State v. Hills - Plea Consequences Ruling

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's judgment in State v. Hills, ruling that the trial court properly informed the defendant of the consequences of his plea. The court found that the plea was knowingly and intelligently entered, adhering to Crim.R. 11 safeguards.

Town v. Sidoti - Negligent Misrepresentation Claim Dismissed

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a negligent misrepresentation claim filed by David Town against Tarina Sidoti. The court found that Town failed to demonstrate justifiable reliance on a statement made in a real estate listing, as he was not involved in a business transaction and the statement was likely marketing puffery.

T.W. v. Morgan County Department of Human Resources - Parental Rights Termination Appeal

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals reversed judgments terminating parental rights due to a lack of demonstrated subject-matter jurisdiction under the UCCJEA. The court remanded the case for the juvenile court to determine jurisdiction. The decision impacts how child custody and termination cases are handled when interstate elements are involved.

F Family South LLC v. Property Owners Association - Tax Sale Redemption

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals issued an opinion in F Family South, LLC v. Property Owners Association of Ono Island, Inc. The case concerns the redemption of real property purchased at a 1995 tax sale. The court determined that the Property Owners Association could redeem the parcel.

Shawn Barnett v. Brooklyn Barnett - Protection from Abuse Order

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has issued an opinion regarding a protection-from-abuse order case, Shawn Barnett v. Brooklyn Barnett. The case involves allegations of abuse and threats, leading to an ex parte order and subsequent trial. The opinion addresses the legal proceedings and the trial court's decision.

Alan W. Dillon v. Heather Gilotti-Dillon - Child Support Calculation

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has issued an opinion in the case of Alan W. Dillon v. Heather Gilotti-Dillon. The appeal focuses on the trial court's calculation of child support, specifically addressing whether Social Security survivor benefits should be considered in the calculation.

Jay v. Jay - Domestic Violence Order Affirmation

The North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's domestic violence protective order in the case of Jay v. Jay. The court found that the trial court's fact-finding, which incorporated a written statement by the plaintiff, complied with procedural rules.

Warren v. Cielo Ventures, Inc. - Contractual Limitation Period

The North Carolina Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals decision, reinstating a trial court's order granting summary judgment to Cielo Ventures, Inc. The ruling upholds a one-year contractual limitation period for claims arising from a service agreement, impacting consumers who file claims outside this period.

NC Supreme Court Upholds Class Certification for Builder Fee Refunds

The North Carolina Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's decision to certify a class of home builders in a lawsuit against the City of Raleigh. The builders allege the city unlawfully required them to pay Capital Facilities Fees as a condition of development and are seeking refunds. The court affirmed that the case can proceed as a class action, regardless of whether some builders passed the costs to purchasers.

State v. Perry - Robbery Conviction Appeal

The North Carolina Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals decision that had overturned a robbery conviction. The Supreme Court found that the State presented sufficient evidence to survive a motion to dismiss, allowing the charge to proceed to the jury. This decision impacts how evidence sufficiency is evaluated in robbery cases within the state.

In re N.M.W. and A.N.D. - Permanency Planning Order

The North Carolina Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals decision regarding a permanency planning order in the case of In re N.M.W. and A.N.D. The court found that the trial court's order contained sufficient findings of fact to satisfy statutory criteria, reversing the appellate court's vacatur.

State v. Thomas - Sentencing Error on Remand

The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled in State v. Thomas that a criminal defendant who successfully appeals an original sentence may receive a harsher punishment on remand if the initial sentence was illegal. The court affirmed a corrected sentence that complied with mandatory sentencing frameworks.

Armistead v. County of Carteret - Class Action Trash Fee Opinion

The North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's order certifying three of four proposed classes in a class action lawsuit against Carteret County regarding alleged unlawful trash and recycling fees. The court found that the class members were ascertainable and that the class satisfied predominance and superiority criteria.

Talley v. Earth Fare 2020, Inc. - Unjust Enrichment Award Affirmation

The North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed a Business Court order denying cross motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict in a case involving claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of the Wage and Hour Act. The court's per curiam affirmance indicated the case was highly fact-bound and involved settled law.

Sprugeon v. Mason - Pennsylvania Supreme Court Opinion

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in Sprugeon v. Mason, quashing the notice of appeal and dismissing the application for leave to file nunc pro tunc. The court cited Pa.R.A.P. 910(a)(5) regarding the scope of questions considered on appeal.

Keeling v. Fagan - Notice of Appeal Quashed

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has issued a unanimous opinion in Keeling v. Fagan, quashing the Notice of Appeal. The court cited Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure 341(b) regarding final orders as the basis for its decision.

Harwood Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project Completed

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the completion of the Harwood Lake Dam reconstruction project. This completion allows for the return of scheduled trout stocking for the spring fishing season, with approximately 4,950 trout to be stocked.

DEC Advises Securing Dock Permits Before Repair Work

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding residents and contractors to secure necessary permits before undertaking dock, pier, and bulkhead repair work. This advisory anticipates increased repair needs due to winter ice damage and aims to prevent construction delays and protect coastal environments.

NY DEC Harmful Algal Bloom Management Roadmap

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a new Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Roadmap, a five-year plan to guide management and research efforts across the state. The roadmap outlines six focus areas, including monitoring, water quality standards, mitigation research, and public outreach, to address the impacts of HABs on water resources, public health, and local economies.

Lake Champlain Fisheries Public Meeting Announced

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a public meeting on March 28, 2026, regarding the State of Lake Champlain Fisheries. The meeting, hosted with partners from Vermont and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will provide updates on fisheries status, restoration efforts, and invasive species.

DEC Closes Seasonal Access Roads Due to Mud Season

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has closed seasonal access roads and associated gates in Regions 5 and 6 due to 'mud season' conditions caused by the spring thaw. These closures are effective immediately and aim to prevent damage to roads from motor vehicle use, with reopening contingent upon drying and maintenance.

NY DEC Awards Grants for Hudson River Water Quality Projects

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has awarded $964,468 in grants to 14 projects focused on protecting water quality and enhancing environmental education along the Hudson River Estuary. The funding, part of the Hudson River Estuary Grants Program, will support local stewardship planning and initiatives in communities, with a significant portion directed towards disadvantaged areas.

USPTO Order Convening Appeals Review Panel for Ex Parte Desjardins

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel has convened an Appeals Review Panel (ARP) for ex parte appeal 2024-000567 concerning application 16/319,040. The panel granted sua sponte rehearing to review the Board's Decision on Appeal and Request for Rehearing, specifically focusing on the rejection of claims under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

USPTO Rehearing Decision for Patent Application 16/319,040

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel has vacated a previous Board decision regarding a new ground of rejection under 35 U.S.C. § 101 for patent application 16/319,040. This decision pertains to claims related to training machine learning models and does not disturb other prior Board decisions.

USPTO Decision on Request for Rehearing for Ex parte Baurin

The USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board has issued a decision on a request for rehearing concerning application 17/135,529, filed by Nicolas Baurin and others. The decision, dated December 18, 2025, addresses the rehearing request related to a patent application.

USPTO Order Convening Appeals Review Panel for Ex parte Baurin

The USPTO has convened an Appeals Review Panel (ARP) to rehear ex parte Appeal 2024-002920 concerning Application 17/135,529. The review will focus on the Board's reversal of obviousness-type double patenting (OTDP) rejections. Appellant is authorized to file a limited brief by March 27, 2026.

USPTO Order Convenes Appeals Review Panel for Ex Parte Desjardins

The USPTO has issued a superseding order convening an Appeals Review Panel (ARP) for ex parte Guillaume Desjardins, application 16/319,040. The ARP will grant sua sponte rehearing to review the Board's Decision on Appeal and Decision on Request for Rehearing, focusing on a new ground of rejection of claims under 35 U.S.C. § 101.

USPTO Director Denies Inter Partes Review Institution

The USPTO Director has granted a review, vacated a prior decision to institute an Inter Partes Review (IPR), and denied institution. This action stems from the patent owner's argument that the petitioner took inconsistent claim construction positions in district court litigation compared to its IPR petition.

USPTO Vacates Institution of Inter Partes Review in Carbyne v Tritech

The USPTO Director has vacated the institution of an Inter Partes Review (IPR) in the case of Carbyne, Inc. v. Tritech Software Systems. The Director found that the petitioner, Carbyne, Inc., failed to adequately explain inconsistent claim construction positions taken before the USPTO and in district court litigation.

USPTO Director Vacates Institution of Inter Partes Review in Cisco v. Dynamic Mesh Networks

The USPTO Director has vacated the institution of an Inter Partes Review (IPR) in the case of Cisco Systems, Inc. v. Dynamic Mesh Networks, Inc. The decision was based on the patent owner filing a statutory disclaimer of all claims and the entire term of the challenged patent prior to institution, rendering the review moot.

USPTO Order Initiating Director Review of Inter Partes Review

The USPTO Director has initiated a sua sponte review of decisions granting inter partes review (IPR) in cases involving Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. and Pensando Systems, Inc. (Petitioners) against XtreamEdge, Inc. (Patent Owner). This review is prompted by the Patent Owner's request alleging Petitioners violated a stipulation by raising invalidity challenges in parallel district court litigation that could have been raised in the IPR.

USPTO Director Review Requests Status

The USPTO has published a spreadsheet detailing Director Review Requests for patent cases, including PTAB case numbers, requestors, petitioners, patent owners, and the disposition of each request. The data reflects decisions made by the USPTO Director on requests for review of PTAB decisions.

USPTO Rehearing Decision on Patent Eligibility for Machine Learning

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel vacated a previous rejection of patent claims related to machine learning training methods under 35 U.S.C. § 101. This decision revises the patent eligibility assessment for certain AI-related inventions, impacting technology companies and manufacturers seeking patent protection.

USPTO Director Review Vacates Institution, Remands IPR Cases

The USPTO Director has granted a review, vacated decisions to institute two Inter Partes Review (IPR) proceedings against two patents held by Birchtech Corp., and remanded the cases. The Director found that instituting multiple petitions against the same patent claims for efficiency reasons was an abuse of discretion.

PTAB Grants New Filing Date and Expunges Documents in IPR Proceeding

The USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) has accorded a new filing date of January 5, 2026, to a petition for inter partes review filed by Curium US LLC. This decision follows an updated mandatory notice identifying additional real parties in interest. Consequently, prior filings related to the original petition, including a request for discretionary denial, have been expunged.

USPTO Denies Inter Partes Review Due to Chinese Government Control

The USPTO Director denied an Inter Partes Review (IPR) petition filed by Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd. against LG Display Co., Ltd. The denial was based on national security interests, as Tianma is affiliated with China's Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), a Chinese government-controlled entity on the Commerce Department's entity list. This decision also interprets the Supreme Court's 'Return Mail' ruling to bar foreign governments from filing IPR petitions.

USPTO Selects Utah for New Community Engagement Office

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the selection of the University of Utah as the location for a new community engagement office. This office will serve innovators in a region formerly covered by the Rocky Mountain Regional Outreach Office and aims to foster innovation and translate research into economic growth.

USPTO Opens Mountain West Community Engagement Office in Utah

The USPTO has opened a new Mountain West Community Engagement Office in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 20, 2026. Director John A. Squires delivered remarks at the opening, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property protection and innovation across the nation. The office aims to assist individuals and businesses in navigating intellectual property resources.

USPTO, DOJ Reaffirm Importance of Patent Incentives

The USPTO and DOJ filed a statement of interest in a U.S. District Court case, reaffirming the importance of patent incentives for innovation and competition. The statement argues that limiting patentees' ability to seek injunctive relief for infringement undermines the incentive to innovate and the U.S. patent system.

USPTO Director Remarks on International IP Index

USPTO Director John A. Squires delivered remarks on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's International IP Index, highlighting the United States' continued top ranking and the importance of robust IP protection for innovation. The remarks emphasized the USPTO's efforts to strengthen the patent system and adapt to future needs.

USPTO AI Assistant Speeds Trademark Classification

The USPTO has announced a new AI tool called "Class ACT" designed to significantly reduce the time required for trademark application pre-processing. This tool automates the assignment of international classes, design search codes, and pseudo marks, aiming to improve efficiency for examining attorneys and applicants.

Minnesota DLI Awards $3M Grants for Teacher Apprenticeships

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has awarded $3 million in grants to three registered teacher apprenticeship programs. These grants aim to expand the programs, enabling participants to earn a teaching license and bachelor's degree at no cost, addressing teacher shortages in the state.

Minnesota Fatal Work Injuries Rise to 84 in 2024

Minnesota recorded 84 fatal work injuries in 2024, an increase from 70 in 2023 and the highest number since 2017. The state's fatal-injury rate rose to 2.9 per 100,000 workers, though it remains below the national average. The Department of Labor and Industry urges worksites to focus on safety.

Minnesota DLI Awards Construction Mental Health Grants

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has awarded grants totaling $750,000 to two organizations to support mental health initiatives within the construction industry. The Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education will use the funds to develop outreach, resources, and worksite strategies.

Minnesota Workplace Injury and Illness Rate Holds Steady

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry announced that the state's estimated workplace injury and illness rate for 2024 remained steady at an all-time low of 2.9 OSHA-recordable nonfatal cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers. This rate matches the 2023 figure and represents the lowest recorded since 1973.

WOW St. Louis Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced the upcoming WOW St. Louis National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School, scheduled for April 11-12, 2026. The event aims to empower families with outdoor skills and offers various participation options, including day classes and an overnight experience.

Missouri State Energy Plan Development Project Launched

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has initiated a six-month project to develop a new State Energy Plan. This initiative will involve economic and power sector modeling, demand forecasting, and policy recommendations to address the state's changing energy landscape and increasing reliance on imported electricity.

Missouri DEQ Seeks Comments on Unilever Remedy and Regulatory Release

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on a proposed final remedy for the Unilever HPC-USA facility. The proposal suggests no further corrective action is needed and seeks to release the facility from hazardous waste storage regulations.

Missouri DNR Aquifer Study Seeks Landowner Participation

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is conducting an aquifer study in Lewis County and is seeking participation from landowners with water wells. The study uses passive seismic surveys to identify potential underground aquifers, which could help locate favorable water well construction sites and ease drought impacts.

MO DNR Awards $1.6M Loan for School District Energy Project

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a low-interest loan of over $1.6 million to the Hillsboro R-III School District for energy efficiency improvements. The project aims to reduce energy costs and conserve resources for the school district and its community.