In 2025, tariffs emerged as a central theme in legal discourse, with experts analyzing the multifaceted challenges and regulatory uncertainties they introduced. The year witnessed a series of significant developments that reshaped international trade dynamics and prompted extensive legal scrutiny. Early in the year, President Donald Trump implemented sweeping tariffs on imports from nearly every…
The year 2025 has been marked by several pivotal patent law decisions that have significantly influenced the legal landscape. These rulings have addressed critical issues ranging from the validity of patent claims to the role of artificial intelligence in inventorship. Below is an overview of the top five patent law decisions of the year: Supreme…
An intellectual property lawyer residing in Japan has recently challenged Amazon.com Inc.’s lawsuit in a Washington federal court, intending to dismiss allegations that he collaborated with a Chinese entity to bypass U.S. trademark regulations. This legal confrontation centers on accusations that the attorney, utilizing his credentials, sought to circumvent a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office…
The ongoing legal battle involving Hydrafacial LLC’s patents has taken a significant turn as U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires has decided to pause the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) review of a Hydrafacial skin treatment patent. This decision followed a related ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that sided…
In a creative detour from her duties as assistant general counsel at the U.S. International Trade Commission, Michelle Klancnik has taken a break from her legal undertakings to step into the world of children’s literature. Exploring a whimsical premise, her new book imagines a world where Santa takes a year off from his Christmas Eve…
China has strongly criticized the United States for its recent seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, labeling the actions as a “serious violation of international law.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the U.S.’s arbitrary seizure of other countries’ vessels grossly violates international law and emphasized China’s opposition to unilateral sanctions lacking United Nations…
The legal writing space continues to evolve with the addition of new voices and perspectives. In 2025, four writers joined the ranks of Good Counsel, each bringing a unique blend of expertise and insight to the publication. These additions highlight the dynamic nature of legal discourse and underline the role of diverse perspectives in shaping…
Motorola’s efforts to protect its intellectual property have seen a significant victory as the company succeeded in reinstating a $136.3 million U.S. judgment in England against a Chinese radio maker. This development follows an appeals court decision that upheld the enforcement of the U.S. ruling, concluding that ongoing international proceedings do not justify overturning the…
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has reached notable decisions this week concerning intellectual property disputes, marking a significant development for several industries. Notably, the ITC found that imports of toy guns do not infringe upon patents held by Spin Master and licensed to Hasbro. This decision effectively clears these imports for entry into the…
In 2025, several pivotal trade secrets cases have significantly influenced the legal landscape, offering critical insights into the protection and enforcement of proprietary information. Below is an overview of the most consequential decisions from this year. Walmart’s $222 Million Verdict in Food Preservation Technology Case In May, a federal jury in Arkansas ordered Walmart to…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recently upheld a decision in a trademark dispute involving the popular “Baby Shark” tune, ruling that the plaintiff did not properly serve two Chinese companies as required by international procedures. This development has brought renewed focus on the intricacies of the Hague Service Convention, influencing how…
The question of tariffs remains a contentious issue as the legal community anticipates the Supreme Court’s decision on President Donald Trump’s authority to levy significant tariffs via executive orders. Just over six weeks ago, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments challenging these powers under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The justices displayed…
Samsung Electronics has escalated its legal confrontation with Oura Health Oy by petitioning the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to investigate alleged infringements of four Samsung-owned patents by Oura’s smart rings. This move signifies a deepening rift between the two companies in the competitive wearable technology market. The dispute centers on the design and functionality…
In a heated legal confrontation, Doosan Bobcat is urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to dismiss assertions by Caterpillar Inc. and a group of eight lawmakers. The latter argue that a potential import ban on Caterpillar’s construction machines, if found to infringe on Bobcat’s patents, could detrimentally impact U.S. industry. This standoff marks another…
The ongoing legal battle between Ultrahuman and Oura Health over the infringement of a smart ring patent has seen a significant development. Both the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and the Federal Circuit have denied Ultrahuman’s requests to stay ITC orders that bar the import of its smart rings. These rings were found to infringe…
Leading smartwatch manufacturers Apple, Samsung, Google, and Garmin are facing legal challenges in both the federal court and the U.S. International Trade Commission. An accusation has been leveled against them by a company known for its medical alert watches, specifically catering to the elderly, regarding the fall detection technology implemented in their devices. The allegation…
The landscape of legal education in the United States is witnessing a noteworthy shift as first-year law school enrollees have surged by 13% since 2023. This increase reflects changing dynamics in higher education and professional aspirations. The American Bar Association (ABA) reports that total enrollment for J.D. students at ABA-accredited law schools in 2025 has…
Altria Group and its NJOY subsidiary have taken a definitive stance against an infringement action before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), arguing that federal courts serve as the appropriate venue for patent disputes. This legal maneuver seeks to block an ongoing probe at the ITC, challenging the jurisdiction’s role in such matters. The companies…
In 2025, several pivotal patent decisions reshaped the landscape of intellectual property law in the United States. The Federal Circuit’s en banc review of a utility patent case marked a significant moment, as it was the first in several years to delve deeply into utility patent doctrines. This decision underscores the evolving complexities faced by…
In a recent decision, the US Court of International Trade declined to halt a customs process amid an ongoing tariff dispute, a move that underscores the complexities of trade law and its ramifications on U.S. businesses. The court’s ruling came after a group of importers sought to pause the procedures, arguing that the imposition of…
The conclusion of the current term of the U.S. Supreme Court has left importers in a state of uncertainty, as the much-anticipated ruling on trade tariffs remains pending. With the Court adjourning for the year, businesses are still waiting for clarity on tariff relief which could significantly impact their operations. The current judicial standstill extends…
Friday’s updates from the Supreme Court offer a wealth of implications for legal practitioners to ponder. The day marks the final private conference for 2025, during which the justices are expected to deliberate and potentially vote on various petitions for review. As decisions may be announced this afternoon, legal professionals should be on the alert…
The U.S. trade enforcement landscape is witnessing a shift as the current administration intensifies scrutiny over imports. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has initiated steps aimed at ramping up enforcement actions, which could have substantial implications for global trade. These steps are reportedly a continuation and expansion of the previous administration’s trade policies, with a…
Apple Inc. has called on the Federal Circuit to reconsider a recent ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Last month, the ITC decided to review whether Apple’s redesigned Watch infringes on Masimo Corp. patents. Apple argues that this review highlights the necessity for the appeals court to reverse the ITC’s original infringement finding….
The American Bar Association’s recent report highlights a significant rise in the number of practicing U.S. lawyers, driven by an incoming 2024 graduating class nearly 12% larger than any since 2012. This marks a notable shift in the legal profession, which had seen stagnation in growth since 2020. The increase is aligned with a broader…