State v. Brown - Public Records Request Denial

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's denial of an inmate's public records request. The court found that the inmate failed to demonstrate the materiality of the requested records to any pending proceeding or justiciable claim, upholding the denial under R.C. 149.43(B)(8).

In re S.B. - Juvenile Court Grants Permanent Custody

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a juvenile court's decision to grant permanent custody of a child to the Agency. The court found the decision was in the child's best interest due to the mother's neglect and the father's minimal engagement, and also considered the child's wish to be adopted by her current placement.

State v. Elston - Consecutive Sentences Not Mandatory

The Ohio Court of Appeals ruled that consecutive sentences were not mandatory for Darryl Elston, reversing a portion of the trial court's judgment. The court found the trial court erroneously imposed consecutive sentences as if they were mandatory under R.C. 2921.331(D) and did not properly inform the appellant at the plea hearing.

State v. Reams - Conviction Reversed by Ohio Court of Appeals

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed in part and affirmed in part a trial court's judgment convicting David Reams of reckless operation and failing to stop after an accident. The court found insufficient evidence for the reckless operation conviction but upheld the conviction for failure to stop.

State v. Martin - Alford Plea Acceptance Error

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's judgment, vacating a defendant's attempted murder conviction based on an improperly accepted Alford plea. The court found the trial court failed to establish a sufficient factual basis for the plea by not inquiring into the state's evidence or defense counsel's investigation.

Legacy Real Estate Investing, LLC v. Maldonado Constr., LLC - Sanctions for Interpreter Motion

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's decision to impose $600 in attorney fees as sanctions against an appellant for requesting a Spanish-language interpreter on the morning of trial. The appellate court found no support in the record for the conclusion that the motion was made for delay or caused a delay.

In re Adoption of J.T.S. - Probate Court Erred Granting Intervention

The Ohio Court of Appeals reversed a probate court's decision to grant intervention in an adoption proceeding. The appellate court found that the intervenor was not entitled to notice or consent rights under Ohio law, as he had not properly registered as a putative father and no prior judicial determination of parentage existed.

State v. Coleman - Attorney Sanctions for AI Misconduct

The Ohio Court of Appeals has sanctioned attorney William B. Norman for using fabricated artificial intelligence quotes in a court filing. The court found the misconduct violated multiple Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and imposed sanctions including mandatory continuing legal education and a written apology.

Ohio Appeals Court Affirms Civil Penalties for Open Dumping

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's order imposing civil penalties and a permanent injunction against Keegan Enterprises, Ltd. and individuals for open dumping of solid waste and creating a public nuisance. The court found sufficient evidence to support the judgment and rejected claims of judicial bias.

State v. Allen - Res Judicata Bars Disposition Hearing Arguments

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's decision to revoke community control sanctions and impose a prison sentence on Ryan Allen. The court found that Allen's arguments regarding disposition hearings were barred by res judicata and that his violation of relocation requirements was non-technical, justifying revocation.

State v. Cowgill - Rape Conviction Upheld

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the rape conviction of Michael Cowgill. The court found sufficient evidence to support the conviction and that it was not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Cowgill was sentenced to 10-15 years incarceration and lifetime registration as a Tier III Sex Offender.

State v. Wright - Appeal Dismissed as Moot

The Ohio Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal in State v. Wright as moot because the appellant had completed his prison sentence. The court cited the completion of the sentence as rendering the assignments of error unaddressable.

State v. Kiser - Suppression of Methamphetamine in Parked Car

The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's decision to overrule a motion to suppress methamphetamine found in a parked car. The court found that the community caretaking exception to the Fourth Amendment justified the officer's actions in opening the car door.

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.