Patent Application Drafting for US and Europe

This guidance article provides tips for companies on drafting patent applications intended for filing in both the United States and Europe. It highlights key differences in European patent practice, such as stricter requirements for specification support and inventive step, and offers strategies to ensure applications are robust for international examination.

AI Patent Eligibility: UK, EPO, and U.S. Divergence

A UK Supreme Court decision has altered the standard for patent eligibility of AI inventions, bringing it closer to EPO practice but maintaining a divergence from U.S. standards. This change impacts how AI-related inventions are assessed for patentability across these jurisdictions.

DOJ Rules on Bulk Sensitive Personal Data Transfers

The Department of Justice has issued new regulations (28 CFR Part 202) implementing Executive Order 14117, restricting the bulk transfer of sensitive personal data, including health and genomic data, to countries of concern. These rules add a layer of compliance beyond HIPAA for organizations handling international data transfers.

Supreme Court Annuls Trump Tariffs, Aiding Art Markets

The Supreme Court of the United States has invalidated Trump Administration tariffs enacted under IEEPA in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. The ruling restores traditional tariff exemptions for art and cultural property and may allow businesses to seek refunds for previously paid tariffs.

IRS Guidance on Foreign Entity Material Assistance for Clean Energy Tax Credits

The IRS issued Notice 2026-15 providing interim guidance on determining material assistance from prohibited foreign entities for clean energy tax credits. The notice outlines rules for the Material Assistance Cost Ratio (MACR) and includes a request for comments.

Oil & Gas M&A Activity Influenced by Market Volatility

This article discusses how macroeconomic turbulence and volatile commodity markets influenced oil and gas M&A activity in 2025. It notes a shift towards opportunistic transactions and the increasing role of private equity and activist investors, with AI demand also driving deal activity.

UK Sanctions Update: Global Anti-Corruption and Russia Regimes

The UK Government has updated its sanctions list under the Global Anti-Corruption regime, varying an entry for Kamlesh Mansukhlal Damji Pattni to expand and clarify the grounds for his designation. Additionally, 297 new designations were made under the Russia sanctions regime, including companies, individuals, and vessels.

Treasury and IRS Simplify Currency Rules for Businesses

The Treasury and IRS have issued Notice 2026-17, announcing proposed regulations to simplify Section 987 currency rules for businesses. Key changes include an equity and basis pool method election and modified rules for recognizing suspended losses, aiming to reduce compliance burdens.

FAR Council Proposes Rule to Ban Semiconductor Acquisition from China

The FAR Council has proposed a rule to implement a statutory prohibition on the federal acquisition of semiconductors manufactured by China and other countries of concern. The rule, stemming from the FY2023 NDAA, includes a proposed disclosure requirement for non-federal sales and seeks public comments.

N.L. v. J.P. & Another - Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion in N.L. v. J.P. & Another, affirming the denial of a motion to file a late notice of appeal. The case involved a summary process action and a default judgment for unpaid rent.

Bombaugh v. Unum Life Insurance Company of America - Insurance Dispute

The Massachusetts Appeals Court reversed a lower court's decision in favor of Maryanne Bombaugh in her dispute with Unum Life Insurance Company of America over disability benefits. The court found the policy language was not ambiguous and ruled in favor of the insurer.

Commonwealth v. Eric Lasalle - Criminal Case Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a District Court judge's order dismissing a criminal complaint against Eric Lasalle for receiving a stolen motor vehicle. The Commonwealth appealed, arguing the judge abused her discretion by dismissing the case due to the nonappearance of summoned police officers.

Arizona v. Soto - Sentencing Discretion for Child Molestation

The Arizona Court of Appeals reviewed a case concerning sentencing discretion for child molestation. The court reversed in part and remanded for resentencing, finding the trial court erred in its interpretation of A.R.S. § 13-705(M) regarding concurrent sentencing.

Swenson v. Swenson - Marriage Dissolution Appeal

The Arizona Court of Appeals issued a non-precedential decision in Swenson v. Swenson, addressing an appeal from a marriage dissolution decree. The court affirmed in part and vacated/remanded in part, indicating further consideration is needed on specific issues related to asset division.

Estate of Elmer Gordon Waggoner v. Anonymous Health System, Inc. - Immunity Ruling

The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision, ruling that healthcare providers are immune from civil liability for actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic under state statute. The court found that a preliminary determination of immunity could be made without a medical-review panel.

Ninth Circuit Opinion: Uber Technologies vs. City of Seattle

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by Uber Technologies and Maplebear Inc. The court held that Seattle's App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights Ordinance does not violate the First Amendment, finding it regulates non-expressive conduct rather than speech.

Uber Technologies v. City of Seattle - First Amendment Challenge to Ordinance

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction against Seattle's App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights Ordinance. The court held the ordinance regulates non-expressive conduct and does not violate the First Amendment, even if it compels commercial speech.

State AGs Challenge Trump Administration Regulations on Contraception Coverage

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell led a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief challenging Trump Administration regulations that expand religious and moral exemptions to no-cost contraception coverage. The brief urges the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm a lower court ruling that the regulations are unlawful, citing potential shifts of $73.8 million in costs to individuals.

GDPR Resolution Fines Company 1,400 Euros for Unsolicited Email

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has issued a resolution fining JOMAFRAN 2013, S. L. 1,400 euros for violating data protection laws. The company sent unsolicited marketing emails referencing a judicial proceeding without prior consent or relationship with the recipient.

Guardianship of F.W. - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, has reversed a lower court's denial of a guardianship petition for a minor, F.W. The appellate court found the trial court applied the incorrect legal standard and misunderstood relevant case law, remanding the case for further proceedings.

Ryan v. Salinas Union High School District - Appeal of Order Denying Motion to Vacate Judgment

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, filed a non-precedential opinion on March 4, 2026, in Ryan v. Salinas Union High School District. The court dismissed the appeal of an order denying a motion to vacate a judgment, finding the order was not appealable.

People v. Law - Felony Murder Law Resentencing

The California Court of Appeal reversed a trial court's denial of a resentencing petition filed under Penal Code section 1172.6, concerning changes to felony murder laws. The appellate court found the trial court erred in its definition of reckless indifference, requiring a remand for further proceedings.

People v. Ramirez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven, affirmed a judgment against Carlos Jose Ramirez. Ramirez appealed after pleading no contest and being sentenced to two years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court found no arguable issues on appeal.

People v. Stortz - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal filed a non-precedential opinion in People v. Stortz, addressing a criminal defendant's appeal of a kidnapping conviction. The court affirmed the conviction, finding that any error in denying the defendant's request to represent himself at the preliminary hearing stage was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.

People v. Williams - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, filed a non-precedential opinion in People v. Williams. The court affirmed the lower court's denial of the defendant's petition for recall and resentencing, despite the People conceding error in the initial denial. The case concerns sentencing for a defendant convicted of multiple violent felonies.

Piltan v. Novell - Modification of Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Eight, issued a modification to its non-precedential opinion in Piltan v. Novell. The modification corrects the listed counsel for the appellant, with no change to the judgment itself. The original opinion was filed on March 2, 2026, and the modification was filed on March 4, 2026.

Aquat 009 v. Fine CA2/7 - Non-Precedential Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Seven, filed a non-precedential opinion in Aquat 009, LLC v. Fine et al. The court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded the case concerning a defaulted loan and subsequent foreclosure. The opinion is not to be published in the official reports.

In re J.P. - Juvenile Court Law Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, filed a non-precedential opinion in the case of In re J.P. The appeal concerns the sufficiency of evidence for a juvenile court finding that the minor committed a criminal threat. The court affirmed the jurisdictional order.

Harlem v. Corben - Appeal of Default Judgment Denial

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Six, filed a non-precedential opinion on March 4, 2026, affirming the trial court's denial of Kenneth Corben's motion to set aside a default judgment. The default judgment was entered in favor of Krisp Productions NY, LLC, for $507,783.64.

People v. Alvarez - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal vacated a prior strike finding against Francisco Juan Alvarez, remanding for further proceedings. This decision follows reconsideration in light of a new Supreme Court precedent regarding the retroactive application of Assembly Bill No. 333 to prior strike convictions.

People v. Delgado - Appeal of Denial to Vacate Drug Conviction

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a lower court's denial of Adolfo Delgado's motion to vacate his 1991 drug conviction. The court found the motion was improperly denied as successive, impacting individuals seeking to challenge past convictions due to potential immigration consequences.

People v. Haygood - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed a non-precedential opinion in the case of People v. Haygood on March 4, 2026. The court affirmed the judgment of the Superior Court of Fresno County, upholding the conviction and sentence for first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement.

People v. Sanchez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, filed a non-precedential opinion in the case of People v. Sanchez. The court affirmed the defendant's conviction for first-degree murder, attempted murder, and assault with a deadly weapon, following an independent review of the record.

Physicians for Social Responsibility v. Dept. of Toxic Substances Control - Attorney Fees

The California Court of Appeal certified for publication its decision in Physicians for Social Responsibility v. Dept. of Toxic Substances Control. The court affirmed the superior court's denial of attorney fees to the appellants, finding no abuse of discretion.

Dickerson v. Bickman - Medical Malpractice Appeal

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion in Dickerson v. Bickman, a medical malpractice case. The court affirmed the trial court's judgment in favor of the defendants, dismissing the plaintiffs' claims of medical malpractice and fraud.

LAOSD Asbestos Cases - California Court of Appeal

The California Court of Appeal certified for publication its decision in the LAOSD Asbestos Cases, involving claims against Avon Products, Inc. The jury found Avon strictly liable for defective products and awarded over $51 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

In re J.N. - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Two, filed an opinion in the case In re J.N. The opinion affirms jurisdictional and dispositional orders concerning minors J.N. and L.N. under the Juvenile Court Law, addressing challenges to evidence sufficiency, jurisdiction, custody, and visitation orders.

Stewart v. USAA General Indemnity Co. - Appeal of Court Orders

The California Court of Appeal affirmed lower court orders in Stewart v. USAA General Indemnity Co., including an anti-SLAPP motion and a vexatious litigant declaration. The court found the appeal to be non-precedential.

People v. Shaw - Appeal Dismissed

The California Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by Andre Curtis Shaw, who argued the trial court erred in denying his request for resentencing. The appellate court found that the denial of the petition did not affect Shaw's substantial rights and therefore dismissed the appeal.

Eugene F. Kelly - Transfer to Disability Inactive Status

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ordered attorney Eugene F. Kelly transferred to disability inactive status, effective February 26, 2026. This order stays pending disciplinary investigations against him, contingent on his petition for reinstatement.

Ecology Grant Expands Stewart Mountain Community Forest

The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded a $5.5 million grant to expand the Stewart Mountain Community Forest by 1,600 acres. This funding, part of the state's Streamflow Restoration Act, supports water quality, forest preservation, and community ownership of the land.

State AGs Challenge Withholding of Disaster Relief and Transportation Funding

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with attorneys general from three other states, is challenging the Trump Administration's threatened cuts to $900 million in transportation funding and withholding of over $1.3 billion in disaster relief funding. This action seeks to amend an existing lawsuit to include these new funding challenges.

Darci Williamson v. BR Pig, LLC - Louisiana Court of Appeal Ruling

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, granted a writ in Darci Williamson v. BR Pig, LLC, reversing a trial court's denial of a summary judgment motion. The court vacated the denial, finding that the defendant met the requirements to challenge the plaintiff's claims under the Louisiana Merchant Liability Act.

B.B. v. Hochul - Child Welfare Certification Challenge

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed in part and affirmed in part a lower court's decision in B.B. v. Hochul. The court found that plaintiffs, children removed from their parents, have standing to challenge New York's certification scheme for relative foster parents, which denied certification based on criminal history or child abuse reports. The court remanded for further proceedings.

Care One LLC v NLRB - Court Opinion on Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by Care One LLC and its affiliates. The healthcare facilities sought to halt proceedings before the NLRB, arguing the ALJ was improperly appointed and shielded from removal. The court found the plaintiffs could not demonstrate irreparable harm, thus denying the injunction.

Reidy Contracting Group v. Mt. Hawley Insurance - Additional Insured Coverage Dispute

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court ruling that Reidy Contracting Group is an additional insured under Mt. Hawley Insurance Company's excess liability policy. The court held that the Employers Liability Exclusion was ambiguous and must be construed against Mt. Hawley.

Duke v. Luxottica - ERISA Retirement Plan Class Action Opinion

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on a class action lawsuit alleging Luxottica's retirement plan violated ERISA by using outdated actuarial assumptions. The court held that the plaintiff has standing to seek plan reformation but not monetary payments to the plan, and that the effective vindication doctrine precludes mandatory arbitration of claims on behalf of the plan.

US v. Cardenas - Cocaine Import Conspiracy Conviction

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the conviction of Jay James Roldan Cardenas for conspiracy to import cocaine. The court found that the district court erred in excluding evidence crucial to Roldan's defense of lacking criminal intent, remanding the case for further proceedings.

Lanesborough 2000, LLC v. Nextres, LLC - Court Opinion on Arbitration Award

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed a district court's confirmation of an arbitration award between Lanesborough 2000, LLC and Nextres, LLC. The court found the contractual waiver of appeal rights ambiguous and affirmed in part, vacated in part, and remanded the case regarding an injunction of a state-court proceeding.

Broadcast Music Inc. v. North American Concert Promoters Association - Antitrust

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's decision regarding music licensing fees set by Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) for the North American Concert Promoters Association (NACPA). The court found the imposed rates and expanded definition of gross revenues to be unreasonable, remanding the case for further proceedings.