Federal

Federal Judge Limits Jurors’ Consideration of Licensing Deals in Western Digital Patent Case

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San Francisco, CA – In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge in California decided on Wednesday that in the patent infringement case against Western Digital, the jury will not be allowed to consider a 2009 licensing agreement that Spex Technologies had with Kingston Technology when determining potential damages. This decision complicates how damages could be assessed in the lawsuit alleging that Western Digital violated Spex Technologies’ data security patent. The court determined the licensing agreement’s details were too intertwined with other elements to isolate the value of the specific patent in question. This ruling … Read more

Seventeen States Challenge New Federal Rule Recognizing Gender Dysphoria as a Disability

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WASHINGTON — A coalition of 17 conservative states, led by Texas, has initiated a lawsuit against the Biden Administration following a new rule that classifies ‘gender dysphoria’ as a federal disability. This designation, enabled under the broadened scopes of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, aims to provide protections against discrimination for those grappling with their gender identity. The rule has ignited controversy, pitting health experts against conservative advocates. Those in favor argue it highlights the pressing need to address discrimination based on gender identity issues, while critics claim it … Read more

Federal Prosecutors Seek Jail for Ex-North Dakota Senator Pending Sentence on Child Exploitation Charges

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BISMARCK, N.D. — Government prosecutors are urging a federal judge to reconsider the release of a former North Dakota state senator, Ray Holmberg, as he awaits sentencing following his guilty plea to charges of engaging in sexual activity with minors abroad. Holmberg, who served extensively in the state legislature, admitted to traveling to Prague between 2011 and 2016 with the intent to pay for sexual acts with children. This case highlights ongoing concerns about child exploitation and the measures in place to prevent abuse by individuals in positions of power. Legal documents reveal that despite … Read more

Oklahoma Governor and Officials Criticized for Mishandling $39.9 Million in Federal Pandemic Aid, No Criminal Charges Filed

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Oklahoma City, OK – A recent investigation by a Multi-County Grand Jury into the management of federal pandemic aid by Governor Kevin Stitt’s administration and State Superintendent Ryan Walters has revealed a pattern of mismanagement. While no criminal charges will be filed, the jurors labeled the administration’s actions regarding the $39.9 million Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) as “grossly negligent.” Attorney General Gentner Drummond initiated the probe into the use of the GEER funds earmarked for educational programs amid the COVID-19 crisis. Despite the findings of gross mismanagement, the Grand Jury determined that there … Read more