The 10 Biggest Business Law Stories of 2012
American Airlines' bankruptcy, dozens of billion-dollar energy deals, BP oil spill settlements and the criminal trial of Houston investor R. Allen Stanford were among the lead business law stories of 2012.
Class Actions Evolve in the Fifth Circuit
The federal appeals court signals the potential future of federal class litigation in the Fifth Circuit after Dukes, writes David Coale.
LBJ v. Coke Stevenson: Case Changed History and Defined “Lawyering”
During three furious weeks in September 1948, lawyers for LBJ and former governor Coke Stevenson waged a historic legal battle. They sought and obtained successive, trumping injunctions in state and federal courts until finally a U.S. Supreme Court justice ended the matter by entering an unusual stay that ensured Johnson’s victory. The story is intrinsically interesting with LBJ at the center. But the litigation provides a useful case study or illustration of “lawyering.”
LBJ v. Coke Stevenson: Case Changed History and Defined “Lawyering”
During three furious weeks in September 1948, lawyers for LBJ and former governor Coke Stevenson waged a historic legal battle. They sought and obtained successive, trumping injunctions in state and federal courts until finally a U.S. Supreme Court justice ended the matter by entering an unusual stay that ensured Johnson’s victory. The story is intrinsically interesting with LBJ at the center. But the litigation provides a useful case study or illustration of “lawyering.”
America Invents Act Leads to Patent Litigation Spike
The number of new patent cases filed in the Northern District of Texas during the first half of 2012 more than doubled the number filed during the first six months of 2011. The Eastern District saw its new patent filings jump 63 percent. The Western and Southern districts witnessed significant increases, too. One likely reason, according to IP litigation Eric Findlay of Tyler, is the passage of the America Invents Act in September 2011.
Fifth Circuit’s Top Five Business Litigation Cases for the First Half of 2012
The five important business cases from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in the first half of 2012 show a pragmatic, step-by-step approach to business cases. The Court tested whether an arbitration clause comported with basic principles of contract law, parsed each line of a pleading to test its sufficiency, enforced each element of the basic test for personal jurisdiction, and methodically applied Daubert to complex expert testimony. The five cases illustrate the work of a court that takes seriously the “blocking and tackling” basics of commercial disputes.
Texas is Climbing the Nanotech Charts
Texas has the potential to emerge as a leading epicenter for the U.S., and perhaps the world, especially in the areas of energy, specialty chemicals and medicine. The state's leadership position is further strengthened with last week's announcement of Dallas as a new satellite office for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Longview Steel Cylinder Manufacturer Stands Up to China, Inc.
Haynes and Boone scores major win against China in antidumping case.