In a series of decisions issued on August 27, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit delivered setbacks to Apple Inc. in its ongoing patent disputes with Smart Mobile Technologies LLC. The court declined to revive Apple’s challenges to certain patent claims and overturned the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) invalidation…
The Federal Circuit has reinstated a telecom patent previously invalidated by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) following a challenge from Cisco Systems Inc. This decision marks a significant turn in the longstanding debate over patent claim construction, which had initially led to the patent’s dismissal. The patent in question relates to technologies crucial…
In the sprawling landscape of the United States, over 4.2 million miles of public roads traverse the lower 48 states, enough to reach the Moon and back nearly nine times. Within this extensive network, only about 5 percent of the land remains as untamed wilderness, designated as inventoried roadless areas. These areas are now under…
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court has permitted the continuation of construction on the White House’s controversial new ballroom, at least temporarily. This comes after Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Leon had issued an order halting above-ground construction, slated to take effect imminently. However, Chief Justice John Roberts intervened with an administrative stay, allowing…
The recent rulings by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit underscore a growing emphasis on adjudicative access and the reviewability of judicial decisions, beyond merely focusing on substantive doctrine. Traditionally, patent attorneys engage deeply with decisions about claim construction, obviousness, enablement, and practices concerning the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Similarly, practitioners…
In a strategic legal move, McGuireWoods LLP has significantly bolstered its Washington, D.C. office by acquiring two seasoned attorneys from Womble Bond Dickinson. These professionals are recognized for their expertise in post-acquisition disputes, construction litigation, and government contract matters, broadening McGuireWoods’ capabilities in these domains. This recruitment signals McGuireWoods’ intent to strengthen its presence and…
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has called upon the Supreme Court to uphold a federal court order halting the construction of a new White House ballroom. This plea is rooted in concerns about preserving the integrity of the historic site and calls for a review by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission…
The Supreme Court’s emergency docket, often referred to as the “shadow docket,” is increasingly becoming a focal point amidst its traditional summer recess, stepping up its activities rather than slowing down. Trump administration’s recent filings, such as requests related to mail ballot restrictions and the construction of a White House ballroom, have spotlighted the justices’…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has taken a significant step in the ongoing legal battle between Juul and Altria by vacating an administrative law judge’s prior ruling that had deemed a Juul patent invalid. This decision effectively revives Juul’s case against Altria’s NJOY, creating renewed legal tensions in the competitive vaping industry. The ITC’s…
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has traditionally utilized Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) to expedite advancements in research, prototyping, and defense technology. With the enactment of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), this authority has been extended to encompass military construction (MILCON) and repair projects, marking a significant shift in defense procurement…
The Trump administration has requested that the U.S. Supreme Court intervene in a legal battle concerning the construction of a White House ballroom. On Friday, Solicitor General D. John Sauer submitted a stay application, arguing that federal law authorizes the project and questioning the authority of a district judge to halt such efforts. The application…
The Trump administration has escalated a legal battle over the construction of a new ballroom at the White House by petitioning the Supreme Court to allow construction to proceed while litigation continues. This move comes after a recent D.C. Circuit Court decision upheld a temporary block placed by a lower court, preventing above-ground construction while…
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has upheld the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) decision invalidating a content streaming patent that Netflix was accused of infringing. The court agreed with the PTAB’s assessment that an earlier patent rendered the claims of the contested patent invalid. The patent in question, U.S….
Amazon’s recent investment in a large gas-powered plant in Texas has sparked a significant debate over its environmental commitment. This plant could potentially become the largest single source of climate pollution in the United States. Despite Amazon’s pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, the decision to fund a natural gas-burning power facility raises…
In recent years, the expansion of data centers has ignited a wave of legal disputes as opponents increasingly turn to litigation to challenge local government approvals. This strategic shift is highlighted in cases spearheaded by residents and advocacy groups who argue that local authorities bypass legitimate procedures and environmental considerations in their rush to greenlight…
A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has put a halt to plans for a new ballroom at the White House. The ruling held that the executive branch cannot proceed with above-ground construction without explicit congressional authorization, centering the issue on constitutional principles of property control and…
In a move that is likely to spark another round of legal challenges, President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order titled “Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship”. This order aims to narrow the availability of birthright citizenship, a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment that extends citizenship to nearly…
Foley & Lardner LLP has expanded its international arbitration team by appointing a new partner, Clyde Beharry. Beharry brings significant experience in international disputes, having previously worked on cases involving complex arbitration across various sectors. His expertise is expected to bolster Foley & Lardner’s capabilities in handling cross-border arbitration matters. Clyde Beharry joins Foley &…
In a move poised to reshape the landscape of environmental law enforcement in the United States, former President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to limit the public’s ability to sue polluters. This objective takes aim at the citizen suit provisions embedded within key environmental statutes such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act,…
The Eighth Circuit Court recently upheld a decision that denied trademark protection for a water hose manufacturer, ruling that the chartreuse color of its hoses was a functional attribute rather than a distinctive brand mark. This decision arose from a case where the hose manufacturer claimed that a competitor infringed on its trademark by using…
Greenberg Traurig, a prominent international law firm, has recently bolstered its Atlanta office with the recruitment of esteemed litigator Shaughnessy from Jones Walker. Shaughnessy brings a wealth of experience to Greenberg Traurig, particularly in complex commercial litigation, enhancing the firm’s capabilities in this critical practice area. His move is seen as a strategic effort to…
Legal challenges aim to halt a controversial pipeline project in the Mojave Desert, highlighting renewed tensions between environmental groups, Native American tribes, and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Recently, the Fort Mojave and Chemehuevi Indian Tribes, alongside the Native American Land Conservancy and the National Parks Conservation Association, filed lawsuits against the BLM…
Smith Currie & Hancock LLP has strategically enhanced its government contracts practice with the recent addition of a seasoned attorney from McGuireWoods LLP. Chad E. Heminover, who brings extensive experience in handling complex government contract issues, has joined Smith Currie’s Washington, D.C. office. This move is expected to bolster the firm’s capabilities in navigating the…
The Federal Circuit has rejuvenated the litigation involving Woodway USA Inc. and Lifecore Fitness Inc. over alleged patent infringement concerning treadmill technology. This development overturns a prior decision that favored Lifecore due to a limited interpretation of the patent claims involved. The legal dispute centers on the technology used in specialized exercise equipment, with Woodway…
UN experts have recently highlighted the urgent need for Venezuelan authorities to dismantle regulatory barriers hindering humanitarian aid. The recent earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have intensified the nation’s ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis, leading to a significant call for action from international entities. The United Nations emphasized the necessity for Venezuela,…