WSJ.com: Law

Penguin Winds Up E-Book Settlements

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:33:00 EDT

Pearson's book publishing business, Penguin Group, has agreed to pay $75 million to settle a dispute in the U.S. over the way it priced electronic books, drawing to a close an investigation into the publishing industry's e-book pricing tactics.

Argentine Court Indicts Three Ex-Ford Executives

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:17:00 EDT

A federal court in Argentina Tuesday indicted three former executives of Ford Motor Co.'s Argentine subsidiary for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of 24 workers by the military government that ruled between 1976 and 1983.

Phone Firms Sell Customer Data

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:13:00 EDT

Big phone companies have started to sell the data they gather about subscribers' locations, travels and Web-browsing habits, providing a powerful tool for marketers but raising new privacy concerns.

Athlete's Suit Renews Danger to NCAA

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:04:00 EDT

A federal appeals court said former Rutgers quarterback Ryan Hart can try to collect some of the profits Electronic Arts made from a videogame, in a lawsuit that accused EA of stealing his likeness.

Lawsuit Chills Carfax Owner's Potential Sale

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:33:00 EDT

A lawsuit brought by auto dealers has put a chill on the potential sale of R.L. Polk & Co., owner of the used-car shopping tool Carfax, according to people familiar with the matter.

Denso Executives in Price Fixing Plea

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:37:00 EDT

Two more executives of a Japanese auto parts maker have agreed to plead guilty to fixing prices on new-car parts and will spend more than a year in a U.S. prison.

Jeweler Pleads Guilty in KPMG Insider Case

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:35:00 EDT

Jewelry dealer Bryan Shaw pleaded guilty Monday to conspiring to commit securities fraud with former KPMG auditor Scott London, a felony that could land him in prison for up to five years.

Employers Eye Bare-Bones Health Plans

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:50:00 EDT

Employers are increasingly recognizing they may be able to avoid certain penalties under the federal health law with very limited plans that can lack key benefits.

FCC Can Set Deadlines for Cell Tower Applications

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:48:00 EDT

The Supreme Court ruled federal regulators can set deadlines for state and local authorities to act on applications for new cellphone towers.

Criminal Charges Weighed Against SAC

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:13:00 EDT

U.S. prosecutors are considering criminal charges against SAC Capital Advisors as a result of the government's insider-trading investigation of the hedge-fund firm.

Insurer Ties Scrutinized

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

The New York Department of Financial Services sent subpoenas to a handful of Wall Street investment firms about their entries into so-called fixed annuities.

Obama's Counsel Told of IRS Audit Findings Weeks Ago

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:54:00 EDT

The White House's chief lawyer learned weeks ago that an audit of the IRS likely would show that agency employees inappropriately targeted conservative groups, a senior White House official said.

Judge Deals Setback to PokerStars

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:54:00 EDT

The online poker giant PokerStars was dealt a setback in its quest to enter the U.S.'s burgeoning regulated online gambling markets, when a New Jersey state judge said the Atlantic City casino that PokerStars planned to buy could be put back on the market.

Suit Challenges Colorado Gun Curbs

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:58:00 EDT

A group of Colorado sheriffs and members of the firearms industry have filed a lawsuit to overturn gun restrictions recently passed in the state, a key testing ground in the national debate over gun control.

China to Put Businesswoman to Death

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:03:00 EDT

A Chinese court sentenced a businesswoman to death after prosecutors accused her of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of about $70 million.

Dow Chemical Told to Pay $1.2 Billion

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:58:00 EDT

Dow Chemical still faces claims from some large customers over alleged price fixing after being ordered by a federal judge to pay $1.2 billion in damages to a group of smaller clients following related charges.

Congress Asks Google About Glass Privacy

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:26:00 EDT

Eight members of Congress asked Google Chief Executive Larry Page to make assurances about privacy safeguards for the company's high-profile Google Glass device.

Suit Claims City's Gifted-and-Talented Selection Process Is Flawed

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:23:00 EDT

A group of parents vying to get their children into New York City's gifted-and-talented programs filed a lawsuit to try to halt the admissions process and force the city to change its admissions policies.

Laurene Powell Jobs Promotes Dream Act

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:08:00 EDT

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs's widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, has taken on a public role to back immigration reform. She is doing it using some of the tactics that her late husband employed to great effect at the technology giant.

Embattled Truck-Stop CEO Pleads: Don't Sue Us

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:13:00 EDT

Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam III asked a group of trucking industry officials to work with the truck-stop operator to settle diesel-fuel rebate claims instead of fighting it in court.

Health-Policy Move Widely Shared

Mon, 13 May 2013 22:57:00 EDT

More people than previously thought predicted a major change in U.S. health-care policy that led to an insider-trading probe, according to documents assembled by congressional investigators.

Abortion Doctor Convicted of Murder

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:26:00 EDT

A Philadelphia doctor who performed abortions was convicted Monday of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies who were killed with scissors after they were born alive.

Level Global Co-Founder Sentenced to 6½ Years

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:43:00 EDT

A federal judge sentenced Anthony Chiasson, a co-founder of hedge fund Level Global, to 6½ years in prison in an insider-trading case.

Unrestricted Plan B Sales Put on Hold

Mon, 13 May 2013 18:04:00 EDT

A federal appeals court agreed to temporarily put on hold the unrestricted sale of the Plan B emergency contraceptive to all ages while it considers a government appeal of a lower court ruling.

Man Traveling With Pressure Cooker Held

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:10:00 EDT

A man with a Saudi Arabian passport will be held in custody after customs agents charged him with lying about a pressure cooker found in his luggage.

Judge Delays Insanity-Plea Decision in Colorado Case

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:18:00 EDT

Lawyers for the Colorado theater shooting suspect told a judge he wants to change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity, but the judge won't immediately rule on whether to allow it.

Monster Beverage Under Fire

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:42:00 EDT

San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera sued Monster Beverage, accusing the company of marketing its caffeinated energy drinks to children despite alleged health risks.

Solar Installer Sues for Grant Funds

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:18:00 EDT

SolarCity, the largest installer of residential solar panels, has filed a lawsuit that alleges some of the grants it received from the government weren't as big as originally promised.

EU Presses Motorola Over Patents

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:10:00 EDT

EU regulators issued a formal complaint against cellphone maker Motorola Mobility over the Google unit's bid to enforce an injunction against Apple in Germany.

Guilty Verdicts in Liu Trial

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:25:00 EDT

City Comptroller John Liu's former campaign treasurer, along with one of his longtime political backers, were found guilty by a federal jury of various charges involving campaign fraud.

Alleged Boston Crime Boss Has Legal Setback

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:48:00 EDT

Accused Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger was dealt a setback as he tries to defend himself against allegations that he was involved in 19 murders and a range of other criminal activities.

Ex-Fund Manager Is Sentenced

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:36:00 EDT

Todd Newman, a former hedge-fund manager at Diamondback Capital Management, was sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison after he was convicted last year of insider trading.

Monster Sues to Halt Effort to Curb Drinks

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:13:00 EDT

Monster Beverage has asked a federal court to halt efforts by San Francisco's city attorney to place restrictions on its popular energy drinks, arguing such regulations are a federal matter.

PokerStars' Atlantic City Deal Expires

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:37:00 EDT

An Atlantic City, N.J., deal that would have given online poker giant PokerStars its first toehold into regulated online gambling in the U.S. has expired without a new contract in place, according to people familiar with the matter.

Caffeinated Snacks Draw FDA Scrutiny

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:07:00 EDT

FDA is consider placing limits on food makers' ability to add caffeine to products as manufacturers infuse candy, potato chips, waffles and other items with the stimulant.

Public-Safety Fears Arose in Ricin Case

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:37:00 EDT

Fears of a public-safety threat led federal agents to quickly—and prematurely, it turns out—arrest a suspect in an increasingly bizarre case involving ricin-laced letters sent to the president and two other public officials.

Scalpers Beware: New Laws Redefine Tickets

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:34:00 EDT

A California legislative vote permitting nontransferable paperless tickets for concerts is seen as a blow to eBay's StubHub ticket reseller, amid a philosophical debate over the question of ticket "ownership."

Pilot Restraining Order Sought

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:23:00 EDT

A trucking company suing truck-stop chain Pilot Flying J over an alleged diesel-fuel-rebate fraud filed a motion to block Pilot CEO Jimmy Haslam III and other company officials from meeting with trucking customers to settle rebate claims.

Court Rules a Photo of a Photo Can Become Art

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:43:00 EDT

A federal appeals court shook up the art world by largely overturning a copyright case in favor of a New York artist known for photographing advertisements and other artists' work to make his own irreverent pieces.

U.S. Alleges Novartis Kickbacks

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:44:00 EDT

Federal prosecutors accused the U.S. unit of Swiss drug giant Novartis of paying kickbacks to get pharmacies to switch kidney-transplant patients from generic drugs to the company's brand-name anti-rejection drug, Myfortic.

Apple Wins Ruling in Google Patent Case

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:32:00 EDT

Apple won a victory against Google in a patent case before a U.S. trade agency, which upheld findings by one of the agency's judges.

States Take Drug Makers to Court

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:46:00 EDT

Authorities in some U.S. states have become more aggressive in accusing drug makers of deceptive marketing.

Ralph Lauren Settles Bribe Probe

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:52:00 EDT

Ralph Lauren will pay about $1.6 million to resolve U.S. criminal and civil probes over alleged bribes paid by the manager of its Argentine unit to local customs officials in order to receive clearance for its merchandise.

Halliburton Pursues Gulf Settlement

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:13:00 EDT

Halliburton said it is in advanced stages of talks to settle private claims stemming from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon rig explosion.

Texas Official Faces Charges in Man's Prosecution

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:15:00 EDT

A Texas judge ruled that a former district attorney acted improperly when he prosecuted an innocent man who spent nearly 25 years in prison for his wife's slaying and ordered his arrest on criminal contempt and tampering charges.

Secret Recordings in Insider Sting

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:33:00 EDT

Prosecutors brought criminal insider-trading charges against former KPMG partner Scott London in an alleged scheme involving stock tips to a friend.

Insider Trader Is Identified

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:06:00 EDT

The Los Angeles-area man who traded on confidential information provided by a former KPMG partner at the center of a federal insider-trading probe is Bryan Shaw, his lawyer said.

Judge Finds for Stewart in Macy's Case

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:40:00 EDT

A New York state judge said Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia didn't violate its licensing agreement with Macy's when it shared their contract with Macy's department-store rival, J.C. Penney, last year.

Real-Estate Chief Is Indicted

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:28:00 EDT

A federal grand jury indicted the head of a private real-estate firm for financial crimes, the latest development in a long-running saga that wiped out hundreds of millions of dollars from thousands of small investors.

Chesapeake Shareholder Suit Dismissed

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:37:00 EDT

Chesapeake Energy notched a legal victory when a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit alleging the natural-gas producer misled investors by not disclosing certain liabilities and the personal loans of its former chief executive.

Ex-Consultant Challenges Insider-Trading Conviction

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:53:00 EDT

There were no envelopes stuffed with cash, just gifts of live lobsters and iPhones. Is that enough of a benefit to constitute a crime? Winifred Jiau, a former technology consultant, asks a court to overturn her insider-trading conviction.

Barrick Shares Drop After Chile Court Blocks Mine

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:49:00 EDT

Shares in Canadian miner Barrick Gold fell steeply after a Chilean court suspended construction of the company's flagship Pascua-Lama gold and silver project in Chile on environmental grounds.

Hepatitis Case Damages Awarded

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:57:00 EDT

A Nevada jury said two UnitedHealth units should pay a total of $500 million in punitive damages in a case involving two members who contracted hepatitis C, an award that will draw close attention in the health-insurance industry.

On Sale: The $1,150-Per-Hour Lawyer

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:48:00 EDT

Top partners at leading U.S. law firms are charging more than ever, yet those nosebleed hourly rates aren't all they appear to be. As law firms boost their standard rates, many are softening the blow with discounts and write-offs.

Macy's Says Penney Violates Detente

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:25:00 EDT

Macy's told a judge Monday that it caught J.C. Penney selling Martha Stewart plastic partyware products, violating an agreement the rivals had reached until they sort out competing claims.

Full Tilt Poker Ex-Chief to Plead Guilty

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:40:00 EDT

Raymond Bitar, the former chief executive of defunct online poker website Full Tilt Poker, has reached a deal to plead guilty to criminal charges as he awaits a heart transplant in California.

Hair-Transplant Chain Settles FTC Case

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:18:00 EDT

Hair-restoration provider Bosley settled FTC charges that it illegally exchanged nonpublic information about its business practices with rival Hair Club.

U.N. Aide Seeks Redress on Award

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:44:00 EDT

A U.N. whistleblower who was awarded a fraction of his claim after winning a wrongful-dismissal case is appealing to the State Department to withhold a portion of American dues to the multilateral organization.

New Venture Enters Patent Fray

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:44:00 EDT

Unified Patents, a new San Francisco startup, plans to recruit companies for a collective effort to deter patent lawsuits or legal threats against its members.

Big Question in U.S. vs. S&P

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:40:00 EDT

Why is the U.S. government trying to obtain billions of dollars in damages from S&P for allegedly slipshod work on mortgage-linked securities, but nothing from rival Moody's?

Judge Rules Against BP in Payments Dispute

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:18:00 EDT

A federal judge denied BP's plea to halt payments from a settlement fund set up to reimburse businesses and individuals for losses from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon accident.

Novel Relief for China Woes

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:44:00 EDT

A U.S. investor won an unusual remedy in Delaware Chancery Court in his fight against a Chinese firm that listed in the U.S. and subsequently plunged in value.

Howrey Partners Hit on the Law Firm's Demise

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:09:00 EDT

Washington, D.C., law firm Howrey LLP was in a "death spiral" for nearly two years, according to new lawsuits that claim the firm's partners didn't seem to know the depth of its financial problems.

U.S. Moves to Dismiss Suit Against Michigan Blue Cross

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:33:00 EDT

The Justice Department moved to dismiss its antitrust lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, saying the state resolved the agency's concerns by enacting a law that bans certain deals between insurers and health-care providers.

Generic Drug Deals Weighed

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:14:00 EDT

Supreme Court justices voiced concern about settlements in which brand-name pharmaceutical companies pay generic-drug makers to drop patent challenges.

Ex-Police Chief May Plead Guilty

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:51:00 EDT

Pittsburgh's former police chief is expected to plead guilty to diverting nearly $32,000 belonging to the city for personal use.

Apple Is Sued in Patent Case

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EDT

Intertrust Technologies, an early pioneer in digital copyright protection, sued Apple alleging patent infringement.

High Court Weighs Generic-Drug Makers' Liability

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:50:00 EDT

The Supreme Court heard a generic-drug maker's argument that it should escape liability for selling a defective medication that left a New Hampshire woman disfigured and legally blind.

U.S. Probes Microsoft Bribery Claims

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EDT

Federal regulators are investigating Microsoft's relationship with business partners that allegedly bribed foreign officials in return for software contracts.

Caesars Fined for Role in 2007 Gambling Spree

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:54:00 EDT

New Jersey gambling regulators this month fined Caesars Entertainment $225,000 for the casino giant's role in a notorious 2007 gambling spree in which a high roller lost at least $120 million.

Judge Strikes Down Surveillance Law

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:02:00 EDT

A federal judge struck down a controversial set of laws letting the FBI seek people's data without a court's approval.

Reversal in Amaranth Case

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:29:00 EDT

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission overstepped its authority when it charged a former hedge-fund trader with manipulation of natural-gas markets, a federal appeals court said.

Cisco Wins Patent Suit Against VirnetX

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 23:34:00 EDT

A federal jury in Texas sided with Cisco Systems in a patent-infringement case brought by VirnetX Holding, sending shares of the patent-holding company down 28%.

Gay Rights a Defining Moment for Roberts

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:44:00 EDT

Where Chief Justice Roberts comes down on two gay-marriage cases could help shape his legacy as well as the court's relevance on social issues.

Google to Settle in Street View Case

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 23:54:00 EDT

Google agreed to pay $7 million to settle with 38 U.S. states over its Street View cars collecting data from unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Heller Ex-Partners' New Firms on Hook

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:53:00 EDT

A U.S. judge, in lawsuits involving Heller Ehrman LLP, has ruled that firms that hired away Heller's former partners must fork over profits generated by work they started at their old law firm and took to their new positions.

Top Law School Cuts Admissions by 10%

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:03:00 EDT

Northwestern University School of Law is cutting the size of its incoming class by about 10%, citing declining applications and a "shakeout" in the job market.

Apps Help Find Lawyers, And Keep an Eye on Them

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 20:26:00 EDT

Now that people use apps to bank, order food and even monitor eBay auction bids, it was only a matter of time before they called in the lawyers.

Companies Challenge Labor Rulings

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:12:00 EST

Dozens of companies are seeking to void or block rulings by the National Labor Relations Board in the wake of a court decision that found Obama's board appointments unconstitutional.

Court Raises the Bar on Border Searches

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:29:00 EST

A federal appeals court set a higher bar for U.S. border officials who want to search the laptops or iPads of people crossing into the country.

Bin Laden Son-in-Law Pleads Not Guilty

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:16:00 EST

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, described by U.S. officials as a 47-year-old former teacher and preacher, pleaded not guilty in federal court to conspiring to kill U.S. citizens.

Martha Stewart Testifies

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:25:00 EST

Martha Stewart, testifying Tuesday in legal fight between rival department stores, expressed surprise at Macy's reaction to her agreement to sell housewares at Penney.

N.J. Loses on Sports Betting

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 21:58:00 EST

New Jersey is being barred from moving ahead with plans to allow casinos and race tracks to take sports bets.

Amgen Fraud Suit to Proceed as Class-Action

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:34:00 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court shot down an effort by Epogen-maker Amgen to disqualify a securities fraud case as a class-action suit, sending the claims back to a lower court.

'Fantasy Defense' Goes on Trial

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:32:00 EST

Federal prosecutors are poised to make their case that a New York City police officer intended to cross the line between cannibalistic fantasy and reality.

CFTC Suit Marks New Era

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 20:09:00 EST

CME is set for a legal showdown with the CFTC, a standoff that market experts say could become a regular event as new financial-market laws come into force.

Employees Star in S&P Suit

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 19:49:00 EST

The Justice Department packed its fraud lawsuit with vivid details about the conduct of more than 25 employees. At least 10 of them remain at S&P.

Court Backs Ban on Concealed Weapons

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:04:00 EST

In a decision likely to hearten backers of new gun-control measures, a federal appeals court in Denver said that carrying concealed firearms isn't protected by the Second Amendment.

Settlement Yields $24 Million for New Mexico

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:50:00 EST

A Chicago investment firm will pay $24 million to New Mexico to settle claims that the firm improperly won state business by making payments to a politically connected individual.

Justice Joins Suit Against Armstrong

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:58:00 EST

The Justice Department joined a whistleblower lawsuit against former cyclist Lance Armstrong in federal court in Washington.

'FX' Industry's Disappearing Act

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:50:00 EST

Two major Hollywood visual effects studios sought court protection from creditors recently as technological change and new competition are undercutting profits of a business key to films such as "Life of Pi."

Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty in Fraud

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:03:00 EST

Former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to charges that could send him to prison for roughly four years.

FTC Gets Muscle in Policing Mergers

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court gave more muscle to the Federal Trade Commission's ability to police hospital mergers, putting limits on the circumstances that exempt local governments from antitrust law.

Senate Clears Obama Pick for D.C. Circuit Court

Thu, 23 May 2013 22:27:25 EDT

For the first time, Obama has succeeded in placing a judge on a key Washington appeals court. The Senate unanimously confirmed Justice Department lawyer Sri Srinivasan for a seat on the court.

IRS Official Placed on Administrative Leave

Thu, 23 May 2013 23:12:20 EDT

Lois Lerner, the IRS official at the center of a controversy over targeting of conservative groups, was placed on administrative leave, according to lawmakers.

Apple CEO, Lawmakers Square Off Over Taxes

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:41:38 EDT

Apple's tax strategies came under harsh scrutiny Tuesday in the Senate, where lawmakers are finding it far easier to call for a simpler tax code than to produce one.