Higher

Illinois Ushers In Sweeping Changes with Nearly 300 New Laws in 2025: From Higher Minimum Wages to Enhanced Family Rights

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Chicago, IL — As the clock ticks towards the new year, Illinois residents can expect a wave of legislative changes that promise to reshape the socio-economic landscape of the state. Nearly 300 new laws will take effect, addressing a broad spectrum of issues from economic reforms and workplace regulations to environmental initiatives. One of the most significant changes coming into force is the increase in the state’s minimum wage. Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois will raise the minimum wage for workers 18 years and older from $14 to $15 per hour, aligning with efforts to … Read more

Fuel Feud Finale? Kobre & Kim Seeks $1.2 Billion in Damages, Higher Interest Against Philips 66 for Trade Secret Misuse

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OAKLAND, Calif. — A recent court proceedings have escalated as Kobre & Kim LLP, a law firm representing Propel Fuels, filed a motion in the Alameda County Superior Court to enhance a jury verdict against energy company Phillips 66. The law firm is seeking to increase the damages awarded to Propel Fuels to $1.2 billion and is asking for the application of a 10% interest rate on post-judgment amounts. The legal dispute centers on allegations that Phillips 66 misused proprietary information from Propel Fuels, a company that specializes in renewable fuels. Two months prior, a … Read more

Federal Judge Strikes Down CFPB’s $8 Credit Card Late Fee Rule, Upholding Higher Charges as Per CARD Act

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FORT WORTH, Texas — A federal judge in Texas has handed a significant setback to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by ruling against its recent regulation that would drastically lower credit card late fees to $8, describing the move as an overreach of the bureau’s authority. The decision emerged from U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman, who is predicting a likely failure for the CFPB’s initiative based on his assessment. Judge Pittman, appointed under the Trump administration, articulated that the rule contradicted the provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of … Read more

Courts Set Higher Bar for Claiming Damages Beyond Direct Losses in Trade Secret Violations

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Washington, D.C. — Winning compensatory damages for trade secret theft has always been a crucial remedy for businesses seeking justice, but recent legal hurdles have made it increasingly difficult for plaintiffs to secure payouts that go beyond mere compensatory figures. Businesses often claim that the value of a stolen trade secret is immeasurable, considering its potential to offer competitive edge and innovation. However, courts are now requiring more concrete evidence of such claims, pressing plaintiffs to prove the actual damage and potential losses in explicit detail. Until recently, companies victimized by trade secret infringement could … Read more