HOT DOCS

EMPLOYMENT – Taylor v. Geithner

OPINION – After Taylor reached a settlement of her initial employment discrimination claim against the IRS, she made a new claim of retaliation. The new claim was defeated by summary judgment. On appeal, that decision is reversed. Taylor made a prima facie case of retaliation: she was rejected for 52 new jobs and received a negative reference from her supervisor. (6th Cir.)

TRADEMARK – Velocity Solutions Inc. v. Affinion Group Inc.

COMPLAINT – Plaintiff uses the mark “My Rewards” in the banking market, creating customer-incentive programs for banks. Over seven million checking accounts are enrolled in plaintiff-created My Rewards programs. Plaintiff claims defendant’s use of “Bank My Rewards” and/or “My Bank Rewards” infringe plaintiff’s trademark. (W.D.N.C.)

LEGAL PROFESSION - Unauthorized Practice of Law Comm. v. Owens

PETITION - Texas Supreme Court’s Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee has alleged a persistent pattern of conduct and action constituting the practice of law and filed a petition for injunctive relief against Gary Owens and Christian American Constitutional Civil Legal Rights Union. (Dist. Ct. Texas, Tarrant County)

PATENTS – Mobile Telecomm. Techs. LLC v. Sprint Nextel Corp.

COMPLAINT – Plaintiff has a patent on a system for two-way communication between a central network and a mobile unit. Sprint operates, and sells access to, a “WiMax” network which creates cell phone “hot zones.” Plaintiff claims Sprint’s network uses techniques described in plaintiff’s patent. Plaintiff seeks unspecified damages. (E.D. Tex.)

EMPLOYMENT LAW - Falby v. Greenberg Traurig LLP

COMPLAINT - Paralegal earning $60/hour claims he was not paid overtime due a non-exempt employee for hours exceeding 40 per week. (S.D.N.Y.)

COURT WIRE: JUST FILED