In March, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued its “Interim Process for PTAB Workload Management” memorandum — quickly dubbed the “Workload Memo.” The memo resurrects and expands the PTAB’s discretion to deny institution for reasons that have little to do with the prior art. By July 31, the acting director had already logged 109 discretionary-denial decisions, signaling a tectonic shift. For petitioners who count on IPRs to stall infringement suits — and patent owners who must decide where to fight — the new regime demands a strategic overhaul. This article distills what has changed, why it matters and how litigators should adapt.
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Bondholders Call for Judge Isgur to Recuse from GWG Holdings Bankruptcy Case
GWG Holdings bondholders call for U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur to step away from the case, alleging he is protecting David Jones, a former bankruptcy judge, and Elizabeth Freeman, a former Jackson Walker partner with whom Jones had an undisclosed romantic relationship.
Brandy Treadway Appointed CLO of Academy Sports and Outdoors
Treadway has significant experience in retail, having previously worked at JCPenney for a decade, where she ultimately became senior vice president, general counsel and secretary.
Bell Nunnally Bolsters IP Practice with Cheryl Leb
Leb was previously the chair of Kelly Hart’s IP practice.
Holland & Knight Lands Healthcare Partner from K&S
Juliet McBride is making her first lateral move after spending her entire career at King & Spalding to this point.
Eastern District Patent Infringement Case Dismissed
Intelligent Wellhead Systems’ lawsuit alleging patent infringement against Downing Wellhead Equipment was dismissed by an Eastern District Court judge this week. This is the second win Haynes Boone has seen for Downing this summer.
My Five Favorite Books: Kelly Turner (Vice President & Senior Legal Director at Goldman Sachs)
After a very long hiatus from reading, I got back to it in 2023. In 2024, I finished 95 books. So far in 2025, I am up to 88 books. I am going to limit this list to books I have finished in the past two years. As you will see, I enjoy a wide range of genres. I hope you find your next great read!
Editor’s note: The Texas Lawbook is pleased to offer this new column in partnership with Texas-based Half Price Books sharing our readers’ favorite reads.
Brookfield Acquires 19.7% Stake in Duke Energy Florida for $6B
Global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management acquired a 19.7 percent stake in Duke Energy Florida for $6 billion. The utility plans to use proceeds to further its energy modernization strategy and reduce debt. Kirkland & Ellis and Skadden Arps advised.
Nachawati Law Group Launches New Practice Group
Nachawati Law Group is launching an antitrust practice with three attorneys who have experience working in government. The firm told The Lawbook the decision was spurred in part by the trend of state attorneys general pursuing these types of cases with more regularity.
Northern District Civil Prosecutor Joins Vartabedian Hester & Haynes
Vartabedian Hester & Haynes adds to its newly launched white collar and investigations practice group with the hiring of Richard Guiltinan. He brings Department of Justice and private practice experience to the firm.