTO Authority in Patent Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Big Tech companies are currently urging the U.S. Supreme Court to address what they describe as an overreach of power by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) concerning the authority of its director over Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) challenges. The companies argue that the Federal Circuit’s decision not to limit this…

Law360

Trump Announces Judicial Nominees in Bid to Cement Conservative Legacy in Federal Courts

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

President Donald Trump has announced nine judicial nominations across six states, including Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Alaska. This development is part of a continuing effort to shape the federal judiciary with judges appointed under his administration. The selection of nominees reflects a strategic move to bolster the conservative influence within crucial judicial circuits….

Law360

Trump’s Judicial Picks: Strategic Appointments Shape Key States’ Legal Landscapes

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

President Donald Trump has revealed a series of judicial nominations, appointing nine judges across six states. His selections reflect strategic positioning in key jurisdictions, covering Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Alaska. Such appointments are often scrutinized for their potential long-term impact on the judiciary’s ideological balance. Across these states, judicial nominations carry significant weight…

Law.com

Oregon Judge’s Ruling on TCPA Class Actions Could Redefine Plaintiff Suitability Amid Allegations

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

An Oregon judge is set to make a pivotal decision that could impact 14 class actions under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), all of which have come under scrutiny due to fraud allegations. The plaintiff in these cases is being challenged by the defense firm Watstein Terepka, which argues that his conduct and character…

Law360

USPTO Decision Emphasizes Disclosure of Real Parties in Patent Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director recently rejected a challenge by Viance LLC against a patent held by Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc., highlighting the necessity for challengers to disclose all real parties in interest (RPIs). This decision stems from Viance’s failure to reveal companies that may control the challenging entity, which is crucial…

Law360

Netflix Seeks Dismissal of Tyra Banks’ Defamation Lawsuit Over Creative Decisions in Docuseries

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Netflix and the producers of a docuseries focused on “America’s Next Top Model” are seeking the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit filed by Tyra Banks. The filing, made in a California federal court, hinges on the argument that Banks’ grievances are merely “complaints about ordinary editorial decisions” – decisions they assert are safeguarded by free…

Law360

Legal Battle over Intellectual Property Highlights Challenges in Professional Partnerships

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago02 mins

An author and executive leadership keynote speaker has initiated legal proceedings in Colorado federal court, alleging that a consulting firm misappropriated his copyrighted educational content following the termination of a 15-year collaboration. The complaint, filed on August 18, 2026, asserts that the firm continued to utilize the author’s proprietary leadership programs without authorization. This case…

Law360

FAA Contractor Sues Ex-VP Over Alleged Intellectual Property Breach in Aviation Sector

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

In a legal confrontation underscoring the contentious nature of intellectual property rights in the aviation industry, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor has filed a lawsuit in a Virginia federal court. The contractor is seeking to restrict its former vice president and his newly established company from not only recruiting its talent but also utilizing…

Law.com

Morgan & Morgan Challenges Florida Bar Over Restrictive Legal Advertising Regulation

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago02 mins

Morgan & Morgan, a prominent personal injury law firm, has initiated legal proceedings against The Florida Bar, challenging a specific rule governing advertising practices. The firm contends that the current regulation, which prohibits the use of any non-client celebrity’s image or voice in law firm marketing materials, is excessively restrictive. According to the lawsuit, this…

Law360

Round Hill Music Sues Tech Giants Over Alleged AI Copyright Infringement

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

In a significant legal action, Round Hill Music, a private equity music publisher, has filed lawsuits against tech companies Anthropic, Suno, and Bright Data. Filed in separate federal courts in California, the lawsuits accuse these companies of engaging in “rampant commercial copying” of copyrighted songs and lyrics to develop and train their artificial intelligence systems…

Law360

Legal Showdown: AI Deepfakes and Consent at the Heart of Lawsuit Against Sofia Vergara’s Underwear Brand EBY

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

In a recent legal maneuver, EBY, the underwear company co-founded by Sofia Vergara, has requested a California federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a content creator. The suit alleges that EBY used artificial intelligence to fabricate a “deepfake” video of the creator appearing partially nude. This situation raises significant legal issues regarding the…

Law360

Troutman Pepper Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Retaliation Following Whistleblower Claims

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP is facing legal scrutiny following allegations by a former associate, who claims the firm sidelined his career after he took medical leave due to a heart attack. The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey federal court, asserts that the associate was discriminated against and suffered retaliation after exposing what he identified as…

Law360

Federal Circuit Upholds Westport Fuel Systems’ Patents in Key Obviousness Challenge Ruling

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) decision not to nullify claims in two fuel injection patents held by Westport Fuel Systems Canada Inc. This ruling upheld the PTAB’s earlier finding that neither Mercedes-Benz nor an unnamed engineering company sufficiently demonstrated the patents’ obviousness….

Law360

Massachusetts Court Faces Contentious Legal Fee Dispute Amid $55.7 Million eBay Harassment Settlement

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

In a developing legal controversy, attorneys representing a Massachusetts couple in the high-profile eBay harassment case have petitioned a state court for a majority share of a $15 million legal fee. This request follows a $55.7 million settlement over a campaign of harassment conducted by former eBay employees. At the crux of the dispute is…

Law360

Navigating Intellectual Property Law: Divergent Paths of Irreparable Harm in Patent and Trademark Cases

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

A patent owner and a trademark owner walk into court with the same request: stop the infringement before it causes harm that money cannot repair. Despite the seemingly similar aim, the legal pathways they must navigate differ significantly, revealing a widening chasm between patent and trademark law concerning irreparable harm. In the realm of patent…

Jurist

“Latin America and Caribbean Face Pressure to Restore Women’s Rights at UN Montevideo Conference”

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Latin American and Caribbean governments gathered in Montevideo for a United Nations conference amid growing concerns about the erosion of women’s rights across the region. Organized under the banner of the Regional Conference on Population and Development (CRPD), the event was driven by alarm from organizations such as Amnesty International, which have highlighted a troubling…

Jurist

Supreme Court Declines Trump Appeal in E. Jean Carroll Sexual Assault Case, Revisiting Presidential Immunity Questions

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The US Supreme Court has once again declined to hear the appeal filed by Donald Trump regarding the sexual assault and defamation case brought against him by writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision arrives only weeks after the court initially refused to review the $5 million jury verdict awarded to Carroll. This outcome follows the…