Community Sentences Position Statement and Recommendations

The Magistrates' Association published a position statement with 14 recommendations for improving community sentencing in England and Wales. The statement calls for increased funding for probation services, real-time data on programme availability, and clearer sentencing guidance. The Association warns that planned criminal justice reforms will fail without proper investment in community sentences.

R v Lakeman - Virtual Asset Theft

The Court of Appeal ruled in R v Lakeman that virtual gold pieces in Old School Runescape constitute 'property' under the Theft Act 1968, reversing a lower court decision. The defendant, Andrew Lakeman, faces charges for allegedly stealing gold tokens valued at £543,123 from 68 players. Lord Justice Popplewell held that virtual assets are 'real functional things distinct from the code which creates them' and capable of being stolen. The ruling aligns with the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, establishing that digital assets can be subject to property rights.

AP v TP - Pension Sharing Order Enforcement When Reluctant Member Avoids Providing Information

The Family Court in AP v TP [2025] EWFC 190 (B) established that pension sharing orders can be set aside under the Thwaite jurisdiction where the pension credit member (W) persistently fails to provide necessary information to implement the share. HHJ Farquhar gave W 28 days to comply, after which the order would be set aside. The court rejected proposals to vary the order to 0% (timing issue) or to a pension attachment order (clean break order conflict).

EU Parliament resolution amending gas storage regulation

EU Parliament resolution amending gas storage regulation

No Cash Distribution Announced; Whistleblower Retaliation Lawsuit to Proceed Against PCEC

Pacific Coast Oil Trust announced no cash distribution to unitholders for January 2026 due to insufficient net profits and ongoing concerns about asset retirement obligations. The Trust disclosed that a federal whistleblower retaliation lawsuit by former employee Brendan Potyondy against PCEC will proceed after the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California denied PCEC's motion to dismiss on April 11, 2025.

Herstoric Apparel LLC opposes Herstoric Inc. trademark

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board instituted Opposition No. 91291242 on March 27, 2026, with Herstoric Apparel LLC as plaintiff opposing Herstoric, Inc.'s registration of the HERSTORIC trademark. The proceeding is suspended pending resolution of an outstanding motion.

Los Perros HQ opposes trademark, settlement pending

The USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board docketed Opposition No. 91290794, filed by Los Perros Headquarters, LLC against Los Perros Del Sobrino, Inc.'s trademark application for LOS PERROS DEL SOBRINO. The defendant filed a motion to suspend proceedings with consent pending settlement negotiations. The opposition was originally filed on April 8, 2024.

Emerson College v. Abercrombie & Fitch - Trademark Opposition Dismissed

USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board dismissed Opposition No. TTAB91289371 with prejudice, ruling in favor of Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Co. in the trademark dispute over 'THE A&F EMERSON' mark filed by Emerson College on January 23, 2024. The opposition is fully resolved with no further appeal options available to the plaintiff.

Water Pik Ex Parte Appeal Terminated

USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board terminated Ex Parte Appeal #98737348 filed by Water Pik, Inc. The appeal was filed on March 13, 2026, and terminated on March 29, 2026. No new obligations, penalties, or policy changes were created.

SIPPY JUICE Trademark Cancellation

The TTAB instituted Cancellation No. 92090966 filed by Amanda Kutner against Donald J Rea concerning the trademark SIPPY JUICE. The proceeding is currently suspended, placing it on hold pending other matters. Parties should monitor the docket for further action.