Brown Rudnick LLP

In an article for Law360's "Expert Analysis" section, partner Jonathan Richman examines the Delaware General Assembly's recent amendment to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which allows stockholders and beneficial owners to demand inspection of Delaware corporations' books and records. Richman noted that the amendments to Section 220 are part of a larger, controversial package of reforms aimed at discouraging companies from incorporating or reincorporating in other states. These changes were passed in reaction to the proliferation of inspection demands, which corporations generally view as expensive and burdensome. “The new provisions could curtail the scope of those inspections,” he wrote. “And corporations' ability to require that any produced documents be incorporated by reference in a subsequently filed complaint could assist defendants in framing a motion to dismiss the complaint at the pleading stage.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/euQKikXC

Partner Daniel Healy was interviewed by Law360 Insurance Authority regarding a recent New York federal court rulings that an AIG (American International Group) unit is not obligated to defend a Washington state firearms retailer accused of knowingly selling unfinished components for "ghost guns." In March, Judge Margaret M. Garnett ruled that Granite State Insurance didn't have to defend Rainier Arms in three lawsuits that accuse the company of selling unfinished firearm parts that could be turned into untraceable guns. The underlying suits did not allege accidental conduct, Judge Garnett said. Judge Garnett did not address Granite State's argument that its policies only covered bodily injury damages, as the lawsuits sought compensation for the societal cost of ghost guns instead. Healy noted that insurers are setting up these arguments in as many cases as they can in hopes of securing a win on their view of how these arguments should apply to coverage. "I think insurance companies shouldn't be able to assume that just because they may have prevailed on that type of defense to coverage in another product liability or mass tort situation means that they can do it here," he said. "In some ways, what this decision does state over and over again is that it is very fact-specific and depends on exactly what the alleged facts are." Click image to read the full article.

On Thursday, April 17, partner Erick Robinson will speak at Legal Funding Journal’s Virtual Town Hall, which will focus on patents and trade secrets. Robinson's panel will discuss trends for 2025 and beyond, funding patent and trade secret disputes and the enforceability and risks in these cases. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ge3xBqRu

Brown Rudnick served as legal advisor to Virtual Staging AI, a generative AI rendering and staging platform for real estate professionals, in its acquisition by Zillow Group. The team was led by partner Scott Smedresman, with support from associate Kenneth Franklin. The team also included partners Kevin Brown, Jennifer Ihns Charles, Peter Farrell, Matthew Uretsky and associate Dov Fiskus. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gkGuUquG

Brown Rudnick has been retained as lead counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Chapter 11 case of Danimer Scientific, a biotechnology company focused on the production of biomaterials. The team is led by partner Robert Stark. The team also includes partners Bennett Silverberg and Shari Dwoskin and associate Alexander Kasnetz. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/ewiuUsgk

We are pleased to welcome Kevin F. as Counsel in our Real Estate Group in London. Find out more about Kevin’s experience here: https://lnkd.in/e9MSQmRy

We’re thrilled to host our third annual Global Blockchain Conference this Thursday at the InterContinental New York Barclay. Don’t miss a day of lively discussions on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in artificial intelligence and digital assets. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ejfkbYxq

Partner Erick Robinson is quoted by IAM on recent changes at the Patent and Trial Appeal Board (PTAB) since Coke Morgan Stewart became interim director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), offering insights into what these shifts could mean for the future of patent policy. Chief Administrative Patent Judge Scott Boalick issued new guidance on Fintiv discretionary denials in March, following Stewart's reversal of a policy that limited those denials. “This move restores the PTAB’s broad discretion under Fintiv, increasing the likelihood of denials and making the institution process less predictable,” Robinson said. “For petitioners, this means an even greater emphasis on timing, venue selection, and procedural maneuvering. For patent owners, it presents new opportunities to strategically leverage trial schedules and procedural investment to fend off PTAB challenges.” Click image to read the full article.

In an appearance on Court TV’s "Vinnie Politan Investigates," partner Wayne Dennison discusses the challenges Karen Read may face in her upcoming second murder trial. A documentary series featuring extensive interviews with Read and her legal team argues that she was the victim of a cover-up by the Boston Police Department and is being framed for the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. Although Dennison doesn’t believe Read will testify at the trial, he thinks portions of her interviews supporting the prosecution’s theory will be played in court. “Karen Read is going to be testifying on this trial irrespective of whether Karen Read chooses to take the stand,” he said.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we hosted a panel titled "Leadership Stories: Navigating Career Paths to the C-Suite," featuring several of our chief executives yesterday. We are proud to have strong representation of women within our executive leadership team—leaders who are not only driving the firm’s success but also inspiring and empowering the next generation of women executives. Learn about our Inclusion efforts here: https://lnkd.in/e3Pu-K2S