HOT DOCS

PATENT – Innovation IP Ventures LLC v. McDonald’s Corp.

COMPLAINT – Innovation holds patents on wireless local access network devices. Innovation claims that McDonald’s is infringing these WLAN patents through the methods it uses to provide internet access to its customers. (N.D. Ill.)

BALLOT INITIATIVES – In re Contest of Election Held on Stark Cnty. Issue 6

OPINION – A question on a township ballot seeking approval for expansion of the policing district, and a property tax to pay for the expansion, understated the tax. The actual tax would be approximately ten times what was proposed in the ballot question. The question was misleading, and the trial court was correct in setting aside the electoral approval of the measure. (Ohio)

FEES AND COSTS – Taniguchi v. Kan Pacific Saipan Ltd.

OPINION – Prevailing parties in litigation are not entitled to reimbursement of document translation costs, because while the federal statute allows for payment of interpreters’ fees, the ordinary meaning of that term is someone who translates orally from one language to another, the Supreme Court has ruled. (U.S.)

NEGLIGENCE - Vasquez v. Princess Cruise Lines Ltd.

COMPLAINT - Where two fishermen on a distressed boat died days after being sighted by passengers on passing cruise ship Star Princess, the surviving fisherman has filed a complaint for cruise ship’s failure to respond and aid. (Cir. Ct. Fla.)

EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION – Ponce v. Billington

OPINION – The D.C. Circuit has ruled that while a trial judge erred by instructing a jury that a plaintiff must prove unlawful discrimination was the “sole reason” the Library of Congress for passed him over for a position, the judge later provided the correct “but-for” standard. (D.C. Cir.)

COURT WIRE: JUST FILED