John Breslin News
Judge denies tech company's motion to overturn jury verdict or order new trial in patent infringement case
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California recently denied a tech company's motion to either overturn a jury verdict in a patent infringement case or order a new trial.
Suit against Fitbit over devices claiming to track heart beat can proceed, federal judge rules
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California recently ruled that a suit alleging Fitbit made inaccurate marketing claims regarding its wristband devices that track user heart beat can continue but agreed to dismiss allegations that the company attempted to unjustly enrich itself.
Flurry of bills targeting lead-based paint hazards and manufacturers. one down, one parked, four remain alive
SACRAMENTO - A bill that would allow homeowners to pursue lead-based paint manufacturers in cases where they cannot identify the maker has been parked by its sponsor in the California State Assembly.
ACLU fears data from license plate scans may be used for immigration enforcement
A civil rights organization fears federal immigration officials may use sensitive personal information gleaned from vehicle license plates to threaten civil rights and liberties without proper safeguards.
New York union named lead plaintiff in securities class action against San Jose tech company
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District Court of California recently agreed to consolidate lawsuits against a northern California tech company and ruled that a pension fund for a New York union representing hotel and gaming workers will be the lead plaintiff in the securities class action.
Review of 'Dark Side of Environmental Movement' spiked over claims it was 'dangerous'
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A positive review of a play reconstructing a trial against a high profile environmental campaigner was spiked over fears the production was "dangerous" and not "impartial."
ACLU asks court to order ICE to release details of surveillance contract and use
SAN FRANCISCO – A civil rights group is asking a federal court to order an immigration enforcement agency to hand over information regarding the collection and use of a type of surveillance technology.
Judge: Synopsys does not have to provide printouts of software code to Ubiquiti Networks
LOS ANGELES – A tech company does not have to provide printout copies of source code to accommodate an expert witness hired by a defendant accused of using counterfeiting keys to install software without a license.
Businesses surprised, alarmed, over new narrower test for classifying independent contractors
SACRAMENTO - Businesses are calling their lawyers and a trade organization in the wake of a decision by a California Supreme Court to substantially reduce the number of reasons a worker can be classified an independent contractor.
Feed distributor's attempt to extricate itself from RICO lawsuit partially successful
An animal feed distribution company has attempted to extricate itself from a lawsuit that alleges one of its senior executives and others were involved in a conspiracy to take control of the supply and sale of nutritional supplements for dairy cows.
Binding arbitration bill passes CA Assembly in face of strong opposition
SACRAMENTO - A bill barring employers from inserting binding arbitration clauses into contracts as a condition of employment has passed the California State Assembly.
Judge denies sanctions in agricultural workers' dispute over alleged labor, payroll violations
SACRAMENTO – A federal magistrate judge has granted a plaintiff's motion to compel further responses but denied a request for sanctions in a wage and labor dispute.
Samsung fails in its bid to force arbitration in phone explosion action
SACRAMENTO – Samsung has failed in its bid to force into arbitration a plaintiff who claims his smartphone exploded in his pocket, causing serious injuries.
Autistic child's damage claim against school district allowed to proceed
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California said a 9-year-old girl with autism can continue with her claim of discrimination against a California school district after denying an attempt to dismiss the complaint.
Inmate back in court in bid to collect award from alleged prison assault in 2007
It began inside a cell in a federal penitentiary in California more than a decade ago after an inmate had just thrown urine and feces in the face of a guard.
Senate considering bill to add restrictions on legal advertising
SACRAMENTO - Legislative moves to restrict legal broadcast advertising in California are now with the Senate, where a bill sits after passing in the Assembly.
Attorney criticized for his fees claim by federal judge
A Pasadena attorney has been criticized by a federal judge over his claim for attorney fees and costs.
NL Industries settles lead paint case for $60 million; Ballot initiative on track with signature support
Organizers of a ballot initiative aimed at stopping lead paint manufacturers from facing financial liability for legacy use of the product have filed enough signatures ahead of the July deadline.
Company marketing heavy metal band's merchandise asks federal court to order crack down on bootleggers
A company granted the exclusive rights to market merchandise for heavy metal band Slayer moved to combat bootleggers by filing of a federal suit ahead of the first concert of the band's final tour.
EEOC alleges Albertsons 'harassed' Hispanic employees for speaking Spanish
SAN DIEGO – A grocery company is accused of violating the civil rights of Hispanic workers who claim they were subjected to harassment for speaking Spanish at one store in California.