Recent legislative developments across the United States are significantly impacting the intersection of water law and real estate, introducing new compliance requirements and considerations for property owners, developers, and investors. In Illinois, effective January 1, 2025, landlords are mandated to disclose if rental properties are located within a 100-year floodplain. Additionally, they must inform tenants…
Seyfarth Shaw LLP, a prominent law firm, has announced a significant expansion of its construction law practice by bringing on board a team of three experienced attorneys based in Southern California. This addition comes as the firm aims to bolster its capabilities within the dynamic construction sector, particularly in regions with robust development activities. The…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has taken decisive action by issuing a comprehensive import ban on Pilates reformers found to infringe on patents held by Balanced Body. The case, driven by allegations from Balanced Body, was primarily targeted at several companies based in China. This decision is significant as it underscores the ITC’s robust…
In a federal lawsuit filed in North Carolina, a South Carolina architect has accused a homebuilder based in Charlotte of using architectural designs without proper compensation. The architect contends that the builder solicited a set of plans under a verbal agreement and later employed these designs on a project without paying for them. This alleged…
McGuireWoods has strengthened its real estate finance team by welcoming S.R. Sidarth as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Sidarth is widely recognized for his extensive expertise in structuring complex financial transactions, making him a significant addition to the firm’s capabilities in this practice area. His move comes as part of McGuireWoods’ strategic efforts…
A recent decision by US District Judge Kathleen M. Williams has brought a temporary halt to construction at the Everglades immigration detention complex, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” for a period of 14 days. This decision allows the court to consider a wider request to block the project under federal environmental laws while operations at the site…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has vacated a preliminary injunction that had previously prohibited a company from marketing its insecticide product, citing issues in claim construction and patent validity assessment undertaken by the lower court. This ruling arises amidst a contentious patent infringement battle in the agricultural sector. On Friday, the…
As litigation continues to evolve, several key cases are emerging, shaping the legal landscape for corporations and law firms alike. Among the most significant trends to watch are lawsuits related to Texas fires, boarding school abuse, and construction industry collusion. In Texas, an electricity provider is under scrutiny following allegations that its operations contributed to…
In May 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a unanimous decision that significantly narrows the scope of environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This ruling has been met with approval from developers, who anticipate reduced time and costs for project approvals, while environmental advocates express concern over potential increases in pollution…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision that declared a computing patent owned by a Broadcom Corp. subsidiary invalid. This ruling represents a significant win for Netflix in a broader intellectual property contest. The court affirmed that Netflix successfully demonstrated the claims within…
The Federal Circuit has vacated a $13.87 million judgment against a Chinese lighting company, revoking a verdict by a Texas jury. The decision was made on grounds that necessitate another trial to reassess both the damages and the validity of the two patents in dispute. This ruling carries implications for patent litigation, especially in contentious…
In a striking turn of events within the legal community, an attorney for the estate of a former director of a Washington, D.C.-based construction firm has stepped down from a significant False Claims Act lawsuit. This follows allegations that artificial intelligence was improperly used to draft a legal brief permeated with citation inaccuracies. This development…
In a strategic move set to bolster its litigation capabilities, Dorsey & Whitney has announced the addition of a three-partner litigation team from Cozen O’Connor. This team is expected to enhance Dorsey’s offerings in complex commercial disputes, a sector witnessing increasing demand due to the evolving economic landscape. Read more. The team comprises seasoned litigators…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has initiated deportation flights from Alligator Alcatraz, a new detention facility in the Florida Everglades, announced by Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday. Erected in just eight days on an old airstrip, the site is a central component of President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement strategy, which has attracted significant…
In an unusual legal development, Genentech Inc. is pressing a California federal court to affirm a $122 million claim for patent royalties against Biogen MA Inc. Following an earlier mistrial, Genentech is seeking a judicial ruling based on what it contends is the “only coherent construction” of their licensing agreement. This unique post-mistrial procedure has…
The Federal Circuit has upheld a decision that dismissed the intellectual property claims brought by SME Steel Contractors against a newer company founded by its former head engineer. This ruling marks a significant moment for seismic bracing technologies and intellectual property law, as the court backed the lower court’s decision supporting the new entity on…
Burr & Forman LLP continues its strategic expansion with the addition of a new construction partner in its Washington, D.C. office. This move aligns with the firm’s ongoing focus on strengthening its presence in key markets and bolstering its capabilities in the construction sector. The decision to build out their D.C. office comes as part…
In a strategic move to bolster its construction law capabilities, Fennemore has announced the acquisition of Denver-based Galvanize Law. This acquisition reflects Fennemore’s commitment to expanding its footprint and expertise in the construction sector, as reported by Bloomberg Law. The merger is expected to enhance Fennemore’s offerings in litigation and transactional services within the construction…
In a notable expansion within the Denver legal market, Fennemore Craig has announced a strategic merger with Galvanize Law, a boutique firm specializing in construction law. This move aligns with Fennemore Craig’s ongoing growth strategy, following a recent integration with an Arizona-based labor and employment firm in May. Such combinations highlight Fennemore Craig’s commitment to…
Law360 has unveiled its 2025 list of Rising Stars, recognizing 158 attorneys under 40 for their significant legal achievements. This annual selection highlights emerging leaders across various practice areas, underscoring their contributions to the legal profession. Among the honorees, Gibson Dunn stands out with 13 attorneys featured, the highest number from any firm. Notable mentions…
Portugal’s parliament has formally endorsed a rigorous set of amendments to its immigration laws, marking a decisive stride in the country’s efforts to tighten its borders and reduce irregular migration. The legislative changes embody a significant overhaul of Portugal’s immigration policy framework (JURIST). The revised legislation introduces more stringent criteria for obtaining work and family…
Armstrong Teasdale has expanded its Miami office with the addition of John E. Thornton, Jr. as Litigation Counsel. Thornton brings over a decade of diverse legal experience, including roles as a litigator in private practice and as the Chief Legal Officer of a multinational corporation. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, with particular expertise…
The art of patent claim construction is a critical component of intellectual property law, directly impacting the scope and enforceability of a patent. Misinterpretation akin to Vizzini’s misuse of “inconceivable” in “The Princess Bride” can have significant legal ramifications, as highlighted in a discussion on the importance of precision in legal terms (Law360). When claims…
In a significant development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to drop its lawsuit against two former executives of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. The case involved allegations of a bribery scheme linked to the company’s operations in India. This decision comes in the wake of the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) earlier…
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded its civil bribery case against former Cognizant Technology Solutions executives Gordon Coburn and Steven Schwartz. This decision follows the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) earlier move to dismiss related criminal charges, aligning with President Donald Trump’s executive order that paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act…