The New Hampshire Supreme Court has upheld a $23 million award granted by a federal jury to Collision Communications in a case against Nokia, reaffirming a contentious oral agreement over patent licenses made in 2017. This decision underscores the legal weight that oral contracts can wield, particularly when substantial financial stakes are involved. At the…
Blank Rome, a prominent national law firm, has expanded its litigation practice in Dallas by hiring Mark Johansen from Egan Nelson. Johansen, a seasoned attorney known for his expertise in complex commercial litigation, brings a wealth of experience to Blank Rome’s Texas office. His arrival is expected to bolster the firm’s capabilities in handling intricate…
The surge in demand for data centers, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, presents a challenging landscape for real estate attorneys. As industries become increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, the construction of these critical facilities is accelerating, with lawyers needing to adapt swiftly. Many attorneys are revisiting established strategies from sectors…
In a significant development for the legal sector, partners at Winston & Strawn LLP and Taylor Wessing LLP have approved a merger, poised to create a formidable presence in the global legal market. The approved merger between these two esteemed firms is expected to bolster their combined expertise across various practice areas and enhance their…
The recent resignation by Kirkland & Ellis from representing a telecommunications company in a significant antitrust lawsuit brings to light the intricate balancing act faced by large law firms that maintain extensive portfolios with private equity and corporate clients. The telecommunications company had initiated legal proceedings against a substantial section of the U.S. leveraged finance…
Hoffman & Hoffman PA, a prominent Florida law firm, is facing legal challenges after being accused of interfering with a high-stakes business transaction. The firm is embroiled in a $35 million lawsuit, which alleges that it misrepresented the ownership interests of a client, a software developer, during a proposed acquisition of a telecommunications company. The…
The UN Human Rights Council has taken a significant step by adopting a resolution aimed at investigating alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests that erupted on December 28. The resolution was approved with 25 votes in favor, seven against, and 14 abstentions from the Council’s member states. It mandates Iran to…
In a recent development from the Northern District of Illinois, the court has allowed CSX Transportation Inc. to move forward with its legal claims against Zayo Group Holdings Inc. The case revolves around allegations that Zayo Group, a communications infrastructure company, unlawfully installed fiber optic cables beneath or adjacent to 30 active rail lines owned…
Verizon has begun enforcing a 365-day lock period on phones purchased through its TracFone division, marking a significant shift from previous unlocking policies. This change follows a recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive a requirement mandating Verizon to unlock handsets 60 days after activation on its network. Previously, these restrictions were…
In a strategic move amid ongoing federal shifts away from diversity-focused policies, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has given its approval to the $9.6 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications by Verizon. This merger, poised for completion by January 20, marks a significant expansion for Verizon, which will gain access to an additional 3.3 million…
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to hear a case concerning the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) authority to issue fines marks a critical juncture in regulatory law. This case arose from disputes involving major telecommunications companies—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—challenging the FCC’s power following fines imposed for selling customer location data without consent. Historically, the FCC has…
In recent developments, Republican senators have intensified efforts to impeach U.S. District Judges James Boasberg and Deborah Boardman, citing alleged abuses of judicial authority and decisions perceived as politically motivated. Judge James Boasberg, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, has come under scrutiny for his involvement in the “Arctic…
In an unexpected twist within the tech and entertainment industries, Warner Bros. has lodged antitrust allegations against Nokia amidst their ongoing patent litigation. The contentious issue centers around Nokia’s claims over video coding patents, with Warner Bros. accusing the Finnish telecommunications giant of perpetuating an “unlawful monopolization scheme” by breaching commitments to license these patents…
Law firms are strategically positioning themselves to assist multinational corporations and investors eyeing new business avenues in Venezuela. This follows a significant policy announcement from former President Donald Trump, detailing the United States’ intentions to oversee the country after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro on charges related to narcotics conspiracy. Legal experts are now working…
The issue of contraband cell phones in prisons has prompted a heated debate over a new Federal Communications Commission proposal that would allow state and local prisons to jam these unauthorized devices. While the plan has gained traction among some Republican attorneys general and companies that supply phone services to prisons, it faces significant opposition…
Finnish authorities are currently engaged in an investigation into damage inflicted on an undersea telecommunications cable situated in the Gulf of Finland. The situation came to light when telecommunications agencies identified a fault on the morning of December 31 in the cable that connects Helsinki to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. This discovery initiated a…
The recent controversy surrounding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has brought to the forefront the debate over the agency’s independence. During a Senate hearing, Chairman Brendan Carr was scrutinized for his recent actions, including remarks threatening to revoke ABC’s licenses after comments by Jimmy Kimmel. The hearing ignited a significant discussion, particularly from Democrats, although…
The recent approval of Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier Communications by a California Commission Judge marks a significant development in the telecom landscape. The tentative ruling allows Verizon’s expansion but comes with a slate of prerequisites aimed at ensuring community benefits and enhanced service standards. A critical element of the proposed approval includes Verizon’s commitment to…
In a noteworthy legal confrontation with telecommunications giant Verizon, Kansas resident Patrick Roach emerged victorious after a small claims court ruled in his favor. Roach’s legal battle began when Verizon refused to unlock an iPhone he had purchased through its Straight Talk brand. The court’s decision highlighted the complexities of consumer rights and carrier obligations…
The Federal Circuit has declined Comcast’s request to relocate an ongoing patent infringement case from the Eastern District of Texas to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a decision that maintains the suit within a jurisdiction known for favoring plaintiffs in intellectual property disputes. Comcast, a major entity in the telecommunications industry, had sought the move…
President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled National Security Strategy redefines American foreign policy by centering on the Western Hemisphere, echoing the Monroe Doctrine’s principles. The document, which positions the Americas as a primary defense line for the U.S., includes what is termed the “Trump Corollary.” This approach makes a strong connection between the doctrine and ongoing…
TextNow Inc., a Canadian provider of text and calling services, has initiated legal proceedings against Carolina Digital Phone Inc., a U.S.-based competitor, alleging deliberate infringement of its trademarks through various channels, including websites, advertising, and a mobile application. The lawsuit was filed on November 24, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District…
In a notable transition within the legal sector, the former General Counsel of IBM’s Kyndryl unit has joined Somos Inc., a telecom services company, as Deputy General Counsel. This move underscores a trend where legal professionals with expertise in technology are increasingly sought after in the telecommunications industry. The appointment reflects Somos Inc.’s strategy to…
IBM Corp. has once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation by holding the largest number of patent families among S&P 100 companies. This accolade comes from a recent report by IFI Claims Patent Services, which highlights IBM’s continued commitment to technological advancement. Alongside IBM, Qualcomm Inc. and Microsoft Corp. follow closely, securing significant positions in…
The ongoing debate over broadband infrastructure permits has taken a significant turn as Congressional Republicans advance legislation that many local government leaders argue constitutes a federal overreach. The proposed changes mandate that specific telecom projects receive automatic approval if local municipalities fail to make a decision within a federally-imposed timeframe, a move that local officials…