Circuit

Federal Circuit Overturns Major Patent Rulings in Apple-Optis Dispute, Calls for New Trial on Infringement and Damages

by

Tyler, Texas — In a significant ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has analyzed the procedures surrounding jury verdict forms and evidentiary rules in a legal dispute over standard-essential patents (SEPs) between Optis Cellular Technology and Apple Inc. The case highlights complex issues surrounding jury unanimity, the validity of SEP claims, and the admission of evidence related to fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) settlement terms. Optis brought a lawsuit against Apple in the Eastern District of Texas, claiming infringement of five patents essential to Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology. The company alleged … Read more

10th Circuit Weighs Denver Officer’s Appeal to Dismiss $14M Jury Ruling from 2020 Protest Incident

by

DENVER — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is currently reviewing a request from the City of Denver and its police department to overturn a significant jury verdict amounting to $14 million. This decision stems from protests in 2020 that erupted in response to the killing of George Floyd, which sparked nationwide demonstrations decrying police brutality and racial injustice. The jury’s verdict, delivered last year, held the city and a police officer liable for excessive use of force against protesters. This judgment has raised critical questions about the appropriate use of force … Read more

9th Circuit Weighs Potential New Trial for Semiconductor Firm Amid Controversial Jury Instruction Errors

by

San Jose, California — A panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals convened on Friday to deliberate on the possibility of a new trial in a significant trade secrets misappropriation case. This trial had resulted in a $40 million verdict against a semiconductor manufacturer, following claims of critical errors in jury instructions by the magistrate judge overseeing the case. During the hearing, two judges expressed concerns regarding the mistakes made during the trial process. The discussion highlighted a crucial dilemma: whether to proceed with an order for a new trial or to uphold … Read more

10th Circuit Weighs Appeal as Denver Seeks to Overturn $14M Verdict from 2020 Protest Incident

by

Denver, Colorado, is the focus of renewed legal scrutiny as the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals considers a contentious $14 million jury verdict linked to police actions during protests in 2020. This verdict, handed down in favor of certain protesters, stemmed from claims of excessive force employed by officers amidst widespread demonstrations following the murder of George Floyd. The case highlights the ongoing tension between law enforcement practices and public protests, particularly in a city that witnessed significant unrest during the summer of 2020. Legal representatives for the city and the involved officer argue that … Read more