Legal Research

Robert Cekada ATF Director Cloture Passed 54-37

The Senate voted 54-37 (YEAs 54, NAYs 37, Not Voting 9) to invoke cloture on the nomination of Robert Cekada of Florida to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The cloture motion was agreed to on April 27, 2026, advancing the nomination past a potential filibuster. This procedural vote does not constitute final confirmation — a confirmation vote on the Senate floor must still occur to formally appoint Cekada as ATF Director.

Miles v. Bowers: First Step Act Time Credits for Pre-Transfer Work

The First Circuit vacated the district court's dismissal of Arthur Miles' habeas petition and remanded, holding that BOP's regulation requiring sentence commencement only upon arrival at a BOP-designated facility is invalid under 18 U.S.C. § 3585(a). The court also held that a risk and needs assessment is not a prerequisite for earning FSA time credits, and that prisoners may earn credits for programming completed while housed at non-federal facilities if participation is verified and appropriate to their criminogenic needs. Miles may be eligible for time credits based on his work as an orderly during his entire fifteen-month tenure at Marion County Jail following his first sentencing.

BPW Europe Visits EPO Munich, Advances Gender Parity

A delegation from Business and Professional Women (BPW) Europe, representing over 17,000 members across 30 countries, visited the European Patent Office headquarters in Munich on 24 April 2026. EPO Vice-President Nellie Simon outlined measures including the Young Professionals Programme, Girl's Day initiative, and a commitment to achieving at least 40% women in the workforce by 2028. Delegates also received a presentation on patent benefits for startups and SMEs, with reference to data showing only 26% of patent applications across EPO's 39 member states name at least one woman inventor.

Chulo's Trade Mark Decision O/0349/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued Decision O/0349/26 dated 24 April 2026, presided over by Hearing Officer Mrs E Rees, concerning the trade mark 'Chulo's' in Class 30. The decision addressed grounds including Procedural Issues, Costs, litigants in person, actual costs, and security for costs. This constitutes a final determination on a trade mark challenge before the IPO.

Orbit Trade Mark Invalidity Decision O/0348/26

UKIPO Hearing Officer Ms Rhea Morris issued Decision BL Number O/0348/26 on 24 April 2026 regarding the trade mark 'Orbit' (Figurative). The decision concerns revocation on grounds of proof of use, specifically examining whether genuine use was established for the specified dates. The trade mark covers Classes 09 and 38.

BREEZEIN Word Mark Trade Mark Opposition Decision O/0350/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued Decision O/0350/26 on 27 April 2026 regarding the BREEZEIN word mark, decided by Appointed Person Mr Antony Craggs. The decision addresses trademark opposition grounds under Sections 5(1), 5(2), 5(3), and 5(4), covering earlier trade marks, distinctive and dominant components, composite marks, descriptive elements, visual and conceptual considerations, and dilution cases with reputation. The specific outcome of the opposition is not stated in the available document text.

A & B v C & D, UK Family Court, 14th Apr

A & B v C & D, UK Family Court, 14th Apr

Dentons LLP, 27th Apr, Court of Appeal

Dentons LLP, 27th Apr, Court of Appeal

Candy Ventures SARL v Aaqua BV & Ors - Part 20 Claim Struck Out for Non-Compliance with Court Orders

Mr Justice Butcher struck out the Part 20 Claim brought by FL Hoes Ventures BV, Aaquaverse Pte Ltd, and Robert Bonnier against Candy Ventures SARL and Nicholas Candy, applying the three-stage test from Denton v TH White Ltd. The court found the Part 20 Claimants in continued and serious breach of court orders, including failing to review and disclose outstanding documents by 7 January 2026 and failing to pay agreed costs of £334,180.26 by 17 December 2025. The Part 20 Claimants' alleged impecuniosity was rejected as a good reason for non-compliance. The underlying Bright Judgment had ordered Aaqua and Mr. Bonnier to pay £4.6 million plus interest for fraudulent misrepresentation regarding Apple and LVMH investment claims.

Lish v The Northern Block Ltd - Unpaid Royalties Claim Allowed, Infringements Claim Dismissed

The Court of Appeal allowed Mrs Lish's appeal in part, holding that her claim for unpaid royalties under the 2012 Agreement was not an abuse of process. The court found the Unpaid Royalties Claim involved different issues and remedies from the Newcastle Claim and that the defendants settled knowing the claim was not included. However, the court dismissed the appeal regarding the Infringements Claim for eight additional typefaces, holding that Mrs Lish's failure to raise those claims before settling the Newcastle Claim undermined the settlement's finality. The court found material errors in the judge's reasoning regarding the Unpaid Royalties Claim but upheld his conclusion on the Infringements Claim.

Prosecco Consortium v Prosecco International - Trademark and PDO Infringement

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court dismissed an application by Prosecco International Ltd and individuals Michael Goldstein and Ralph Goldstein seeking to strike out or obtain summary judgment on a trademark and PDO infringement claim brought by the Consorzio di Tutela Della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco. The court rejected arguments that proceedings should have been brought against US company Best Drinks LLC, that the Eastern District of Virginia was the proper forum, and that any damages would be negligible. The claim, concerning use of the sign PROSECCO on websites prosecco.com and proseccodoc.com in connection with non-compliant products, must proceed to trial.

Theodule-Patterson et al v. GOOGLE LLC - Notice of Removal, Oakland

Google LLC filed a Notice of Removal in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, case 4:26-cv-03620, removing the matter from Santa Clara County Superior Court (case number 24CV435621) to federal court. The civil action was originally filed by Theodule-Patterson et al on April 27, 2026, and Google LLC initiated the removal as the sole recent docket entry in this Oakland-based federal proceeding.

AG Brown Sues Albertsons for Deceptive Buy-One-Get-One-Free Deals

Washington State Attorney General Robert Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Albertsons Companies LLC alleging the grocery chain engaged in deceptive buy-one-get-one-free pricing practices. The AG's office claims Albertsons advertised BOGO deals that were not genuine promotions, potentially misleading Washington consumers. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution, and civil penalties for violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

CADE Seleciona Dois Servidores Públicos para CGAA9

CADE Brazil opened a selective process to requisition two public servants for the Coordenação de Análise de Antitruste II (COA II), linked to Coordenação-Geral de Análise Antitruste 9 (CGAA9). Candidates must have academic backgrounds in Computer Science, Systems Analysis, Engineering, or related fields, with knowledge in Programming and Databases. Applications are accepted through the SouGov system until May 15. The work regime is in-person, 40 hours per week, with possibility of full or partial telework after six months per IN nº 24/2023.

IP Sparks Financing for Innovation in Europe

EUIPO has published a podcast episode exploring how intellectual property can serve as a catalyst for securing financing and fostering innovation throughout the European Union. The discussion addresses the intersection of IP strategy and access to capital, providing insights relevant to businesses seeking to leverage their intellectual assets. This content forms part of EUIPO's ongoing outreach and educational initiatives regarding the commercial value of intellectual property rights.

IP Report Examines Europe's Growth Through Innovation

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has published a report finding that intellectual property-intensive industries account for a significant share of economic activity and employment across the EU. The report highlights the contribution of patents, trademarks, and designs to Europe's growth and innovation capacity. The findings are intended to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the economic importance of IP protection in the region.

Three UK High Court Decisions Listed from 24 April 2026

The Inner Temple Library Current Awareness service listed three UK High Court decisions published on 24 April 2026 across different divisions: a Chancery Division case concerning Dolfin Financial (UK) Ltd insolvency matters (Stephens v Firestone Financial Assets), a Commercial Court case (Wenda Co Ltd v Jinhong), and a King's Bench Division professional liability matter (Mehta v Howard Kennedy LLP). All three decisions are available on BAILII as final court judgments.

EVs and Modern Vehicles Create New Injury Challenges

As EV adoption accelerates under the UK's 2035 zero-emission vehicle mandate, legal professionals face evolving injury patterns including severe collisions from heavier battery packs and complex battery-related fires that are harder to extinguish. The recently enacted Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets the stage for self-driving vehicle deployment by 2027, shifting liability disputes toward system performance and vehicle-generated data rather than driver conduct. With replacement EV batteries costing up to £20,000, insurers and legal teams confront heightened financial and evidential complexity in recovery actions against third parties.

Conservative Councillor Dismissed as Magistrate Over ULEZ Criticism

Simon Fawthrop, Conservative councillor for Orpington ward on Bromley Council, was dismissed as a magistrate following an investigation by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) into his public criticism of a judge and the criminal justice system. After four anti-ULEZ activists were convicted at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Fawthrop acted as their spokesperson outside the courthouse and suggested District Judge Daniel Sternberg's verdict reflected a 'two-tier justice system', claiming unconscious bias. The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Sue Carr and Lord Chancellor David Lammy agreed with the finding of gross misconduct and ordered his removal, citing conduct that undermined public confidence in the judiciary.

Newport Councillor Janet Cleverly Reprimanded for 'Speak English' Comment

Independent councillor Janet Cleverly of Newport City Council's Bettws ward has been reprimanded and ordered to complete additional training after telling a council call handler to 'speak English' during a phone call about a fly-tipping incident. An ombudsman investigation described the comments as 'derogatory and humiliating' and 'not what is expected of an elected member', with a council monitoring officer finding them to be 'consciously or otherwise, racially motivated' and 'discriminatory'. The council standards committee found Cleverly breached three areas of the member code of conduct relating to equality, respect, consideration of others, and disreputable conduct.

UK Climate Protest Criminalisation Increases Activist Determination, Study Finds

A study published in Nature Climate Change found that criminalisation of climate protesters in the UK is counterproductive and increases activist determination to undertake disruptive demonstrations. The research surveyed 1,375 members of an Extinction Rebellion mailing list and found that those who had been jailed, fined, arrested or surveilled were less fearful of taking part in future disruptive actions. The study found that 17% of all climate protests in the UK between 2019 and 2024 resulted in arrests, compared with an international average of 6.3%.

NC AG Urges Businesses to Apply for IEEPA Tariff Refunds via CBP CAPE Portal

Attorney General Jeff Jackson urges North Carolina businesses impacted by IEEPA tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2026 to apply for refunds through the new CBP Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) platform. Only importers of record and licensed customs brokers can apply through the ACE Secure Data Portal. Refunds including interest are expected within 60-90 days of declaration acceptance. Nationally, IEEPA tariffs cost businesses and consumers more than $166 billion; North Carolina businesses and families bore approximately $3.5 billion of that burden. The AG has also called on Congress to pass legislation for automatic reimbursement and filed a lawsuit blocking the latest round of unlawful tariffs.

NC AG Jeff Jackson Wins MV Realty Case, Saves North Carolina Homeowners $18 Million; Company Permanently Banned from State

Attorney General Jeff Jackson obtained consent judgments voiding approximately 2,000 Homeowner Benefit Agreements entered into by more than 2,100 North Carolina homeowners with MV Realty, permanently banning the company from doing business in the state, and requiring the company to pay more than $1.32 million in restitution to consumers. Individuals associated with the company are prohibited for 10 years from engaging in consumer financial products, residential real estate, telemarketing, and robocalling businesses. If defendants violate the terms of their judgments, they may be required to pay an additional $5.7 million in penalties.

Case 24-1349

This document is a PACER docket entry page for US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit case 24-1349. The entry contains no substantive information about the case, parties, ruling, or docket activity. The page directs users to the PACER service center or www.pacer.gov for further information.

Notice of Default Issued in AOCOO Trademark Opposition TTAB91305241

The TTAB issued a Notice of Default in Opposition No. TTAB91305241 filed by Top Victory Investments Limited against KSL Rockstar LLC concerning the trademark AOCOO. The opposition was filed on February 14, 2026. A Notice of Default in TTAB proceedings is entered against a defendant who has failed to respond to the complaint, and the TTAB may then proceed to enter judgment against the defaulting party.

REAL BAMBOO Opposition: Panda Life Ltd v Reed Larsen

USPTO TTAB Opposition TTAB91306502 was filed on April 9, 2026, with Panda Life Ltd. as plaintiff opposing defendant Reed Larsen's REAL BAMBOO trademark application. The opposition is currently suspended, indicating a procedural hold on the proceeding. Trademark applicants and their competitors should monitor this case for updates, as suspension may result from settlement negotiations, related civil litigation, or pending motions.

Seaside Community Development Corporation v. Pixeldust Creative Inc. - TTAB Opposition Default

Opposition TTAB91305243 was filed on 2026-02-14 by Seaside Community Development Corporation against Pixeldust Creative, Inc., targeting registration of the trademark SEASIDE PLEASURE HOUSE. The TTAB has now issued a Notice of Default, signaling that the Board is prepared to enter judgment against the defendant for failure to respond. This procedural milestone indicates that Pixeldust Creative, Inc. may lose its ability to contest the opposition and obtain registration of the mark.

ENODA Opposition Dismissed, NEOM Company Loses

The TTAB issued a final decision dismissing Opposition No. 91299507 with prejudice, ruling against NEOM Company and in favor of Enoda Ltd regarding the ENODA trademark. The opposition, filed June 6, 2025, alleged likelihood of confusion or other grounds but failed to sustain the burden of proof. Enoda Ltd may proceed with registration of the ENODA mark; NEOM Company is barred from refiling on the same grounds.

MYMEDONE Opposition Dismissed Without Prejudice - Med One Capital Funding LLC v MedOne LC

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board dismissed Opposition No. 91299302 filed by Med One Capital Funding, LLC against MedOne, L.C.'s MYMEDONE trademark application. The opposition was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the plaintiff may potentially refile or pursue other remedies. The MYMEDONE mark remains in contention. The proceeding was filed on May 28, 2025, and the Board's decision issued on April 26, 2026.

FLEXCLOUD Opposition TTAB91301201 - NetApp vs Flexnode

NetApp, Inc. filed an opposition proceeding against Flexnode Inc. seeking to prevent registration of the FLEXCLOUD trademark. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board dismissed the opposition without prejudice on April 26, 2026. The case was originally filed on August 22, 2025.

FTF LIVE Extension - The Financial Times Limited v. PIXOVER YAZILIM INSAAT TURIZM

The Financial Times Limited has filed an additional 60-day request to extend the time to oppose trademark application FTF LIVE filed by defendant PIXOVER YAZILIM INSAAT TURIZM. The extension request was filed under TTAB proceeding number TTAB79420902 on April 26, 2026, with an original filing date of January 14, 2026. This procedural filing extends the opposition period but does not constitute a final determination on the merits of the trademark dispute.

Ex Parte Appeal #79404880, Sponser Sport Food AG

An ex parte appeal was filed by Sponser Sport Food AG with the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) on April 26, 2026 under case number 79404880. The document serves as a procedural filing record indicating the initiation of an appeal to the Board. No substantive decision, ruling, or determination has been recorded in this filing entry.

Opposition Sustained, NATUREBLISS, Nestlé vs Shenzhen

The TTAB sustained opposition TTAB91303200 filed by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. against Shenzhen Xiyuxiangqing Agricultural Products Co., Ltd., preventing registration of the trademark NATUREBLISS. The opposition was filed on November 19, 2025, and decided on April 24, 2026. Nestlé successfully demonstrated likelihood of confusion with its existing marks, blocking the Shenzhen company's attempt to register the contested mark for agricultural products.

Perplexity AI Files Extension on PERPLEX.COM Trademark Opposition

Perplexity AI, Inc. filed a first 30-day request to extend the time to oppose trademark application PERPLEX.COM, with Search.com, LLC as the defendant. The extension was filed with the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board on April 24, 2026. This is a procedural step in trademark opposition proceedings that does not constitute a final determination on the merits of any trademark claim.