The recent shift in policy by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) allowing companies to include mandatory arbitration clauses in shareholder agreements marks a significant change from decades of regulatory approach. This move permits companies to require shareholders to settle disputes through arbitration rather than pursuing class action lawsuits. For many years, the SEC…
As the American Arbitration Association (AAA) nears its 100th anniversary, it is embracing new technology to stay ahead in the dispute resolution field. This November, the AAA plans to introduce its first AI-powered arbitrator specifically designed to manage documents-only construction disputes. The Association sees potential in utilizing artificial intelligence to expedite case processing and cut…
This week, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made a notable policy shift by allowing newly publicly traded companies to employ mandatory arbitration clauses. This development raises significant questions about the future of shareholder class actions, sparking concern among some lawmakers. Democrats have voiced worries that this move could limit shareholders’ avenues for…
The recent ruling by a D.C. federal judge has placed a spotlight on Polsinelli PC and two of its former partners. The court decided against allowing the law firm to trim or compel arbitration in a significant sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit initiated by a former equity shareholder. This decision will allow the $20 million…
The co-owners of Kong Co. LLC, a prominent dog toy manufacturer, concluded a bench trial over accusations of breach of company agreements. The trial, which lasted over three weeks, culminated with both parties delivering their closing arguments on Thursday. The courtroom conflict laid bare the intricate challenges encountered when managing leadership dynamics in a business…
In a controversial move, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has paved the way for newly public companies to incorporate mandatory arbitration clauses in their bylaws. This policy shift aims to redirect shareholder disputes away from class actions in favor of more private arbitration. However, despite this regulatory green light, securities litigation experts are…
The recent policy shift by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could significantly impact the landscape of investor class actions. On Wednesday, the SEC announced it would permit new publicly traded companies to include mandatory arbitration clauses in their IPO filings. This decision aligns with the broad deregulatory agenda of the agency’s leadership and…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appears poised to shift its historic stance on initial public offerings (IPOs) by allowing mandatory arbitration clauses in registration statements. This development marks a significant pivot from the agency’s longstanding reluctance to support such provisions, largely due to investor protection concerns. Traditionally, the SEC has blocked IPOs that…
At a recent Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing, parents delivered chilling testimonies regarding the potential risks of chatbots. In particular, they raised alarms about children developing addictions to companion bots that allegedly promote self-harm, suicidal ideations, and violent behavior. The focus was clearly on highlighting urgent child-safety concerns linked to these…
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has unveiled a new AI-driven tool aimed at streamlining the settlement process in disputes. This innovative platform is designed to assist parties in reaching agreements more efficiently by leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze case data and suggest potential settlement options. This development represents a significant step towards integrating technology into…
The United States Supreme Court convened today, September 18, 2025, to address several high-profile cases that could have wide-ranging implications for corporate and environmental law. Among the docketed cases, the Court is expected to hear arguments on a dispute involving federal regulatory powers over emissions, which could redefine the boundaries of government intervention in the…
Reed Smith has expanded its ranks by adding a new partner to its international arbitration team in London. This strategic move reflects the firm’s dedication to bolstering its capabilities in handling complex international disputes, a critical area for many global clients. The addition of Anke Meier, previously with a major arbitration firm, aligns with Reed…
In the fast-paced world of legal news, Law360 remains a premier source for those keen to stay abreast of industry developments. Last week, several stories and firms on Law360 proved particularly noteworthy among legal professionals. Among the standout firms, Kirkland & Ellis grabbed attention with its involvement in major litigation and high-stakes corporate transactions. Their…
Jus Mundi has announced the launch of Jus AI 2, an innovative legal AI assistant that aims to redefine the balance between speed and meticulous research control. The Paris-based firm, known for its advanced research platform catering to the fields of international law and arbitration, positions its second-generation AI system as a resolution to long-standing…
Playboy Inc. recently achieved a substantial victory in an arbitration dispute, securing approximately $81 million in damages. This ruling came from an international arbitration tribunal against one of Playboy’s former licensees in China, resolving a contentious disagreement over the licensing of the iconic brand’s products. The arbitration outcome, announced on September 8, 2025, is a…
In a recent development involving the iconic punk band the Ramones, a federal judge in New York dismissed trademark infringement claims brought against Linda Cummings, the widow of guitarist Johnny Ramone. The case, initiated by Mickey Leigh, brother of the late lead vocalist Joey Ramone, will proceed to arbitration based on the band’s existing shareholder…
In a significant legal development, Harper Lee’s estate has reached a settlement with a publishing company over a contentious issue surrounding the stage adaptation of the seminal novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The dispute centered around an allegedly unauthorized licensing of the play by the estate, which could have resulted in a hefty arbitration fee…
The process of enforcing foreign arbitration awards remains a critical yet complex area of international law. With the increasing globalization of commerce, businesses often turn to arbitration as a preferred method for resolving cross-border disputes. However, an essential aspect of this process is the timely enforcement of arbitral awards, which can often encounter legal hurdles…
In a landmark decision, a World Trade Organization (WTO) appellate arbitration panel has favored the European Union’s argument against Chinese courts’ use of anti-suit injunctions in the realm of standard-essential patents (SEPs). This ruling holds significant implications for intellectual property (IP) stakeholders globally, particularly affecting the dynamics of patent litigation and enforcement strategies across borders….
The Trump administration’s approach to reshaping labor relations within the federal workforce has sparked significant legal and political discussions. Recent actions by the administration have denied federal workers the option of arbitration, a move that has raised concerns among union leaders and labor advocates. According to an analysis by Bloomberg Law, these changes are part…
In a recent ruling, a California federal judge has referred to arbitration a case involving a nonalcoholic cannabis beer company that accused Stoel Rives LLP and its clients of fraud. The company alleged it was misled into investing $2.2 million into what it described as an illicit business operation. The court asserted that the involvement…
VLSI Technology LLC is vehemently seeking a renewed opportunity to defend its patent against OpenSky Industries LLC. The matter has escalated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, with VLSI asserting that OpenSky’s inter partes review (IPR) initiation was endorsed based on guidance that has now been rescinded. The [initial report](https://www.law360.com/ip/articles/2383256?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=section), published…
An Atlanta attorney’s legal tussle with her former firm, John Foy & Associates, has taken a new turn as the lawyer seeks a pause in arbitration proceedings. She argues that continuing with both the arbitration and her federal court case risks “duplicative proceedings, inconsistent findings, and unnecessary expense” as detailed in a report by Law360….
An appellate court recently ruled that an arbitrator exceeded their authority in awarding COVID-19 “premium pay” to union workers, despite the stringent requirements needed to contest an arbitrator’s interpretation of a collective bargaining agreement. This decision marks a significant victory for the government agency challenging the arbitration award. The core issue revolved around whether the…
In a significant development within legal circles, a federal judge in Manhattan has paused a $67 million age discrimination lawsuit filed by a former partner from Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. This legal action alleges that the firm systematically marginalized the partner, ultimately forcing him to exit their aircraft-finance practice group due to his age. This…