In a roundup of the most buzzworthy legal developments, several standout stories and firms emerged on Law360 last week. The platform continues to serve as a vital resource for legal professionals, providing over 200 articles daily across a wide array of topics. Its comprehensive coverage ensures that subscribers are well-equipped to navigate rapidly evolving legal…
Phillips 66 has concluded a settlement with Magema Technology, effectively ending a contentious patent infringement case that was recently revived by the Federal Circuit. The dispute centered on claims that Phillips 66 had infringed on Magema’s patented technologies in oil refinery processes. This resolution comes after the appellate court’s ruling necessitated a retrial, extending the…
In a recent legal dispute taking place in a California federal court, a partner from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is contesting a substantial fee request from a plaintiffs’ firm. The controversy stems from the partner’s allegedly inappropriate use of subpoena tactics, which resulted in sanctions. The Davis Wright attorney argues that the fee bid inaccurately…
The recent confirmation of five new commissioners at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has caught the attention of legal professionals as it portends a potential shift in the agency’s approach to intellectual property (IP) cases. The Senate’s endorsement includes commissioners with rich backgrounds in IP law, particularly two former staffers from congressional committees on…
The Florida appellate court recently decided to uphold a sexual battery conviction while recommending that the Florida Supreme Court examine a pivotal issue: the right to attorney-client communication during court recesses. This issue emerged after a trial judge barred a defendant from speaking with his attorney during such breaks, prompting a broader discussion on constitutional…
The landscape of white-collar defense is experiencing a notable shift, driven by several converging factors. Among them, heightened political scrutiny on some of the largest law firms has prompted a reevaluation within the industry. As elite firms face mounting challenges, boutique law firms specializing in white-collar crime are experiencing a renaissance, bolstered by recent technological…
In a significant development in the gaming industry, an Armenian game developer has implored a Washington federal court to prevent Big Fish Games from having its games removed from the Apple Store. The legal tussle arises from accusations directed at the developer for allegedly withholding source code crucial to Big Fish Games’ operations. The dispute…
In a significant legal development, a former immigration judge has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice in a California federal court, alleging her dismissal was a byproduct of unjust biases against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This case is drawing attention due to claims that the dismissal was not merely an…
In a significant legal maneuver, Enanta Pharmaceuticals has requested that the full Federal Circuit reconsider a previous decision denying the revival of its patent claim against Pfizer over the COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid. Enanta argues that the court overstepped its jurisdiction in a ruling issued in June, which had significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry and…
The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to classify geofence warrants as searches under the Fourth Amendment marks a significant development in privacy law. This ruling emerges in the wake of the Hunter v. U.S. case, adding to the ongoing debate regarding the balance between law enforcement tools and constitutional rights. Geofence warrants demand…
Finch Therapeutics, a developer specializing in microbiome treatments, received conditional approval from a Delaware bankruptcy judge to proceed with soliciting creditor votes on its Chapter 11 plan. This decision marks a significant step forward in the company’s restructuring efforts under bankruptcy protection. The conditional approval of the disclosure statement, as reported by Law360, enables Finch…
A recent legal entanglement has surfaced as a photographer has initiated a lawsuit against the Daily Beast in a New York federal court. The photographer claims the publication used an image of Andy Byron, former CEO of software company Astronomer, without authorization. This image, taken during a high-profile “kiss cam” incident at a Coldplay concert,…
In mid-2026, Connecticut courts have become the focal point of significant cases, including a crucial one involving the state’s primary hospital group. This case questions whether the enforcement of mandatory cognitive tests for healthcare providers over age 70 is a violation of federal disability and age discrimination laws. Legal professionals are closely monitoring the proceedings…
The landscape of patent eligibility for machine learning (ML) technologies has become increasingly complex due to divergent interpretations by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This discord presents significant challenges for innovators seeking to protect their ML inventions. In April 2025, the Federal Circuit…
The ongoing malpractice trial in Florida involving the founder of Patriot National Inc. has seen new developments as another attorney from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP testified on Friday. The testimony was aimed at refuting allegations that the firm’s client relationship extended to the founder of the beleaguered insurance services company during its slide into…
As the legal industry continues to evolve, new challenges are emerging for law firm leaders who are finding themselves underprepared and overstretched. Recent insights from The Tilt Institute and SurePoint Legal Insights highlight that law firms are placing greater demands on their leaders without commensurate enhancements in support systems, resulting in an increased workload that…
Thomas C. Goldstein, a prominent appellate attorney and co-founder of SCOTUSblog, was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for tax evasion and mortgage fraud. The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby in Greenbelt, Maryland, follows Goldstein’s conviction earlier this year on multiple felony counts, including tax evasion, assisting in…
The NCAA recently asked a California federal judge to dismiss attempts by college athletes to amend oversight conditions tied to their third-party branding agreements. This move comes amidst ongoing debates about athlete compensation, particularly in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights. The NCAA argued that the athletes’ efforts are an attempt to…
Recently, the legal community has been stirred by the opening of a disciplinary file against an attorney representing former President Donald Trump in an IRS-related case. This development stems from a settlement reached with the Internal Revenue Service, which a Florida federal judge described as an attempt to “manipulate the judicial process.” More details on…
As artificial intelligence continues to transform the legal industry, firm leaders are tasked with fostering AI fluency within their teams to maintain a competitive edge. This involves not only understanding AI’s capabilities but also integrating them into everyday legal practices. Here are three strategies for nurturing AI fluency within law firms. Invest in Continuous Education…
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has expanded its team with a significant hire from Haynes Boone, bringing on the latter’s U.S. Supreme Court practice chair to co-lead its appellate work and focus efforts on the nation’s highest court. This strategic move, announced recently, underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its appellate capabilities and its presence…
In a week characterized by significant corporate legal developments, several key stories have emerged, capturing the attention of general counsels across major enterprises. One notable development comes from the shifting sands of corporate governance. New strategies are being adopted by boards to navigate complex regulatory environments, indicating a trend towards more proactive and nuanced governance…
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and McGuireWoods LLP have garnered significant attention this week, thanks to their success in a high-profile case that led to the reversal of class certification in an investor lawsuit against Boeing. The Fourth Circuit’s decision is a noteworthy victory for the firms, particularly as it involves the controversial issues surrounding Boeing’s…
Corporate legal departments are once again on high alert as companies across the United States prepare for the ramifications of a new set of tariffs. These economic measures are pressing general counsel into action, assessing potential impacts on supply chains and exploring strategic responses to mitigate financial risks. The tariffs, part of an ongoing trade…
In a recent judgment, the Federal Circuit supported a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision that invalidated specific claims in a patent held by Amsted Rail Co. Inc. The patent involved technology for monitoring trains, adding to a series of similar decisions by the board over the past months. This ruling continues a trend…