Government Contracts

Pentagon Declines Investigation into Starlink Service Disruptions Affecting Ukrainian Military

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The Pentagon Inspector General’s office has opted not to pursue an investigation into reported restrictions affecting the Ukrainian military’s utilization of SpaceX’s satellite networks, Starlink and Starshield. This decision follows a formal request by a bipartisan group of US senators who were concerned about interruptions in satellite connectivity experienced by Ukraine’s military technology during its…

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Federal Circuit Hearing in Arbutus vs. Moderna Set to Address Key Patent Law and Biotechnology Implications

Pieter Gunst05 mins

The upcoming Federal Circuit hearing in the case between Arbutus Biopharma Corp. and Moderna Inc., scheduled for November 5, 2026, is poised to address several pivotal issues that could significantly influence patent law and the biotechnology sector. The dispute centers on allegations that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine infringed upon Arbutus’s lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology patents, with…

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U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Key Appeals from Google and Navy Contractor, Leaving Lower Court Rulings Intact

Pieter Gunst03 mins

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court opted not to hear several high-profile cases that had garnered significant interest across various sectors. Among the petitioners whose appeals were denied were Google and a U.S. Navy contractor, highlighting the high stakes and diverse issues that often reach the Court’s docket. According to an order list, the decisions…

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SEC’s Proposal to Rescind Pay-to-Play Rule Sparks Debate on Political Contributions by Investment Advisers

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently unveiled a proposal that could significantly alter the landscape of political contributions by investment advisers. The suggested changes to the “pay-to-play” rule, which restricts political donations by advisers to officials of government entities they conduct business with, have sparked considerable debate in legal and corporate circles. This…

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U.S. Justice Department Intensifies Corporate Fraud Crackdown with New Enforcement Policy

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) has recently unveiled a comprehensive corporate enforcement policy, signaling a robust approach to combating fraud across various sectors. This initiative underscores the division’s commitment to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and maintaining the integrity of federal programs. Established in April 2026, the NFED was tasked with investigating…

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Brown Rudnick Launches National Security Group Amid Rising Global Regulatory Demands

Pieter Gunst02 mins

Brown Rudnick has announced the formation of a National Security Group, enlisting the skills of several of its distinguished alumni. This strategic move comes as companies face increasingly complex regulatory landscapes in areas like international trade and cybersecurity. The newly established group will provide counsel on issues involving regulatory compliance, export controls, and government contracts….

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Court Ruling Highlights Patent Challenges Facing Moderna Amid COVID-19 Vaccine Dispute with Northwestern University

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Moderna Inc. has faced a setback in its attempt to dismiss a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Northwestern University. The legal dispute centers around COVID-19 vaccination technology, with Northwestern alleging that Moderna infringed on patents related to the vaccine. Moderna attempted to argue that the university’s licensing agreement with the federal government should shield them…

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Joby Aviation’s Lawsuit Against Archer Over Trade Secrets Advances in Federal Ruling

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Joby Aviation’s legal efforts against competitor Archer Aviation continue as a California federal judge permits a reduced version of Joby’s lawsuit to proceed. The case revolves around allegations that Archer misappropriated Joby’s trade secrets in the burgeoning electric air taxi market. Despite the streamlining of the lawsuit, Archer’s counterclaims, which accused Joby of unfair practices…

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Healthcare Consultancy Seeks Supreme Court Intervention in Federal Circuit Software Rights Dispute

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The legal battle between a healthcare consulting services company and the Federal Circuit has reached a new juncture as the consultancy urges the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene on its copyright and contract claims. These claims pertain to a contentious dispute over the ownership rights to healthcare software critical for managing a U.S. Army veterinary…

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Woods Rogers Expands into Northern Virginia, Enhancing Legal Expertise in Tysons

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In May 2026, Woods Rogers expanded its footprint into Northern Virginia by opening a new office in Tysons, a move driven by client demand and regional growth. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/woods-rogers-launches-in-the-northern-virginia-market-with-three-experienced-attorneys-302771991.html?utm_source=openai)) Leading this initiative is Neal Seth, who joined the firm as a Principal and Tysons Office Managing Partner. Seth, along with James A. Kelley and Mary Sylvia,…

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Federal Circuit Reconsideration Sought in $12.7 Million Software IP Dispute Against U.S. Government

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A software developer has petitioned the full bench of the Federal Circuit to revisit a previous panel decision that set aside a $12.7 million award in the company’s favor against the federal government. The case revolves around allegations of unauthorized reproductions of the developer’s software. The developer contends that the panel improperly sanctioned a hypothetical…

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Federal Court Rules Pentagon’s Blacklisting of Anthropic as Unlawful Retaliation, Setting Precedent for AI and Government Relations

Pieter Gunst04 mins

In a significant legal development, Judge Rita F. Lin of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the Pentagon’s blacklisting of Anthropic was an act of “unlawful retaliation.” This judgment underscores the judiciary’s role in scrutinizing government actions, particularly when those actions intersect with the evolving field of artificial intelligence….

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Federal Circuit Rulings Highlight Shift Towards Greater Judicial Accessibility and Transparency

Pieter Gunst04 mins

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…

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Trump Administration’s DOJ Challenges Federal Court’s Discovery Order on Controversial Executive Orders Against Law Firms

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The Trump administration and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have expressed strong opposition to a federal court’s discovery order issued on August 3, which mandates the disclosure of individuals involved in drafting and approving executive orders targeting prominent law firms. This development arises from a lawsuit filed by the American Bar Association (ABA), challenging the…

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Texas Law Firm’s Withdrawal from $150 Million Federal Immigration Contract Highlights Challenges in Public Sector Legal Engagements

Pieter Gunst03 mins

A Texas law firm recently withdrew from a significant contract opportunity involving a $150 million award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The deal would have seen the firm providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children in government custody, a crucial role given the persistent challenges in the U.S. immigration system. This…

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Texas Law Firm Reevaluates Involvement in Migrant Support Contract, Prompting Lawmaker Scrutiny and Calls for Transparency

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In recent developments, a Texas-based law firm appears to be reconsidering its involvement in a migrant aid contract, a move that has attracted significant attention from both lawmakers and the public. This shift follows an award granted by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a contract aimed at assisting migrant children….

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Holland & Knight Expands into Alabama, Strengthening Grip on Growing Defense Industry

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Holland & Knight LLP, a prominent Florida-based law firm, has expanded its reach by establishing a second office in Alabama. This strategic move underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its presence in the defense industry. By tapping into the region’s burgeoning aerospace and defense sectors, the firm aims to better serve its clients with tailored…

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Supreme Court Ruling in Trump v. Slaughter Could Alter Executive Power and Impact Qui Tam Actions

Pieter Gunst04 mins

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Trump v. Slaughter has introduced significant shifts in the interpretation of executive power, with potential implications for qui tam actions under the False Claims Act. The June 29 ruling determined that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) exercises executive power and thus must be subject to presidential control, allowing…

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Shipcom Seeks Dismissal of $4.6M Navy Project Lawsuit, Citing Subcontractor Overreach

Pieter Gunst03 mins

Shipcom Federal Solutions LLC has requested a Texas federal court to dismiss a lawsuit involving a $4.6 million claim related to a U.S. Navy project. The dispute centers on allegations that a subcontractor reportedly worked beyond its approved orders, leading to financial discrepancies. Shipcom contends that the subcontractor’s actions are outside the scope of their…

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Smith Currie & Hancock LLP Fortifies Government Contracts Practice with Key Strategic Hire in Washington, D.C.

Pieter Gunst03 mins

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…

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ABA Issues New Guidance on Ethical Duties for Lawyers Representing Government Entities

Pieter Gunst03 mins

The American Bar Association (ABA) has issued new guidance aimed at clarifying the ethical responsibilities of lawyers who represent government entities. This update is particularly significant for counsel engaged in navigating the complex interplay between public service and ethical duties. The ABA’s ethics committee published this guidance to address the nuanced challenges faced by lawyers…

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Attorney General’s Family Ties to Firearms Manufacturer Face Scrutiny Amid Gun Control Policy Debate

Pieter Gunst03 mins

In the midst of a heated debate over gun control, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche assured senators that his connection to a firearms manufacturer through his wife’s family poses no conflict of interest. During his confirmation hearing, Blanche addressed questions regarding his participation on a Justice Department task force designed to curtail gun control measures…

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