EU Struggles to Balance Economic and Environmental Objectives Amid Aviation and Maritime Fuel Tax Exemption Debate

The European Union’s longstanding tax exemptions for aviation and maritime fuels have recently come under scrutiny, raising questions about their legality and alignment with the bloc’s environmental objectives. These exemptions, enshrined in the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) of 2003, have been pivotal in shaping the fiscal landscape for the transport sector. Under the ETD, commercial…

Read More

Kirkland & Ellis Strengthens Real Estate Team with Strategic Hire from Latham & Watkins

Kirkland & Ellis has bolstered its real estate team in New York by hiring prominent leader Jeffrey Horwitz from Latham & Watkins. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing Kirkland’s capabilities in complex real estate transactions, a field where Horwitz has an extensive track record. Horwitz, who previously led Latham’s real estate practice, is renowned…

Read More

New Orleans Pelicans Seek Dismissal of Copyright Allegations in Michigan Court

In a recent legal development, the New Orleans Pelicans have requested a Michigan federal judge to dismiss allegations that they imitated a Detroit-based artist’s work. The controversy centers around promotional photos the NBA team released last year, which allegedly too closely resembled the artist’s creations involving deflated basketballs. The Pelicans argue that the artist cannot…

Read More

Versant Enhances Leadership Team with Key Legal and Marketing Appointments to Propel Growth

Versant, the media company spun off from Comcast, has announced key appointments to its legal leadership team. Jayshree Mahtani has been named Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Corporate Governance, M&A, and Commercial Transactions, as well as Assistant Corporate Secretary. Andrew Borteck joins as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Sports,…

Read More

Polsinelli Strengthens Real Estate Expertise with Thomas Piecuch Hire in Chicago Office

Polsinelli, a prominent national law firm, has expanded its real estate capabilities by hiring Thomas Piecuch as a shareholder in its Chicago office. Piecuch is known for his extensive experience in commercial real estate transactions, particularly within the areas of leasing, acquisitions, and financing. This strategic addition aims to bolster the firm’s services for clients…

Read More

Navigating the Legal Challenges of AI and Right-of-Publicity Laws in the Age of Deepfakes

The intersection of right-of-publicity law and artificial intelligence presents a complex legal landscape, particularly as AI technology rapidly matures. As AI systems become capable of replicating human likenesses with astonishing accuracy, questions about ownership and consent become more nuanced. Consider a scenario where a chatbot, driven by AI, generates deepfake videos of celebrities delivering politically…

Read More

Munck Wilson Mandala Bolsters Life Sciences Practice with Strategic Texas Appointment

Munck Wilson Mandala LLP has appointed a Texas-based attorney, who joined the firm earlier this year, to spearhead its life sciences practice group. This strategic move aligns with the firm’s growing focus on technological and scientific innovation, enhancing its capabilities in a sector marked by rapid developments and complex legal challenges. The appointment reflects a…

Read More

WilmerHale Strengthens Appellate Practice with Former California Solicitor General Joining San Francisco Office

WilmerHale, known for its robust appellate practice, has announced the addition of a high-profile partner to its San Francisco office. The firm’s latest recruit is the former California Solicitor General, a move expected to significantly bolster its capabilities in appellate litigation. His appointment is set to commence in early December. The addition reflects WilmerHale’s strategic…

Read More

Navigating Unrelated Business Income Tax: A Strategic Challenge for Nonprofits

In the evolving landscape of tax regulations, nonprofit organizations face growing scrutiny over the Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT). As nonprofits diversify their revenue streams, the line between mission-related and unrelated business activities can blur. This can inadvertently lead to unexpected tax liabilities, which is why many legal experts encourage nonprofits to meticulously evaluate their…

Read More

Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down Business Courts, Raising Questions on Judicial Structure and Efficiency

The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently deemed the state’s business courts unconstitutional, marking a significant decision in the state’s judicial landscape. The ruling concludes that the legislation creating the courts violated the state’s constitution, specifically in how the jurisdiction was designated and judges were appointed. This decision has legal professionals closely examining the implications for Oklahoma’s…

Read More

WilmerHale Taps Former DOJ Civil Division Leader Brian Boynton for Regulatory Affairs Leadership in 2026

WilmerHale has announced that Brian Boynton, former head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, will assume the role of Chair of the firm’s Regulatory and Government Affairs Department at the beginning of 2026. Boynton rejoined WilmerHale earlier this year after a four-year tenure at the DOJ, where he led a team of approximately…

Read More

Greenberg Traurig Strengthens Minneapolis Office with Former Amazon Legal Executive Kieran Dwyer

Greenberg Traurig, the prominent international law firm, has announced the hiring of Kieran Dwyer as a shareholder in its Minneapolis office. Dwyer, who previously worked at Amazon as associate general counsel, brings significant expertise in complex commercial litigation and environmental law. His move is a strategic addition to the firm’s litigation and environmental practices, which…

Read More

Women, Influence & Power in Law Conference Reinvigorates Discourse at Intersection of Technology and Legal Innovation

The Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) conference has reopened its doors, drawing interest back to its roots where it first began. The latest installment of this influential event features Anne Bliek, the Head of Commercial Legal for TomTom International B.V. As a seasoned leader in commercial legal affairs, Bliek brings valuable insights from…

Read More

Frost Brown Todd Expands East with Strategic Acquisition of Gibbons P.C.

In a significant strategic move, Frost Brown Todd LLC, a firm with roots in Cincinnati, has announced its acquisition of Gibbons P.C., a prominent New Jersey law firm. This transaction marks Frost Brown Todd’s decisive push into the East Coast legal market, expanding its geographical footprint beyond its traditional Midwestern stronghold. The merger is emblematic…

Read More

Frost Brown Todd Fortifies Pittsburgh Presence with Strategic Hire of Litigator Nancy Harkins

Frost Brown Todd, a prominent law firm, has recently strengthened its presence in Pittsburgh by hiring seasoned litigator Nancy Harkins from Dentons. This strategic move reflects Frost Brown Todd’s commitment to expanding its litigation capabilities in the region. Harkins, known for her extensive experience in complex commercial litigation, brings a robust portfolio of skills and…

Read More

PT Medisafe Technologies Takes Color-Based Trademark Battle to the U.S. Supreme Court

PT Medisafe Technologies, a prominent manufacturer of surgical gloves, has recently petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court. The company is challenging a Federal Circuit decision that denied their attempt to trademark dark green surgical gloves. This marks a significant moment for their legal strategy, as they argue that numerous similar trademarks have been accepted in the…

Read More

Navigating Creativity and Legal Boundaries: Recent Intellectual Property Challenges in Media, Politics, and Music

In the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property law, recent cases have highlighted the intricate balance between creativity and legal protection. A whimsical touch was added to the legal proceedings involving Miss Cleo, the TV psychic renowned for her infomercials. A judge dismissed a complaint about intellectual property rights linked to her persona, using humor to…

Read More

Third Circuit Urged to Reinstate $45 Million Verdict in CareDx Advertising Dispute, Legal Scholars Advocate

In the ongoing debate surrounding the legal interpretation of false advertising claims, two law professors have called on the Third Circuit to reconsider a decision impacting CareDx, a key player in the medical testing industry. The professors argue that the court should restore CareDx’s $45 million verdict against a competitor, emphasizing that nullifying the judgment…

Read More

Supreme Court Denies Trademark for “US Space Force”: Navigating Intellectual Property and Public Sector Associations

The United States Supreme Court has rejected an attempt by San Diego attorney Thomas D. Foster to trademark the term “US Space Force.” Foster aimed to leverage the trademark for an entertainment franchise focused on a fictional law enforcement agency operating in space. His vision included a broad array of potential projects, from films to…

Read More