Legal Research

ONO Pharmaceutical ABHD6 Antagonist Patent US12600730B2

USPTO granted Patent US12600730B2 to ONO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. on April 14, 2026, covering substituted cyclopenta[c]pyrrole compounds as ABHD6 antagonists for pharmaceutical use. The patent includes 18 claims for compounds useful in preventing or treating diseases associated with ABHD6 enzyme inhibition. The application was filed on April 8, 2024.

Interleukin-17 Inhibitors Patent - Novartis AG

The USPTO granted patent US12600728B2 to NOVARTIS AG covering novel pyridine-N oxide substituted 2-formamido (N-phenyl and N-pyridyl) acetamide compounds as Interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitors. The patent also protects processes for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and medicaments for treating diseases and disorders mediated by IL-17.

ELI LILLY AND COMPANY - KRAS Inhibitor Compounds for Cancer Treatment Patent Grant

The USPTO granted Patent US12600733B2 to Eli Lilly and Company on April 14, 2026, covering KRAS inhibitor compounds for treating cancer. The patent includes 30 claims for compounds of specified formula and their use in pharmaceutical compositions. Filing date was September 30, 2025.

Alexis Suggs v. State - Guilty Plea Withdrawal Appeal Affirmed

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of Alexis Suggs's postconviction petition seeking to withdraw his guilty plea to misdemeanor domestic assault. The court concluded that sufficient facts on the record permitted a reasonable inference of the requisite intent to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death, and that his plea was accurate, voluntary, and intelligent. The appeal was decided by a three-judge panel: Ede (Presiding), Bentley, and Jesson.

Housing First Minnesota v. City of Corcoran - Building Permit Fee Challenge

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment for the Cities of Corcoran and Dayton in consolidated appeals A25-1220 and A25-1221, ruling that appellant Housing First Minnesota's claims for declaratory judgment and injunctive relief lacked a requisite independent cause of action to challenge the cities' building permit fee schedules. The trade association, representing over 1,000 homebuilding businesses, alleged the cities collected permit fees in excess of amounts allowed by the Minnesota State Building Code and applicable law. On remand from an earlier appeal, the appellate court upheld the district court's determination that no independent cause of action supported the relief sought.

Patrick Flynn v. Eva Rangitsch - Marriage Appeal Affirmed

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's decisions in Patrick Flynn v. Eva Rangitsch, a marriage dissolution case. The court upheld the validity and enforceability of the antenuptial agreement, the arbitration award dividing the parties' property, and the award of $21,138.88 in need-based attorney fees. The appellant challenged the agreement claiming inadequate asset disclosure and lack of meaningful opportunity to consult with counsel, but the court found the district court's factual findings supported the agreement's validity.

MSP Apartments v. N.P. - Appeal Dismissed for Lack of Standing

The Minnesota Court of Appeals dismissed MSP Apartments' appeal from a district court order expunging an eviction case under Minnesota Statutes section 484.014, subdivision 3(a)(5), which allows mandatory expungement of eviction records three years after entry of judgment. The appellate court held that MSP Apartments lacked standing to challenge the constitutionality of the eviction expungement statute because the landlord failed to demonstrate a concrete and particularized injury-in-fact. The court rejected all three theories MSP Apartments advanced as insufficient to establish standing, and rejected the attorney general's forfeiture argument, noting standing is a jurisdictional issue that may be raised at any time.

City of Ellendale v. Petsinger - Zoning Violation Affirmed

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's summary judgment in City of Ellendale v. Petsinger on April 13, 2026. The court held that the Petsingers' structure—a camera pole mounted on a three-wheeled trailer—constituted an unpermitted use in an R-1 residential zoning district, rejecting their argument that the mobile base qualified it as a permitted 'trailer' under state vehicle registration law. The decision orders removal within 10 days, permanently enjoins similar structures in R-1 zoning, and awards the city costs including attorney fees.

Ayeni v. Life Time Group Holdings - Affirmed

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's dismissal of Philip Ayeni's lawsuit against Life Time Group Holdings, Inc., concluding the district court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction because Ayeni's exclusive remedy for workplace injuries arising from a member assault is the Workers' Compensation Act. Ayeni sought over $50,000 in damages for assault, battery, negligent retention, negligent supervision, and gross negligence after three Life Time members attacked him during a basketball game he was refereeing. The court rejected both the assault exception and the personal-reasons exception to the Act's exclusivity provision, finding Ayeni's employment was a causal factor contributing to the assault.

Thomas Brule Trucking v. QTE By-Products - Contract Claims Affirmed

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the summary judgment dismissal of Thomas Brule Trucking's breach-of-contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, promissory estoppel, and unjust enrichment claims against QTE By-Products and the Ploen defendants. The appellate court upheld the Renville County District Court's ruling in favor of respondents, concluding that the summary judgment record did not support TBT's claims regarding an alleged agreement to split SMBSC contract work 50/50 after TBT terminated its relationship with 3E Solutions.

United States v. Barrett - Conviction Affirmed on Remand from Supreme Court

The Second Circuit withdraws Part III.A.2.c of its May 15, 2024 opinion in Barrett III and vacates the district court's sentence, remanding for resentencing consistent with the Supreme Court's decision in Barrett v. United States, 146 S. Ct. 482 (2026). The Supreme Court ruled that Congress has not authorized convictions under both 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (j) for one act that violates both provisions. The district court must exercise discretion to vacate one of the two convictions and resentence accordingly, giving due weight to the government's view. Barrett's request for reassignment to a different judge on remand is denied.

Second Circuit Affirms Broome County Case, April 2026

Second Circuit Affirms Broome County Case, April 2026

United States v. Pence - Second Circuit Affirms Murder-for-Hire Conviction

The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of Christopher Pence's motion to suppress statements he made to FBI agents before receiving Miranda warnings, holding that the Government proved by a preponderance of the evidence that Pence was not in custody when he confessed. Approximately fourteen law-enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Pence's Utah home on October 27, 2021, after tracing an IP address and a Coinbase account to his residence. Pence confessed to attempting to hire a hitman via the dark web to murder the Corderos and transferred $16,486.06 in Bitcoin in furtherance of the scheme. The court applied an objective reasonable-person standard, finding no custody despite the armed presence and questioning inside an FBI vehicle, because Pence was not formally arrested, was told he was not under arrest, and voluntarily entered the vehicle unaccompanied.

Genie James v. Alaska Airlines

The Court of Appeals of Washington, Division Three reversed the superior court's dismissal of Genie James's appeal, holding that the superior court had appellate jurisdiction despite James mistakenly designating the January 2024 proposed order (rather than the final March 2024 Board order) in her notice of appeal. The court found that James substantially complied with RCW 51.52.110's timing and service requirements, and her notice conveyed a clear intent to appeal the Board's final decision. Alaska Airlines had argued the 30-day appeal window had closed and that actual compliance with the statute was required.

DVPO Against Christianson Affirmed, Appeal Denied

The Court of Appeals of Washington, Division One, affirmed the superior court's order granting Lawrina Harris a permanent Domestic Violence Protection Order against James Christianson and denied Christianson's petition for a DVPO against Harris. The superior court found that Harris presented sufficient evidence to meet her burden of proof for harassment by Christianson since August 2022. Christianson appealed both rulings, arguing the superior court abused its discretion, but the appellate court found no error and affirmed the DVPO against him while also affirming the denial of his own petition.

Terwilliger Guardianship Appeal Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals affirmed consolidated guardianship, conservatorship, and protection order proceedings for 90-year-old Lucille Terwilliger, who has been diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder and severe late-onset Alzheimer's dementia. The court upheld trial court orders authorizing Ohana Fiduciary Corporation to sell Terwilliger's residence to fund her care in an assisted living facility, canceling a lis pendens Sheehan recorded on the property, and directing Ohana to petition for full guardianship. Sheehan's various challenges to Ohana's authority and the trial court's orders were rejected on appeal.

Bryan Braswell v. Betty Burns - Trust Dispute Over Seattle Property

The Court of Appeals of Washington, Division One, affirmed the trial court's judgment against Bryan Braswell in his dispute with his mother Betty Burns (now represented by her Estate) over a Seattle investment property known as the Dingus house. The appellate court rejected Braswell's arguments that the trial court erred in concluding he breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to his mother, including finding that a $71,441.42 payment was a misleading 'gift letter' used to qualify for a mortgage on his Arlington residence. The dispute involved complex family property transactions including assignments of purchase rights, property management arrangements, and alleged loan proceeds disguised as gifts. Parties engaged in family real estate transactions should ensure clear documentation of all financial arrangements to avoid similar fiduciary duty claims.

Transfer Pricing, Supreme Court Loper Bright, Section 482

The ABA International Law Section published an article exploring whether recent Supreme Court administrative law decisions—particularly Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024) and West Virginia v. EPA (2022)—could be invoked to challenge regulations promulgated under Section 482 of the Internal Revenue Code. The article analyzes the major questions doctrine and the overruling of Chevron deference in the context of transfer pricing rules governing multinational enterprises.

Streck v. Eli Lilly: $183M False Claims Act Verdict for Medicaid Drug Rebate Fraud

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed a $183 million judgment against Eli Lilly under the False Claims Act. The jury found that Lilly knowingly underreported average manufacturer prices (AMP) for its drugs in Medicaid rebate calculations over a twelve-year period, reducing rebate payments owed to the government. The $61 million jury verdict was automatically trebled under the FCA, resulting in the $183 million judgment.

Third-Party Funding in Investment Arbitration: Costs and Reforms

This ABA Legal News article analyzes the rising costs of investment arbitration and the role of third-party funding (TPF) as both a financial solution and regulatory challenge. The article evaluates recent European Parliament developments on responsible litigation funding and compares them with UNCITRAL Working Group III proposals, while proposing reforms including enhanced advisory centers and funder involvement in dispute settlement to reduce costs and improve accessibility.

EU GDPR Opt-In vs US Opt-Out Data Privacy Consent Systems

This article compares the European Union's GDPR opt-in consent model with the United States' fragmented opt-out approach to data privacy. The EU's GDPR requires explicit affirmative consent before processing personal data, while US state laws generally presume consent unless consumers take steps to withdraw. The analysis examines how each system defines valid consent and the compliance implications for businesses operating across jurisdictions.

Celebrating 25 Years as Editor-in-Chief of International Lawyer

Marc I. Steinberg reflects on his twenty-five year tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The International Lawyer, one of the premier international law journals in the world. The article discusses notable issues during his tenure including post-9/11 globalization discussions, international securities law symposiums, and the journal's 50th anniversary. The piece is a personal retrospective celebrating the journal's achievements and contributions to comparative and international law scholarship.

Space Mining Legal Frameworks, International Law Concerns

This article published by the American Bar Association analyzes legal and policy concerns surrounding U.S. space mining initiatives. The article examines practical feasibility questions, environmental risks, potential violations of international law under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, and the risk of armed conflict related to space mining ventures. It also addresses conflicts of interest concerns involving billionaire space industry leaders who may influence government policy.

LAA Occlusion Devices, Systems, and Methods Patent US12599386B2

USPTO granted patent US12599386B2 to Laminar, Inc. covering devices, systems, and methods for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) using implants that expand against cavity walls and twist to gather tissue, which can then be secured with fasteners. The patent, granted April 14, 2026, contains 5 claims and was filed August 28, 2020.

Emergency Protocol Receptacle for Puncture Wounds - Patent US12599387B2

USPTO granted Patent US12599387B2 to Jesse Radford for an emergency protocol receptacle designed for puncture wounds. The invention utilizes an endothermic chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda to inflate a balloon, facilitating faster blood coagulation in puncture-type wounds. The patent covers a balloon, powder capsule, and depressible top cap configuration.

Zimmer Patent for Bone Graft Delivery Systems Granted

The USPTO granted Patent US12599388B2 to Zimmer, Inc. covering bone graft delivery devices and methods. The invention includes a cannula and cartridge system for compacting and delivering bone material through fluid communication to an implantation site. The patent names six inventors and contains 15 claims.

Electrode Balloon Catheter and High-Voltage Generation Processing Device Patent Grant

USPTO granted Patent US12599391B2 to Shanghai Microport Rotapace Medtech Co., Ltd. for an electrode balloon catheter and high-voltage generation processing device. The invention includes a balloon, inner catheter, and shock wave generation component with a flexible circuit layer enabling reduced passage size. The patent contains 15 claims and covers electrode arrangements positioned within the balloon connected via flexible circuitry.

Olympus Endoscope System and Endoscopic Ligator Attachment Method Patent US12599385B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599385B2 to Olympus Medical Systems Corp. for an endoscope system and endoscopic ligator attachment method. The patent covers an endoscope with an insertion section, a coupling thread with a coupling portion and thread portion, and a distal end cover that moves on the outer surface of the insertion section. The patent contains 18 claims and issues from Application No. 18115937, which was filed on March 1, 2023. This patent grant establishes enforceable intellectual property rights for Olympus Medical Systems Corp., granting them exclusive rights to practice the claimed endoscope system invention. Competitors in the medical device sector should monitor this patent when developing similar endoscopic devices to avoid potential infringement. The patent provides 20-year exclusivity from the filing date.

Medical Instrument with Consistent Smoothness of Action - US12599392B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599392B2 to Aesculap AG for a medical instrument featuring improved pivot mechanism design with bearing portions and shoulder elements that ensure consistent sliding action. The patent, filed October 18, 2021, contains 19 claims covering surgical instruments with enhanced operational smoothness. Aesculap AG and its inventors Sven Barthelmes, Holger Loesdau, Christian Stark, and Markus Knecht hold the rights to this technology.

US12599389B2 - Multi-Sided Cutting Instrument for Mobilizing Small Foot Bones

USPTO granted patent US12599389B2 to Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. covering a multi-sided orthopedic cutting instrument with multiple cutting surfaces designed for mobilizing and realigning small bones in the foot. The invention includes a handle and cutting head with lead and side cutting surfaces arranged to control soft tissue cutting while limiting inadvertent deep penetration. The patent contains 31 claims and is classified under CPC codes A61B 17/1682, A61B 17/32, A61B 17/1659, and A61B 17/1604.

Bard Vascular Occlusion Device Patent US12599384B2 Granted

USPTO granted US Patent No. 12,599,384 (B2) to Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. on April 14, 2026, for a vascular occlusion device featuring an adjustable body with a pair of lobes and an adjustment assembly. The device allows modification of lobe distance through an elongated member and receiving member mechanism. The patent includes 20 claims and covers methods of use for vascular occlusion procedures.

US12599785B2: Wearable Stereotactic Device, Apr 14

US12599785B2: Wearable Stereotactic Device, Apr 14

UN Expert Renews Sudan Calls for Dialogue, Accountability as Conflict Enters Fourth Year

UN Human Rights Expert Radhouane Nouicer renewed calls on 14 April 2026 for dialogue and accountability in Sudan as the devastating conflict enters its fourth year. The expert reported that tens of thousands have been killed, nearly 14 million forcibly displaced, and 21 million face acute food insecurity since hostilities began on 15 April 2023. Nouicer called on states with influence to exert maximum pressure on warring parties to embrace dialogue and prevent further fragmentation of the country.

Albertsons to Pay $773.8M for Role in Opioid Epidemic

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an agreement in principle requiring grocery chain Albertsons to pay up to $773,787,782.93 to address its role in the opioid epidemic. Albertsons operates in California through subsidiaries Safeway and Vons. While parties agreed on total potential payment, negotiations regarding injunctive relief remain ongoing.

Halozyme US12600959B2 - Modified PH20 Hyaluronidase Polypeptides

USPTO granted Patent US12600959B2 to Halozyme, Inc. covering modified PH20 hyaluronidase polypeptides with enhanced stability and activity. The patent includes 15 claims spanning formulations, compositions, and uses thereof. Filing date was March 5, 2025, with application number 19071345.

Isoxazolo[5,4-H]quinazoline CDK Inhibitor Patent

USPTO granted patent US12600731B2 to Chengdu Cynogen Bio-Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. for isoxazolo[5,4-H]quinazoline compounds effective as cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors for treating cell proliferation disorders. The patent contains 23 claims and covers pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating CDK-mediated diseases.

Benzazepine derivative for vasopressin receptor disease treatment

Benzazepine derivative for vasopressin receptor disease treatment

Virtual Markers for Network Connectivity in Distributed Systems

USPTO published patent application US20260100899A1 titled 'Virtual Markers for Network Connectivity in Distributed Systems' filed December 2, 2025 by inventors Evan V. Chrapko and Leo M. Chan. The application covers a system where a processor in a distributed network determines network connectivity values for nodes based on virtual markers, distributing tasks across network nodes and reporting results. CPC classifications include H04L 43/0811 and H04L 41/0893 relating to network monitoring and configuration.

Staple Cartridge Comprising Formation Support Features - US12599382B2

The USPTO granted Patent US12599382B2 to Cilag GmbH International for a staple cartridge comprising formation support features. The patent, granted on April 14, 2026, covers a cartridge body including staple formation features with 20 claims. The filing date was January 17, 2025.

Applied Medical Surgical Stapler Actuation Shaft Retention - US12599383B2

The USPTO granted patent US12599383B2 to Applied Medical Resources Corporation for a powered surgical stapler handle with a retention mechanism. The mechanism applies direction-dependent frictional force on an actuation shaft to prevent unintentional movement of drivetrain components. The retention feature includes a featherboard-like configuration with transverse ribs restricting movement in one direction while permitting movement in the opposite direction.

Cilag GmbH Surgical Stapler and Staple Cartridge Patent, US12599380B2

USPTO granted patent US12599380B2 to Cilag GmbH International for a surgical stapler and staple cartridge system. The patent covers a retaining pin assembly design and staple cavity configuration where outermost edges align with or extend beyond the pin rod axis. The patent includes 20 claims and was filed on April 5, 2023.

CILAG Surgical Tissue Detection Patent (US12599379B2)

USPTO granted patent US12599379B2 to CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL on April 14, 2026. The patent covers devices, systems, and methods for detecting tissue and foreign objects during surgical operations using electrodes and impedance-based detection. The patent application was filed on February 26, 2024.

US12599381B2 - Surgical Stapler with Removable Power Pack

USPTO granted patent US12599381B2 to RevMedica, Inc. covering a surgical stapler with a removable power pack. The power pack contains motors and engagement members for firing fasteners and articulating the device, with sensors to track firing and articulation positions during surgery. The patent includes 19 claims.

Handheld Electromechanical Surgical System Patent

USPTO granted Patent US12599378B2 to Covidien LP covering a handheld electromechanical surgical system. The device features an end effector with opposing jaw members, a drive beam, an adapter assembly, and a handle assembly with a power source, motor, force sensor, and motor controller for maintaining constant force during tissue approximation. The patent contains 17 claims and is classified under CPC codes A61B 90/06, A61B 17/068, A61B 17/072, and A61B 2090/064.

Regulation of Imports and Exports (Amendment) Act 2025

The Regulation of Imports and Exports (Amendment) Act 2025 (No. 26 of 2025) amends the Regulation of Imports and Exports Act 1995, introducing new definitions for 'authorised certificate issuer', 'certificate of origin', and 'false trade information certificate' into section 2 of the principal Act. The amendment creates criminal liability for issuing false trade information certificates and for certificates that are forged, altered, or contain misleading information. The Act was passed by Parliament on 6 November 2025 and assented to by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on 25 November 2025; it comes into operation on a date appointed by the Minister by notification in the Gazette. Affected parties engaged in importing and exporting should monitor for the Minister's commencement notification and assess how the new certification requirements and offenses affect their trade documentation practices.

Land Transport and Related Matters Act 2026 (Commencement) (No. 3) Notification 2026

The Ministry of Transport, Singapore has issued Notification No. S 219 bringing specific sections of the Land Transport and Related Matters Act 2026 into operation. Sections 55, 68 to 73, 75, 77, 78, 82 and 83 of the Act will take effect on 14 April 2026. This is the third commencement notification for the Act, following earlier notifications that brought other provisions into force.

Enterprise Events Group Inc v The Hanover Insurance Group Inc - Insurance Coverage Dispute

Enterprise Events Group, Inc. filed a civil diversity action against The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Oakland Division) on April 14, 2026, case number 4:26-cv-03169. The complaint, filed by attorney Marissa Sinha, seeks damages for an insurance coverage dispute, with a filing fee of $405. A proposed summons was also filed on the same date.

Peerally v. Fields et al - Securities Fraud Complaint

Filipe Peerally filed a securities fraud complaint in the Northern District of California on April 14, 2026, against e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. and ten current or former company officers including Mandy Fields (CEO), Tarang Amin, Lauren Cooks Levitan, Tiffany Daniele, Maria Ferreras, Lori Keith, Kenny Mitchell, Beth Pritchard, Gayle Tait, Maureen Watson, and Richard Wolford. The complaint was filed with a $405 filing fee and the case has been assigned number 3:26-cv-03167 at the San Francisco courthouse.

Scott v. Madsen et al - Civil Prisoner Case

Kenneth Scott, CDCR # G-07570, filed a civil rights complaint against H. Madsen, C. Moore, and A. Rivera on April 10, 2026 in the Northern District of California. The case, assigned to Judge Alex G. Tse in San Francisco, is classified as a Prisoner: Prison Condition matter. The plaintiff also filed a motion to proceed in forma pauperis, with a consent/declination deadline of May 11, 2026.