News from September 2015
Federal judge awards FarmVille game maker more than $1 million in attorneys’ fees
Judge Vince Chhabria said in an order this month that the lawsuit filed against social video game company Zynga over an Internet-browsing patent was “objectively baseless from the start.”
Georgia hospital, doctor to pay $25 million settlement
Columbus Regional Healthcare System (Columbia Regional) and Dr. Andrew Pippas will pay more than $25 million to settle claims of violating the False Claims Act and the Stark Law, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs.
D.C. attorney general sues debt purchasing company, alleging unlawful loans
The District of Columbia has field a consumer protection lawsuit against CashCall, a California-based debt purchasing company, said D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine on Sept. 9.
Air Force sues Oklahoma company, alleging sale of cheap paint at higher prices
The U.S. Air Force is suing an Oklahoma company, alleging it sold cheap paint at higher prices than it was worth.
Florida couple sues auto club, alleging overcharging for discounted hotel bookings
A Florida couple is suing an auto club, alleging it overcharged them for discounted hotel bookings.
California woman sues company, alleging unsolicited pre-recorded phone calls
A California woman is suing a company, alleging it made unsolicited pre-recorded phone calls to herself and others.
Patient advocacy groups argue IPR ‘abuses’ need to be addressed in House patent reform bill
The groups contend abuses in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s review process could affect the ability to raise capital needed to fund future research, hurting those Americans waiting for new treatments or cures.
U.S. PTO greenlights Teladoc’s patent case against competitor
The office issued an order this week saying the Texas-based telehealth company can proceed with its case against American Well, which filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Teladoc in federal court in June.
Florida woman sues Chipotle, alleging deceptive consumer practices
A Florida woman is suing Chipotle, alleging misrepresentation and unfair trade practices in product purchases made in 2011 and thereafter.
Consumer sues R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., alleging fraudulent marketing
A California resident is suing a U.S. tobacco giant, alleging damages from deceptive marketing of electronic tobacco products along with unfair competition from 2013 to the present.
Consumer initiates class action against Time Warner over alleged intrusive calling practices
A California resident brought a class action lawsuit against Time Warner Cable, a U.S. satellite television provider doing business in Los Angeles County, alleging damages from deceptive and intrusive telemarketing practices beginning in 2014.
Federal judge rules financial institutions can bring class action against Target
Judge Paul A. Magnuson said Target’s argument that the banks’ decisions to reissue credit and debit cards was simply a “business decision” and not an injury caused by the 2013 data breach is “absurd.”
Former Nev. AG Masto will be in tight race for Reid seat; ATRA expects her to be 'beholden' to plaintiffs bar
Catherine Cortez Masto found herself in a comfortable spot one night last month, spending the evening with President Barack Obama, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and dozens of other supporters who want to elect her to the U.S. Senate in 2016.
Segway files patent infringement lawsuit against maker of so-called ‘hoverboards’
The company, known for its two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered vehicles, claims Inventist is illegally using five of its patents in its Solowheel and Hovertrax products.
PTAB sides with inmate technology company, invalidates competitor’s patents
The CEO of Global Tel*Link Corporation called the rulings a “great victory” for the industry.
Crooks will not seek re-election to Wis. SC
Justice N. Patrick Crooks’ retirement date coincides with the end of his current term in July 2016.
Tenn. AG shoots down speculation that he’s applying for open state SC seat
Attorney General Herbert Slatery, who was appointed less than a year ago, said changing positions so quickly would “leave a job unfinished.”
Whistleblower attorney accused of stealing clients from former firm, promises aggressive defense
Reuben Guttman is accused of using a transition period to lure clients in two False Claims Act cases to his new firm. His attorney, though, says Grant & Eisenhofer caused the situation and is planning counter-claims against the firm.
Federal judge orders Icon to pay Octane $1.77 million in patent litigation fees and expenses
Attorneys for Octane last week asked Judge Ann Montgomery to reconsider her order, arguing they should receive even more in payments.
Maryland judiciary invites students for bookmark art contest promoting peace
Young artists in Maryland are being called upon to contribute to the promotion of peacemaking through the Maryland Judiciary’s 10th annual Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest.