Articles
Plain-English explainers and analysis — written from primary sources (published opinions, agency records, and statutes) and citation-checked. This is general legal information, not legal advice.
Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power to Fire Agency Heads
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the President can fire the heads of certain independent agencies, establishing a major exception for the Federal Reserve.
- Intellectual Property
USPTO Alters Unintentional Delay Petition Rules and Fee Triggers
The United States Patent and Trademark Office is changing when it requires additional information for unintentional delay petitions. The revision, taking effect in August 2026, alters the conditions that trigger higher petition fees for applicants.
Aug 5, 2026 7 min - AI Law
Colorado Repeals AI Act, Enacts Automated Decision-Making Law
Governor Jared Polis signed legislation replacing the state's previous artificial intelligence framework with a new regulatory regime taking effect in 2027.
Aug 5, 2026 6 min - Regulatory
Supreme Court Expands Presidential Power to Fire Agency Heads
The Supreme Court ruled that for-cause removal protections for Federal Trade Commission members violate the separation of powers. The decision overrules a 1935 precedent, granting the President broad authority to fire independent agency heads at will.
Aug 5, 2026 7 min - Real Estate
Supreme Court Limits Tax Foreclosure Compensation to Surplus Proceeds
The Supreme Court ruled that former property owners are entitled only to the surplus proceeds from a tax sale, rather than the fair market value of the property. The decision limits municipal liability in tax foreclosures.
Aug 5, 2026 8 min - appellate
Supreme Court Affirms DHS Authority to End TPS for Haiti and Syria
The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that the Department of Homeland Security possesses the legal authority to end Temporary Protected Status for nationals of Haiti and Syria. The ruling lifts preliminary injunctions that had blocked the terminations, clearing the way for the agency to implement its policy changes.
Aug 5, 2026 7 min - General
Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship in Trump v. Barbara
The Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship regardless of parental immigration status, striking down a 2025 executive order. The 6-3 decision ends a major constitutional challenge to long-standing citizenship definitions.
Aug 5, 2026 7 min - Insurance
House Passes Bill Extending Federal Terrorism Insurance to 2034
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved H.R. 7128 to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. The legislation aims to maintain the federal backstop for commercial property and casualty insurance markets through 2034.
Aug 5, 2026 7 min - Employment
EEOC Sues Dana Sealing Over Pre-Employment Genetic Questions
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit against a Kentucky automotive parts manufacturer for allegedly collecting family medical histories from job applicants. The enforcement action serves as a strict warning that standard pre-employment health questionnaires can violate the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
Aug 5, 2026 6 min - Privacy & Data
Supreme Court Rules on Geofence Warrants in Chatrie Privacy Case
The Supreme Court issued its decision addressing how the Fourth Amendment applies to law enforcement's use of geofence warrants to obtain sensitive location data. The ruling establishes boundaries for government access to digital information.
Aug 5, 2026 7 min - Class Action
Supreme Court Curbs ATS and TVPA Class Actions in Cisco Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that federal courts cannot create new causes of action under the Alien Tort Statute and that the Torture Victim Protection Act bars aiding-and-abetting liability.
Aug 5, 2026 8 min - Employment
SCOTUS Defines Border Rules for Returning Green Card Holders
The Supreme Court clarified when border officers can treat lawful permanent residents as applicants for admission, impacting green card holders suspected of offenses.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Construction Defect
Mass. SJC Upholds Arbitration Award in Prompt Pay Act Dispute
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed an arbitration award in a dispute between construction firms, clarifying the application of the state's Prompt Pay Act.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
CFPB Finalizes Section 1033 Open Banking Rules Amid Regulatory Limbo
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued final regulations implementing Dodd-Frank data-sharing requirements, though federal open banking oversight remains in limbo.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Securities
SEC Solicits Public Comment on Novel Exchange-Traded Funds
The federal Securities and Exchange Commission is asking for industry feedback on funds utilizing innovative asset classes. The agency aims to find ways to facilitate market innovation while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Antitrust
Amazon to Pay $2.25M to FTC Over FCRA Identity Theft Violations
The Federal Trade Commission secured a $2.25 million civil penalty from Amazon to resolve allegations that the company knowingly denied transaction records to identity theft victims.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
Connecticut Enacts SB 1295 to Expand State Data Privacy Act
Connecticut passed Senate Bill 1295, significantly amending its data privacy framework to cover more entities and broader data categories. The legislation increases compliance obligations for businesses operating in the state.
Jul 16, 2026 6 min - Employment
Virginia Governor Vetoes Public-Sector Collective Bargaining Bill
Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed SB 378 on May 14, 2026, blocking a measure that would have extended collective bargaining rights to roughly 500,000 public employees in Virginia.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
California Senate Committee Advances Cal/OSHA Criminal Referral Bill
A California Senate committee passed AB 2321, advancing a pilot program for criminal referrals in workplace fatality investigations. The legislation would expand the role of district attorneys in reviewing Cal/OSHA cases.
Jul 16, 2026 6 min - Consumer
Hopper to Pay $35M in FTC Settlement Over Hidden Fees
The travel app Hopper agreed to a $35 million consent judgment in a Massachusetts federal court to resolve Federal Trade Commission allegations that it charged unconsented fees.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
SCOTUS Rules FIFRA Preempts State Failure-to-Warn Claims
The U.S. Supreme Court held that federal pesticide law preempts state-level tort claims requiring cancer warnings on Roundup labels, overturning a Missouri jury verdict.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
CARB Delays SB 253 Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions Reporting to November
The California Air Resources Board proposed a three-month extension for initial greenhouse gas disclosures under the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act. The shift gives companies until November 10, 2026, to file their data.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - appellate
SCOTUS Blocks Trump From Firing Federal Reserve Governor Cook
The Supreme Court rejected an effort by Donald Trump to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, declining to stay her reinstatement. The October 2025 term decision maintains the structural independence of the central bank.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
California Advances SB 690 to Curb CIPA Privacy Litigation
The California Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection advanced a bill to strip the private right of action for certain digital tracking claims. The legislation aims to stem a massive wave of litigation targeting businesses over website analytics.
Jul 16, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Fed. Circ. Vacates Ollnova Patent Verdict Over Jury Form
The Federal Circuit vacated an infringement verdict because the jury form failed to ask questions on a patent-by-patent basis. The June 2026 decision clarifies requirements for verdict forms and jury instructions regarding Section 101 patent eligibility.
Jul 8, 2026 9 min - Consumer
Seventh Circuit Clears Allstate of TCPA Vicarious Liability
The Seventh Circuit ruled that Allstate Insurance Company cannot be held vicariously liable for alleged Telephone Consumer Protection Act violations. The decision limits how consumers can pursue major brands for third-party marketing calls.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - General
SCOTUS Allows States to Ban Transgender Athletes in Girls' Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can enforce laws excluding transgender athletes from participating on girls' and women's sports teams. The decision resolves a major legal dispute over state authority and athletic eligibility.
Jul 8, 2026 6 min - Business & Contract
Supreme Court Rules for Exxon in Cuban Property Confiscation Case
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Exxon Mobil Corporation in a dispute over property confiscated in Cuba. The October 2025 term decision clarifies the ability of U.S. corporations to seek redress for foreign property seizures.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Real Estate
Los Angeles Seeks to Delay California SB 79 Transit Housing Law
California enacted Senate Bill 79 to boost multifamily housing density near transit stops starting July 1, 2026. Los Angeles is advancing local ordinances to delay implementation until 2030, setting up a clash over state housing mandates.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Wage & Hour
Ninth Circuit Upholds Arbitration Agreement Waiving PAGA Claims
The federal appellate court ruled that a waiver of representative PAGA claims does not render an entire employment arbitration agreement unenforceable.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Supreme Court Denies Certiorari in Athlete Trademark Cancellation
The United States Supreme Court declined to review the cancellation of Game Plan, Inc.'s "I AM MORE THAN AN ATHLETE" trademark. The denial leaves a Federal Circuit decision in place, cementing the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board's authority over the disputed phrase.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
California Aligns Arbitration Enforcement With Federal Act
The California Governor signed legislation amending the state civil code to mirror federal arbitration standards. Agreements unenforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act are now unenforceable under California law.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
California Supreme Court Applies CEQA Exemption to Change of Use
The California Supreme Court ruled that the state's environmental review exemption for existing facilities covers projects involving a change of use. The decision provides regulatory relief for developers seeking to repurpose older structures.
Jul 8, 2026 6 min - Regulatory
Supreme Court Strikes Down Campaign Finance Law in NRSC Decision
The Supreme Court invalidated a federal campaign finance restriction in a ruling favoring the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The decision reshapes how political committees fund their operations heading into future election cycles.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
Vermont Enacts Comprehensive Data Privacy Law Effective in 2028
Governor Phil Scott has signed the Vermont Data Privacy and Online Surveillance Act, making Vermont the 23rd state with a comprehensive privacy framework. The law, enforceable in 2028, regulates how businesses collect, sell, and protect personal data.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
NY Appeals Court Voids Trump Civil Fraud Penalty, Upholds Liability
A New York appellate court overturned the financial penalty against Donald Trump while leaving the underlying fraud finding intact. The March 26 ruling forces the state to rethink how it calculates damages in civil enforcement actions.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
Louisiana Enacts Comprehensive Data Privacy Act
Governor Jeff Landry signed the Louisiana Data Privacy Act into law, making the state the 22nd to adopt comprehensive consumer privacy regulations. The legislation imposes new compliance obligations on companies meeting specific revenue thresholds starting in 2027.
Jul 8, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
Brad Pitt Cleared to Sue Winery Co-Owner in California
A California appellate court vacated a lower court's jurisdictional ruling, allowing Brad Pitt to sue the new part-owner of a French winery in the state. The decision clarifies how sufficient ties to California are established in international business disputes.
Jul 7, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Supreme Court Shields Generic Drugmakers in Hikma Skinny Label Ruling
A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court held that generic manufacturers face inducement liability based on their own actions, not physician interpretation, reshaping pharmaceutical patent strategy.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Trade Secrets
Trade Secrets Top Patents as Primary IP Risk in China
A new US-China Business Council survey reveals that protecting non-public proprietary information is now the leading intellectual property concern for American companies operating in China, driven by geopolitical and regulatory pressures.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Copyright
Meta Loses Bid to Dismiss Strike 3 Copyright Suit
A California federal judge denied Meta's motion to dismiss a copyright lawsuit from adult film producers, ruling that large-scale, algorithm-driven torrenting allegations are plausible without proving AI training use.
Jun 29, 2026 8 min - Trade Secrets
Federal Circuit Reinstates $82M Trade Secret Verdict Against Ford
The appellate court revived an $82 million award against Ford Motor Company, finding the lower court improperly excluded unjust enrichment damages. The ruling clarifies damage calculations under federal and Michigan trade secret laws.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
California Judge Dismisses xAI Trade Secret Lawsuit Against OpenAI
A federal judge threw out xAI Corp.'s trade secret claims against OpenAI without leave to amend. The ruling sets a strict pleading standard for artificial intelligence companies alleging misappropriation of confidential information.
Jun 29, 2026 8 min - Trade Secrets
Federal Circuit Reverses $59M Insulet Trade Secret Verdict
The Federal Circuit wiped out a $59 million judgment against EOFlow, holding that Insulet Corporation waited too long to file its lawsuit. The precedential decision establishes strict boundaries on the "knew or should have known" standard for trade secret statutes of limitations.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Fed. Circ. Affirms Invalidity of Medmix Dentistry Patent
The Federal Circuit upheld a Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruling that invalidated several claims in a Medmix Switzerland AG fluid-mixing patent based on obviousness.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
Supreme Court Rejects AT&T Seventh Amendment Challenge to FCC Fines
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Federal Communications Commission's authority to issue forfeiture penalties, rejecting arguments from AT&T and Verizon that the agency's process violates the Seventh Amendment.
Jun 29, 2026 6 min - Intellectual Property
OpenAI Defeats xAI Trade Secret Lawsuit Over Code and Staff
A U.S. court dismissed a trade secret lawsuit brought by Elon Musk's xAI against OpenAI for the second time. The decision halts xAI's claims regarding former staff and proprietary code, narrowing the avenues for competitors to restrict employee mobility in the artificial intelligence sector.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
EU Commission Opens Consultation on CS3D Implementation Guidelines
The European Commission has launched a public consultation process to shape the implementation rules for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
Jun 29, 2026 6 min - Privacy & Data
Hackers Demand $25M After Stealing Terabyte of Novo Nordisk Data
A cyber extortion group claims to have stolen over a terabyte of data from pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, demanding a $25 million ransom. The company refused to pay, prompting the hackers to consider selling the stolen information.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
W.D. Texas Magistrate Recommends Partial Default in TCPA Case
A federal magistrate judge in Texas recommended granting in part a motion for default judgment concerning alleged violations of the TCPA's Do-Not-Call rules. The recommendation clarifies how courts evaluate a defaulting defendant's exposure to judgment.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Fed. Circ. Denies Boston Scientific Block on Stryker Spine Device
The Federal Circuit affirmed a New Jersey district court's refusal to block Stryker's new back pain device, finding Boston Scientific failed to prove the device induces physician patent infringement.
Jun 29, 2026 8 min - Privacy & Data
Amazon Faces Class Action Over Ring Camera Biometric Data Collection
A newly filed class action lawsuit alleges that Amazon's Ring security cameras capture facial recognition data without user consent. The litigation tests the boundaries of biometric privacy rights in consumer home surveillance technology.
Jun 29, 2026 6 min - Regulatory
Illinois Expands Health Care Transaction Oversight With HB 5000
The Illinois legislature passed a bill expanding notice requirements and regulatory oversight for health care mergers and contracting affiliations. The amendment to the Illinois Antitrust Act increases state scrutiny over consolidation in the medical sector.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Securities
SEC Proposes Rescinding Rule 611 of Regulation NMS
On June 11, 2026, the federal Securities and Exchange Commission formally proposed eliminating the Order Protection Rule. The move follows industry roundtables and aligns with Chairman Paul S. Atkins's decades-old dissent against the trading mandate.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Securities
Molina Seeks to Toss Shareholder Suit Over Guidance Cuts
Molina Healthcare and its CEO and CFO moved to dismiss a securities-fraud class action (filed October 3, 2025, in the Central District of California) alleging misleading statements about rising medical costs that preceded repeated 2025 guidance cuts.
Jun 29, 2026 8 min - Antitrust
Zillow Investors Sue Over Redfin Noncompete Antitrust Fallout
On June 9, 2026, Zillow shareholders filed a securities-fraud class action in the Western District of Washington alleging the company misled investors by calling its February 2025 Zillow-Redfin arrangement a “partnership,” concealing the antitrust risk that surfaced when the FTC sued in September 2025.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Antitrust
College Athletes Challenge NCAA NIL Settlement's $20.5M Cap
On June 9, 2026, two Division I football players filed a new federal antitrust class action in the Northern District of California challenging the House v. NCAA settlement's $20.5 million revenue-sharing cap — a standalone suit, not an objection within the settlement.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Antitrust
NHK Spring Asks Supreme Court to Limit Antitrust Law on Foreign Sales
On January 8, 2026, the Ninth Circuit revived Seagate's antitrust claims against NHK Spring under the Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act's domestic-effects exception; in June 2026, NHK Spring petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to limit U.S. antitrust law's reach over foreign sales.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
Supreme Court Denies Cert in Judge Newman Suspension Dispute
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Judge Pauline Newman's challenge to her suspension by the Federal Circuit. The denial leaves intact a D.C. Circuit ruling that internal judicial suspension orders are exempt from standard judicial review.
Jun 29, 2026 7 min - Securities
Supreme Court Preserves SEC Disgorgement Power in Enforcement Actions
The justices rejected a pecuniary loss requirement, ensuring the Securities and Exchange Commission retains its authority to recover ill-gotten gains.
Jun 22, 2026 8 min - General
Seventh Circuit Clears Boone County in Coroner Trophy Skull Case
The Seventh Circuit ruled that an Illinois county is not liable under section 1983 after a former coroner kept a 1977 murder victim's skull as a trophy. The decision limits municipal liability and clarifies qualified immunity in due process claims involving mishandled remains.
Jun 22, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
California Enacts First Textile Extended Producer Responsibility Law
California's SB 707 creates the nation's first extended producer responsibility framework for apparel and textiles. Brands, retailers, and importers face a strict July 1, 2026 registration deadline.
Jun 22, 2026 6 min - Regulatory
DOJ Seeks Dismissal of Borrower Lawsuit Over Vacated SAVE Plan
On June 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (through the Department of Justice) moved to dismiss a student-loan borrowers' suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing the case is moot after the Eighth Circuit ordered the SAVE repayment rule vacated.
Jun 22, 2026 6 min - Antitrust
Illinois Judge Preliminarily Approves $50M Atkore PVC Price-Fixing Deal
On June 10, 2026, a federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois preliminarily approved a $50 million settlement between Atkore and an End-User class in the PVC pipe price-fixing antitrust litigation — one of several Atkore settlements in the case (alongside separate $72.5M and $64M deals).
Jun 22, 2026 8 min - Employment
Texas Hospital Settles Class Action Over $2.8B Retirement Plan
Memorial Hermann Health System agreed to settle an ERISA excessive-fee class action (filed June 4, 2024, in the Southern District of Texas) over its roughly $2.8 billion employee retirement plan. The settlement amount was not publicly disclosed.
Jun 22, 2026 6 min - Securities
Judge Rakoff Tosses Tricolor Noteholders' Fraud Suit Against Banks
On June 10, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff (Southern District of New York) dismissed a suit by Tricolor asset-backed noteholders against JPMorgan, Barclays, and Fifth Third, ruling the investors alleged at most negligence, not intentional fraud.
Jun 22, 2026 6 min - Class Action
FCA Faces Scrutiny Over Pacifica Hybrid Battery Fires in Michigan MDL
In the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid battery-fire multidistrict litigation (E.D. Mich., MDL No. 3040), the court denied FCA's motions to exclude the plaintiffs' experts in February 2026, advancing the case toward an April 2026 summary-judgment hearing.
Jun 22, 2026 7 min - Employment
Abbott Labs Faces Class Action Over Health Plan Disclosures
On June 10, 2026, a former Abbott Laboratories employee filed an ERISA class action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging Abbott imprudently offered a PPO health-plan option that cost participants more than an equivalent plan at every tier, without disclosing it.
Jun 22, 2026 6 min - Employment
Calif. Appeals Court Tosses Actor's Vaccine Policy Suit Against ABC
On April 24, 2026, a California Court of Appeal affirmed summary judgment for ABC, rejecting “General Hospital” actor Ingo Rademacher's suit over his firing for refusing to comply with ABC's COVID-19 vaccine policy.
Jun 22, 2026 7 min - Employment
US House Passes Bill Mandating Arbitration for First Union Contracts
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act, advancing legislation that imposes strict timelines and binding arbitration on initial collective bargaining agreements.
Jun 22, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
Vermont Enacts Comprehensive Data Privacy and Surveillance Act
Governor Phil Scott signed S.71 into law, making Vermont the 23rd state to adopt a comprehensive consumer privacy framework. The new rules take effect on January 1, 2027.
Jun 22, 2026 7 min - Consumer
Louisiana Bans Debit Card Surcharges for Retail Businesses
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed legislation prohibiting retail businesses from imposing fees on customers who pay with debit cards. The new law prevents merchants from passing certain processing costs to consumers, effective August 1, 2026.
Jun 22, 2026 6 min - Privacy & Data
Court Keeps Bain Capital in PowerSchool Data Breach Litigation
On March 18, 2026, a federal court (S.D. Cal., MDL No. 3149) denied in part Bain Capital's motion to dismiss, keeping the private-equity owner of PowerSchool in the consolidated data-breach litigation.
Jun 15, 2026 8 min - Consumer
Federal Judge Tosses Toner Seller's Toshiba Antitrust Suit
On June 9, 2026, a federal judge in the Central District of California (Judge David O. Carter) dismissed with prejudice a toner distributor's antitrust and malicious-prosecution suit against Toshiba America Business Solutions, holding the Sherman Act claims time-barred.
Jun 15, 2026 6 min - Consumer
LA Jury Hits J&J With $32M Verdict in Mesothelioma Case
On June 10, 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Johnson & Johnson liable for $32 million in the wrongful-death case of Maria Lozano, who developed fatal mesothelioma from asbestos-contaminated talc, rejecting J&J's alternate-exposure defenses.
Jun 15, 2026 7 min - Consumer
Environmental Groups Sue CalRecycle Over SB 54 Plastic Regulations
Three major environmental organizations filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court challenging CalRecycle's final regulations for plastic producer responsibility. The challenge arrives immediately after a statutory compliance deadline, creating uncertainty for the packaging industry.
Jun 13, 2026 7 min - Consumer
SCOTUS Blocks Private Suits Under Investment Company Act Sec 47(b)
The Supreme Court ruled that Section 47(b) of the Investment Company Act does not create a private right of action. The decision restricts investors from directly suing in federal court to void contracts under this specific provision.
Jun 13, 2026 7 min - Consumer
Supreme Court Invalidates Trump Administration IEEPA Tariffs
The Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act did not authorize certain tariffs, triggering a wave of refund and consumer class action litigation.
Jun 13, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
SEC, CFTC Mandate Joint Data Standards Under Transparency Act
On June 8, 2026, the SEC and CFTC finalized joint technical data standards for financial regulatory submissions under the Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022. The Phase 1 final rule takes effect October 1, 2026.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
SEC Halts 2026 Proxy No-Action Letters Amid High Shareholder Drama
On November 17, 2025, the SEC's Division of Corporation Finance announced that for the current proxy season it will generally stop issuing Rule 14a-8 no-action responses on whether companies may exclude shareholder proposals — except for requests under the state-law exclusion — citing high registration-statement volume and resource constraints.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
Circle K Franchisee Settles Data Breach Class Action
A Circle K-branded franchisee, Gas Express, LLC, reached a preliminary class-action settlement in the State Court of Fulton County, Georgia, over a May 2024 data breach that exposed customers' names, Social Security numbers, and driver's-license numbers. The claims-made settlement offers up to $2,000 in documented-loss reimbursement plus credit monitoring.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Publishers Move to Join Copyright Class Action Against Google Gemini
On January 15, 2026, two publishers — Cengage Group and Hachette Book Group — moved to intervene in the consolidated In re Google Generative AI Copyright Litigation (N.D. Cal.), seeking to represent a class of publishers whose books Google allegedly copied to train its Gemini AI models.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Employment
California FEHA Dictates Strict Workplace Anti-Discrimination Rules
The Fair Employment and Housing Act provides broader protections than federal law, covering more employers and uncapping damages. The statute requires California employers to actively prevent harassment and engage in a good-faith interactive process for accommodations.
Jun 11, 2026 12 min - Privacy & Data
California Expands Consumer Privacy Rights and Business Obligations
The amended California Consumer Privacy Act grants consumers new rights over sensitive data and eliminates the statutory cure period for businesses. The law establishes a dedicated regulatory agency and exposes companies to significant statutory damages for data breaches.
Jun 11, 2026 12 min - Wage & Hour
California Final Pay Rules Trigger Costly Waiting-Time Penalties
California law demands immediate payment of final wages upon involuntary termination and sets strict deadlines for voluntary resignations. Employers who willfully delay these payments face daily penalties that can quickly dwarf the original amount owed.
Jun 11, 2026 10 min - Regulatory
DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force Gains Momentum Under New Executive Order
President Trump signed the Strengthening Customs Enforcement Executive Order on June 3, 2026, targeting customs fraud. The directive empowers the recently formed Trade Fraud Task Force to aggressively pursue administrative and civil penalties against importers.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Regulatory
UK FCA Proposes Simplified Climate Disclosures for Investments
The UK Financial Conduct Authority launched a consultation to replace rigid TCFD-based climate reporting with a flexible, outcomes-focused framework.
Jun 11, 2026 6 min - Consumer
California Unruh Act Mandates Equal Business Access and Strict Damages
Civil Code section 51 guarantees equal treatment in California business establishments and turns federal ADA violations into state claims carrying a $4,000 minimum penalty.
Jun 11, 2026 8 min - Wage & Hour
Third Circuit Rejects FLSA Overtime Gap Time Claims
The federal appellate court ruled that employees cannot pursue federal claims for overtime gap time under the Fair Labor Standards Act, narrowing employer liability.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Privacy & Data
Duke Health Reaches $3.74M Settlement in Patient Portal Privacy Breach
Duke University Health System agreed to a $3.74 million class-action settlement in the Middle District of North Carolina over allegations it used Meta Pixel tracking technology on its MyChart patient portal, transmitting patient information to third parties. The court granted preliminary approval in early 2026, with a final-approval hearing set for August 27, 2026.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Class Action
Fourth Circuit Rejects Mandatory Classes in ERISA Plan Litigation
On March 10, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reversed and vacated class certification in Trauernicht v. Genworth Financial, holding that 401(k)-plan participants' ERISA damages claims are individualized and cannot be forced into a mandatory, no-opt-out class.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
Trump Appeals NY Civil Fraud Judgment to Highest State Court
Donald Trump has filed an appeal with the New York Court of Appeals seeking to overturn a civil fraud judgment. The defense argues the initial ruling was politically motivated and legally flawed, challenging testimony from a former lawyer.
Jun 11, 2026 8 min - Securities
Supreme Court Holds SEC Disgorgement Does Not Require Investor Loss
A unanimous Supreme Court ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission can obtain disgorgement awards without proving actual pecuniary loss to investors. The decision preserves the agency's enforcement powers but leaves open questions about where funds go when returning them to victims is impossible.
Jun 11, 2026 8 min - Regulatory
Tenth Circuit Reviews Colorado Interest Rate Limits En Banc
The full Tenth Circuit is reconsidering whether Colorado can cap interest rates on loans from out-of-state state-chartered banks under federal law. The outcome will determine if states can effectively override federal interest rate exportation rules.
Jun 11, 2026 8 min - Regulatory
Illinois Supreme Court Backs Grain Belt Express Transmission Line
The Illinois Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the approval process for the Grain Belt Express. The ruling provides legal backing for the high-voltage transmission line designed to transport wind-generated electricity.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Insurance
NJ Supreme Court Upholds D&O Capacity Exclusion Despite Prior Funding
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that an insurer's years of partial litigation funding did not waive its right to invoke a capacity exclusion. The decision establishes firm boundaries on forfeiture in directors and officers liability coverage disputes.
Jun 11, 2026 9 min - Intellectual Property
Supreme Court Narrows Induced Infringement for Generic Skinny Labels
The Supreme Court unanimously reversed the Federal Circuit, restricting when generic drug manufacturers can be held liable for induced infringement based on skinny labels.
Jun 11, 2026 7 min - Intellectual Property
Supreme Court Narrows Contributory Copyright Liability in Cox v. Sony
On March 25, 2026, a unanimous Supreme Court reversed the Fourth Circuit and held that an internet service provider is not contributorily liable for its subscribers' copyright infringement merely for continuing to provide service.
Jun 11, 2026 6 min - Antitrust
FTC Settles Express Scripts Insulin Pricing Case to Lower Costs
The Federal Trade Commission reached a landmark agreement with pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts and its parent company, Cigna, to overhaul insulin pricing models. The settlement forces fundamental business practice changes aimed at lowering drug costs for American patients.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Wage & Hour
Illinois Supreme Court Expands Pay for Off-the-Clock Work
The Illinois Supreme Court ruled in Fausett v. Walgreen Co. that employers may be liable for work-related activities performed before and after official shifts. The decision broadens compensable time under state law, forcing companies to rethink how they track employee hours.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Real Estate
NY High Court Rules Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act Is Retroactive
On November 25, 2025, the New York Court of Appeals held that the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) applies retroactively to pending foreclosure actions in which a final judgment has not been enforced, and that doing so does not violate due process.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Antitrust
FTC Appeals Meta Antitrust Loss to DC Circuit
The Federal Trade Commission is appealing a district court ruling that found Meta is not a monopoly and blocked the forced divestiture of WhatsApp and Instagram.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Antitrust
Federal Court Advances FTC Antitrust Suit Against Zillow and Redfin
On May 6, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Judge Anthony Trenga) denied Zillow's and Redfin's motion to dismiss the FTC's antitrust suit over their roughly $100 million rental-advertising deal, allowing the case to proceed to discovery.
Jun 10, 2026 8 min - Consumer
FTC, Illinois Sue Premium Home Service Over Fake Local Listings
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Illinois attorney general filed a federal lawsuit accusing Premium Home Service of creating thousands of fake online business listings for home repairs. The enforcement action signals increasing regulatory scrutiny over deceptive digital marketing practices targeting local consumers.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Antitrust
Federal Judge Denies Google Stay on Search Antitrust Remedies
On May 7, 2026, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta denied — without prejudice, as premature — Google's request to partially stay the search-antitrust remedies (compelled data-sharing and syndication) pending its D.C. Circuit appeal, leaving those remedies in force for now.
Jun 10, 2026 6 min - AI Law
Florida AG Sues OpenAI and Altman Over ChatGPT Safety Claims
On June 1, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a first-in-the-nation state lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging the company deceptively marketed ChatGPT — including to children — while concealing safety risks, in violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
Texas App Store Act Takes Effect After Fifth Circuit Stay; Utah Delays Mandates
Texas's App Store Accountability Act (S.B. 2420) took effect June 4, 2026, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed a December 23, 2025 preliminary injunction pending appeal — requiring app-store age verification and parental consent for new Texas accounts. Utah's parallel law (S.B. 142) had its compliance mandates delayed to May 6, 2027.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Business & Contract
Texas Supreme Court Issues First Rebuttal of Van Dyke Presumption
On March 13, 2026, the Supreme Court of Texas, in Clifton v. Johnson (No. 23-0671), held for the first time that a deed's plain language rebutted the Van Dyke double-fraction presumption, ruling that a 1951 deed conveyed a fixed 1/128 royalty.
Jun 10, 2026 8 min - Intellectual Property
Federal Circuit Raises Bar for Attorney Fee Awards in Patent Suits
On May 15, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, in mCom IP, LLC v. City National Bank of Florida (No. 2024-2089), reversed an award of attorney fees under 35 U.S.C. § 285 and sanctions under § 1927, holding that a patent's invalidity alone does not make a case "exceptional."
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - General
Second Circuit Denies En Banc Rehearing in Trump Defamation Case
On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit denied rehearing en banc in Carroll v. Trump (No. 24-644), leaving intact the $83.3 million defamation judgment for E. Jean Carroll based on Donald Trump's June 2019 statements.
Jun 10, 2026 8 min - Consumer
Shutterstock Pays $35M to Settle FTC Negative Option Charges
The Federal Trade Commission secured a $35 million settlement resolving allegations that Shutterstock used deceptive subscription and cancellation practices. The enforcement action targets companies charging consumers without informed consent under Section 5 of the FTC Act.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Consumer
SCOTUS Affirms Federal Jurisdiction Over Stayed Arbitration Awards
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that federal courts retain jurisdiction to confirm or vacate arbitration awards when they previously stayed the claims under the Federal Arbitration Act.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Employment
Connecticut Enacts Broad AI Regulation With Senate Bill 5
Connecticut enacted Public Act No. 26-15, "An Act Concerning Online Safety" (Substitute S.B. 5), signed by Gov. Ned Lamont on May 27, 2026. The omnibus law imposes new duties on AI, automated employment decisions, and minors' online safety, phasing in from October 1, 2026 through 2028.
Jun 10, 2026 6 min - Employment
California Bans "Stay-or-Pay" Contracts Under New AB 692
A new California law prohibits most repayment-on-separation provisions in employment agreements signed on or after January 1, 2026. The legislation effectively eliminates "stay-or-pay" arrangements, continuing the state's push to maximize worker mobility.
Jun 10, 2026 7 min - Consumer
Rosenthal Act Shields California Consumers From Debt Collection Abuse
California's Civil Code 1788 prohibits harassment and deception in debt collection. The statute incorporates federal standards to provide damages and attorney fees to prevailing consumers.
Jun 8, 2026 13 min - Construction Defect
California Codifies ABC Test to Classify Independent Contractors
The California Supreme Court and state legislature established a strict three-prong standard that presumes workers are employees. This framework shifts the evidentiary burden to hiring entities, requiring them to prove independence across all three prongs to avoid employment classification.
Jun 8, 2026 8 min - Business & Contract
Supreme Courts Split PAGA Claims Into Dual Arbitration Tracks
The U.S. and California Supreme Courts have established a two-track system for PAGA claims. Employees must arbitrate individual claims but retain standing to pursue representative claims in state court.
Jun 8, 2026 6 min - Business & Contract
Track California breach of contract deadlines to protect claims
California law imposes strict deadlines on breach of contract claims, giving parties four years to sue over written agreements and just two years for oral ones. Missing these statutory windows permanently bars recovery, making prompt action essential.
Jun 8, 2026 12 min - Landlord–Tenant
California AB 1482 Caps Rent and Requires Just Cause for Evictions
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 fundamentally alters California landlord-tenant law by imposing statewide rent caps and eliminating no-cause evictions for most residential tenancies.
Jun 8, 2026 9 min - Real Estate
Quiet title actions resolve competing California property claims
California's statutory scheme requires plaintiffs to prove their property rights in an evidentiary hearing, barring default judgments to ensure clear ownership. Determining the applicable statute of limitations depends entirely on the underlying theory of relief and the plaintiff's possession status.
Jun 8, 2026 13 min - Business & Contract
Decode California Unfair Competition Law and Assess Liability Risks
Business and Professions Code section 17200 allows plaintiffs to sue over unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices. Understanding its three-pronged test and strict standing requirements helps businesses mitigate litigation risks.
Jun 8, 2026 10 min - Real Estate
California Enforces Strict Real Estate Disclosures Under Section 1102
Civil Code section 1102 requires sellers of residential property to provide a mandatory Transfer Disclosure Statement. Failing to deliver this form exposes sellers to actual damages and grants buyers a short statutory window to cancel the transaction.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Landlord–Tenant
California Caps Security Deposits at One Month's Rent Under AB 12
Effective July 1, 2024, California landlords may only collect one month's rent as a security deposit for residential leases. The new law eliminates the distinction between furnished and unfurnished units, standardizing upfront moving costs across the state.
Jun 8, 2026 6 min - Business & Contract
Enforce Business Agreements: California Breach of Contract Elements and Remedies
California law requires plaintiffs to prove four specific elements to succeed in a breach of contract claim. Understanding these mandatory requirements, the calculation of expectation damages, and strict filing deadlines allows parties to effectively litigate commercial disputes.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Wage & Hour
Supreme Court Expands Liability and Calculation Rates for Meal and Rest Break Premiums
The California Supreme Court ruled that meal and rest break premiums must include all nondiscretionary payments and constitute wages, exposing employers to severe waiting-time and wage-statement penalties.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Construction Defect
Calif. Supreme Court Preserves PAGA Standing Despite Arbitration
The California Supreme Court ruled that compelling a plaintiff's individual PAGA claim to arbitration does not destroy their standing to pursue representative claims in court.
Jun 8, 2026 5 min - Employment
Identify Wrongful Termination Under California Tameny Claims
California law permits at-will employees to sue in tort if their termination violates a fundamental public policy. These claims expose employers to significant liability, including the potential for punitive damages.
Jun 8, 2026 14 min - Employment
California enacts strict penalties for out-of-state noncompetes
New legislation creates a private right of action against employers enforcing noncompetes and mandates individualized notices to affected workers. The laws extend California's ban to out-of-state contracts.
Jun 8, 2026 5 min - Real Estate
Securing Title by Adverse Possession in California Under Section 325
California law allows occupiers to claim legal title to real estate through adverse possession, provided they meet five strict elements and pay all property taxes for five continuous years.
Jun 8, 2026 14 min - Construction Defect
Classify California construction defects to determine time limits
California applies two parallel limitation periods for construction defects based on whether the flaw is apparent or hidden. Correctly classifying a defect as patent or latent determines whether a property owner has four years or up to ten years to file suit.
Jun 8, 2026 10 min - Landlord–Tenant
Supreme Court Implies Habitability Warranty in California Leases
The California Supreme Court held that all residential leases contain an implied warranty of habitability, allowing tenants to raise poor property conditions as a defense against eviction for nonpayment of rent.
Jun 8, 2026 9 min - HOA / Davis-Stirling
How California HOAs Collect Assessments and Enforce Liens
California law imposes strict procedural requirements and financial thresholds before a homeowners association can record a lien or foreclose on a delinquent property.
Jun 8, 2026 8 min - Landlord–Tenant
Decode the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act to Assess Claims
Enacted in 1970, the CLRA protects individuals from deceptive business practices by providing powerful remedies like punitive damages and mandatory attorney's fees. Understanding its strict 30-day notice requirements and standing rules determines whether a consumer claim survives or fails.
Jun 8, 2026 10 min - HOA / Davis-Stirling
Davis-Stirling Act dictates California HOA governance and disputes
The Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act establishes the operational rules for California community associations. Understanding its requirements helps boards avoid liability and allows owners to protect their property rights.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Real Estate
California's 3% Deposit Rule Caps Residential Real Estate Damages
California law presumes residential liquidated damages are valid up to 3% of the purchase price, but shifts the burden to sellers to justify anything higher. Strict formatting and signature requirements also apply to make these clauses enforceable.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - HOA / Davis-Stirling
California Restricts HOA Rental Caps Under Civil Code Section 4741
The California Legislature limited how homeowners associations can restrict rentals, mandating a minimum 25 percent allowance. The statutory framework alters the balance of power between associations and owners while preserving an association's right to ban short-term rentals.
Jun 8, 2026 8 min - Wage & Hour
California Wage Statement Penalties Face Good Faith Defense Limits
California labor law mandates nine specific categories of information on employee wage statements, backed by strict financial penalties. The California Supreme Court recently established that an employer's objectively reasonable, good-faith belief in their compliance serves as a defense against individual statutory penalties.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Construction Defect
California Mechanics Lien Laws Bind Contractors to Strict Deadlines
California requires strict adherence to statutory deadlines for recording and foreclosing on mechanics liens. Missing a 20-day or 90-day window extinguishes a claimant's constitutional right to secure payment against an owner's property.
Jun 8, 2026 10 min - Wage & Hour
California Overhauls PAGA Standing and Penalties in 2024 Reform
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2288 and SB 92, tightening standing requirements for representative labor claims and establishing new penalty caps for employers who cure violations.
Jun 8, 2026 6 min - Consumer
California Overhauls Lemon Law With Opt-In Pre-Suit Rules
AB 1755 and SB 26 introduce strict pre-suit notice requirements and early mediation for auto manufacturers that elect to participate, fundamentally altering how warranty disputes are litigated.
Jun 8, 2026 5 min - Real Estate
California Codifies Real Estate Broker Disclosure Duties to Home Buyers
California law requires real estate brokers to conduct a competent visual inspection of residential properties and disclose material defects to buyers. This statutory framework balances consumer protection with practical limits on broker liability.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Business & Contract
Defend speech with California anti-SLAPP motions to strike
Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 allows defendants to quickly dismiss lawsuits targeting protected speech. The statute shifts attorney fees to the plaintiff, fundamentally altering the economics of business litigation.
Jun 8, 2026 11 min - Employment
California Overhauls PAGA, Capping Penalties and Tightening Standing
Governor Newsom signed AB 2288 and SB 92 into law, restructuring the Private Attorneys General Act to limit employer penalties through compliance efforts while requiring plaintiffs to personally experience every alleged violation.
Jun 8, 2026 7 min - Landlord–Tenant
California Eviction Timeline Extended Under New AB 2347 Law
A new California statute doubles the time tenants have to respond to an unlawful detainer lawsuit from five to ten days. The legislation significantly alters the timeline and procedural mechanics for evictions across the state.
Jun 8, 2026 9 min - Landlord–Tenant
California Caps Rent Increases and Restricts Evictions Under AB 1482
The Tenant Protection Act of 2019 imposes a statewide limit on annual rent hikes and requires landlords to prove just cause for evictions. The statutory framework fundamentally alters landlord-tenant relations by extending rent control and eviction defenses to millions of units previously exempt.
Jun 8, 2026 13 min - Construction Defect
McMillin Albany cements Right to Repair Act as exclusive remedy
The California Supreme Court ruled that homeowners cannot bypass the Right to Repair Act's prelitigation notice procedures by pleading only common-law claims. The unanimous decision secures builders' right to inspect and repair defects before facing litigation, even when those defects have caused property damage.
Jun 8, 2026 15 min - Construction Defect
Supreme Court cements Right to Repair Act as exclusive defect remedy
The California Supreme Court held that homeowners must complete mandatory prelitigation procedures before suing builders for residential construction defects, decisively displacing common law claims.
Jun 8, 2026 10 min