Tag: Codifying Chaos

+++ German Valeo GmbH Sues Nvidia Over Employees Stolen Trade Secrets 
+++ Trump’s Truth Social Sues 20 News Organizations For Defamation Asking $1.5 Billion

German Valeo GmbH Sues Nvidia Over Employees Stolen Trade Secrets 
Nvidia is facing a lawsuit from car technology firm Valeo, alleging that a senior Nvidia staff member, Mohammad Moniruzzaman, inadvertently revealed stolen tech secrets during a video call. Moniruzzaman, who previously worked for Valeo, allegedly displayed a file containing source code for Valeo’s parking and driving assistance software. Valeo claims he took gigabytes of data when he left the company to join Nvidia. German authorities convicted Moniruzzaman in September 2023, leading to Valeo’s lawsuit against Nvidia for benefiting from “stolen trade secrets.” The lawsuit seeks significant damages and an injunction against Nvidia’s use of Valeo’s code. Nvidia denies awareness of the stolen data until May 2022 and asserts it took prompt steps to protect Valeo’s rights.

Read the full report on BBC.
Read the full report on Fortune. 
Read the case Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH v. Nvidia Corporation, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, No. 5:23-cv-05721-VKD 

Former President Donald Trump’s Truth Social Sues 20 News Organizations For Defamation Asking $1.5 Billion
Trump Media and Technology Group Corporation, the company behind Truth Social, is seeking $1.5 billion in damages from 20 news organizations for erroneously reporting that the social media platform had lost $73 million. The company filed a lawsuit in a Florida state court, claiming the reported figure was an “utter fabrication” and accusing the outlets, including the Guardian and Reuters, of a “deliberate, malicious, and coordinated attack” against Truth Social. The news organizations, including Reuters, later corrected their stories, attributing the mistake to miscounting a $50.5 million profit as a loss. Trump Media & Technology Group alleges a coordinated campaign, while Reuters maintains its commitment to fair and accurate reporting. Truth Social, launched last year as Donald Trump’s alternative social network, has gained prominence after his suspension from Twitter and Facebook.

Read the full report on Bloomberg Law News.
Read the case Trump Media and Technology Group v. Guardian, Hollywood Reporter, Reuters, Rolling Stone, Forbes, Axios, G/O Media, CNBC, et alia, 12th Judicial Circuit Court in and for Sarasota County, Filing # 186553510 E-Filed 11/20/2023 07:42:40 PM

More Headlines

• AI: Are insurers using tech to automate claims denials? (via ModernHealthcare)
• Antitrust: Amazon.com sued by tech startup after web-traffic deal sputters (via Reuters)
• Copyright: New Lawsuit Ropes Microsoft Into OpenAI’s Legal Battle With Authors Over Training Data (via The Hollywood Reporter)
• Free Speech: Are social media giants silencing online content? (via Guardian)
• Privacy: Merck Unit Faces Online Privacy Case That Tests New Legal Theory (via Bloomberg Law News)
• Social Media: I was addicted to social media – now I’m suing Big Tech (via BBC)

This post originated from my publication Codifying Chaos.

+++ Google Sues Vietnamese Scammers Over BardAI Malware 
+++ AI-Powered Legal Service “DoNotPay” Wins Lawsuit Over Practice Without A License

Google Sues Vietnamese Scammers Over BardAI Malware 
Google is taking legal action against two groups of scammers. The first group spread malware by misleading users interested in Google’s generative AI tools. The second group abused the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to harm business competitors with fraudulent copyright notices. The lawsuits aim to stop these activities, set legal precedents, and raise awareness of the harm caused by fraudulent takedowns on small businesses. Google emphasizes its commitment to protecting users and promoting a safer internet through legal actions against scams and frauds.

Read the full press release on Google.
Read the case Google v. Does 1-3, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, No. 5:23-cv-05823-VKD

AI-Powered Legal Service “DoNotPay” Wins Lawsuit Over Practice Without A License
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by an Illinois law firm, MillerKing, against the artificial intelligence company DoNotPay. The law firm accused DoNotPay of engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, but the judge ruled that MillerKing’s claims did not establish legal standing for the lawsuit. MillerKing had alleged that DoNotPay, which uses AI to assist consumers in legal matters, advertised and provided legal services without a proper license. The judge stated that MillerKing failed to show how it was harmed and allowed the law firm to amend its complaint. DoNotPay’s CEO expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the absence of concrete harm. Another lawsuit against DoNotPay, alleging unauthorized practice of law, is still pending.

Read the full report on Reuters.
Read the case MillerKing LLC v. DoNotPay Inc, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, No. 3:23-CV-00863

More Headlines

• AI: AI chatbot can pass national lawyer ethics exam, study finds (via Reuters)
• AI: A lawyer fired after citing ChatGPT-generated fake cases is sticking with AI tools: ‘There’s no point in being a naysayer’ (via Fortune)
• AI: ChatGPT Parent Company Fires CEO Sam Altman (via THR)
• AI: Lawyers learn too late that chatbots aren’t built to be accurate; how are judges and bars responding? (via ABA Journal)
• Copyright: AI Legal Protections May Not Save You From Getting Sued (via Bloomberg)
• Privacy: T-Mobile sued after employee stole nude images from customer phone during trade-in (via CNBC)

This post originated from my publication Codifying Chaos.

+++ Choreography Copyright Confirmed in Lawsuit Against Fortnite Maker Epic Games
+++ Movie Studio Seeks Dismissal In Copyright Lawsuit Over “Top Gun: Maverick” Movie 
+++ Hollywood Views Copyright Law Sufficient To Address AI-Infringement And Beyond
+++ Amazon Sued For Failing To Issue Refunds

Choreography Copyright Confirmed in Lawsuit Against Fortnite Maker Epic Games
Choreographer Kyle Hanagami’s lawsuit against Fortnite maker Epic Games, accusing them of stealing his dance choreography for the in-game emote “It’s Complicated,” has been reinstated by the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. The lower court had dismissed the case, but the appeals court disagreed, stating that the choreography was a substantial component of Hanagami’s work. The case will go back to court. This mirrors previous lawsuits against Epic for allegedly stealing dance moves, dropped in 2019 due to a Supreme Court ruling.

Read the full report on TechCrunch.
Read the case Kyle Hanagami v. EPIC Games Inc, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, No. 22-55890

Movie Studio Seeks Dismissal In Copyright Lawsuit Over “Top Gun: Maverick” Movie 
Paramount Pictures has requested a California federal court to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that “Top Gun: Maverick” violated the copyright of reporter Ehud Yonay’s heirs, who claim the film is a derivative work of Yonay’s article “Top Guns.” Paramount argues that the films are dissimilar, sharing only the subject of Top Gun, to which the heirs have no special right. The Yonays counter that “Maverick” infringes on their copyright, claiming Paramount ignores the significant similarities and creative choices made in crafting the original article. The legal dispute centers on exclusive movie rights obtained by Paramount for Yonay’s article. 

Read the full report on Reuters.
Read the case Shosh and Yuval Yonay v. Paramount Pictures et al, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, No. 2:22-cv-03846-PA-GJS

Hollywood Views Copyright Law Sufficient To Address AI-Infringement And Beyond
Hollywood, typically an advocate for expanding copyright laws, surprisingly agrees with the view that existing copyright doctrines are sufficient to address AI-related questions. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) suggests that current laws provide the necessary tools for handling AI issues within copyright frameworks. This stance may be influenced by ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry, where AI plays a central role. The MPA is cautious about potential limitations on AI use if copyright laws are revisited. However, the article criticizes the MPA’s sweeping generalizations on fair use and emphasizes the need for nuanced considerations. The unusual alignment of interests in the AI space is noted, with internet properties opposing copyright expansion while some in Hollywood express concerns. The article emphasizes the importance of taking principled stands for the internet, people, and innovation.

Read the full report on Techdirt. 
Read the matter Artificial Intelligence and Copyright, U.S. Copyright Office, No. USCO 2023-6

Amazon Sued For Failing To Issue Refunds
Amazon is being sued in a class action lawsuit in Seattle for allegedly failing to issue refunds for returned products, violating its own policies, and engaging in a systematic scheme that deceived customers through unfair trade practices. This follows previous legal action, including an antitrust complaint by the Federal Trade Commission against Amazon. The new case, represented by Holly Jones Clark, claims widespread issues with refunds and cites instances where customers were not reimbursed after returns.

Read the full report on GeekWire.
Read the case Holly Jones Clarke v. Amazon.com Inc, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, No. 2:23-cv-01702 

More Headlines

• AI: OpenAI To Pay Legal Fees Of Business Users Hit With Copyright Lawsuits (via Forbes)
• Antitrust: What to know about Fortnite maker Epic Games’ antitrust battle with Google, starting today (via TechCrunch) 
• Antitrust: Fight for Your Right . . . To Fight? Breaking Down the UFC’s Antitrust Lawsuit (via Romano Law)
• Copyright: Lil Wayne, Birdman Sued Over Copyright (via Essence) 
• Finance: Bitwise co-founders face federal charges alleging $100-million fraud scheme (via Los Angeles Times)
• Finance: EU business crowdfunding is now bound by bloc-wide regulations (via TechCrunch)
• Privacy: Amazon Prime privacy lawsuit dismissed (via IAPP)
• Privacy: Your car can keep collecting your data after a judge dismissed a privacy lawsuit (via The Verge) 
• Privacy: YouTube’s Ad Blocker Detection Believed to Break EU Privacy Law (via WIRED)
• Privacy: Prince Harry Can Proceed With Privacy Lawsuit Against Daily Mail Publisher, U.K. Judge Rules (via Variety)
• Privacy: FTC brings updated complaint against data broker Kochava (via IAPP) 
• Social Media: Lawsuit claims Mark Zuckerberg ignored warnings about Instagram, mental health (via ABC) 
• Social Media: Video chat site Omegle shuts down after 14 years — and an abuse victim’s lawsuit (via NPR)

In Other News (or publications you should read)

• Richard Allen’s regulate.tech blog: How to regulate the internet without breaking it
• Benjamin Wittes, Robert Chesney, Jack Goldsmith’s lawfare: Hard national security choices 
• Julie Zerbo’s the fashion law (TFL)
• Justin Hendrix’ tech policy press: technology and democracy
• Eugene Volokh The Volokh Conspiracy
• Eric Goldman’s Technology & Marketing Law Blog
• Mike Masnick’s Techdirt

This post originated from my publication Codifying Chaos.

+++ SEC Sues SolarWinds For Fraud In Aftermath of Russian Cyberattack
+++ Mariah Carey Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Song
+++ DC’s Attorney General Sues RealPage and Landlord Over Rent-Fixing Scheme

SEC Sues SolarWinds For Fraud In Aftermath of Russian Cyberattack
The SEC is suing SolarWinds, an IT firm, alleging fraud and inadequate internal controls before a major 2019 cyber-espionage incident orchestrated by Russian hackers. SolarWinds is accused of overhyping cybersecurity and downplaying vulnerabilities. SolarWinds disputes the claims, stating that they have maintained proper cybersecurity controls and will defend their position in court.

Read the full report on CNBC.
Read the case SEC v. SolarWinds Corp, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 1:23-cv-09518

Mariah Carey Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Song
Mariah Carey is facing a $20 million copyright infringement lawsuit over her holiday classic song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Songwriter Andy Stone alleges that Carey’s song is remarkably similar to his 1989 version, predating Carey’s. This is the second lawsuit from Stone, who failed to reach a settlement with Carey. Her attempt to trademark “Queen of Christmas” was also denied. “All I Want for Christmas is You” remains a highly profitable holiday song.

Read the full report on Forbes.
Read the case Andy Stone v. Mariah Carey, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, No. 2:23-cv-09216

DC’s Attorney General Sues RealPage and Landlord Over Rent-Fixing Scheme
The District of Columbia Attorney General’s office has filed a lawsuit against 14 major landlords and RealPage, a property management software company, alleging collusion to illegally raise rents for over 50,000 apartments by sharing data with the software. This alleged rent-fixing scheme violates D.C.’s Antitrust Act, costing renters millions of dollars. The lawsuit includes publicly traded real estate investment trusts like UDR, AvalonBay Communities, and Equity Residential. RealPage’s software, used by a significant portion of apartments in the district, is at the center of the controversy. The attorney general’s office is seeking financial penalties and the appointment of a corporate monitor to prevent further collusion.

Read the full report on CNBC. 
Read the case District of Columbia v. RealPage et alia, Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Facebook Parent Meta Faces Permanent Ban In Europe Over Its Advertising Model
The European data regulator has extended a ban on “behavioral advertising” on Facebook and Instagram to all 30 countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area. This advertising practice involves targeting users by collecting their data, and it is a setback for Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook and Instagram. Meta could face fines of up to 4% of its global turnover. The European Data Protection Board instructed the Irish data regulator, where Meta’s European headquarters are located, to impose a permanent ban on behavioral advertising. Meta has said it will offer users in the EU and EEA the opportunity to consent and will introduce a subscription model to comply with regulatory requirements. The ban affects around 250 million Facebook and Instagram users in Europe.

Read the full report on Datatilsynet (Norway’s Data Watchdog). 
Read the full report on EDPB.
Read the full report on Reuters. 

More Headlines

• AI: Artists Lose First Round of Copyright Infringement Case Against AI Art Generators (via The Hollywood Reporter)
• AI: Scarlett Johansson hits AI app with legal action for cloning her voice in an ad (via The Verge) 
• AI: AI Image Generator Can’t Escape Artists’ Copyright Class Action Lawsuit Over AI Training (via Billboard)
• Antitrust: FTC’s Lina Khan warns Big Tech over AI (via Stanford)
• Privacy: The Tech That’s Radically Reimagining the Public Sphere (via The Atlantic) 
• Privacy: US hospital groups sue Biden administration to block ban on web trackers (via Reuters) 
• Privacy: Facebook in Payment Spat Over $725 Million Privacy Settlement (via Bloomberg Law)

In Other News (or publications you should read)

• Richard Allen’s regulate.tech blog: How to regulate the internet without breaking it
• Benjamin Wittes, Robert Chesney, Jack Goldsmith’s lawfare: Hard national security choices 
• Julie Zerbo’s the fashion law (TFL)
• Justin Hendrix’ tech policy press: technology and democracy
• Eugene Volokh: The Volokh Conspiracy
• Eric Goldman’s Technology & Marketing Law Blog

This post originated from my publication Codifying Chaos.

+++ 41 U.S. States Sue Meta Alleging Instagram & Facebook Are Addictive To And Harm Kids
+++ YouTube Successfully Defends Its Copyright Repeat Infringer Policy In Court
+++ New York AG Sues Gemini, Genesis, and Digital Currency Group Over $1 Billion Crypto Fraud

41 U.S. States Sue Meta Alleging Instagram & Facebook Are Addictive To And Harm Kids
Forty-one U.S. states and D.C. are suing Meta, alleging that Instagram and Facebook’s addictive features harm children’s mental health. The lawsuits stem from a 2021 investigation, accusing Meta of misleading children about safety features, violating privacy laws, and prioritizing profit over well-being. This reflects bipartisan concern about social media’s impact on kids. The lawsuits seek penalties, business practice changes, and restitution. The legal actions followed revelations that Instagram negatively affected teen girls’ body image. While research on social media’s effect on mental health is inconclusive, these lawsuits show states taking action. Meta has made some safety changes, but it faces continued scrutiny and legal challenges.

Read the full report in the Washington Post. 
Read the full report in the New York Times.
Read the case States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawai’i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin v. Meta Platforms Inc., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, No. 4:23-cv-05448 

YouTube Successfully Defends Its Copyright Repeat Infringer Policy In Court
Business Casual, a website, filed copyright infringement lawsuits against RT and YouTube. The case against RT involved the alleged use of Business Casual’s videos, modified with “parallax” technology. RT ignored the case, citing financial constraints due to sanctions. Business Casual’s case against YouTube argued that it infringed by allowing RT to infringe. The court rejected this, and Business Casual appealed. The 2nd Circuit Appeals Court upheld the lower court’s decision, stating that Business Casual’s claims were without merit and that YouTube was not liable for copyright infringement. The court also clarified that YouTube’s repeat infringer policy is not a separate cause of action under the DMCA.

Read the full report on Techdirt.
Read the case Business Casual Holdings, LLC v. YouTube, LLC et alia, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, No. 22-3007-cv 

New York AG Sues Gemini, Genesis, and Digital Currency Group Over $1 Billion Crypto Fraud
New York’s Attorney General, Letitia James, is suing cryptocurrency companies Gemini, Genesis, and Digital Currency Group, alleging they misled investors and caused over $1 billion in losses. Gemini marketed a high-yield program with Genesis but allegedly failed to disclose the risks. James seeks to ban these firms from the investment industry in New York and obtain damages. This legal action follows previous lawsuits against these companies for issues like customer protection and selling unregistered securities.

Read the full report on The Verge. 
Read the case The People of the State of New York v. Gemini/Genesis/Digital Currency Group et al, Supreme Court of the State of New York

More Headlines

• AI: Are we being led into yet another AI chatbot bubble? (by FastCompany)
• AI: Why AI Lies (by Psychology Today)
• AI: Biden to sign executive order expanding capabilities for government to monitor AI risks (by The Hill) 
• Copyright: An AI engine scans a book. Is that copyright infringement or fair use? (by Columbia Journalism Review)
• Free Speech: Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig on why AI and social media are causing a free speech crisis for the internet (by The Verge)
• Healthcare: Is AI ready to be integrated into healthcare? (by Silicon Republic)
• Insurance: Let’s “chat” about A.I. and insurance (by Reuters) 
• Privacy: Artists Allege Meta’s AI Data Deletion Request Process Is a ‘Fake PR Stunt’ (by WIRED)
• Social Media: Old laws open up a new legal front against Meta and TikTok (by Politico)
• Social Media: The UK’s controversial Online Safety Bill finally becomes law (by The Verge)

In Other News (or publications you should read)

• Richard Allen’s regulate.tech blog: How to regulate the internet without breaking it
• Benjamin Wittes, Robert Chesney, Jack Goldsmith’s lawfare: Hard national security choices 
• Julie Zerbo’s the fashion law (TFL)
• Justin Hendrix’ tech policy press: technology and democracy
• Eugene Volokh: The Volokh Conspiracy
• Eric Goldman’s Technology & Marketing Law Blog

This post originated from my publication Codifying Chaos.