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Gunjan Aggarwal - Criminal Judgment and Sentencing

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered judgment in criminal case 4:23-cr-00428 against Gunjan Aggarwal. The defendant was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by 2 years supervised release, with a $100 special assessment. A writ of garnishment was issued to collect restitution.

CGMP Violations, Insanitary Conditions, Data Integrity Failures at Chinese Drug Manufacturer

FDA issued Warning Letter 320-26-56 to Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a Chinese drug manufacturer (FEI 3027976266), citing CGMP violations, insanitary conditions, and data integrity failures discovered during an August 12-15, 2025 inspection. Observed violations included grime and discolored lubricant on manufacturing equipment, standing water in production areas, flies and cockroaches in manufacturing spaces, and apparent mold on air-conditioning vents. The firm's Chief Quality Officer admitted to providing false documents related to finished drug product testing, and the firm submitted altered manufacturing records after the original logbook appeared incomplete. FDA placed all drugs from this firm on Import Alert 66-40 on March 20, 2026, and the firm agreed to recall certain lots of mentholated cough drops following a March 4, 2026 teleconference.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd v The Ship Yangze 22 (No 2) — Forum Non Conveniens Stay Granted

The Federal Court of Australia permanently stayed admiralty proceedings commenced by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd and Protea Navigation Inc against the vessel Yangze 22 on 28 April 2025, finding Australia a clearly inappropriate forum for the dispute arising from a 30 December 2024 collision in Chinese territorial waters. The key factual driver was the substantial difference in limitation funds—24,980,987 SDRs (approximately USD 34.5 million) under Australian law versus 6,903,375 SDRs under PRC law—with parallel proceedings already before the Shanghai Maritime Court. The plaintiffs were ordered to pay the defendant's costs.

Sirius Brookfield Paradise JV Merger Clearance Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission cleared the joint acquisition of Paradise JV by Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. and Sirius Holdings Limited under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The transaction involves Paradise JV, which owns and operates the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting the decision under the simplified treatment procedure for certain concentrations.

Pressed Powder Patent, Shanghai Marshmallowmakeup Biotech

USPTO granted Patent US12605309B2 to Shanghai Marshmallowmakeup Biotech Corp., Ltd on April 21, 2026 for a pressed powder product and its method of preparation. The invention comprises a pressed powder layer, an ink absorbing layer formed by spraying ink-absorbing paint, and a pattern layer obtained by printing. The ink-absorbing paint contains 0.5% to 10% by weight of an oil controlling agent, 0.5% to 20% by weight of a color developing agent, 55% to 98.5% by weight of a solvent, and 0.5% to 10% by weight of a stabilizer. The patent claims priority to Application No. 18201776 filed May 25, 2023, with 8 total claims granted.

PM Law £39.5M Fraud: 92 Claims, £9.31M Paid to Former Clients

The SRA has confirmed its ongoing investigation into PM Law Ltd involves suspected fraud with £39.5 million in improperly removed client funds. As of 17 April 2026, the SRA Compensation Fund has paid 92 claims totalling £9.31 million, with a further £6.8 million paid from money held within the firm. The total estimated value of claims to-date is £21.52 million. The PM Law group comprised 11 companies, 25 offices and more than 30 trading names across Yorkshire, Cumbria, Berkshire, Derbyshire and London.

Fluid Collection Medical Device EP3755225A1

The European Patent Office granted patent EP3755225A1 to LHM Innovations Pty Ltd on April 15, 2026, for a fluid collection medical device. The invention is classified under IPC category A61B (measurement/detection for diagnosis) and designates 37 contracting states across the EPO member framework.

Hitachi Fault Finding Support System EP3998558A1

The European Patent Office published Hitachi, Ltd.'s patent application EP3998558A1 for a Fault Finding Support System. The system covers AI-based fault detection and analysis methods for industrial applications, classified under IPC codes G06N (AI), G06Q (business methods), and G05B 23/02 (fault finding systems). The patent is designated across 31 European contracting states.

ACCC v Jayco Corp - Application Dismissed View Permitted

Justice Bennett of the Federal Court of Australia dismissed the ACCC's interlocutory application dated 18 March 2026 seeking an advance ruling that expert evidence from Jayco Corporation Pty Ltd was inadmissible or should be excluded under s 192A of the Evidence Act 1995. The Court found an advance ruling was inappropriate given the evidence was largely complete and the dispute concerned the meaning of evidence and pleadings requiring full ventilation at trial. Separately, the Court permitted a view under r 14.03 of the Federal Court Rules 2011 at the Hellenic Museum Car Park, 280 William Street, Melbourne on or about 11 May 2026, subject to conditions including that statements made during the view would be submissions only, not evidence, and both parties would have opportunity to make submissions.

ABP Awards £2.52m Battery Supply Contract to Shenzhen Cubenergy

Associated British Ports (ABP) has awarded a £2,520,000 contract to Shenzhen Cubenergy Co., Ltd. for the supply of battery technology (cells, enclosures, inverters, PCS, BMS) for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Port of Southampton. The award decision was published on 22 April 2026 with a standstill period ending 1 May 2026 (8 working days). The contract, awarded via open procedure under the Utilities special regime of the Procurement Act 2023, is estimated to run from 1 June 2026 through 1 June 2027. Shenzhen Cubenergy is a Chinese-headquartered supplier (Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPCQ-5549-NPGY) and is not classified as an SME.

Citrate Metal Salt Endodontic Treatment Formulation Patent

USPTO granted patent US12605305B2 to Kunming Qingcheng Healthcare Tech LTD. on April 21, 2026, covering an application of citrate metal salt in endodontic treatment and its formulation. The patent claims use of lithium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, or magnesium citrate for removing smear layer in root canal procedures, co-formulated with a citrate metal salt-compatible single-chain cationic antimicrobial agent. The invention is classified under CPC codes A61K 6/52 and A61K 6/69, with 8 claims total. Filing date was July 19, 2021, under application number 18025339.

Synergistic Preservative Composition Containing Alkylene Glycol Ester

USPTO granted Patent US12605318B2 to Arch UK Biocides Ltd on April 21, 2026 for a synergistic preservative composition containing an alkylene glycol ester. The patent covers methods for increasing the efficacy of preservative agents and reducing the minimum amount needed for effective preservation in end-use formulations. The patent application (No. 17920493) was filed on April 22, 2021, with 32 claims covering CPC classifications in the A61K 8 and A61Q ranges for personal care and pharmaceutical formulations.

DSG2 Monoclonal Antibody - EP3464355A1 - Asclepiumm Taiwan

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3464355A1 for a DSG2 monoclonal antibody and use thereof, filed by Asclepiumm Taiwan Co., Ltd. The application names CHEN Min-Che, CHANG Po-Hao, and LIU Ya-Chuan as inventors. The patent covers immunological compositions classified under IPC C07K 16/28, C12N 15/13, A61K 39/395, and A61P 35/00, with designated states spanning all current EPO member states and extension states.

Samsung Activity Pattern System Patent, EP3545522A1, Published Apr 2026

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3545522A1, filed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., titled 'Method for Providing Activity Information Related to Activity Pattern of User and Electronic Device.' The application covers systems and methods for tracking and providing user activity pattern information via an electronic device, classified under IPC G16H (Health Informatics). The patent designates all major European Contracting States including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Sensing Or Stimulating Activity Of Tissue - EP3536375A1, Synchron Australia Pty Ltd

The EPO has published European patent application EP3536375A1, filed by Synchron Australia Pty Ltd, covering a device for sensing or stimulating tissue activity. The application names Thomas James Oxley as inventor and includes 34 IPC classifications spanning neural stimulation, physiological measurement, and human-computer interaction. The publication constitutes prior art as of April 15, 2026.

Mastercard Loyalty Points Exchange System, Granted 21st Apr

The USPTO granted patent US12608723B2 to Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd. covering a method and system for exchanging loyalty points across multiple merchant loyalty programs. The patent describes a process for identifying user loyalty profiles, determining insufficient points for a transaction, and exchanging points from one merchant program to cover another merchant's transaction. This patent grant does not create compliance obligations for any party other than establishing exclusive legal rights for Mastercard.

Edwards Lifesciences EPO Implant Adhering Patent

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4076282A1 titled 'Implant Adhering Techniques' by Edwards Lifesciences Innovation (Israel) Ltd. (inventor: Shlomit CHAPPEL-RAM), covering A61F cardiac and A61B surgical implant technologies. The patent designates 38 European states including DE, FR, GB, IT, NL, ES, BE, CH, SE, PL, AT, and IE. The grant confers exclusive rights to the patent holder to make, use, and sell the claimed implant-adhering techniques throughout designated EPO member states for the patent term.

CVM Suspends Irregular Securities Offerings by NLC Confinamentos and Mineradora NLC

CVM Brazil (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários) issued Deliberação CVM 907 ordering the immediate suspension of public securities offerings by NLC Confinamentos S/A, Mineradora NLC Ltda., and their direct and indirect partners Emerson Renato Muller and Marcos Rodrigo Matias. The entities offered investment opportunities tied to purported cattle-farming and gold-mining operations via websites and open messaging groups, without CVM registration or exemption. Non-compliance with the suspension order triggers a daily fine of R$ 100,000.00 per entity or individual, in addition to sanctions under Article 11 of Law 6.385/1976 through the regular Administrative Sanctioning Process.

A Burke De Frias v Colorfoto Ltd: Maternity Rights Ruling

Employment Tribunal decision in case A Burke De Frias v Colorfoto Ltd (6012536/2025) issued on 6 January 2026, with jurisdiction over maternity and pregnancy rights, parental and maternity leave, and sex discrimination. The reserved judgment is available via the linked PDF on the UK Government website. Published by HMCTS on 21 April 2026.

Mr W Boucher v Tanyard Youth Project Ltd: Employment Tribunal Judgment

Employment Tribunal decision in case 6004994/2025 between Mr W Boucher and Tanyard Youth Project Ltd, decided on 23 January 2026 and published on 21 April 2026. The tribunal heard matters across five employment law jurisdictions including contract of employment, unfair dismissal, unlawful deduction from wages, Working Time Regulations, and written statements. The full judgment is available via the linked PDF from the UK Government Publishing Service.

US12605182B2 Rotational Atherectomy Device Granted Apr 21 2026

USPTO granted Patent US12605182B2 to Shanghai Microport Rhythm Medtech Co., Ltd. on April 21, 2026. The patent covers a rotational atherectomy device with a drive shaft and a rotational atherectomy component including a base and a block that moves away from the base during rotation.

Mokhtari v Piacentini & Son Pty Ltd (No 4) - Medical Examination Order

The Federal Court of Australia ordered applicant Mirmehdi Mokhtari to submit to a psychiatric examination by Dr Lawrence Terace of OSHGroup at 36 Parliament Place, West Perth on 18 June 2026 at 11:30am (or 25 June 2026 at 1pm if unavailable), for up to 2 hours. Respondent Piacentini & Son Pty Ltd must bear the examination costs, provide the letter of instructions and documents to the applicant by 11 June 2026, and pay $152 for the applicant's travel expenses at least 7 days before the examination. The applicant's own medical expert may attend the examination, and no audio or video recording is permitted without express consent of all present.

CySEC Warns Against Three Unregulated Investment Websites

CySEC has issued an investor alert identifying three websites—obsidian-group.org, ext-ltd.com, and harindale.trade—as unauthorized providers of investment services and activities under Cyprus law. The regulator warns that none of these entities holds the required authorization under Article 5 of Law 87(I)/2017. Investors are urged to verify the licensing status of any investment firm on CySEC's website before conducting business.

First Chief Regulator's Rebuke Issued to WJEC for Eduqas Qualification Failures

Ofqual's Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham issued the first 'Chief Regulator's Rebuke' to WJEC CBAC Ltd for serious failures involving 4 of its Eduqas GCSE, AS and A level qualifications between 2019 and 2025. The exam board admitted failing to collect and monitor centre declaration forms for drama, geography, and computer science qualifications—in breach of its conditions of recognition. The rebuke, a new non-statutory enforcement tool introduced in October 2025, is used for cases requiring a public outcome but falling short of merit-ing a fine. The failures had the potential to prejudice students and undermine public confidence, though no actual adverse effects on students were identified.

Ofqual Rebukes WJEC CBAC for Exam Qualification Failures

Ofqual's Chief Regulator has issued a formal rebuke to WJEC CBAC Ltd for serious failures concerning 4 Eduqas GCSE, AS and A level qualifications between 2019 and 2025. This non-statutory enforcement response was taken under Ofqual's Supporting Compliance and Taking Regulatory Action policy, where the seriousness of the failings requires a formal public outcome but the circumstances do not warrant a financial penalty. The action applies to exam board operations in England.

USA Rare Earth Merger Agreement with SVRE Holdings

USA Rare Earth, Inc. entered into a definitive merger agreement dated April 19, 2026, to acquire SVRE Holdings Ltd. through a reverse triangular merger structure, with Middlebury Merger Sub Ltd. as the Merger Sub and Serra Verde Rare Earths Ltd. serving as Seller Representative. The agreement, filed as SEC EDGAR Exhibit 2.1, includes representations and warranties from both parties, pre-closing covenants, conditions to closing, and provisions for termination. The transaction is governed by British Virgin Islands law under the BVI Business Companies Act.

Microwave Ablation Electrode with Cooling Structures

The USPTO granted patent US12605203B2 to Mianyang Lide Electronics Co., Ltd. for a microwave ablation electrode featuring dual cooling structures. The non-working end circulation cooling structure allows a refrigerant medium to reach and cool the non-working end and surrounding tissues, with provisions for return flow. The working end liquid injection structure allows refrigerant to reach the working end to cool it and surrounding tissues. The patent includes 6 claims and was filed on May 18, 2023.

Belfast Harbour General Insurance Procurement 2026 Award — 4 Suppliers

Belfast Harbour has awarded a general insurance procurement contract covering 12 lots of insurance coverage including employers liability, public liability, property, motor fleet, management liability, contract works, film studio, hired in plant, computer cover, and hotel combined policies. Four insurers were selected: American International Group UK Limited, Intact Insurance Ireland DAC UK Branch, Willis Towers Watson, and Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. The award decision was made on 13 April 2026 with a standstill period ending 29 April 2026; contracts are expected to run from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027.

Leach Pottery Museum Interpretation Fitout, St Ives, £375k-£400k

The Bernard Leach (St Ives) Trust Ltd invites tenders from suitably experienced contractors for interpretation and exhibition fit-out works at the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall. The contract is valued at £375,000-£400,000 (exclusive of VAT) under a JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor's Design (ICD) 2024. Bidders must complete compulsory site visits before submitting proposals by noon on 22 May 2026, with evaluation weighted 65% quality and 35% price. The works form part of a £10 million capital redevelopment funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors, with practical completion due 4 June 2027.

Seras / Enva Dedicated Waste Wood Business Merger Inquiry

The CMA has opened a Phase 1 merger inquiry into Seras Energy Ltd's anticipated acquisition of G.I. Hadfield & Son Limited, both operating in the dedicated waste wood sector. The CMA is inviting written representations from any interested party on competition concerns by 6 May 2026, as the first step in its pre-notification information-gathering process under Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002. The CMA has received pre-notification information from the parties but has not yet formally commenced its investigation.

CPAP Humidifying Tank Patent, Murata Manufacturing, Granted

USPTO granted patent US12605522B2 to Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. on April 21, 2026, covering a CPAP apparatus humidifying tank design with improved flow-dividing and shielding sections. The patent application (18302850) was filed April 19, 2023, and contains 8 claims under CPC classifications A61M 16/00 through A61M 2205/123.

Visual Pressure Regulating Catheter Patent - Qingdao Biotech Medical

USPTO granted Patent US12605161B2 to QINGDAO BIOTECH MEDICAL CO., LTD on April 21, 2026, covering a visual pressure regulating catheter with integrated hydraulic dilation balloon, pressure regulating handle, endoscope pressure regulating cavity, and dilation liquid perfusion cavity. The invention enables direct endoscopic observation through the catheter into the dilation balloon. The patent contains 13 claims and lists CPC classifications spanning A61B, A61M, and related medical device categories.

US12605094B2 - Closed Arterial Blood Collection Apparatus

USPTO granted Patent US12605094B2 to MUNE CO., LTD. on April 21, 2026 for a closed type arterial blood collection apparatus comprising a saline bag with first and second ports, an A line, first and second three-way valves, a blood collection unit, and a fluid conveying means. The patent application was filed December 28, 2022 under application number 18270088, with 5 claims and multiple CPC classifications including A61M 5/44 and A61B 5/15.

Wound Dressing Patent US12605285B2, HIDRAMED SOLUTIONS

The USPTO granted Patent US12605285B2 to HIDRAMED SOLUTIONS LTD on April 21, 2026, covering a wound dressing device that includes a retaining device for encompassing a portion of the body, a dressing, and a fastening element configured external to the retaining device. The patent application was filed on July 20, 2018, under application number 16637989, and contains 21 claims. The invention also relates to a method of applying the device and a combined dressing and fastening element.

Hanseatic Shipping AIF V.C.I.C. PLC Voluntarily Dissolved, Liquidated

CySEC announces that Alternative Investment Fund Hanseatic Shipping AIF V.C.I.C. PLC (License Number AIF27/2014) is dissolved and put into voluntary liquidation following a decision at its shareholders' general meeting, pursuant to article 63(1)(e) of the Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2018. The investment compartment Hanseatic Shipping II is also dissolved and liquidated. Dissolution was communicated by external manager Hanseatic Capital Management Ltd per article 63(8) of the Law.

Investor Alerts for Multiple Fraudulent Entities

FCAA Saskatchewan issued investor alerts on March 17, March 13, February 6, and January 6, 2026, warning investors about 12 separate fraudulent entities: Eightcap, Peridot, Enterprise2u, CenexPro, Global WDC, BG Wealth Sharing Ltd., Grandridge Lorvix, WilliamsBlair Asset Management Ltd., Finotraze, Smart Reserve Holdings, and Tradock. These alerts are published on the FCAA website to warn Saskatchewan investors about potentially fraudulent investment operations.

INUNEKO-SEIKATSU (556A) First-Day Listing Matching Mechanism

Osaka Exchange published the special matching mechanism applicable to INUNEKO-SEIKATSU Co., Ltd. (code: 556A) on its first listing day, April 23, 2026. The order book center price is set at JPY 2,990 (public offering or secondary distribution price), with an upper limit of JPY 6,880 (230%) and a lower limit of JPY 2,243 (75%). Buy and sell market orders are prohibited on the listing date until the initial price is determined. Acceptable order prices range from JPY 748 (25%) to JPY 11,960 (400%) of the order book center price.

GLP-2 Conjugate Pharmaceutical Composition for Metabolic Bone Diseases, Hanmi Pharm.

The European Patent Office published application EP4082561A1 for Hanmi Pharm. Co., Ltd. on April 15, 2026. The application covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising GLP-2 or a conjugate thereof for preventing or treating metabolic bone diseases, with inventors including CHOI Jae Hyuk, LEE Jin Bong, LEE Sang Hyun, LEE Sang Don, and KIM Min Young. The application spans 31 designated contracting states including major European economies.

Three Cases on CADE Agenda Thursday Diogo Thomson

CADE Brazil published the agenda for its 264th Ordinary Judgment Session in the Diário Oficial da União on April 16, 2026. The session is scheduled for Thursday April 23 at 10h, broadcast live on YouTube, and will be the first presided over by interim president Diogo Thomson who took office on April 12. Three cases are listed: Administrative Inquiry 08700.003498/2019-03 against Google Inc. and Google Brasil Internet Ltda. (relator Gustavo Augusto, vote-vista Camila Cabral); Administrative Proceeding 08700.002545/2023-70 from the Paraná state prosecutor against six respondents including Augustinho Stang and several fuel and commerce companies (relator José Levi); and Administrative Proceeding 08700.002556/2026-01 for incidental procedural sanctions against WhatsApp LLC and Facebook Serviços Online do Brasil (relator Carlos Jacques).

ASIC v BSF Solutions Pty Ltd - $7M Penalties for Consumer Credit Contraventions

The Federal Court of Australia ordered BSF Solutions Pty Ltd, Cigno Australia Pty Ltd, Brenton James Harrison, and Mark Swanepoel to pay combined civil penalties of $7,000,000 for contraventions of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth). The penalties are payable within 28 days of the judgment. The court considered whether obtaining legal advice constituted a mitigating factor and found the respondents failed to remediate affected consumers despite making changes to trade legally.

ISF Ukraine Phase 2 Financial Audit Services Procurement, £1–£20,000

Chemonics Group UK Ltd, acting as buyer for the PFRU PMU, is seeking an independent external financial audit firm to conduct a statutory audit of the ISF Ukraine Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU-2) programme (Contract Ref: CPG/7654/2022), covering the period 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2026. The contract runs from 16 May 2026 to 31 August 2026 with a value between £1 and £20,000. Proposals must be submitted by 4 May 2026 at 17:00 UK time; the tender closing date is 8 May 2026 at 1pm. The opportunity is open to any interested supplier under an open procedure above threshold and is suitable for SMEs.