US Federal

Paul Schultz's Petition for Writ of Mandamus Denied

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Paul Schultz's petition for a writ of mandamus. The court found that mandamus relief is not appropriate as a substitute for appeal and that Schultz did not demonstrate a clear right to the relief sought. The petition and a related stay motion were denied.

FTC Finalizes Order Against Adamas for No-Hire Agreements

The FTC has finalized a consent order against Adamas Amenity Services LLC, requiring the company to cease enforcing no-hire agreements. These agreements restricted building owners from hiring Adamas's employees without penalty, impacting wage and job growth for workers in New Jersey and New York City.

FTC Warns Apple CEO Over Alleged Bias in Apple News Content

The FTC has issued a warning letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding alleged bias in Apple News content. The letter states that if Apple misrepresents its news service or violates its terms of service, it could be in violation of the FTC Act.

James Devins v. John Armstrong - Petition for Rehearing Denied

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for panel rehearing in the case of James Devins v. John Armstrong. The court withdrew its prior opinion and substituted a new one, affirming the dismissal of Devins's claims but reversing the dismissal with prejudice as an abuse of discretion. The case concerns the denial of a student visa for a foreign national.

Quiroz v. Hernandez and City of Dayton - Fifth Circuit Court Opinion

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for rehearing in the case of Quiroz v. Hernandez and City of Dayton. The court withdrew its prior opinion and substituted a new one, denying the plaintiffs' request to replead their claims for a fourth time after the district court dismissed them with prejudice due to pleading deficiencies.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Power Converters

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation (337-TA-1484) into certain power converters, circuit board assemblies, and computing systems. The investigation is based on a complaint alleging infringement of patent claims related to imported products.

Florida Orders Cease and Desist for Unregistered Securities

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued an immediate final order against GSB LTD, d/b/a GS Partners, and other members of GSB Group. The order requires them to cease and desist from alleged unregistered and fraudulent securities and banking services, citing a multilevel marketing scheme and misleading profit generation information.

Alliance Credit Union of Florida Placed into Conservatorship

Florida's Office of Financial Regulation placed Alliance Credit Union of Florida into conservatorship on November 8, 2024, appointing the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) as conservator. Member accounts remain protected by the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund, and services will continue uninterrupted.

Bayview Fined $20M for Cybersecurity Lapses

The Office of Financial Regulation and 52 state agencies fined Bayview Asset Management and its affiliates $20 million for deficient cybersecurity practices and failure to cooperate following a data breach impacting 5.8 million customers. The companies must also implement corrective actions and undergo independent assessments.

Vanguard Agrees to $106 Million Multistate Settlement

Vanguard has agreed to a $106 million multistate settlement with state securities regulators and the SEC for failing to supervise registered persons and disclose tax consequences to investors. The settlement aims to compensate over 10,000 Florida investors and potentially hundreds of thousands nationwide for capital gains taxes incurred due to fund changes.