News from July 2014
Bost outraises Enyart in the 12th Congressional District; Observer opines that GOP candidate has a shot
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Legal Newsline) - If Democratic voter turnout is low in the Democratically-leaning 12th Congressional District this November, a long-time Republican lawmaker from southern Illinois has a shot at winning, says a political observer.
Jury awards asbestos plaintiff $9.3M; Defendant takes issue with punitive damages award
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - A valve manufacturer is seeking a new trial after a Massachusetts jury awarded more than $9 million to a claimant represented by an asbestos trust, arguing that the trial court erred when it excluded any mention of the family's prior state court trial or the defendant's bankruptcy proceeding.
N.J. judge awards $90.5M to 11 families in asbestos default judgments
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - A New Jersey judge has awarded $90.5 million for pain and suffering to the families of 11 people who allegedly died as a result of asbestos exposure from the Johns Manville insulation plant.
Patent licensing company launches campaign against demand letters
PLANO, Texas (Legal Newsline) - A Texas-based patent licensing company is taking aim at "extortionist" demand letters sent by so-called patent "trolls."
Federal Circuit rules against Acacia subsidiary in case over 'device profile' patent
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled last week that a device profile patent asserted by the subsidiary of one of the country's leading licensing companies is invalid.
IL13 race: Incumbent Davis continues to outraise former Madison County judge
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Legal Newsline) - U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Illinois, continues to outraise former Madison County judge Ann Callis so far in the 2014 election cycle, boasting a war chest double in size to that of his Democratic opponent's.
Ohio appeals court dismisses asbestos insurance appeal
CINCINNATI (Legal Newsline) - An Ohio appeals court has dismissed a valve manufacturer's claim seeking declaratory judgment against an insurer on the grounds that the trial court failed to enter a final summary judgment order.
Missouri governor signs patent troll bill into law
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Last week, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law a bill aimed at combating so-called patent "trolls."Nixon signed Senate Bill 706 in an effort to protect state businesses and residents from "being preyed upon" by trolls, he said. The new law prohibits bad faith assertions of patent infringement. NixonIn particular, it creates a seven-factor test for courts to
GM class actions transferred to multidistrict litigation court
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - The multiple class action lawsuits that were brought against General Motors for its allegedly defective key systems have been transferred to multidistrict litigation court.
Wendy Davis reports raising $27M in past year for Texas governor race
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate for governor, has reportedly raised $27 million since launching her campaign.
Head of IP bar association steps down
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The head of the 17,000-member American Intellectual Property Law Association is stepping down.