Commercial

Federal Circuit Expedites Key Patent Dispute Over COVID-19 Vaccine Innovations Involving Moderna and Arbutus Biopharma

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Federal Circuit has agreed to expedite proceedings in a contentious patent case concerning COVID-19 vaccines, involving biotechnology giants Moderna Inc. and Arbutus Biopharma Corp. The accelerated timeline means that oral arguments will happen in November, a decision that reflects the ongoing sensitivity and urgency of patent disputes in the realm of pandemic-related innovations. The…

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Northwestern Law Expands Dual-Degree Programs to Meet Rising Demand for Business-Savvy Lawyers

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Northwestern University’s legal education initiatives are undergoing significant evolution to mirror the growing intersection between law and business. The introduction of new dual-degree programs at Northwestern Law, as highlighted in a recent development, illustrates the increased demand for legal professionals adept in both fields. As the legal market continues to evolve, there is an unmistakable…

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London’s Legal Landscape: Key Cases Highlight Corporate Responsibility and Cross-Border Challenges

Pieter Gunst02 mins

In the bustling legal scene of London, recent developments have captured the attention of litigators and corporate counsel alike. Among the notable cases is the lawsuit filed by former Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten against a prominent fur auction house. Oaten’s legal action raises questions about commercial dealings and the responsibilities of auctioneers in ensuring…

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FTC Challenges Amgen’s Patent Acquisition Strategy in High-Stakes Antitrust Appeal

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant legal confrontation, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has called on the Fourth Circuit to dismiss Amgen Inc.’s argument that commercial agreements for acquiring patent rights are inherently immune to antitrust reviews. This legal dispute arises amidst an appeal concerning Enbrel, Amgen’s highly successful autoimmune medication. The FTC contends that Amgen’s stance poses…

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Trademark Tussle: Court’s Mixed Ruling Fuels Golf Tour and Distillery’s LIV Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a contentious legal clash over the “LIV” trademark, a magistrate judge’s report has ignited objections from both parties involved. The magistrate’s findings suggest that a Long Island distillery is likely to prevail with its claims against the LIV golf tour while simultaneously allowing the tour to continue using the disputed trademark. This decision has…

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Harris Beach Expands Environmental Law Expertise with Strategic Hire of Aaron Goldman

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC has announced the addition of Aaron B. Goldman as a senior counsel to its commercial real estate and environmental teams in New York. Previously with Nixon Peabody LLP, Goldman brings a wealth of experience in environmental law, enhancing Harris Beach’s capabilities in addressing complex regulatory issues. Goldman’s transition is part…

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CREXi Withdraws Quinn Emanuel Appeal: Strategic Shift in High-Stakes Real Estate Litigation

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a development impacting legal strategies in the competitive world of real estate listings, Commercial Real Estate Exchange Inc. (CREXi) has voluntarily dismissed its Ninth Circuit mandamus petition. This petition was challenging the disqualification of its legal counsel, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, from ongoing litigation with its competitor CoStar Group. The motion effectively…

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CREXi Withdraws Legal Challenge in Wake of Quinn Emanuel Disqualification in CoStar Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In an unexpected strategic shift, Commercial Real Estate Exchange Inc. (CREXi), a prominent player in the property listing arena, has withdrawn its Ninth Circuit mandamus petition. This petition was originally filed to challenge a lower court’s decision that disqualified Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP from representing CREXi in its legal tussle against rival CoStar….

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U.S. Department of Justice Indicts 17 Iranians for Extensive Hacking Campaign on American Institutions

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unsealed a 14-count indictment against 17 Iranian nationals, accused of conducting an expansive hacking operation targeting American entities. These charges highlight a coordinated cyber assault orchestrated by individuals linked to the Mabna Institute, a group affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as reported by JURIST….

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McGuireWoods Strengthens Virginia Presence with Strategic Addition of Veteran Commercial Litigators from Womble Bond Dickinson

Pieter Gunst03 mins

McGuireWoods has announced the addition of two experienced commercial litigators from Womble Bond Dickinson to its team in Virginia. This strategic move is intended to enhance the firm’s capabilities in handling complex commercial litigation. According to Bloomberg Law, the new additions come as McGuireWoods seeks to bolster its presence in the southeastern United States, a…

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Federal Circuit Ruling Enforces Patent Marking Obligations on Nonpracticing Entities

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Federal Circuit recently clarified the responsibilities of nonpracticing entities (NPEs), ruling that they are not exempt from adhering to the Patent Act’s marking requirements. The court decision, delivered on Wednesday, addresses the contentious issue of whether NPEs can bypass the patent marking obligation when seeking pre-suit damages, even if their licensees claim non-infringement. In…

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Venus Aerospace Poised for Hypersonic Progress with Former Pentagon Attorney Appointment

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, Venus Aerospace has brought on board an experienced legal mind from the Pentagon. The former Pentagon attorney joins the company as part of its ambitious mission to revolutionize high-speed travel. Venus Aerospace, a company renowned for developing cutting-edge hypersonic aircraft, anticipates this addition will not only…

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Delaware Chancery Court: Navigating Complex Corporate Litigation and Setting Legal Precedents

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Delaware Chancery Court remains a pivotal arena for corporate litigation, exerting significant influence on American corporate law. Recently, it has been tackling complex disputes involving multibillion-dollar mergers, corporate oversight, and litigation concerning special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). Known for its specialized jurisdiction over corporate matters, this court plays a crucial role in interpreting and…

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Round Hill Music Sues Tech Giants Over Alleged AI Copyright Infringement

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant legal action, Round Hill Music, a private equity music publisher, has filed lawsuits against tech companies Anthropic, Suno, and Bright Data. Filed in separate federal courts in California, the lawsuits accuse these companies of engaging in “rampant commercial copying” of copyrighted songs and lyrics to develop and train their artificial intelligence systems…

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FTC Intensifies Scrutiny on AI Systems: Balancing Innovation with Regulatory Compliance

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is increasingly focusing on the dilemma of AI systems potentially serving conflicting interests. This arises from the dual pressures of developing AI that is both commercially viable and compliant with regulatory standards for accuracy and transparency. As the FTC tightens its scrutiny on the “suppression of accuracy” within AI systems,…

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Goldman Sachs Expands Real Estate Presence with Acquisition of LCN Capital Partners

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Goldman Sachs has secured an agreement to acquire LCN Capital Partners, marking a significant expansion into the real estate sector. This acquisition aims to position Goldman as a hands-off landlord by leveraging LCN’s expertise in investing in properties rented out on long-term leases. LCN, known for its $4 billion assets under management, specializes in sale-leaseback…

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Baker McKenzie Enhances Intellectual Property Practice with Veteran Lawyer’s Return from Jack Daniel’s

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Baker McKenzie has bolstered its commercial practice group with the return of a seasoned partner, who rejoined the firm in Dallas after nearly a decade of in-house work at Jack Daniel’s Properties Inc. This strategic move aims to enhance Baker McKenzie’s intellectual property capabilities, drawing on the attorney’s extensive experience and insight gained during his…

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Apple Faces Shareholder Lawsuit Over Alleged Copyright Infringement in AI Strategy

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant legal development, the tech giant Apple is embroiled in a derivative lawsuit filed by shareholders who allege that company executives and directors have misused copyrighted materials to advance Apple’s artificial intelligence services. The accusations suggest that Apple’s leadership knowingly adopted a business strategy that risked litigation from copyright holders, as detailed in…

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Supreme Court Refuses Verizon’s $47 Million FCC Fine Appeal in Landmark Privacy Case

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The United States Supreme Court has declined to consider Verizon’s request for a $47 million refund from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This marks a significant end to Verizon’s legal efforts to overturn a penalty initially imposed for selling customers’ location data without explicit consent. According to the order list released by the court, Verizon’s…

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Supreme Court Ruling Alters Trademark Defense, Impacting Artistic and Commercial Balance

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal landscape of intellectual property was notably shaped by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Jack Daniel’s Properties Inc. v. VIP Products Inc., which came down in 2023. This case set a significant precedent by limiting the Rogers defense, a First Amendment-based argument previously available in trademark infringement disputes. The Rogers test, originating from…

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Corteva Settles $3.1 Million Antitrust Allegations, Highlighting Scrutiny in Pesticide Industry

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Corteva has agreed to a $3.1 million settlement to resolve allegations brought by the Arkansas Attorney General, accusing the pesticide giant of antitrust violations. The company was allegedly using anticompetitive rebate schemes to establish exclusive agreements that stifled competition from generic pesticide manufacturers. The legal action against Corteva highlighted the broader industry concerns over practices…

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