Jessica M. Karmasek News
Maine lawmaker introduces patent troll legislation, says some banks are in 'a hostage situation'
PORTLAND, Maine (Legal Newsline) -- A Maine lawmaker has introduced legislation that would make patent trolling more difficult in the state.
U.S. SC refuses to hear farmers' appeal in patent case against Monsanto
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal by a group of farmers against agricultural biotechnology giant Monsanto.
'Scanner troll' MPHJ hits FTC with federal lawsuit, claims agency is violating its rights
SAN ANTONIO (Legal Newsline) -- The so-called "scanner troll," MPHJ Technology Investments LLC, is suing the Federal Trade Commission in a Texas federal court for allegedly violating its constitutional rights.
Federal Circuit ruling could mean more losers in patent infringement lawsuits will have to pay
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A federal appeals court ruling late last month could make it easier for wrongfully accused patent infringement defendants to recover their attorneys' fees.
U.S. SC declines to hear Internet patent infringement case; company president declares it 'a tough time to be a patent owner'
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear a software company's case against an online retailer for allegedly infringing on its "shopping cart" patents.
Hood praises U.S. SC's ruling in LCD case
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) -- Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is praising the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the right of attorneys general to enforce their state's laws in state court.
N.Y. AG reaches settlement with 'scanner troll' MPHJ
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) -- New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has reached what he calls a "groundbreaking" settlement with "scanner troll" MPHJ Technology Investments LLC.
U.S. SC: Miss. AG's lawsuit against LCD manufacturers doesn't constitute 'mass action'
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous ruling Tuesday, said Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood's lawsuit against a group of liquid crystal display manufacturers does not constitute a mass action under the federal Class Action Fairness Act.
Innovation Act most likely to face additional hearings before Senate takes action
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A bill aimed at curbing abusive patent litigation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month is still awaiting its fate in the U.S. Senate.
Housing and real estate group says Calif. judge's final decision in lead paint case will hurt home values
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) -- A Los Angeles County-based housing and real estate group says last week's decision against a group of former lead paint manufacturers, raising the cost of a required abatement fund by $50 million, will send California home values "in a freefall."
Patent troll harassment part of Bruning's legislative package
LINCOLN, Neb. (Legal Newsline) -- Last week, Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning unveiled his legislative goals for 2014, one of which aims to protect consumers and small businesses from patent troll harassment.
Calif. judge increases cost of lead paint abatement fund by $50 million
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - A California judge issued his final statement of decision against a group of former lead paint manufacturers Tuesday, raising the cost of a required abatement fund by $50 million.
Head of IP lawyers group calls Leahy patent bill the 'better approach'
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The head of a national bar association made up primarily of intellectual property lawyers says a Senate version of a measure aimed at curbing abusive patent litigation is the "better approach."
Eighth Circuit says Neb. AG's patent troll appeal not frivolous
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) - A federal appeals court has ruled that Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning did not file a frivolous appeal over an order he issued against a Texas law firm representing patent trolls.
W.Va. AG secures $1.17 million for state borrowers impacted by mortgage crisis
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) -- West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said Friday some state borrowers who were impacted by the mortgage crisis will receive help through a settlement reached with the nation's fifth-largest mortgage service provider.
Metal recycler required to invest in modern technology, other protections after fatal blast
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A West Virginia-based metal recycler has agreed to implement "extensive, company-wide safeguards" to prevent future accidental releases of hazardous chemicals from its facilities.
Chesapeake subsidiary to pay $3.2 million civil penalty to resolve Clean Water Act violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy, the nation's second largest natural gas producer, will spend an estimated $6.5 million to restore sites damaged by unauthorized discharges of fill material into streams and wetlands.
AGs: Congress should extend Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- A group of state attorneys general is urging Congress to extend tax relief to help financially-strapped homeowners through at least 2014.
Canadian appeals court green lights enforcement action against Chevron
TORONTO (Legal Newsline) -- A Canadian appeals court ruled this week that indigenous and farmer communities in Ecuador have the right to pursue enforcement of a $9.5 billion Ecuadorian court judgment against Chevron Corp.'s assets in Canada.
WLF asks U.S. SC to reject EPA 'power grab' in case over greenhouse gases
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The Washington Legal Foundation is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject the federal Environmental Protection Agency's claimed legal basis for expanding its regulation of greenhouse gases.