The issue of design patent obviousness in the automotive industry has come under the spotlight recent times, particularly with the legal battle between LKQ Corp. and GM Global Technology Operations LLC. The case has reenergized discussions around the complex and often nebulous aspect of patent law. The central focus of the contention is the Rosen-Durling…
In less than a fortnight following its last sanctions against a private employer for purported transgressions of whistleblower protection rules, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has struck again. This time, the SEC is focusing on the phrasing of a separation agreement that it claims contradicts Rule 21F-17(a) of the Exchange Act (“Rule 21F”). Just…
The world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is no stranger to controversy, with the recent announcement by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adding more fuel to the fire. The SEC announced charges and settlements against two notable NFT issuers for allegedly conducting illegally unregistered securities offerings in the guise of NFTs, breaching Section 5…
In its upcoming open meeting, scheduled on September 21st, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), has laid out its agenda points for discussion. The official agenda, publicly listed on the FERC website, includes a number of items that could significantly affect the energy industry. It’s noteworthy that the Commission reserves the right to make last-minute…
In a significant stride towards improved labor relations, Saudi Arabia has progressed in modernizing its employment laws, leading to advancements that lay groundwork for a more inclusive, diversity-oriented work environment. Fisher Phillips provides an perspective encapsulating this paradigm shift in the legal milieu of the Kingdom. A spotlight has been thrown on the Kingdom of…
Eugene Scalia, offspring of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, is slated to make his initial appearance before the Supreme Court. The literal and figurative case in point involves defending a victory secured by UBS AG against accusations of retaliation towards a purported whistleblower. His respective role will entail providing oral arguments in a…
The Brook House Inquiry, chaired by Kate Eves, revealed numerous cases of human rights abuses in the UK’s Brook House Immigration Removal Centre. Conducted to assess incidents between April and August 2017, the investigation uncovered 19 instances of mistreatment contravening Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Evident violations included exposing detained individuals…
The question of whether a Workers’ Compensation Claimant is entitled to Temporary Total Indemnity Benefits after retirement in Connecticut has recently come under the spotlight and has important implications for legal professionals and employers alike. As a critical consideration, the key takeaways from Section 31-307 (a) of the Connecticut General Statutes point out certain prerequisites…
The U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have made public proposed regulations interpreting the Inflation Reduction Act’s prevailing wage and apprenticeship prerequisites, infamously known as Labor Requirements. These guidelines bring to surface important legal aspects which could greatly alter the industry processes for legal professionals working with tax regulations and clean…
As the throws of competition pave the path for business advancements, the matter of noncompete agreements often hurdles into the spotlight. In the state of California, the general prohibition against noncompete agreements, barring unique exceptions, had been unwavering until recently. Under California Business and Professions Code (Code) Section 16600, employers were generally proscribed from entering…
In recent years, cross-border commercial mortgage warehouse transactions have seen substantial growth, becoming a noteworthy component in the legal dealings of various global corporations and law firms. This increasing presence has prompted a fair share of queries from clients, a need that has been addressed by Dechert LLP in their recent Q&A session. Dechert LLP,…
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the body responsible for maintaining stability and public trust in the United States’ financial system, has recently issued a noteworthy review on its oversight of First Republic Bank prior to the institution’s failure. The report, described as a ‘post-mortem’, examines the FDIC’s involvement in the affairs of the bank…
The Global 200 ranking for 2023 provides a look at the largest law firms by head count, revealing stark differences in operational size, range, and geographical distribution. The ranking reveals a striking breadth in firm size, spanning from a high of 14,336 full-time equivalent lawyers to 514 at the lower end. Additionally, the ranking details…
Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor and personal lawyer to ex-President Donald Trump, is facing a claim of over $1.36 million in unpaid legal bills. This claim arises as a result of outstanding invoices from his legal representation during the criminal probe into the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and other…
In the world of brand protection and advertising law, recent updates have made the spotlight on Madison Reed, a hair color company. A case against the company, alleging that it crafted deceptive claims about its hair dye products is slated to continue, enduring a motion to dismiss. Madison Reed allegedly misrepresented the safety and quality…
On February 7, the Division of Examinations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Division”) released its 2023 Examination Priorities (the “Exam Priorities”). These priorities appear to spotlight registered investment advisers (“RIAs”) and, more specifically, private fund advisers. The document underscores areas where heightened staff scrutiny is expected, one such area being the Marketing Rule….
Welcome to the rundown of what’s new in the legal realm of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s been an engaging September as a kaleidoscope of events and legislation continues to frame the trajectory of AI and its role in our society. This month’s developments encapsulate an array of areas, from Congress to the Oval Office, and…
A North Carolina federal judge recently admonished both Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls and members of the state Judicial Standards Commission for statements deemed to be “inflammatory”. The remarks in question have been made in connection to a lawsuit brought by Justice Earls against the commission itself. The suit alleges that the commission is actively…
In light of recent developments, legal professionals may be given pause to examine their social media habits. A high-profile case has emerged in which plaintiff attorney Mike Rafi’s social media discourse led to the annulment of a $1.5M verdict. It is an unnerving testament to the role and power of social media in modern legal…
August 2023 has brought forth an intriguing case in the world of corporate law. In particular, a bounty hunter plaintiff has sought to enforce California’s Proposition 65, otherwise known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This law mandates, amongst other things, sellers of products to furnish a “clear and reasonable…
In the rapidly evolving field of medical technologies, it’s no less than crucial to remain informed about legal issues and manufacturer responsibilities that involve medical device warranties. One person who provides valuable insight about these matters is Dennis C. Gucciardo, an adviser to medical device manufacturers during product lifecycles within the US Food and Drug…
With a notable shift in focus toward food safety and product integrity, significant changes in the food and beverage industry’s regulatory landscape are taking shape. One such instance can be seen in California where an amended Food Additive Bill is advancing towards the Governor’s desk. The California Senate has passed a revised version of a…
The North Carolina General Assembly’s recent one-day session ended in frustration, as anticipated votes on the final state budget proposal were disappointingly not brought to the floor. This outcome stood in stark contrast to the hopes that had been stirred during a House session the previous week. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) had previously stirred…
In a significant recent ruling, the Federal Circuit stated that differences in expiration dates among a patent family due to Patent Term Adjustments (PTAs) are allowable grounds for an Obviousness-Type Double Patenting (ODP) invalidity challenge against those members with later expiration dates. This element of patent law is not often in the spotlight, but can…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has recently published an issue spotlight on the assessment of tap-to-pay technology, in the context of contactless point-of-sale (POS) purchases on mobile devices. The review expounds on the significant roles that mobile device operating systems have, via tap-to-pay technology, in an open banking ecosystem. This insightful directive delineates the…