Higher

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

Illinois Welcomes New Laws in July: Higher Minimum Wage, Paid Leave Expansion, and Gas Tax Increase

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Springfield, Ill. — Illinois residents can expect several key changes beginning July 1 as new state laws take effect, impacting everything from gasoline prices to workers’ pay and rights. These changes are set to make life a little different for many across the state, affecting motorists, employees, freelancers, and even child social media influencers. One of the standout adjustments will be at the gas pump. The state’s gasoline tax will see a slight increase from the current 45.4 cents per gallon to 47 cents, marking an uptick of over 3.5%. Diesel fuel taxes will also … Read more