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

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

Navigating the Complexities of Chapter 11: Key Court Rulings Redefine Mass Tort Bankruptcy Rights

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Courts are increasingly addressing complex challenges that affect the rights of debtors, creditors, and insurers in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, particularly those involving mass tort liabilities. In a recent discussion published on August 19 in The Legal Intelligencer’s Insurance Law Special Section, legal experts Christopher F. Graham and Frank J. Perch, III, alongside colleagues Morgan A. Goldstein and Lina Maria Diaz, reported on critical rulings that have influenced the landscape of mass tort bankruptcies. Their analysis highlights several landmark cases including those involving Red River Talc and the Boy Scouts of America, … Read more

Johnson & Johnson Faces Setback in Talc Controversy as Bankruptcy Court Rulings Intensify Legal Challenges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnson & Johnson faced a significant setback in its legal battle involving claims that its talc-based products caused cancer. A federal judge dismissed the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which had aimed to shield it from thousands of lawsuits alleging that its talc contained harmful asbestos. This ruling marks a substantial moment in the ongoing fight over the liability associated with talc products. The New Jersey-based company initiated its bankruptcy proceedings in October 2021. It sought to establish a trust fund to manage legal claims while appearing to find an efficient means … Read more

Transformative Legal Shifts: How Recent Rulings are Redefining Mass Tort Bankruptcy Dynamics

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The landscape for mass tort bankruptcy is undergoing significant shifts as courts and lawmakers navigate complex legal issues surrounding these cases. Recent decisions have set critical precedents that could impact how future mass torts are handled in the judicial system. Mass torts, typically involving claims from multiple plaintiffs against a single defendant, can create extensive legal challenges. Experts note that the outcomes of these cases can have far-reaching effects on corporate liability and consumer protections. Recent rulings have prompted discussions about how courts assess the viability of bankruptcy claims and the implications … Read more