In a decision issued on April 6, 2026, the Federal Circuit upheld the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) decision to deny an import ban on boat air conditioners. This ruling came in response to an appeal from a Swedish manufacturer seeking to restrict these imports, alleging patent infringement by competitors. The court found that the…
In the corporate legal landscape, compensation packages are often reflective of an individual’s strategic importance and impact on a company’s success. Recently, it was reported that CBRE’s Chief Legal Officer, Laurence Midler, saw his total compensation for 2025 rise to $4.46 million, underscoring the critical role of in-house legal professionals within major corporations. This figure…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation against Hisense and Roku concerning alleged patent infringements. These companies are accused of importing televisions and streaming devices that violate six patents licensed by LG from another entity. The complaint, led by the patent licensing firm, claims that these imports infringe on intellectual property rights,…
Dechert LLP has announced the appointment of William Reaves as the new co-chair of its National Security Practice in Washington, D.C. This strategic move aligns with Dechert’s commitment to strengthening its national security capabilities amidst an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Reaves, previously serving as a senior attorney within the Department of Justice, brings a wealth…
Baker McKenzie has announced the addition of former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, C.J. Mahoney, to its roster as a trade partner. Mahoney, who brings a wealth of experience in global trade negotiations, will enhance the firm’s capacity to handle complex trade matters. The appointment highlights the firm’s strategic commitment to bolstering its trade practice amid…
In recent developments, companies evaluating the opportunities and risks associated with tariff refunds may need to adjust their calculations due to several emerging factors. The changing landscape is driven by a convergence of policy shifts, trade tensions, and legal interpretations, all of which could have significant implications for businesses engaged in international trade. The complexities…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) recently initiated an investigation into claims by InterDigital against Chinese television manufacturers Hisense Co. Ltd. and TCL Technology Group Corp. The complaint alleges that these companies are importing televisions into the United States that infringe on InterDigital’s video coding patents. This marks a continuation of InterDigital’s ongoing legal battles…
The United States has launched a new tariff refund portal, designed to streamline the process for businesses seeking refunds on duties paid on imported goods. However, the initial rollout will exclude about one-third of imports, presenting challenges for some companies relying on these exemptions (Bloomberg Law). The portal is part of a broader effort to…
Holland & Knight has made a significant addition to its international trade practice with the hiring of Lewis Mitchell, previously a counsel at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Mitchell, known for his expertise in regulatory issues, will enhance Holland & Knight’s offerings in the evolving landscape of global trade compliance and policy. Mitchell’s…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated an investigation regarding allegations by an Arizona-based solar company. The company accuses nearly 50 entities of importing solar cells into the United States that allegedly infringe on one of its patents. This inquiry is set to scrutinize the claims, potentially impacting a significant segment of the solar…
In a recent development, Hydrafacial, known for its skincare innovations, has urged the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director, John Squires, to reject a rehearing request by competitor Sinclair Pharma. The debate centers on Director Squires’ decision to de-institute a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) challenge against Hydrafacial’s patent. The skincare company contends…
BMW is currently under investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding allegations of trade secret misappropriation involving its infotainment screens. This scrutiny arises from claims by a California-based technology company that BMW illicitly used proprietary information to create a more cost-effective version of these advanced electronic interfaces, which are crucial for modern vehicle…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched an investigation into allegations that certain memory chips imported into the United States by companies from Japan and South Korea may be infringing on eight patents held by a technology firm based in Texas. This investigation follows a formal request from the Texas firm, seeking enforcement of…
In recent legal developments, a noticeable increase in litigation is emerging around AI-powered product recommendation tools within the beauty industry. Companies are facing allegations related to privacy and bias issues inherent in these AI applications. This surge in legal challenges underscores the broader implications of deploying artificial intelligence in consumer-facing roles, where personalization algorithms might…
In a pivotal development, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) exclusion order against Apple, keeping the spotlight on the evolving landscape of domestic industry requirements in patent disputes. This recent decision, centered around the Apple Watch’s patent conflict with Masimo Corporation, has once again lowered…
The Federal Circuit recently upheld a decision involving Ascendis Pharma, highlighting the critical importance of procedural timing in patent litigation. Ascendis Pharma sought to invoke a mandatory stay in the patent dispute pending in a California federal court based on concurrent proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). However, the company missed the opportunity…
Kara Westercamp, recently nominated to the U.S. Court of International Trade, faced scrutiny this past week over her previous social media posts. During her time as associate counsel to the president, Westercamp had shared posts critical of certain key Republican senators. In a statement on Wednesday, she expressed regret over these past actions, acknowledging the…
A recent development has emerged involving a White House lawyer who has issued an apology over past tweets deemed controversial. This lawyer, who has been nominated for a position on the US trade court, expressed regret over the statements made on a social media platform. The statements in question have drawn significant attention, reflecting the…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that an aesthetic medical device company has infringed upon a patent held by Hydrafacial LLC concerning their skin treatment technology. Despite this finding, the ITC has withheld from imposing an import ban on the infringing products. This decision reflects the nuanced approach the commission often takes when…
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently lifted an import ban on Ultrahuman’s smart rings, which had been previously imposed due to patent infringement allegations by Ouraring. This development follows a significant redesign that adheres to intellectual property rights without infringing on the competing products’ technological features, signaling a crucial victory for Ultrahuman in the…
The Fourth Circuit Court recently upheld a jury’s decision holding a Chinese pool parts company liable for misrepresenting its products as made in the USA. This decision is part of a larger legal battle favoring a North Carolina manufacturer, which has led to damages exceeding $17 million. The case underscores the rigorous enforcement of advertising…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated a series of new investigations into potential patent infringements and other intellectual property (IP) disputes. This development reflects a shift in the commission’s focus towards previously unexplored areas of contention. The trend may be linked to a broader interpretation of who has standing to request import bans,…
An international humanitarian effort, the Neustra America Convoy, has successfully arrived in Havana, Cuba, delivering 20 tons of much-needed aid. This initiative, involving over 650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations, seeks to address the humanitarian challenges arising from intensified U.S. sanctions, including a severe oil blockade imposed earlier this year. The convoy is…
In the latest development of the ongoing intellectual property dispute between TCL and Samsung, a subsidiary of the Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL has initiated legal action against Samsung, Walmart, and Best Buy. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Texas, alleges infringement of three patents related to OLED display technology. This countersuit follows Samsung’s…
In a recent development, a federal judge in Utah has upheld a previous decision to transfer a trade secrets litigation case involving two Canadian construction companies to the Canadian judicial system, resisting pressure to reopen the case in the United States. The plaintiff had previously attempted to argue that an inactive summary judgment motion filed…