HOT DOCS

TORTS – Saab Auto. AB and Spyker N.V. v. Gen. Motors Co.

BRIEF – Saab sued GM for tortious interference for public comments that it claims scuttled funding Saab needed to avoid bankruptcy. GM argues that it merely expressed lack of support for Saab’s proposal, and that plaintiffs have not alleged a valid business expectancy. GM also says Saab is bringing this tort action to circumvent contractual obligations. (E.D. Mich.)

TRADEMARKS - In re Miracle Tuesday LLC

OPINION - Circuit Judge O’Malley has affirmed the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board’s holding that the mark “JPK PARIS 75”and design could not be registered. It is primarily geographically deceptively misdescriptive under Section 2(e)(3) of the Lanham Act. (C.A. Fed.)

TORTS - Penagaluri v. Krishnan

COMPLAINT - Young female medical student from India has filed a complaint against a colleague for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and damage to her career. The colleague allegedly defamed the plaintiff by disseminating to residency programs that the plaintiff had committed forgery. (N.D. Ga.)

TORTS – In re Terrorist Attacks on Sept. 11, 2001

OPINION – The court adopts the magistrate judge’s recommendation that damages be set at $6,048,513,805, plus prejudgment interest. Sovereign defendants such as Iran and Ayatollah Khamenei are jointly and severally liable with non-sovereign defendants such as Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda and the Taliban. (S.D.N.Y.)

ARBITRATION – Antietam Indus. Inc. v. Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc.

OPINION – Defendant lost in FINRA arbitration, and has subpoenaed FINRA for documents that may show the arbitrator was biased (as per FAA section 10(a)(2)). Plaintiff sought to quash the subpoena, arguing that defendant was on a fishing expedition, but even though the subpoena is broad, it is relevant to defendant’s motion to vacate the arbitration award. (M.D. Fla.)

COURT WIRE: JUST FILED