USPTO Partners with HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama to Boost Innovation and Patent Opportunities

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is initiating an effort to collaborate with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Georgia and Alabama. This initiative aims to bridge these academic institutions with partners who can assist in the development and commercialization of inventions. This project underscores the broader strategy to bolster innovation and patent…

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Foley & Lardner Strengthens Litigation and Regulatory Teams with Strategic Attorney Hires

Foley & Lardner LLP, a prominent law firm, recently announced the significant addition of two seasoned attorneys: Jessica Bedotto from Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Robert Stern from Goodwin Procter LLP. This strategic recruitment underscores Foley & Lardner’s commitment to bolstering its litigation and regulatory practices. Jessica Bedotto brings her expertise as a partner specializing…

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Federal Circuit Upholds Ruling Against Dental Arch Image Patent Claims in Align Technology Case

The Federal Circuit upheld a decision on Tuesday, declining to revive claims from patents related to dental arch image analysis that were alleged to be infringed by Align Technology, Inc., the maker of Invisalign. This ruling supports a lower court’s finding which deemed the patents invalid, thus ending a legal battle over intellectual property rights…

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Pro Bono Pressure: Law Firms Respond to Rising Demand Amid Immigration Challenges

The landscape of pro bono work within major law firms is seeing significant shifts, as recent developments push demand to new heights, particularly in immigration-related cases. This trend has emerged prominently in response to government actions that have intensified deportation efforts. Law firm leaders explain that such circumstances have led to a notable surge in…

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Real Estate Lawyer Anthony Mongone Joins Kirkland & Ellis, Enhancing Firm’s Transactional Expertise

Anthony Mongone, an esteemed real estate attorney, is joining the ranks of Kirkland & Ellis, one of the world’s prominent law firms. Mongone, who specializes in complex real estate transactions and financings, brings to Kirkland & Ellis an extensive portfolio of experience, having represented major funds and investment firms across diverse sectors. Mongone has previously…

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King & Spalding Strengthens Litigation Team with Key Partner Addition in Washington, D.C.

In a notable move within the legal community, King & Spalding has expanded its complex commercial litigation practice by adding a new partner to its Washington, D.C. office. The addition of a seasoned litigator is expected to bolster the firm’s capability in handling intricate commercial disputes, an area of growing demand as global markets continue…

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Cabbage Patch Kids Legal Dispute Highlights Challenges in Protecting Intellectual Property Rights in Creative Industries

The iconic Cabbage Patch Kids brand, known for its distinctive dolls, is at the center of a legal dispute over copyright claims that have resurfaced. A lawsuit has been filed against Original Appalachian Artworks Inc. and Xavier Roberts, underpinning the claim that a man named the brand and crafted its visual identity, which purportedly led…

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USPTO Advances Patent Review Process with Nine Petitions, Signaling Ongoing Commitment to Patent Quality

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) director recently granted nine petitions for patent review under the America Invents Act (AIA) and denied two others, while indicating plans to evaluate the merits of an additional dozen challenges. This decision highlights the ongoing scrutiny of patent claims, particularly within the framework established by the AIA, which…

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Navigating Legal Minefields: The Essential Role of Litigation Strategy in Biotech Firms

Biotech firms, often on the cutting edge of scientific breakthroughs, must also be adept at navigating complex legal landscapes, where securities litigation looms large. As recent developments reflect, biotech companies remain prime targets for securities plaintiffs, a trend that shows no signs of abating. It is essential for these companies to develop robust litigation plans…

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Sirius XM Faces Trademark Lawsuit Over Logo Design in Massachusetts Federal Court

In a recent legal dispute highlighting intellectual property concerns within the entertainment industry, Sirius XM Radio Inc. faces allegations of trademark infringement over a logo design. The case, filed in Massachusetts federal court, asserts that the satellite radio conglomerate unlawfully replicated a design mark featuring an “S” encircling a star, a motif reportedly belonging to…

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USPTO Discontinues “Board Of Peace” Trademark Bids Tied to Trump Initiatives

Recent developments have surfaced regarding the efforts to trademark “Board Of Peace,” as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has discontinued the registration process. This decision affects the initiatives set by the Trump administration, which had previously sought to secure the trademarks for a project associated with former President Donald Trump. The discontinuation of…

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Apple Defends Against Copyright Lawsuit: AI and Fair Use Under Scrutiny in Federal Court Battle

Apple Inc. is vigorously defending itself against a proposed class action brought by YouTube creators. The lawsuit alleges that Apple violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by scraping millions of copyrighted videos to train its AI language models. The tech giant, however, argued in a California federal court that the plaintiffs are prosecuting their…

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FAA Considers Lifting Ban on Supersonic Flights Over U.S., Eyeing Quieter Horizons

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new regulation that could end the long-standing ban on commercial supersonic flights over the United States. Initially imposed in 1973, this ban followed a series of US military tests that caused significant disruption over urban areas like Oklahoma City and Chicago. Now, a potential reversal could…

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Withers Elevates 12 Lawyers to Partner Status across Global Offices, Strengthening International Expertise

International law firm Withers has announced the promotion of 12 lawyers to partner positions across its offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore, effective July 1, 2026. This latest round of promotions underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its global expertise across various practice areas. In the United States, the new partners include:…

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U.S. Trade Commission’s Proposal for Litigation Funding Disclosure Gains Support Amid Some Concerns

The U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) recent proposal requiring disclosure of litigation funding in intellectual property investigations has been largely greeted with approval. This proposal is seen as a key step toward bringing greater transparency to proceedings that often involve significant financial stakes. Most feedback from legal professionals and industry stakeholders has been supportive, noting…

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New Mexico Firm Sues Colorado Competitor Over Alleged Patent Infringement in Commemorative Services Sector

In a legal development capturing the attention of intellectual property professionals, a New Mexico-based company, known for its innovative service of transforming human ashes into stones, has initiated a lawsuit in Colorado federal court. The company, which gained visibility through its appearance on “Shark Tank,” alleges that a competitor has unlawfully replicated its patented product….

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Holland & Knight Strengthens West Coast Real Estate Practice with Key Partner Addition in Los Angeles

Holland & Knight LLP has expanded its real estate practice in Los Angeles with the addition of Daniel Katz as a partner in its Century City office. Katz, who previously practiced at Buchalter PC, brings extensive experience in commercial real estate transactions across various asset classes and geographies. His clientele includes real estate funds, institutional…

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U.S. Trademark Denial of MLB’s “Play Ball” Bid Highlights Complexities in IP Law

Major League Baseball’s attempt to trademark the phrase “play ball” was recently thwarted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The office deemed the expression too “commonplace” and “widely used” to be associated exclusively with MLB. The ruling, however, does leave open avenues for appeal or potential reconsideration, reflecting the complexities often inherent in…

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