The state of Alabama is currently embroiled in a legal battle concerning its congressional map, which has been accused of diluting the voting power of Black voters. In a recent filing to the Supreme Court, Alabama requested permission to use a map it adopted in 2023 that includes only one majority-Black district, defying a lower…
In a move that underscores ongoing complexities in patent litigation, Finnish company Polar Electro has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its case concerning the invalidation of a heart monitor patent. The company contends that the district judge responsible for the earlier ruling developed his own rationale for dismissing the patent’s eligibility. Polar Electro…
ABC is engaging in a legal battle against an attempt by the Trump administration to regulate content on broadcast television. In a recent filing, ABC argued that the actions of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), spearheaded by Chairman Brendan Carr, violate the First Amendment. The FCC has targeted ABC’s popular show “The View,” accusing it…
In a notable turn of events, 10x Genomics Inc. and Harvard University have filed a lawsuit against Element Biosciences Inc., accusing the San Diego-based sequencing company of infringing on four Harvard-owned patents. The patents in question relate to Element’s AVITI24 platform and its associated Teton chemistry, integral to the company’s sequencing technology. The litigation was…
In a move that highlights the diverse paths to success in the legal profession, Jordan Greenman, a recent alumnus of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, has initiated a program to support students who may not shine through conventional academic achievements. Having graduated with his J.D. in 2021 amidst less…
In a significant week for patent law, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires has made decisions on a series of patent review petitions under the America Invents Act. Out of the nineteen petitions brought before him, Squires approved seven while rejecting twelve others. These decisions have far-reaching implications for major corporations deeply invested…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a limited exclusion order prohibiting the importation of semiconductors produced by Innoscience before an agreed redesign, bringing an end to an investigation initiated by a competitor. This ruling highlights the ongoing challenges in the semiconductor industry, especially around intellectual property rights and competitive practices. The order specifically…
In a recent development, legal giant DLA Piper has been accused of pursuing a ‘frivolous’ lawsuit, allegedly to appease Chipotle’s General Counsel. This allegation surrounds the firm’s representation of Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. against Sweetgreen, Inc., a case that raises questions about the boundaries of zealous advocacy versus strategic legal maneuvering. The complaint, initiated by…
DLA Piper, a prominent law firm, faces allegations of pursuing a “frivolous” lawsuit in an attempt to curry favor with Chipotle’s then-general counsel. This claim arises from a malicious-prosecution complaint filed in California state court, suggesting that the case of computer fraud against a nonprofit volunteer was pursued without substantial grounds. The initial case was…
In a recent legal maneuver, the rap group Nappy Roots has requested a Georgia federal judge dismiss a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement. The suit, filed by musicians who claim their sample was used in the popular track “Good Day,” centers on arguments of co-authorship. However, Nappy Roots contend that the claim comes over 15 years…
The lead assistant federal prosecutor for Rhode Island’s civil division is currently being scrutinized following allegations of withholding crucial information in an immigration case. This investigation was initiated by the state’s chief federal judge, highlighting possible ethical breaches within the prosecutorial ranks. More information on this development can be found on Law360. This inquiry underscores…
In the decade since the enactment of the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) on May 11, 2016, the legislation has significantly influenced how businesses protect their intellectual property. The DTSA provided trade secret holders with a private federal right of action for cases of misappropriation, offering a unified legal framework that transcends state lines, an…
This week, corporate legal professionals are focused on developments within the U.S. Department of Labor, specifically concerning employee benefit plan managers. Recent statements by the head of the department’s employee benefits section indicate that upcoming investigations will hone in on potential loyalty conflicts among plan managers. The agency is scrutinizing instances where managers might prioritize…
This week, several developments have captured the attention of legal professionals and in-house counsel across major corporations. Among these, the impact of ongoing mergers and acquisitions, significant litigation settlements, and strategic shifts in corporate governance have been at the forefront. One of the key highlights is the recent acquisition activity in the tech sector. Advanced…
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies raises important questions about the ethical and practical aspects of legal representation. As AI agents take on increasingly autonomous roles, legal professionals face the dilemma of whether they can, or should, represent a non-human client. According to a recent discussion on this topic, the ethical considerations hinge…
This week’s edition of Law360’s Legal Lions features the National Immigrant Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union, which secured a significant victory in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. A divided panel dismissed the argument from the Trump administration that immigrants residing unlawfully in the United States are not entitled to due process…
Rave Inc., the developer behind the co-viewing application Rave, has initiated antitrust lawsuits against Apple Inc. in five countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Russia. The legal actions challenge Apple’s decision to remove the Rave app from its App Store, a move Rave alleges was aimed at eliminating competition to Apple’s own…
In a notable development within the realm of intellectual property litigation, a cohort of thirteen prominent book publishers has petitioned a New York federal court to issue a default judgment against Anna’s Archive, commonly regarded as a “shadow library.” The publishers are demanding $19.5 million in damages, asserting that the platform illegally disseminates pirated books…
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the legal industry faces new challenges, including the ethics and practicalities of representing AI agents. The question of whether a lawyer can ethically represent an AI as a client is increasingly relevant, particularly as these agents become more integrated into business environments. According to a recent discussion on the…
Apple Inc. is facing legal challenges across five nations, with lawsuits alleging that the company suppressed competition related to its “Watch Room” feature. The litigation points to strategic practices that allegedly stifled competitors in the smart wearable industry, raising questions about antitrust behavior in tech markets. The complaints, filed in courts in the United States,…
The United States Court of International Trade recently ruled against the 10% global tariff imposed by former President Donald Trump as illegal, marking a significant moment in ongoing trade policy disputes. This decision follows closely after the Supreme Court had struck down a previous set of emergency tariffs introduced by Trump. The ruling underscores limitations…
In the evolving landscape of legal practice, a noticeable shift is underway regarding the role of associates in large law firms. The transformation comes amid growing demands from corporate clients who increasingly prefer partner-level expertise, potentially prompting a ‘course correction’ within the associate ranks. According to one New York recruiter, many clients now seek the…
Abhishek Kambli, a deputy associate attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has announced his departure from the department at the end of May. Kambli has been a central figure in the DOJ’s defense of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting several prominent law firms. His departure comes as the DOJ…
In a recent announcement, Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP confirmed the departure of several attorneys following an annual review process. These departures are reportedly part of the firm’s routine performance assessments and align with its commitment to maintaining a high standard of service quality, as reported by Law360. Paul Weiss, known for its…
The legal industry in the United States exhibited resilience in April, adding 2,400 jobs, a figure indicative of a sector witnessing continued recovery. This data, provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marks a promising development, highlighting a positive trend after a series of volatile months reported recently. The rebound reflects broader economic dynamics…