The Fifth Circuit recently confronted a classic “economic loss rule” problem under Texas law. While the case involved a dispute about the operation of a power turbine, the legal framework described by Golden Spread could easily set the ground rules for future business tort litigation arising from the COVID-19 crisis.
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DBJ: U.K. Agency Blocks Sabre Acquisition
The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said it’s blocking Sabre’s planned acquisition of Farelogix, arguing travel agents and passengers there would be “worse off.” The decision comes the same week the travel technology company won its antitrust case against the U.S. Department of Justice, which has since appealed that decision.
SCOTX Resumes Oral Arguments — by VTC
When the Texas Supreme Court convened for oral argument Wednesday, it wasn’t in the familiar halls of the court, but in virtual space. Honoring COVID-19 stay-at-home directives, the court conducted oral arguments in three cases via teleconferencing, becoming only the second state supreme court in the nation to do so (Ohio apparently beat them by a day). Bottom line: The technology performed smoothly for the most part, appellants got their virtual day in court and some of the justices got to wear their robes at home. Janet Elliott describes the court’s first argument in W&T Offshore v. Fredieu
DBJ: Texas Instruments Sued by NTT Over Patents Covering Wi-Fi
One of the largest telecommunications companies in the world has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Waco against the Dallas company for infringing on patents.
Businesses Facing Emergency Downsizing Have No Room for Error
If businesses don’t handle a workforce reduction the right way, it could not only cost them more money, it could also land them in court or even destroy the business. In this article, Hicks Thomas attorneys Stewart Hoffer and Kasi Chadwick share advice for businesses needing to downsize in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
Dallas Real Estate Title Worker Sentenced Via VTC to 46 Months for Fraud
In the first video teleconference sentencing in federal court in Dallas since the COVID-19 crisis began, U.S. District Chief Judge Barbara Lynn this week sentenced a medical mask-wearing white-collar criminal defendant to nearly four years in prison for her role in a $1.4 million real estate title insurance scheme.
DBJ: Sabre Wins Antitrust Case Against DOJ
The case centered around the roughly $360 million acquisition of Farelogix, a deal that was first announced in late 2018. Sabre is still looking for another win from the U.K Competition and Markets Authority.
CDT Roundup: 14 Deals, 11 Firms, 68 Lawyers, $8.2B
First quarter global M&A activity fell back to levels not seen since 2013 with U.S. results eerily similar to 2008. Meanwhile, dealmaking involving Texas lawyers keeps chugging along thanks to transactions already in the works and some companies’ moves to shore up liquidity.
Report: Bankrupt Oil and Gas Producers Number 215 Since 2015
Oilfield services providers followed with 204 bankruptcies over the last five years and midstream providers amounted to 30, according to Haynes and Boone. But few in the oil and gas industry will be immune given low oil prices and uncertainty around the demand-sapping coronavirus.
Remote Hearings: Let’s Hope They Become the Rule Rather Than the Exception
Good attorneys always puts their clients first, and that includes making sure the client is adequately represented at hearings. But is it necessary for attorneys in this day and age of ubiquitous technology to put the health and safety of themselves and others at risk? Further, if the technology is available, why are we still conducting hearings like we were Abraham Lincoln in the 1800s, tethered to live court appearances as the rule?
Barnes & Thornburg’s Victor Vital and Liz Dankers weigh in on the compelling questions COVID-19 is posing for the future of the practice of law.