There Was No Clear Majority at Oral Argument Signaling the Death of Inter Partes Review
November 27 was supposed to be the big Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court. After two hours of questioning, it seemed more like a big bust.
Determining whether or not a government regulation constitutes a “taking” for the purposes of the Fifth Amendment can be a complex endeavor. The recent Second Department decision of Matter of New Creek Bluebelt, Phase 3 (Baycrest Manor Inc.), provides some guidance on three important regulatory takings issues.
Part Two of a Three-Part Article
Notwithstanding the absence of an explicit gag order in the statute, the DOJ takes the position that, even if the relator properly files the case under seal at the outset, that relator can later “breach the seal,” and be subject to judicial sanction, if he or she discloses the existence of the qui tam to others.
The U.S. Supreme Court seemed ready to strike down — though not by a unanimous vote — the federal law that bans most states from licensing sports betting.
President Trump's first 11 months in office brought significant changes to labor and employment law. Immediate changes to the leadership and agendas for the DOL, the EEOC and the NLRB) have already occurred, along with reversals of policy and positions taken in court.
SCOTUS Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape
In June, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Digital Realty Trust Inc. v. Somers, to review a Ninth Circuit decision regarding SEC whistleblowing protections. The Court's ruling is highly anticipated, as it will clarify the landscape for whistleblower protections.
A Business Expense?
In negotiating FCA or similar settlements with the government, one key consideration is the tax treatment of any payment. While not in the context of deductibility, the Supreme Court this year, inKokesh v. SEC, analyzed whether disgorgement in an SEC enforcement action was punitive or compensatory.
Scotus Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape
On June 26, 2017, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in Digital Realty Trust Inc. v. Somers, to review a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision regarding SEC whistleblowing protections. The Court's ruling is highly anticipated, as it will clarify the landscape for whistleblower protections.
A long-running dispute between Microsoft and the Justice Department over providing the government with certain customer emails in criminal investigations will be refereed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
On Oct. 2, 2017, the Supreme Court was set to hear argument as to whether class action waivers in arbitration agreements are valid and enforceable. Thirty-six amicus briefs were submitted to the Supreme Court on this issue, underscoring that regardless of the Court's decision, there will be sweeping implications for both employers and employees.
