Split Overtube Prevents Loop Formation During Colonoscopy

USPTO published patent application US20260083313A1 for a split overtube device designed to prevent loop formation during colonoscopy. The device features a longitudinal split allowing placement over an endoscope shaft during an ongoing procedure. Invented by Rafal Sadurski, the overtube uses segmented oval openings and a fastening mechanism to create a semi-rigid conduit that translates axial force into forward endoscope movement without dangerous loop formation.

White-Light Source and Intraocular Illumination Device

USPTO published patent application US20260083316A1 for a white-light source and intraocular illumination device with controllable spectral composition. The invention combines multiple light sources (blue, green, red spectral ranges) including laser-activated remote phosphor (LARP) technology for fiber-based intraocular illumination in surgical applications. Application No. 19109457 was filed April 28, 2023, by inventors Doubek, Masini, and Neis.

Visual Field Testing Method and Device

The USPTO published patent application US20260083318A1 for a visual field testing method and device. The invention, filed July 23, 2025, describes a method using display equipment with a detection interface where central and peripheral targets are presented according to preset strategies, with subject responses determining testing results. This affects medical device manufacturers developing diagnostic ophthalmic equipment.

Glaucoma visual field diagnosis head-mounted display

USPTO published patent application US20260083319A1 for a head-mounted display system implementing adaptive map perimetry for glaucoma visual field diagnosis and monitoring. The system includes a headset device with a display screen, adaptive algorithm, normative database, and spatial mapping to identify damaged visual field clusters. Inventors: Lama Al-Aswad, Iván Marín-Franch, Nicholas Neissa.

Administrative Judicial Review Dismissed - Licence Refusal Appeal

The Federal Court of Australia dismissed an application for judicial review brought by JGW25 challenging a decision to refuse a licence under s 19AP of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The applicant raised grounds including constructive failure to exercise jurisdiction, legal unreasonableness, reliance on erroneous information, and failure to consider relevant matters. The Court ordered the applicant to pay the respondent's costs.

Mastercard Asia/Pacific v ACCC - Implied Waiver of Legal Privilege

The Federal Court of Australia Full Court in Mastercard Asia/Pacific v ACCC [2026] FCAFC 37 upheld that implied waiver of legal professional privilege is not limited to express assertions about privileged communications. The Court affirmed that waiver can arise from conduct opening the subject-matter to scrutiny, including the filing of affidavits asserting non-competitive purposes, even before they are read into evidence. This judgment clarifies privilege law applicable to ACCC competition proceedings.

Court orders meeting for Diversified United Investment scheme of arrangement

The Federal Court of Australia ordered a meeting to be convened for the scheme of arrangement involving Diversified United Investment Limited (ACN 006 713 177) as plaintiff and Australian United Investment Company Limited (ACN 004 268 679) as interested person. The court was satisfied that ASIC was given adequate notice and opportunity to review the proposed scheme and draft explanatory statement.

Non-opposition to EPH/TTE/EFG concentration (Case M.12302)

The European Commission issued a non-opposition decision for Case M.12302 involving EPH, TTE, and EFG. The notified concentration was cleared without commitments or further investigation, indicating the Commission found no competition concerns. This is a standard Phase I merger clearance under EU competition rules.

Spain CISAF: Catalonia Zero-Emission Manufacturing Aid Scheme

The European Commission approved Spain's request for a €50 million state aid scheme under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) to support zero-emission manufacturing in Catalonia. The aid will be administered as direct grants through non-competitive open calls by the Catalan Directorate General of Industry, with eligible manufacturers able to apply until 31 December 2030.

JLL and PIF acquire joint control of FMTECH

The European Commission received a merger notification (M.12358) under Council Regulation No. 139/2004 for JLL Co-Investment and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to acquire joint control of FMTech, a Saudi facilities management company currently solely controlled by PIF. JLL is a Chicago-based global commercial real estate and investment management company.

EU merger notification JLL/PIF/FMTECH simplified procedure

The European Commission published a prior notification of a concentration in Case M.12358 involving JLL, PIF, and FMTECH. The transaction has been identified as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure, which applies to straightforward cases unlikely to raise competition concerns. This notice invites third parties with comparable interests to submit observations on the proposed concentration.

JLL / PIF / FMTECH Merger - Phase I Clearance

The European Commission cleared the JLL/PIF/FMTECH merger under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The Phase I decision was adopted on 27 March 2026, with the parties notified on 4 March 2026. The concentration involves combined facilities support activities (NACE O.81.10) and was cleared without conditions or remedies.

JLL/PIF/FMTECH Merger Approved

The European Commission approved the acquisition of joint control over Saudi Facility Management Company (FMTech) by Jones Lang Lasalle Co-Investment (US) and the Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia). The transaction was reviewed under the simplified merger procedure and declared compatible with the internal market and EEA Agreement. No concerns were raised regarding competition.

Appointment of François-Louis Michaud as EBA Chairperson

The Council of the European Union formally appointed François-Louis Michaud as chairperson of the European Banking Authority (EBA) for a five-year term starting 16 April 2026. The appointment was made following the EBA board of supervisors shortlisting two candidates, interviews in January 2026, and confirmation by the European Parliament on 10 March 2026. The appointment may be extended once upon completion of the initial term.

Common EU Insolvency Rules Harmonization

The Council of the EU has given final approval to a new Directive harmonizing key aspects of insolvency law across member states. The rules include avoidance actions, cross-border asset tracing via bank account registers, pre-pack proceedings, directors' duty to file for insolvency within three months of financial distress, creditors' committee strengthening, and transparency requirements. Member states have two years and nine months to transpose the directive into national law.

EU Talent Pool Platform for Non-EU Jobseekers

The Council of the EU gave final approval to Regulation (EU) establishing an EU talent pool, a digital platform connecting non-EU jobseekers with EU employers facing labor shortages. The platform will facilitate international recruitment while providing safeguards against labor exploitation and informing candidates of their rights regarding fair recruitment and decent working conditions. Participation in the platform remains voluntary for EU member states, with full operational status expected by 2027.

EU External Action Guarantee Amendments for Investment Efficiency

The Council of the EU formally adopted targeted amendments to the NDICI-Global Europe regulation to enhance the External Action Guarantee (EAG). The EAG supports investments outside the EU by reducing financial risks and mobilizing public and private financing, backed by up to €53.4 billion in EU funds.

Heavy-Duty Vehicle CO2 Target Flexibility for Manufacturers

The Council of the EU formally adopted a targeted amendment to CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, introducing temporary flexibility for manufacturers on 2030 reduction targets. The amendment allows manufacturers of heavy lorries (over 16t) and certain buses (over 7.5t) to earn more emission credits between 2025-2029 by comparing against annual targets rather than stricter linear trajectories. The regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.

EU-UK Negotiations on Electricity Market, Cohesion, and Erasmus+

The Council of the EU formally authorized the European Commission to open negotiations with the UK on three separate agreements: UK participation in the EU's internal electricity market (wholesale and retail), a permanent mechanism for UK financial contributions to EU cohesion policy, and UK association to the Erasmus+ programme for 2027. The electricity and cohesion agreements must proceed on parallel paths and enter into force simultaneously.

Stronger Package Travel Protections

The Council of the EU adopted a revised Package Travel Directive strengthening protections for travelers purchasing combined tourist services. Key changes include clarified definitions excluding linked travel arrangements, enhanced pre-trip information requirements (payment methods, visa requirements, accessibility, cancellation fees), 14-day refund rights for force majeure cancellations, 12-month transferable vouchers as refund alternatives, and 6-month insolvency refund guarantees. Member states have 28 months to implement.

EU Council Updates Naval Operation Mandates for ASPIDES and ATALANTA

The Council of the EU adopted two decisions amending the mandates of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA naval operations. ASPIDES gains new tasks including collecting information on suspicious activities related to critical submarine infrastructure (CSI), training Djiboutian maritime forces, and cooperating with the Yemeni Coast Guard. ATALANTA's mandate is updated to suspend monitoring of illicit charcoal trade while maintaining arms and narcotics trafficking tasks.

BLUMEPAY Trademark Application - Payment Processing Software

The USPTO published trademark application TM79441467 for BLUMEPAY on March 29, 2026, covering payment processing software, financial lending services, credit management platforms, and SaaS/PaaS solutions for fintech applications. The trademark is in International Class 36 (financial services) and is now in the opposition period, allowing third parties to challenge registration.

COVER YOUR ASSETS COMPLIANCE Trademark Renewal

USPTO renewed Trademark Registration TM86623656 for COVER YOUR ASSETS COMPLIANCE as of March 29, 2026. The mark covers advisory and consulting services in employee benefits and group healthcare plan compliance. Trademark holders in Class 036 should maintain renewal schedules to preserve their registrations.

LEVIN CAPITAL STRATEGIES Trademark Registration

USPTO trademark registration TM78705851 for LEVIN CAPITAL STRATEGIES, LP was granted on March 29, 2026. The registered mark covers financial services including investment advisory services, investment management services, and asset management services. The original application was filed on September 2, 2005.

REBELAI AI Trademark Application - Intent to Use

USPTO received Intent-to-Use trademark application TM99731095 for REBELAI AI brand filed by REBELAI INC on March 28, 2026. The application covers software as a service and platform as a service offerings for artificial intelligence business integration, decision support, workflow automation, and analytics.

Cyborg Marketing Trademark Application - AI Marketing Services

USPTO received an Intent to Use trademark application TM99731055 from Cyborg Marketing for AI-powered marketing and advertising services including SaaS platforms, consulting, and digital marketing. The application covers 17 service categories spanning AI-enabled marketing automation, algorithmic advertising platforms, business technology consulting, and advertising strategy services. No compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with this filing - it is simply a registration request pending USPTO examination.

Report a financial loss from the delay to the replacement credits service

HMRC published guidance on 30 March 2026 explaining that the National Insurance replacement credits service has been delayed until April 2027. Affected parents and carers who reached State Pension age from 6 April 2016 onwards may report financial losses caused by the delay through HMRC's complaints process. HMRC will calculate and make one-off payments from April 2027 when the replacement credits service opens.

HMRC Assist provides feedback for Making Tax Digital users

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published information about HMRC Assist, a digital feedback service for Making Tax Digital users. The service provides tailored guidance based on software submissions for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment, helping users get their tax returns correct. This is an informational publication dated 30 March 2026.

Critical RCE vulnerability in F5 BIG-IP APM, active exploitation

The NCSC issued an urgent advisory regarding CVE-2025-53521, a critical unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability in F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager that is being actively exploited. All UK organisations using BIG-IP APM are urged to take immediate mitigation action including isolation, investigation for compromise, and patching to the latest version.

CCCS Revises Merger Procedure Guidelines and Review Framework

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has revised its Merger Procedure Guidelines, effective May 1, 2026. Key changes include introducing a streamlined review track, reducing assessment periods for certain mergers, and lessening the information submission burden for parties. These updates aim to provide greater clarity and efficiency in merger reviews.

CCCS consults on proposed commitments in EV charging acquisition

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) is seeking public feedback on proposed commitments by SP Mobility Pte. Ltd. (SPM) regarding its acquisition of Strides YTL Pte. Ltd. (ChargEco). The commitments aim to address potential competition concerns in the East Singapore HDB EV charging market.

GuardianAI USPTO Trademark Application - AI Child Safety App

The USPTO has received an intent-to-use trademark application for 'GuardianAI', an AI-powered child safety mobile application. The application covers software for content filtering, VPN protection, device management, and detecting online threats to minors.

Sentrykey.Ai Security Software Trademark Application

The USPTO has received a trademark application for Sentrykey.Ai security software, intended for use in parental control, digital behavior monitoring, and identity assurance. The application was filed on March 28, 2026, under the 'Intent to Use' category.

Skyris Trademark Application - Intent to Use

The USPTO has received an Intent to Use trademark application for 'Skyris' filed on March 29, 2026. The application covers a broad range of goods and services related to drones, autonomous vehicles, robotics, AI software, and computer hardware.

FOCOVI trademark for mobile fitness app software

The USPTO has received an intent-to-use trademark application for the mark 'FOCOVI' for downloadable mobile application software used for fitness training, interval timing, and nutrition planning. The application was filed on March 28, 2026.

ECJU Changes OIEL Amendment Process

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has updated its process for assessing and processing amendment requests for Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs). This change aims to streamline the application process for exporters.

NCLAT Court III Supplementary Cause List

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has issued a supplementary cause list for Court III, scheduled for March 30, 2026. The document outlines instructions for hybrid mode hearings, including video conferencing procedures and appearance slip submission.

NCLAT Chennai Bench Daily Cause List - April 1, 2026

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) Chennai Bench has issued its daily cause list for April 1, 2026. The list details cases scheduled for hearing in hybrid mode, including fresh cases for admission and cases after notice, with specific case numbers and parties involved.

Sean Kirkup v. His Majesty's Advocate - Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence

The Scottish High Court of Justiciary heard an appeal against conviction and sentence by Sean Kirkup. The court considered grounds related to the admissibility of evidence concerning BDSM practices and a 'safe word' in relation to sexual assault charges, as well as an appeal against the extended sentence of 6 years imposed.

Kane v Waugh - Court of Session

The Scottish Court of Session issued an ex tempore opinion in the case of Samantha Kane v Leslie Stewart Waugh and Kerry Hawthorne. The petitioner, formerly a member of the Ardgay and District Community Council, restricted her claim to declarator, no longer seeking reduction or damages regarding the council's dissolution.

Scottish Ministers appeal FOI decision on legal professional privilege

The Scottish Court of Session's First Division heard an appeal by the Scottish Ministers against a decision by the Scottish Information Commissioner regarding the disclosure of information subject to legal professional privilege (LPP). The court's opinion clarifies the interplay between freedom of information legislation and common law LPP.

Mirza v. Lord Advocate and Advocate General - Seizure of Cash

The Court of Session issued an opinion regarding a pursuer's claim for declarator that sums seized in 2015 were unlawfully retained and sought their return. The case involves the interpretation of Chapter 3 of Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 concerning cash seizure and forfeiture.

FMA Cancels Saanvi 2022 Limited's Financial Advice Provider Licence

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has cancelled the Financial Advice Provider licence of Saanvi 2022 Limited for failing to meet its licence obligations. The FMA found serious failures in trust, governance, and professional standards, including the submission of altered documents and undisclosed referral arrangements.

Hawaii Tax Review Commission Meeting Agenda

The Hawaii Department of Taxation has issued the agenda for the Tax Review Commission meeting scheduled for April 1, 2026. The meeting will cover topics such as reviewing past minutes, discussing potential consultant studies, and procedural matters for hiring consultants.

ASIC Instrument for Employee Entitlement Schemes Requires AFS Licence by Sep 2026

ASIC has issued a new legislative instrument, ASIC Corporations (Employee Entitlement Schemes) Instrument 2026/199, which replaces existing relief for employee entitlement schemes. Scheme operators must apply for an Australian financial services (AFS) licence by September 1, 2026, and will receive conditional relief from certain provisions of the Corporations Act until their licence is granted.

Pharmaron Manufacturing Services DEA Importer Controlled Substances Application

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published a notice regarding an application from Pharmaron Manufacturing Services (US) LLC to be registered as an importer of Poppy Straw Concentrate (Schedule II). Interested parties may submit comments or requests for a hearing by April 29, 2026.

Chemos LLC Bulk Manufacturer DEA Application

The DEA has published a notice regarding an application from Chemtos, LLC to be registered as a bulk manufacturer of various Schedule I controlled substances. Registered manufacturers and applicants can submit comments or requests for a hearing by May 29, 2026.

Steerable Ultrasound Endoscope with Needle Guide Ramp

The USPTO has published a new patent application, US20260083301A1, for a steerable ultrasound attachment for endoscopes developed by EndoSound, Inc. The application details an assembly that includes an ultrasound imaging head, sub-assembly, and a needle guide ramp designed to direct a needle within an imaging slice plane.

Patent Application: Fluorescence Imaging for Cancer Margin Detection

The USPTO has published a new patent application (US20260083330A1) detailing a method and system for enhanced fluorescence imaging of tissue and cancer margins. The application, filed on September 23, 2024, describes techniques for analyzing tissue using fluorescent agents and biomolecule autofluorescence to identify diseased tissue.

Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Clamping Force Sensors Patent Application

The USPTO has published a new patent application (US20260083472A1) for an ultrasonic surgical instrument with integrated clamping force sensors. This innovation aims to provide real-time feedback during robotic surgeries, potentially enhancing precision and safety.