Construction

Contractor Lawsuit Against MassDOT and Real Estate Company Over Fenway Center Payments Highlights Legal Challenges in Boston Developments

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A contractor has initiated legal proceedings against a real estate company and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), alleging non-payment for work completed on a project in the Fenway area of Boston. The lawsuit, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, claims that the contractor has not received full compensation for services rendered during the development. The…

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Federal Circuit Revives Google’s Patent Challenge in Key Intellectual Property Case

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a notable decision for the tech industry, the Federal Circuit has granted Google another opportunity to challenge the validity of patents related to database systems. This decision involves two patents that have been under scrutiny, as the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) previously excluded certain arguments presented by Google. The appellate court…

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U.S. Supreme Court Petitioned Over Alleged Inconsistencies in Patent Litigation Affecting Generic Drug Production

Pieter Gunst03 mins

MSN Pharmaceuticals has called upon the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene following a decision by the Federal Circuit that effectively halted its production of a generic version of Novartis’ widely used cardiovascular drug, Entresto. The appeal centers on what MSN perceives as a judicial inconsistency: the Federal Circuit’s use of an expansive interpretation of the…

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China Challenges Legality of US Naval Operations in South China Sea, Citing International Law Disputes

Pieter Gunst04 mins

China’s Ministry of Natural Resources recently released a report challenging the legality of US freedom of navigation operations (FON) in the South China Sea, claiming these operations hold “no legal basis” under international law. The report, authored by the China Institute for Marine Affairs, aims to solidify Beijing’s stance against US naval activities, which it…

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Congo’s Former President Kabila Faces Death Penalty Demand for Alleged Rebel Ties

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been thrust into legal and political turmoil as the public prosecutor formally requests the death penalty for former president Joseph Kabila. This decision, delivered to the High Military Court in Kinshasa by the military auditor general, Lieutenant General Lucien René Likulia, underscores accusations that Kabila was complicit in…

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White Cap Supply Holdings Strengthens Legal Leadership with Former Fannie Mae Executive Appointment

Pieter Gunst03 mins

White Cap Supply Holdings, a leading distributor of specialty construction materials, has made a strategic appointment by naming a former Fannie Mae executive as its new Chief Legal Officer. This decision marks an important development for the company as it continues to evolve within a competitive market. White Cap has tapped the legal expertise of…

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Construction Supplies Co. Strengthens Legal Team with Former Fannie Mae Attorney as General Counsel

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Construction Supplies Co., a major player in the building materials industry, has taken a significant step by appointing a new General Counsel. The company has brought on an experienced attorney, previously with Fannie Mae, to navigate its complex legal landscape. This strategic hire underscores the company’s commitment to bolstering its legal infrastructure as it continues…

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UN Secretary General Urges Ceasefire as Gaza Crisis Escalates Amid Rising Humanitarian Concerns

Pieter Gunst03 mins

UN Secretary General António Guterres has renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, amid escalating violence and humanitarian concerns. Speaking at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Guterres emphasized the immediacy of reaching a ceasefire, stressing the reversal of the Israeli decision to expand settlement construction, which he noted as a violation…

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Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Expands Litigation Expertise with Key Hire in Atlanta Office

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP has enhanced its legal prowess by welcoming seasoned litigator Brian King to its Atlanta office. King, known for his extensive experience across multiple practice areas, adds substantial depth to the firm’s litigation capabilities. His expertise spans several critical areas, including commercial and tort litigation, construction, and product liability. King’s arrival…

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Court Halts Expansion of Florida Immigration Facility, Citing Environmental Violations

Pieter Gunst04 mins

A recent federal court decision has paused the expansion of the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center, situated in Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve. US District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction, citing significant breaches of federal environmental laws, particularly violations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This law mandates comprehensive environmental assessments for…

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Legal Battle Over Noncompete Agreements Divides Courts and Industries Across the U.S.

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A former principal at a California environmental consulting firm has petitioned a Michigan federal judge to dissolve or narrow a restraining order that prevents her from accepting a position with a competitor. She contends that the order imposes a “sweeping” restriction that could “destroy” her career. This case emerges amid a broader national debate over…

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Trump Immigration Policies: Stricter Entry Measures Spark Economic and Legal Challenges in the U.S.

Pieter Gunst05 mins

The Trump administration’s recent immigration policies have introduced significant challenges for foreign workers and travelers seeking entry into the United States. These measures have led to increased processing times, higher costs, and heightened scrutiny, affecting various sectors of the economy. One of the notable actions is the implementation of Proclamation 10949, signed on June 4,…

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Maryland Judge Allows Malpractice Suit Against Law Firm to Proceed Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a recent development, a Maryland federal judge has decided to allow the majority of a malpractice and gross negligence suit to proceed. This litigation involves Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, triggered by accusations from the founder of a construction company. The allegations arise from a situation where hackers allegedly stole $4 million from the…

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Monsanto Reaches Settlement in PCB Exposure Lawsuit Involving Seattle School Community

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In a significant legal development on Monday, Monsanto, a subsidiary of Bayer, reached a settlement involving more than 200 plaintiffs, including teachers, students, and parents, who claimed exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at a school near Seattle. The controversy has been ongoing, highlighting the risks associated with PCBs, which were commonly used in construction materials…

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Seyfarth Shaw Expands Real Estate Finance Practice in NYC with Strategic Partner Addition

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Seyfarth Shaw LLP has recently announced the addition of Bruce Davidson, a seasoned real estate finance attorney, to their New York City office. Davidson joins from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, where he played a pivotal role in structuring complex real estate finance transactions. Known for his deep expertise in handling diverse financing arrangements, Davidson…

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Arizona Court Declares K-12 School Funding Model Unconstitutional, Highlighting Statewide Educational Inequities

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona recently ruled that the current funding system for K-12 schools is unconstitutional, siding with several school districts, taxpayers, and education organizations in a case highlighting the disparities in school facilities across the state. This ruling comes after a prolonged legal battle against the state of Arizona and its…

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Anticipated Wave of AI-Driven Shareholder Lawsuits Signals Emerging Legal Challenges for Corporations

Pieter Gunst03 mins

As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of regulations and technologies, defense attorneys are bracing for a surge in shareholder lawsuits over the coming months. A recent survey by high-risk insurance firm Inigo indicates that nearly 75% of defense lawyers anticipate an uptick in private securities litigation, largely driven by developments in artificial intelligence. This sentiment…

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Legal Battle Erupts Over Florida’s Controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” Immigration Detention Center

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Civil rights organizations have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that detainees at the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center in Florida are being denied access to legal counsel, effectively preventing them from contesting their detention. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, contends that the facility lacks standard protocols…

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New U.S. Water Laws Reshape Real Estate: Key Compliance Changes for 2025

Pieter Gunst05 mins

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…

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Seyfarth Shaw Strengthens Construction Law Practice with Southern California Attorney Trio

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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…

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ITC Issues Import Ban on Pilates Reformers for Patent Infringement, Strengthening U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

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Architect Sues Homebuilder Over Alleged Design Theft: The Importance of Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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…

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McGuireWoods Bolsters Real Estate Finance Expertise with S.R. Sidarth Addition in D.C. Office

Pieter Gunst02 mins

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…

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Court Temporarily Halts Construction at Everglades Detention Center Amid Environmental Concerns

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

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Federal Court Overturns Injunction in High-Stakes Agrochemical Patent Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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…

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