Pieter Gunst

Advancing Workers’ Compensation Strategies: Key Takeaways from 2023 CAAA Conferences

The California Applicants’ Attorneys Association (CAAA) consistently holds its conferences twice a year, an engaging event where important discussions take place concerning adjustments in Workers’ Compensation Law and the development of new strategies to enhance recovery for client interests. Not straying from the tradition, the 2023 Winter CAAA and Summer conferences proffered insightful discussions on…

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Advocacy Letters: Effective Strategies for Engaging Medical Experts in Legal Cases

In today’s fast-paced legal environment, securing a “winning” report from medical experts often relies heavily on the initial communication — the advocacy letter. A common tool in the legal arsenal of attorneys and adjusters, these documents frequently form the first line of engagement between the medical field and the broader legal landscape. However, too many…

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Social Media’s Rising Impact on Legal Industry and Client-Lawyer Relations

In the digital transformation era, social media has become an indispensable tool in the way businesses communicate with their audience. From small town startups to large law corporations, social media platforms offer an array of communication avenues that have revolutionized client-lawyer relations. One particular area where this trend has had a significant impact is the…

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Impact of FS.COM Inc. v. International Trade Commission Case on Patent Law and Import Regulations

The case of FS.COM INC. v. International Trade Commission, with Corning Optical Communications LLC intervening, continues to reshape our understanding of patent validity in the context of import regulations. In case proceedings dated April 20, 2023, the overarching discourse returns to two vital aspects of patent law: enablement and claim construction. A full explanation of…

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Federal Circuit Delivers Pivotal Ruling in United Therapeutics v. Liquidia Pharmaceuticals Patent Case

In the continually evolving arena of patent law, the third week of July 2023 has seen pivotal advancement in patent cases adjudicated by the Federal Circuit. One such central case involved the United Therapeutics Corp. and Liquidia Technologies, Inc. (Nos. 2022-2217, 2023-1021, Fed. Cir. (D. Del.) July 24, 2023). The case merits attention due to…

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US Auto Loan Market Experiences Tightening Lending Standards and Weakening Demand Amid Economic Uncertainty

On July 31, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve) issued its July Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices. The survey addressed changing variations in the standards, terms, and demands for bank loans catering to businesses and households in the second quarter of 2023. According to the…

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JetBlue Antitrust Case: Repercussions and Precedents in Airline Mergers and Alliances

In the ongoing antitrust scrutiny faced by JetBlue Airways Corporation (“JetBlue”), the latest chapter brings both challenges and relief for the airline giant. The U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) had lodged two notable lawsuits against JetBlue in the District of Massachusetts. Notably, one focuses on JetBlue’s intended acquisition of Spirit Airlines, Inc. (“Spirit”), while the…

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Connecticut Comptroller Surveys Municipal Retirement Plans in Compliance with Public Act 23-182

In compliance with Connecticut Public Act 23-182, the Connecticut Comptroller’s Office has initiated a survey to collect information on retirement plans from municipalities across the state. The Act necessitates municipalities sponsoring these retirement plans to submit relevant data and documents to the Comptroller’s Office by September 1, 2023. As reported by Pullman & Comley, LLC,…

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Safeguarding Business Success: The Importance of Protecting Product Designs and Packaging

When it comes to establishing commercial presence in the market, businesses are typically diligent with safeguarding their corporate identity and branding. However, it seems that equal attention might not often extend to the protection of their product designs and packaging. According to an article by Vondran Legal on JD Supra, businesses might frequently overlook the…

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Republicans Cry Bias as Judge Chutkan Presides Over Trump’s Third Indictment

In the foreground of the current legal fray around former president Donald Trump’s third indictment, relates to his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. As the situation intensifies, notable Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, are voicing their sentiments publicly. Graham, in particular, has chosen to criticise Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding…

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Maryland Appellate Court’s Ruling Alters Landscape for Nonrecourse Reverse Mortgages

In a recent development from the legal sector, the Appellate Court of Maryland has held that the “Loss Before Foreclosure Rule” should be applied to nonrecourse reserve mortgages. For legal professionals working in the property industry, this ruling can impact the application of relevant loan and property regulations. The “Loss before foreclosure rule,” as expressed…

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Reviving Autonomous Vehicle Legislation: Balancing Technological Advancements with Public Safety

As legislative processes continue to evolve globally, Congress is making strides towards the revival of legislation targeted at regulating autonomous vehicles. JD Supra reports that on July 26, 2023, the legislative wheels were set in motion as the House Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce convened to discuss this pressing matter. The session, earmarked by…

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Navigating Georgia’s Construction Arbitration: Procedural Issues Impacting Outcomes

Arbitration has traditionally served as an alternative to litigation in the field of construction disputes. Many construction agreements incorporate clauses that reference arbitration, with several of these bringing into play particular rules set by designated arbitration providers. Lately, though, procedural issues within this area have been brought to light, particularly pertaining to the state of…

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Third Circuit Court Allows Creditors to Claim Venezuelan Oil Company’s U.S. Assets

In a noteworthy decision, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has reiterated its prior judgment allowing creditors of Venezuela who have obtained arbitration awards to lay claim on the U.S. assets of Petroleos De Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), Venezuela’s national oil company. This conclusion, accessible in detail via the following link, Third Circuit Affirms Judgment Allowing…

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Navigating the Compliance Landscape: Lessons from Star Trek and Beyond

The compliance landscape can indeed be likened to a vast, uncharted landscape, requiring painstaking exploration, understanding and constant updating to keep pace with evolving laws and regulations. For those interested in a varied approach to learning compliance, Trekking Through Compliance offers it in a fascinating package. Episode 63, titled “For the World is Hollow and…

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