Overturns

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

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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

Virginia Court Overturns Medical Malpractice Verdict Following Jury Missteps on ‘Habit Instruction’

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A Virginia appeals court has reversed a medical malpractice ruling that hinged on the jury’s use of a disputed “habit instruction.” The decision, issued recently, has significant implications for similar cases in the state. The case in question originated from a medical malpractice claim against a physician who allegedly failed to provide appropriate care. After a jury found in favor of the plaintiff, the trial court’s instructions to the jury were called into question. Specifically, one instruction suggested jurors could rely on the idea that a person generally acts in accordance with their established habits … Read more

Tennessee Court Overturns Controversial Gun Laws, Shaping Future of Firearm Regulations

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Nashville, Tennessee—A state court ruling has deemed two recently enacted gun laws unconstitutional, igniting a debate over firearms regulations in Tennessee. The decision may have significant implications for the ongoing legislative landscape concerning gun rights and public safety. The two laws in question included provisions that sought to impose stricter measures on the sale and distribution of firearms. Critics of these laws argued that they infringed upon Second Amendment rights, while supporters contended that they aimed to enhance public safety in response to rising gun violence in the state. In a detailed opinion, the court … Read more

Federal Circuit Overturns $300 Million Ruling in Optis vs. Apple, Cites Jury Errors in Landmark Patent Case

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Alexandria, Virginia — In a pivotal ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has overturned a $300 million judgment against Apple Inc. in the patent infringement case involving Optis Cellular Technology. The court identified multiple legal errors in the actions of the Eastern District of Texas that ultimately invalidated the jury’s decision. The Federal Circuit’s opinion, led by Judge Prost, pinpointed four significant areas of reversible error. The court highlighted issues such as the improper construction of the jury’s verdict form, which violated Apple’s right to a unanimous jury under the Seventh … Read more