In a tragic event that has sent ripples through the legal community, a longtime partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, one of the world’s prominent litigation firms, has died in a car crash. The firm announced the death of Gene Schaerr, who had been with Quinn Emanuel for several decades, describing him as a…
Recent findings have revealed that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) inadvertently withheld public access to hundreds of thousands of patent assignment records due to a data management error. This mishap, which persisted for several years, concerns the records detailing the transfer of patent ownership—a crucial piece of information for corporations relying on the…
In a notable decision for intellectual property law, a federal judge in Manhattan has declined to enforce foreign court orders in a trademark dispute involving the iconic Stolichnaya vodka. The litigation centers around a contentious battle between a Russian state-owned company and U.S.-based distributors over the trademark rights to this renowned brand. The judge’s ruling…
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Monday gathered intellectual property experts to delve into ongoing discussions concerning the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), specifically examining whether adopting a stricter standard of proof could mitigate inconsistencies between PTAB decisions and those of district courts. The differing outcomes between these entities have long sparked…
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that two Chinese electric motorcycle firms must pay nearly $12.9 million for infringing a design patent held by a competing manufacturer. This decision also includes a rare permanent injunction, a significant development in the ongoing battle over intellectual property rights in the e-bike industry. The case highlights the…
A healthcare company is seeking to disqualify Kirkland & Ellis LLP from representing medical technology firm Commure Inc. in a lawsuit involving allegations of trade secret theft. The move comes after the healthcare company claimed it had previously attempted to retain Kirkland for the same case, inadvertently disclosing confidential information before formally identifying the defendant….
The Federal Circuit has decided not to revisit a prior ruling involving a substantial financial judgment against Polygroup Ltd. in a patent dispute with Willis Electric Co. Ltd. This decision solidifies a $71.4 million penalty for infringing on a patent related to artificial prelit Christmas trees. The conflict centers on advanced technology in artificial tree…
Kirkland & Ellis, a prominent law firm, is facing a legal challenge as an IP theft plaintiff has filed a motion to have the firm disqualified from representing a client. The plaintiff argues that Kirkland’s representation is compromised due to conflicts of interest. This move highlights ongoing concerns over legal ethics and client representation in…
In a recent legal confrontation that could have significant implications for the tech industry, the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune have urged a federal judge in New York to reject Perplexity AI’s attempt to reduce the scope of their copyright and trademark lawsuit. This dispute arises from claims that Perplexity’s AI system generated…
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has announced a strategic addition to its Intellectual Property Group with the hiring of seasoned professional Andrew McCullough. As reported by Bloomberg Law, McCullough, who brings substantial experience in intellectual property law, will bolster the firm’s capabilities in complex IP litigation and strategic counseling. The move is part of…
In a pivotal decision on Monday, a Boston federal jury found Takeda Pharmaceuticals liable for engaging in a pay-for-delay scheme with a generic drugmaker, aimed at postponing the release of a generic version of its irritable bowel syndrome medication. The verdict led to an $885 million award, which could increase significantly due to the potential…
The Chicago Cubs are seeking a swift victory in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed against a bar owner who allegedly continued to utilize the team’s trademarks even after the expiration of a licensing agreement. This legal action, initiated in an Illinois federal court, underscores the significance of trademark protection for professional sports teams. The Cubs…
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals is signaling a potential reversal in a trademark dispute that has long entangled a Californian winery and Italian vintner Cesari SRL. The appellate judges suggested on Monday that the trial judge may have miscalculated the decision, which currently obligates the Californian entity to pay $1.3 million in damages. As…
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has strategically enhanced its Paris office by adding two new partners to its Life Sciences practice. This expansion is part of Orrick’s ongoing efforts to bolster its presence in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors across Europe. The firm’s decision highlights a focused approach towards sectors witnessing substantial growth and innovation….
On May 18, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court chose not to challenge the Federal Circuit’s use of summary one-line orders to uphold decisions made by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). CAO Lighting Inc. brought forth this challenge, invoking the precedent established in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, arguing that the practice undermines judicial…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reject the United Services Automobile Association’s (USAA) appeal marks a pivotal moment in intellectual property law, reinforcing the boundaries of patent eligibility. The court’s refusal to review the Federal Circuit’s ruling signifies the end of a complex legal battle, which saw USAA’s $223 million victory against PNC Bank ultimately…
The United States Supreme Court has declined to revive patent claims related to a vehicle identification system, which holds significant implications for the patent community. This decision stems from the case where the patent owner sought to challenge the Federal Circuit’s action. The Federal Circuit earlier reversed a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) determination…
Mayer Brown has recently joined the growing number of international law firms withdrawing from Greater China. This move highlights mounting challenges global firms face in the region. The firm’s decision aligns with similar exits, raising questions about the future of legal operations in China. The firm announced its plans to close its offices in Beijing…
In a unique twist to judicial proceedings, the Federal Circuit recently came together in a setting not often associated with its usual matters of patent law and intellectual property. During a conference held on Friday, judges provided insights into their experiences on other courts and unveiled a lighthearted addition: the court’s inaugural theme song. This…
An attorney representing an animator who claimed that the narrative of Disney’s “Moana” was derived from his own Polynesian adventure story has been ordered by a California federal judge to pay over $475,000 in sanctions. The court found that the attorney pursued trade secret misappropriation claims based on a document that was forged, demonstrating reckless…
A recent hearing before a D.C. Circuit panel has highlighted tensions within the advanced medical device industry. The discussion centered on a Library of Congress exemption stating that the use of copyrighted software for repairing medical devices falls under fair use. A judge remarked that industry groups might have “overshot” by attempting to broadly include…
In a recent legal development, a federal judge in New York rejected Maxim’s request for an injunction against Playboy’s “Great Playmate Search,” which Maxim claimed mimicked the format of their “Cover Girl Competition.” The court found that Maxim’s delay in raising concerns about alleged misappropriation, coupled with earlier attempts to collaborate with Playboy, weakened their…
In a recent decision, the Federal Circuit has confirmed lower court rulings that exonerated two banking institutions from accusations of infringing on an online banking patent. The appeals court also decided to nullify an approximately $85,000 sanctions order imposed on the patent owner and its legal representatives. This development, reported on Law360, highlights the ongoing…
The high-profile $1.5 billion settlement involving Anthropic and its alleged copyright infringement is facing significant scrutiny as objections from authors and class members prompted a federal judge to delay the approval process. In an unprecedented move, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin decided against granting immediate approval to what is poised to be the largest copyright…
McKesson Corporation has reached a settlement with a former senior executive over allegations of trade secret misappropriation. This rapid resolution came less than two months after the healthcare services giant filed its initial complaint in a Colorado federal court. The two parties reached a joint stipulation for dismissal, effectively concluding the litigation without a prolonged…