Source: http://techlawjournal.com/home/newsbriefs/2005/10c.asp
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 08:17:33+00:00

Document:
TLJ News: October 11-15, 2005.
10/14. Robert Portman, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) held a news conference regarding negotiations pertaining to the Doha Development Agenda.
He stated that "we have just returned from a busy week in Zurich and Geneva. There now appears to be more forward movement in the Doha negotiations than we have seen in months, and I’m encouraged by that."
He said that the recent U.S. proposal to break the deadline on agriculture "has generated a lot of momentum throughout this week. Our sense is that the negotiations have a new energy that was lacking before this new U.S. offer was introduced." See also, story titled "USTR Seeks to Break Doha Deadlock" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,231, October 11, 2005.
However, he concluded, "We await a meaningful response."
Trade negotiators are working under a two month deadline. The World Trade Organization (WTO) will hold its Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong on December 13-18, 2005. See, WTO notice.
See also, audio of news conference [WMA].
Pascal Lamy, Director General of the WTO, also issued a statement. He wrote metaphorically. "With developments this week I think the engines of the negotiation plane have been switched on again. This is no guarantee that the engines will be able to lift the plane to the necessary altitude to start the approximation to Hong Kong, since a lot of work remains, but at least the engines are buzzing."
See also, October 10 statement and October 13 statement by EC Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.
European Commission President Barroso will meet in Washington DC with President Bush on October 18. They are scheduled to discuss the Doha round. See, EC release. Barroso will also speak at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington DC at 5:00 PM on October 18. See, notice.
10/14. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a public notice [2 pages in PDF] that sets the comment deadlines for the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) portion of the Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making that provides that facilities based broadband service providers and interconnected VOIP providers are subject to requirements under the 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).
November 14, 2005, is the deadline for initial comments. December 12, 2005, is the deadline for reply comments. The public notice is DA 05-2712 in ET Docket No. 04-295. The FCC also published a notice in the Federal Register that describes and sets comments deadlines for this FNPRM. See, Federal Register, October 13, 2005, Vol. 70, No. 197, at Pages 59704 - 59710.
The FCC also published a notice in the Federal Register that describes, recites, and sets the effective date (November 14, 2005) for the rules changes adopted in the Order and FNPRM. See, Federal Register, October 13, 2005, Vol. 70, No. 197, at Pages 59664 - 59675.
10/14. Kevin MacMillan was named Legislative Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for Banking and Finance at the Department of the Treasury. He was previously Senior Counsel to the House Financial Services Committee. See, Treasury release.
10/14. David Nason was named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions Policy at the Department of the Treasury. He previously worked for Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Paul Atkins. See, Treasury release.
10/14. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted and released an order [36 pages in PDF] that makes available "approximately $211 million of targeted support from the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) for reconstruction and remediation relating to the restoration of telecommunications services." This order is FCC 05-178 in CC Docket No. 96-45, CC Docket No. 02-6, WC Docket No. 02-60, and WC Docket No. 03-109.
10/14. The U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) announced that it will hold a meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, and that the agenda includes a "Vote on Emergency Amendment on Intellectual Property". The USSC's notice does not identify with specificity the subject matter of this item. However, at least two recently enacted statutes require action by the USSC. First, there is the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005 (FECA), which was S 167 and is now Public Law No. 109-9. The Senate approved this bill on February 1, 2005. See, story titled "Senate Approves Copyright Bill" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,069, February 3, 2005. The House approved the bill on April 19, 2005. See, story titled "House Approves Copyright Bill" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,119, April 20, 2005. Second, there is the Intellectual Property Protection and Courts Amendment Act of 2004, which was HR 3632 (108th Congress), and is now Public Law No. 108-482. This USSC meeting will be held at the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, One Columbus Circle, NE, Suite 2-500 (South Lobby).
10/13. The U.S. District Court (DC) issued an opinion [PDF] in Hyatt v. Dudas, a Section 145 action. The plaintiff, Gilbert Hyatt, filed five patent applications in 1995 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that pertain to an improved memory system for a computerized display system. The USPTO denied the applications. Hyatt filed a complaint in District Court pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 145, which provides patent applicants the right to file a civil action against the Director of the USPTO. The parties filed cross motions for summary judgment. The District Court held that "Because this case is rife with material issues of fact, and because the administrative record has not been adequately developed, the Court will DENY the pending motions and REMAND the case to the PTO for further proceedings." This case is Gilbert Hyatt v. Jon Dudas, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, D.C. No. 03-108 (EGS), Judge Emmet Sullivan presiding.
10/12. Melanie Keller was named Chief Financial Officer of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Komaki Takekoshi was named Accountant. Tess Llamas was named Financial Analyst. See, release.
10/11. Microsoft and RealNetworks announced that they have settled their antitrust litigation in U.S. District Court, as well as other antitrust disputes. They also announced two agreements to collaborate on digital music and electronic games. See, Microsoft release and substantially identical RealNetworks release.
Bill Gates, Chief Software Engineer of Microsoft, and Rob Glasser, CEO of RealNetworks, and other senior executives of the two companies held a joint news conference on October 11 to discuss the settlement and agreements. See, transcript.
On December 18, 2003, RealNetworks filed a complaint in U.S. District Court (NDCal) against Microsoft alleging violation of federal and state antitrust laws. RealNetworks stated in a release at that time that Microsoft has "illegally used its monopoly power to restrict competition, limit consumer choice and attempt to monopolize the growing field of digital media". Microsoft responded in its own release that "this is a case where a leading firm is seeking to use the antitrust laws to protect and increase its marketplace share and to limit the competition it must face". Microsoft added that "These issues are a rehash of the same issues that have already been the subject of extensive litigation and a tough but fair resolution of the government antitrust lawsuit." See also, Microsoft's answer [31 pages in PDF].
This case is RealNetworks, Inc. v. Microsoft Corporation, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, D.C. No. C 03-5717 (JW) (EAI).
The companies' releases state that "The antitrust and technology assurance agreement resolves all antitrust disputes worldwide, based on a $460 million up-front cash payment to resolve all damages claims and a series of technology licenses and commitments under which Real will obtain long-term access to important Windows Media technologies that will enhance Real's media software solutions."
It elaborates that "Today's agreement includes a global settlement of all antitrust disputes, including the lawsuit brought by Real against Microsoft nearly two years ago in the United States and Real's participation in the proceedings initiated by the European Union and Korea. The agreement includes a variety of assurances regarding the design of the Windows operating system, including Windows Media Player, and access for Real to a broad range of Windows platform technologies. Among other things, Microsoft will provide Real expanded access and long-term licenses to a wide range of Windows Media and security technologies, that will enable Real to build services and software that enhance consumer's experience with Real's products and services and take advantage of innovations in Windows Vista."
The two companies also entered into an agreement regarding digital music technology and products, and an agreement pertaining to games.
The companies' releases state that "Under the music and games agreements, Microsoft is scheduled to pay Real $301 million in cash and provide services over 18 months in support of Real's product development, distribution, and promotional activities. Microsoft will earn credits at predetermined market rates to be applied to the $301 million for subscribers delivered to Real through MSN. Additionally, Real will take steps to support MSN Search, and Real and Microsoft will jointly promote use of Windows Media technologies with Rhapsody to Go."
10/11. The Supreme Court issued an order in Texaco v. Dagher that grants leave to file several amicus curiae briefs. The amici covered by this order are Verizon, American Bankers Association, Northwest Ohio Physician Specialist Cooperative, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Visa USA, American Petroleum Institute, and Washington Legal Foundation. See, Order List [19 pages in PDF], at page 3. See also, Supreme Court docket.
Verizon argues in its brief that the Court of Appeals decision under review threatens lawful and beneficial joint ventures in the telecommunications industry.
The Supreme Court has not yet scheduled oral argument. However, this case is not on the argument calendars for the sessions beginning October 3, October 31, or November 28. See, full story.
10/11. The Supreme Court denied certiorari in John Lentell v. Merrill Lynch, a class action securities fraud case in which the District Court dismissed the complaint, and the Court of Appeals affirmed. See, Order List [19 pages in PDF], at page at 5. See also, Supreme Court docket.
This lets stand the January 20, 2005, opinion [45 pages in PDF] of the U.S. Court of Appeals (2ndCir).
The plaintiffs are John Lentell and others. They sought to represent a class of purchasers of stock in 24/7 Real Media, Inc. and Interliant, Inc. Merrill Lynch is a financial institution. Henry Blodget was a research analyst for Merrill Lynch who issued reports recommending that investors purchase stock in 24/7 and Interliant. Merrill Lynch was also a lead underwriter or co-lead underwriter for several securities offerings of 24/7 and Interliant.
The plaintiffs filed a complaint in U.S. District Court (SDNY) alleging Section 10b5 securities fraud. They asserted that Merrill Lynch both conducted market research and analysis, and underwrote public offerings of securities. They alleged that to attract investment banking business, it deliberately published market research that was falsely optimistic, and that this amounts to securities fraud.
The Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court's dismissal for failure to satisfy the pleading requirements of Section 10b5 and the PSLRA. It held that the complaint failed to plead loss causation.
See also, story titled "2nd Circuit Affirms Dismissal of 10b5 Complaint Against Merrill Lynch for Hyping Internet Stocks" in TLJ Daily E-Mail Alert No. 1,060, January 21, 2005.
The Supreme Court number is 05-24. This is a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, App. Ct. No. 03-7948, an appeal from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Judge Dennis Jacobs wrote the opinion of the Court Court of Appeals, in which Judges Sotomayor and B.D. Parker joined.
10/11. The Supreme Court denied certiorari in Robert Gordon v. U.S., No. 04-1632. See, Order List [19 pages in PDF], at page at 17. See also, Supreme Court docket.
This is a criminal case from the U.S. District Court (NDCal) and the U.S. Court of Appeals (9thCir). This lets stand the judgment of the Court of Appeals. See, December 30, 2004 opinion [PDF].
The defendant is Robert Gordon, a former Cisco Systems employee, who was charged with wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Gordon, who is a former Vice President and Director of Business Development, was charged with transferring stock owned by Cisco to himself, and to fraudulently inducing Cisco to provide $15 Million to Spanlink, a Cisco affiliated start-up company, so that he could fraudulently obtain $5 Million from Spanlink.
Gordon plead guilty. The District Court imposed an order for restitution in the amount of $27,397,206.84. He challenged the restitution order. The Court of Appeals affirmed in part, and reversed in part. However, it only reversed as to certain prejudgment interest.
Gordon is a graduate of Stanford Law School. He clerked for a Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals (7thCir).
10/11. The Supreme Court denied certiorari in Teva Pharmaceuticals v. Pfizer, a case involving patents, generic drugs, abbreviated new drug applications, and the Hatch Waxman Act. See, Order List [19 pages in PDF], at pages at 17-18. See also, Supreme Court docket. This is a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Court of Appeals (FedCir), App. Ct. No. 04-1186. The three judge panel of the Court of Appeals issued its divided opinion [36 pages in PDF] on January 21, 2005. Judge Schall wrote the opinion of the Court, in which Judge Clevenger joined. Judge Mayer dissented. This opinion is also reported at 395 F.3d 1324. The Court of Appeals issued its order [20 pages in PDF], with a long dissent by Judges Gajarsa and Dyk, denying en banc rehearing, on April 4, 2005. See also, amicus curiae brief [15 pages in PDF] filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the Court of Appeals in support of en banc rehearing. The Court of Appeals heard an appeal from the U.S. District Court (DMass).
10/11. The Supreme Court denied certiorari in Harry Keane v. Fox Television Stations, No. 05-202. See, Order List [19 pages in PDF], at page at 7. See also, Supreme Court docket. This is a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Court of Appeals (5thCir). Keane asserted, without success, that Fox stole his idea for creating a television program titled "American Idol".
10/11. Sherman Henderson, P/CEO of Lightyear Network Solutions, was elected Chairman of Comptel. Carl Grivner, CEO of XO Communications, was elected Vice Chairman, and Joe Ambersley, President of PAETEC South was reelected VCh/Tr. See, Comptel release.
10/11. Robert Portman, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and Mike Johanns, the Secretary of Agriculture, held a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland, at which they discussed progress in the Doha round discussions. See, transcript.
10/11. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) stated in a release that U.S. and Malaysian officials met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 10. The USTR stated that the agenda included a variety of issues, including "strengthening the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, upgrading customs procedures, and addressing investment concerns."
10/11. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report [50 pages in PDF] titled "Chief Information Officers: Responsibilities and Information and Technology Governance at Leading Private-Sector Companies".
10/11. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report [32 pages in PDF] titled "Electronic Rulemaking: Progress Made in Developing Centralized E-Rulemaking System".
10/11. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report [36 pages in PDF] titled "Information Security: The Defense Logistics Agency Needs to Fully Implement Its Security Program".
Go to News from October 6-10, 2005.

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