Brown Rudnick LLP

In 1998, we successfully represented Massachusetts and Rhode Island in their prosecution of claims against the tobacco industry, yielding an $8.3 billion settlement for Massachusetts and a $1.4 billion settlement for Rhode Island. The case established our national reputation in litigation. Learn more about our legacy of legal excellence here: https://lnkd.in/eZaPkWRG

On Aug. 20, a federal court in Texas issued an injunction invalidating on a nationwide basis a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) final rule banning almost all noncompete agreements. In a follow-up to last month’s BRiefing on the legal challenges to the FTC rule, Kevin Brown, Emery Lyon, Shlomo D. Katz, Samuel Wolf, Rodger D. Moss, Jr. and Nicole Baek share the key takeaways from this injunction. “As it stands today, the injunction means the FTC Rule will not take effect on September 4,” they wrote. “While the FTC has indicated it will appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to seek an emergency stay of the district court’s decision, it seems unlikely that any such stay would be issued before September 4.” Click image to read the full post.

Partner Shari Dwoskin is featured in Boston Bar Association’s Spotlight Series, which highlights emerging leaders in Boston law. Asked what challenges she faces in her job and how she handles them, Dwoskin said balancing the interests of various stakeholders in bankruptcy proceedings and ensuring fair play for all parties can be extremely challenging, mainly because there isn't enough money to go around. "Effective negotiation and clear communication are essential in these situations, especially when representing creditors like I do who often don’t have a voice during the prepackaged restructuring plan negotiations," she said. "I strive to build consensus where possible, but when necessary, I am prepared to advocate vigorously for my client’s interests, including litigation." Read the full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/eG6NM8XS

Partner Wayne Dennison appears on Law & Crime to discuss the case of Florida resident Susan Lorincz, who faces manslaughter charges after confessing to the fatal shooting of her neighbor, Ajike Owens, in June 2023. Lorincz, who had called the police seven times in the past year regarding Owens' children playing near her home, claimed she acted in self-defense when she shot Owens through her front door during a confrontation. “I expect the 911 call to be a reflection of Ms. Lorincz trying to cover her tracks,” he said. “Ultimately, because she just shot through the door and then there’s going to be a call that reflects the fact that there’s this activity that occurred. I don’t know if it’s going to be a mental defect; it’s going to be a suggestion that she didn’t intend to shoot the victim.”

We were delighted to host a Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada), Inc. networking event at our New York office. The June gathering brought together corporate professionals and outside counsel to discuss key issues in data licensing and intellectual property. Partner Ian DiBernardo co-led the event and participated in a panel discussion on AI model development's legal and ethical ramifications, particularly concerning copyright and fair use. Associate Harold Laidlaw gave an introduction presenting both a technical introduction to large language models as well as an overview of recent and relevant copyright cases relating to that technology. Associate Aditya Dean Ramanathan moderated a panel discussion on the complexities and challenges of licensing IP globally. Ramanathan also gave an introduction providing an overview of recent and relevant cases related to licensing over global borders, as well as risks and opportunities inherent in several specific geographic areas. Read LES' full recap here: https://lnkd.in/dxj6nDbb

In 1989, legacy firm Alvarado Rus & McClellan represented approximately 16,000 retirees in the collapse of Charles H. Keating’s Lincoln Savings and Loan Association, the most significant case ever for the firm. The retirees were among the more than 21,000 investors who lost their life savings in the crisis. Alvarado Rus & McClellan returned to clients about $275 million in insurance settlements, a nearly 75% recovery. Learn more about our legacy of legal excellence here: https://lnkd.in/eZaPkWRG

Brown Rudnick was once again recognized by PitchBook as one of the top 25 most active law firms advising on venture capital deals in the research company's Global League Tables. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ePFDnkgA

Brown Rudnick has once again been recognized by Best Lawyers in America. The 2025 list, based on peer-reviews, included 62 Brown Rudnick lawyers. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gFJD52mT 

In the first installment of a three-part series for Thomson Reuters Westlaw Today, partner Tristan Axelrod explores the modern restructuring framework as portrayed in film and TV with a focus on "Pretty Woman" and what it indicates about the roots of that framework in the academic and cultural movements of the late 20th century. The film, which made Julia Roberts the world's biggest movie star and was once one of the top five highest grossers of all time, concerned the purchase of a distressed company by Richard Gere-as-corporate raider. “Today, the legal and policy questions raised by this 1990 film are playing out in bankruptcy decisions over issues such as the concept of buying a company 'free and clear' of prior liabilities and of recognizing collective bargaining obligations,” he wrote. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e_DBVY8H 

Partner Merri Moken has been selected for inclusion in IAM Strategy 300 Global Leaders 2024. The annual guide identifies the top practitioners who are taking IP portfolio management to the next level. View her profile here: https://lnkd.in/gB-6fP6K