News from September 2014
N.J., Occidental reach Passaic contamination settlement
New Jersey's Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin have reached a settlement agreement with Occidental Chemical Corporation to pay the state of New Jersey $190 million for cleanup and damages related to the contamination of the Passaic River.
Alleged troll that sued eBay over PTO reexamination dismisses lawsuit
MARSHALL, Texas (Legal Newsline) - An alleged “patent troll” that sued eBay earlier this year for daring to ask the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a reexamination of three patents has dismissed its lawsuit.
Attorney says Garlock’s estimation 'pales in comparison' to importance of disclosure
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) – With the unsealing process in the Garlock Sealing Technologies bankruptcy proceeding ongoing, attorney Mark Plevin has detailed the importance of access to the protected evidence that led to Bankruptcy Judge George Hodges’ landmark decision.
PTO extends comment period on new trial proceedings under AIA
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is extending the deadline for comments on new administrative trial proceedings under the America Invents Act.
Motions ask bankruptcy judge to keep Garlock evidence sealed
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Legal Newsline) – Thirteen motions to seal were filed in the Garlock Sealing Technologies bankruptcy proceeding before the deadline ended on Thursday, meaning Bankruptcy Judge George Hodges will release all sealed documents without pending motions to the public no later than Sept. 21.
Federal Circuit: BlackBerry did not infringe on company’s patents
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Last month, a federal appeals court ruled against a Delaware company that sued the once-popular smartphone maker BlackBerry for patent infringement.
Fraudulent home contractor indicted with class C felony
A Jefferson County grand jury on Thurs., Sept. 11, returned an indictment on contractor Kevin Carter on one count of theft by deception over $10,000 — a class C felony — for failing to perform home repair services for a Louisville resident.
Maryland Judiciary launches Access to Justice Department led by Pamela Cardullo Ortiz
Maryland's judicial system is set to see significant changes with the establishment of the Access to Justice Department.
Disney, Pixar named in class action alleging antitrust law violations
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A former senior character effects artist is suing DreamWorks Animation and other companies he claims "conspired to systematically suppress the wages and salaries of those who they claim to prize as their greatest assets."
New York AG Schneiderman settles with GHI over out-of-network requirements
The New York Attorney General Eric T.
Warner says Senate should’ve taken up, passed House bill on patent reform
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The Senate was wrong for not passing the House’s patent reform bill, one U.S. Senate Democrat said.
Delaware AG announces nationwide cybersecurity project
Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden announced on Wednesday that his office’s Investor Protection Unit is participating in a nationwide project to gauge the strength of Delaware’s investment advisors’ cybersecurity systems. “Financial services firms have a responsibility to protect personal data, and the results of these surveys will help our Investor Protect Unit ensure the data is protected as strongly as possible,” Biden said.