Court Order Protects Billions in Federal Emergency Funding

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, along with 20 other attorneys general, secured a court order protecting billions in federal emergency funding from being withheld by FEMA and DHS. The court ruled that the agencies unlawfully conditioned these funds on states' cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, violating the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

New Mexico AG Warns of Online Immigration Attorney Scams

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and the State Bar of New Mexico are warning residents about an increase in online scammers impersonating immigration attorneys. The notice provides tips for identifying fraudulent attorneys, advice for victims, and resources for assistance.

AG Joins Lawsuit Against DOJ Over Victim Services Funding Restrictions

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, along with 21 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. The suit challenges new restrictions on federal funding, such as VOCA and Byrne JAG grants, that would prevent services to undocumented immigrants. The lawsuit seeks to block these restrictions, arguing they are unconstitutional and violate the Administrative Procedure Act.

AG Torrez Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration's VOCA Grant Conditions

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced a victory in a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ has dropped its plan to impose illegal conditions on nearly $1.4 billion in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants, which would have required states to assist with immigration enforcement. The ruling ensures that critical funding for crime victims will continue to be distributed based on statutory formulas.

First Circuit Upholds Birthright Citizenship Ruling Against Executive Order

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld a lower court's injunction blocking President Trump's executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship. The ruling affirmed that the President lacks the authority to unilaterally alter constitutional principles.

New Mexico AG Urges Online Child Protection Legislation

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez issued a statement supporting California's new online child protection laws and urging New Mexico legislators to adopt similar measures. The statement highlights the need for age verification, suicide and self-harm protocols, and penalties for illegal deepfakes to protect children online.

AG Torrez Recovers $1.5M from Ex-NMPD Officer in Fraud Scheme

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced the recovery of over $1.5 million from former State Police Officer Morgan Ortiz and Dr. Keith Levitt. The defendants pleaded guilty to felony charges including Medicaid Fraud, Identity Theft, and Practicing Medicine Without a License related to a substance abuse recovery scheme.

New Mexico DOJ Arrests Human Trafficker Preying on Minor

The New Mexico Department of Justice announced the arrest of Pete Guevara on charges of human trafficking and trafficking controlled substances. Guevara is accused of exploiting a 17-year-old runaway minor to sell narcotics. The investigation was initiated following a tip from a family advocacy group.

New Mexico AG Announces Maximum Sentence for Ax Threat and Attempted Murder

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced that John Karl O’Brien was sentenced to the maximum of 10.5 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder and threatening a judge with an ax. The sentence was handed down by the Cibola County District Court on October 23, 2025.

JustFab Settlement for Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, alongside 34 other states, secured a $4.8 million settlement with online fashion retailer TechStyle, Inc. (JustFab). The settlement addresses allegations of unfair and deceptive trade practices, including misrepresenting prices, automatic enrollment in membership programs, and difficult cancellation policies. The company must reform its business practices and provide restitution to affected consumers.

AG Torrez Petitions Supreme Court for DA Martin's Removal

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has petitioned the New Mexico Supreme Court to consider the removal of Eleventh Judicial District Attorney Bernadine Martin. The petition cites repeated failures to discharge duties, including a hostile workplace, failure to prepare witnesses, procurement violations, improper reliance on contract attorneys, and engaging in private practice.

New Mexico AG Sues Feds Over $45M School Funding Freeze

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management and Budget to stop the unlawful withholding of over $45 million in federal education funding for New Mexico schools. The lawsuit challenges the freeze on funds critical for programs supporting English language learners, teacher development, and afterschool initiatives.

AG Demands Answers on SNAP Funding Lapse

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, joined by 23 other attorneys general, has demanded answers from the USDA regarding potential lapses in SNAP funding due to the federal government shutdown. The letter expresses grave concern over the potential harm to millions of Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans, who rely on these benefits.

New Mexico DOJ Notifies Otero County Commission of Open Meetings Act Violation

The New Mexico Department of Justice has notified the Otero County Commission of an Open Meetings Act violation. The Commission improperly convened an emergency meeting to renew a contract with ICE, and the Department has deemed the action invalid. The Commission has been directed to outline steps for compliance.

Chair Powell Accepts Public Integrity Award

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell accepted the Paul A. Volcker Public Integrity Award at the American Society for Public Administration Annual Conference. In his remarks, Powell reflected on Paul Volcker's legacy of integrity and independence in public service, particularly during his tenure at the Federal Reserve.

ICC Investigates ComEd Data Center Tariff Changes

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is launching an investigation into ComEd's tariff changes related to data centers, which require large energy demands. The investigation aims to develop a consumer protection framework and address cost risks associated with these large demand project applicants.

CMS Finalizes Health Care Claims Attachments and Electronic Signatures Standards

CMS has finalized a rule adopting new HIPAA-adopted standards for health care claims attachments transactions and electronic signatures. This rule aims to enable secure electronic exchange of clinical documentation and is projected to save the healthcare industry approximately $781 million annually.

CMS Rule Phases Out Fax, Mail for Electronic Transactions

CMS has issued a final rule to phase out fax and mail for healthcare claims attachments, replacing them with standardized electronic transactions and electronic signatures. This rule is projected to save the healthcare industry approximately $781 million annually by reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency.

Patents Eligible for Additional Term Under Amended Rules

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has updated its Patent Rules, allowing patentees to apply for an additional term for their patents. This change, effective December 2, 2025, is supported by updated guidance in Chapter 32 of the Manual of Patent Office Practice (MOPOP). Patentees can now apply for this additional term via CIPO's online portal.

CIPO Hosts WIPO Event on Patent Grace Period

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) hosted a side event at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva on November 5, 2025, to discuss the patent grace period. The event aimed to foster discussion among delegates on the importance of grace periods for innovators, particularly SMEs, and to share user perspectives on pre-filing disclosures.

IP Canada Report 2025 Details 2024 Patent, Trademark, Design Activity

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has released its IP Canada Report 2025, detailing intellectual property activity in 2024. The report covers patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, noting trends such as a decrease in patent and trademark applications but an increase in industrial design filings.

ARIPO Joins Global Patent Prosecution Highway

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) announced that the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has joined the Global Patent Prosecution Highway (GPPH). This initiative allows for accelerated examination of patent applications filed in both CIPO and ARIPO, provided certain criteria are met.

CIPO Webinar Recording on Standard Essential Patents and ADR

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has made a recorded webinar on standard essential patents (SEPs) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) available online. The webinar features experts from CIPO, the Standards Council of Canada, and the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center.

IPO India Patent Examination Guidelines: Section 3(k) Examples

The Indian Patent Office has provided additional illustrative examples for Section 3(k) of the Patents Act, 1970, concerning patentability exclusions for mathematical methods. These examples clarify when inventions involving mathematical processes, such as noise cancellation in audio devices and drone navigation, are considered patentable as they contribute to a technical solution.

Patent Examination Guidelines for Computer Related Inventions 2025

The Indian Patent Office has issued updated examination guidelines for Computer Related Inventions (CRIs) for 2025. These guidelines provide detailed procedures and legal interpretations for examining patent applications related to software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and quantum computing.

Guidelines for Examination of Ayush Related Inventions

The Indian Patent Office has issued guidelines for the examination of patent applications related to Ayush (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa-Rigpa, Homoeopathy, Yoga & Naturopathy) inventions. These guidelines aim to provide clarity to stakeholders on filing and processing such applications, complementing existing rules on traditional knowledge and biological material.

WIPO PCT User Survey Results

WIPO's PCT User Survey for late 2025 indicates a 90% satisfaction rate among over 1,700 respondents regarding PCT services. The results are consistent with previous surveys and WIPO is analyzing feedback for service improvements.

PCT Working Group Session Opened and Suspended

The nineteenth session of the PCT Working Group opened on February 4, 2026, but was subsequently suspended. The session will be resumed at a future date. Documents related to the session are available on the WIPO website.

PCT Working Group Considers Electronic Processing and Fee Equivalents

The PCT Working Group met in Geneva to discuss amendments to PCT Regulations aimed at improving electronic processing and data protection. Key proposals include requiring email and phone numbers for applications, allowing exclusion of personal data from public access, and streamlining fee equivalency calculations. These proposals will be submitted to the PCT Assembly for approval.

PCT Working Group Discusses Electronic Services and Rules

The PCT Working Group met to discuss improvements to electronic services and proposed amendments to PCT Regulations. Key proposals include requiring email addresses for applications, allowing exclusion of personal data, and streamlining fee equivalency calculations. These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to modernize the PCT system.

PCT Committee Discusses ISA/IPEA Appointments and Agreements

The PCT Committee for Technical Cooperation met in February 2026 to discuss the appointment of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) as an ISA/IPEA and the extension of existing ISA/IPEAs. The Committee agreed to recommend these appointments and approved a new format for ISA/IPEA agreements.

IPO India: Well-Known Trade Marks Section Relocates to New Delhi

The Indian Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has issued a public notice announcing the relocation of its Well-Known Trade Marks Section to New Delhi. This administrative change is effective February 24, 2026.

WIPO Global Awards 2026 Announced

The Indian Patent Office has announced the WIPO Global Awards 2026. This notice serves to inform the public about the upcoming awards and provides links to a PDF notice and a flyer with further details.

IPR Lecture Series Organised by DPIIT

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in India has announced an IPR Lecture Series titled 'Orange Minds'. The notice provides a registration link for interested individuals to sign up for the event.

PAE/TAE 2026 Examination Results Announced

The Indian Patent Office (IPO) has announced the results for the Patent Agent Examination (PAE) and Trade Marks Agent Examination (TAE) for the year 2026. The official notice provides links to the PDF documents containing the examination results.

Public Notice: Tender for Plumbing and Floor Renovation

The Indian Patent Office (IPO) has issued a public notice inviting tenders for plumbing and floor renovation work. A corrigendum notice and the tender document are available for interested parties.

Global Innovation Index 2025 Released

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, ranking Switzerland, Sweden, and the US as top innovators. The report highlights slowing growth in innovation investments and identifies China's entry into the top 10.

WIPO Global Awards 2025 Winners Announced

WIPO has announced the ten winners of the 2025 Global Awards, recognizing SMEs and startups for their intellectual property-driven innovation. The awards celebrate entrepreneurs using IP to scale businesses and contribute to social and economic development across health, environment, agri-food, creative industries, and ICT sectors.

WIPO: International Patent Applications Rose 0.7% in 2025

WIPO reported that international patent applications filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) increased by 0.7% in 2025, reaching 275,900 filings. Growth was driven by digital communication and semiconductor technologies, reflecting increased investment in AI and digital innovation.

Albania First to Ratify WIPO's Riyadh Design Law Treaty

Albania has become the first member state to ratify the WIPO Riyadh Design Law Treaty (RDLT), depositing its instrument of ratification on March 13, 2026. This treaty aims to streamline and harmonize administrative procedures for design protection internationally, making it easier and more affordable for designers and businesses to protect their creations.

WIPO Launches AI Infrastructure Interchange Initiative

WIPO has launched the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Interchange (AIII) initiative to foster expert dialogue on intellectual property and AI issues. The initiative aims to address technical and operational challenges, with over 1,700 participants registering for the launch event.

Patent Manual Update for Computer-Implemented Inventions

IP Australia has updated its Patent Manual of Practice and Procedures concerning the examination of computer-implemented inventions, following a Full Federal Court decision. The Commissioner of Patents is also seeking special leave to appeal this decision to the High Court of Australia.

Trade Marks Amendment Regulations 2025: Hearings and Oppositions

Australia's Trade Marks Regulations 1995 have been amended by the Trade Marks Amendment (International Registrations, Hearings and Oppositions) Regulations 2025. These changes, effective from November and December 2025, align with the Madrid System and introduce improvements to international trade mark processes, hearings, and oppositions, including extended timeframes for filing notices of intention to defend and new grounds for rejecting applications.

PCT Fees Change - January 2026

IP Australia has announced changes to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) fees, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. The notice details new Australian Dollar (AUD) amounts for international filing, search, and preliminary examination fees, including reductions for e-filing.

IP Australia Updates Trade Mark Image Indexing Terminology

IP Australia is updating terminology used for indexing trade mark images, effective April 13, 2026. The changes aim to replace outdated terms with respectful, contemporary language, including updates related to Indigenous peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This update affects how certain imagery is retrieved during trade mark searches.

Patent Manual Update Consultation on Computer-Implemented Inventions

IP Australia is seeking feedback on updates to its Patent Manual concerning computer-implemented inventions, following a recent Full Federal Court decision. The consultation aims to ensure transparency and inform future changes to the manual's examination approach.

Australia-Singapore Patent Search Arrangement

IP Australia has announced a new arrangement with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) that will allow Australian patent applicants to nominate IPOS as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) starting March 1, 2026. This provides Australian applicants with expanded search options, particularly for Chinese prior art, and access to the expertise of examiners in key markets.

EPO and IP Australia PCT Pilot Programme

IP Australia and the European Patent Office (EPO) are launching a two-year pilot program starting March 1, 2026. Under this program, Australian applicants filing international patent applications can choose the EPO as their International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority.

EPO Pilot for Australian Patent Applicants

IP Australia is launching a pilot program with the European Patent Office (EPO) effective March 1, 2026. Australian patent applicants will be able to use the EPO for international searches and preliminary examinations, potentially reducing European phase examination fees.

Australian Patent Applicants Gain New International Search Options

IP Australia announced that as of March 1, 2026, Australian patent applicants can now choose the European Patent Office (EPO) or the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) for international search and examination under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This expansion aims to provide greater choice, reduce costs, and enhance flexibility for Australian innovators in their global patent strategies.