USPTO Final Rule: Foreign Patent Applicants Must Use Practitioner

The USPTO is issuing a final rule requiring foreign patent applicants and owners to be represented by a registered patent practitioner. This change aims to harmonize U.S. practice with international norms, increase USPTO efficiency, and improve enforcement of U.S. patent laws.

Gomez Statement on TEGNA Transfer to Nexstar Media

FCC Commissioner Gomez issued a dissenting statement regarding the transfer of control of TEGNA Inc. to Nexstar Media Inc. The statement outlines the Commissioner's specific concerns and reasons for not approving the transaction.

Sondag v. Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C. - Medical Malpractice Appeal

The Iowa Supreme Court issued an opinion in Sondag v. Orthopaedic Specialists, P.C., concerning a medical malpractice case. The court reviewed the dismissal of the case due to a decertified expert witness, affirming the lower court's decision to revisit a prior ruling on good cause for extending the expert witness deadline.

Iowa Supreme Court Reverses Medical Malpractice Dismissal

The Iowa Supreme Court reversed a district court's dismissal of a medical malpractice suit, finding that the dismissal four years after the initial filing was an abuse of discretion. The court vacated the decision of the Iowa Court of Appeals and remanded the case for trial.

State v Heiller - Theft Convictions Appeal

The Iowa Supreme Court issued an opinion in State v. Heiller, addressing appeals related to theft convictions. The court affirmed the convictions, finding sufficient evidence for taking and intent, and that territorial jurisdiction was not preserved as a sufficiency issue. The decision clarifies the handling of territorial jurisdiction claims and jury instructions in criminal appeals.

State of Iowa v. Dillon Michael Heiller - Theft Conviction Appeal

The Iowa Supreme Court reviewed a theft conviction appeal. The court affirmed the conviction for theft that occurred in Iowa but reversed the conviction for theft of a vehicle stolen in Wisconsin due to insufficient evidence. The case is remanded for further proceedings.

Iowa Supreme Court - Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Valerie Cramer

The Iowa Supreme Court has published its opinion in Case No. 25-1244, Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Valerie A. Cramer. The respondent is appealing findings of rule violations and the recommended sanction, arguing the proceedings lacked fairness and evidence. The court's opinion addresses these arguments.

Iowa Attorney License Revocation Appeal

The Iowa Supreme Court reviewed a grievance commission recommendation to revoke an attorney's license. The court found the attorney violated ethical rules and suspended her license for two years, overturning the revocation recommendation.

Disciplinary Board v. Allison - Attorney Discipline

The Iowa Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the disciplinary case of the Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board v. Stephen K. Allison. The opinion, published on March 20, 2026, addresses a review from a grievance commission report and recommendation.

Iowa Supreme Court reprimands Stephen K. Allison

The Iowa Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand to attorney Stephen K. Allison for violating ethical rules. The disciplinary board charged Allison with repeated refusals to comply with court orders to file a jurisdictional statement during a criminal appeal, which ultimately led to the dismissal of the appeal. The court agreed with the grievance commission's recommendation for a public reprimand.