In a world that often feels overwhelmed by darkness, some lights shine so brightly that they illuminate even the most hidden corners of our lives. Saturday, we lost one such radiant light: Matthew Perry, an actor who became a household name through his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show "Friends." He was only 54.

You read that right, fellow Swifties and IP enthusiasts... Taylor Swift has stepped into her billionaire era, and we're all here for it. If you've been following the riveting world of intellectual property law as I have, you'll find Taylor Swift’s recent ascension to billionaire status is not just a win for her, but also a monumental case study in the strategic handling of one's creative assets. The Forbes report was the first to label her a "Billionaire (Taylor’s Version)," and our hearts couldn’t be happier.

As an Oklahoma law firm with clients nationwide, it's exciting to see companies in our state pushing the boundaries of innovation and contributing to both local and national landscapes. One such company is Vigilant Aerospace Systems, based right here in Oklahoma City. Recently, Vigilant has achieved a significant milestone by securing a contract with the U.S. Air Force.

In a move that echoes the '90s litigation against Big Tobacco, more than 40 U.S. states have collectively taken legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The states accuse Meta of consciously designing features that are not only addictive but are also detrimental to the mental health of young users. Could this mark a watershed moment in the fight against the negative impact of social media on our society?

The tide against Meta Platforms, Inc. — the parent company of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram — is turning at a swift pace. And it's not just from disgruntled users or watchdog organizations. It's coming from the highest legal authorities in various states. On October 24th, 2023, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond threw his hat into the ring, announcing a lawsuit against Meta for its deceptive practices that have had a damaging effect on children and teens.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a lawsuit regarding the first ever publicly funded religious charter school in the United States. Drummond calls this an “irreparable violation of individual religious liberty and an unthinkable waste of taxpayer dollars.”

The recent lawsuit hits close to home for us, as we're not just as members of the legal community, but also parents whose children attend public schools in Oklahoma. This issue involves the intersection of law, education, religion, and the use of taxpayer dollars, making it a complex yet crucial matter that affects all Oklahomans.

As a firm deeply invested in intellectual property law, we find it fascinating when a legal pivot challenges us to revisit our norms. The Federal Circuit’s recent decision in Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc. v. Seirus Innovative Accessories, Inc., commonly known as Columbia II, did just that. This game-changing ruling compels design patent owners, and indeed, all parties interested in IP, to adjust their sails.

Suzanne Somers, a multifaceted actor and entrepreneur who won hearts and sparked conversations, has died at the age of 76, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond. Known for her roles in TV classics such as Three's Company and Step by Step, Somers was more than just a star on screen; she was a powerful voice in alternative health, a successful businesswoman, and a true fighter who had battled breast cancer for over two decades.

The e-cigarette giant, Juul, has settled a class-action lawsuit that involved 75 school districts across Oklahoma. These schools are part of the more than $168 million settlement that's been divided amongst school districts across the United States, with Oklahoma districts set to receive approximately $650,000.00. The amount may seem impressive at first glance, but when you dig into the details, the numbers are less encouraging. While we’re thrilled that some Oklahoma school districts will benefit from the settlement, let's take a step back and ask: Is this enough?

Following in the footsteps of Arkansas and Indiana, Utah has now launched a lawsuit against TikTok. They accuse the popular video-sharing platform of misleading its users about the relationship with its parent company, ByteDance, based in China, and falsely promoting its platform as a safe space. It's a move that diverges from the federal level where legislation concerning TikTok has been in a standstill, allowing states to spearhead tech policy challenges and tackle issues head-on.

As we trace the evolution from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, it becomes a testament to our collective journey towards justice, equality, and a deeper understanding of our shared histories. It is a poignant reminder that narratives are powerful, but they are also malleable; they can be reshaped to reflect the truths and voices that were once silenced. Embracing Indigenous Peoples' Day doesn't erase history; rather, it enriches our understanding of it. It's an invitation for all of us to honor the resilience of indigenous communities, celebrate their vibrant cultures, and recommit ourselves to the values of humanity, kindness, and inclusiveness. Let this day be a beacon of hope, reminding us that when we listen with open hearts and minds, we can rewrite stories in ways that elevate all voices and foster a deeper sense of connection among us all.

On October 26, 2023, the eyes of Hattiesburg, Miss., will be on one individual: retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre. According to a deposition notice filed in the Hinds County Circuit Court on October 2, 2023, Favre is slated to give a sworn testimony in connection with the Mississippi welfare scandal.

Twenty-seven years after the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur shook the hip-hop world, a man who has consistently claimed involvement in the drive-by shooting was formally charged with murder by Las Vegas authorities last Friday, reigniting a high-profile investigation that had previously hit a standstill. For fans of hip-hop music and true-crime aficionados alike, the arrest of Duane Keith Davis, also known as "Keffe D," is a significant moment in modern history. Nearly three decades later, an arrest has been made that may finally answer some lingering questions. Davis is due to make his first appearance Wednesday before a Nevada judge.

Imagine receiving a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), informing you that you owe tens of thousands of dollars—money you don't have, and more disturbingly, money that was meant to aid you. For many Americans like Justina Worrell, a part-time kitchen helper in an Ohio nursing home with cerebral palsy and a cardiac condition, this isn't a hypothetical scenario. It's a crippling reality.

We're no strangers to litigation, especially when it's a matter of grave public interest. However, few cases have the potential to set a precedent as monumental as the lawsuit the state of California has brought against some of the world’s largest oil companies. With names like Exxon, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron on the defendant’s list, the stakes couldn't be higher. But what makes this case not just another lawsuit in the endless sea of legal challenges?

In a developing story that has captured national attention, DeSanto Rollins, a defensive lineman for the Ole Miss Rebels, has initiated a lawsuit against his head coach Lane Kiffin and the University of Mississippi. The lawsuit alleges multiple counts, including racial discrimination, discrimination based on disability, and gross negligence, among other claims.

Recent events have led to an interesting legal debate concerning former President Donald Trump and a potentially dicey affair with copyright law. The heart of the matter? The mugshot of Trump taken at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta and the subsequent use of this photograph in campaign merchandise. The products, flaunting the portrait and the mantra "Never surrender," ranged in price from $12 to $34. Within a mere 72 hours, the campaign cashed in a staggering $7.1 million from these sales. However, experts in the field of intellectual property are raising eyebrows over the legality of such a move.

In an era where our lives are increasingly entangled with technology, it's hardly surprising that we've turned to apps to find love—or at least, a semblance of it. The algorithmic matchmakers that power our swipes have become integral to modern romance. But with this digital Cupid comes a darker side: dating apps have also become breeding grounds for predatory behaviors. As much as we swipe right for connection, there's a significant number of users swiping left into a world of fraud, emotional distress, theft, and sexual assault.