Tag Archives: legal

Like This: Facebook Sued Over Dead Man’s Patent

No sir, I do not bite by thumb at you, sir

Mark Zuckerberg is no stranger to a lawsuit. This time, Rembrandt Social Media is claiming that Facebook’s use of a “Like” button infringes upon a patent created in 1998 by a currently deceased Dutch programmer. The brain behind social media giant Facebook, has time and time again had to defend his creation from a multitude of people who would like their piece of the pie. The new suit, filed in a Virginia court on behalf Joannes Jozef Everardus van Der Meer, revolves around a failed social media network known as Surfbook, which involved the idea of pressing a “like” button to show approval. The like button is a central idea powering Facebook that allows users to interact with a simple click instead of actually commenting on a post or picture. Read More

Leaked Justice Department Memo Codifies Drone Strikes of American Citizens Without Due Process

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Are we not innocent until proven guilty?

A formerly undisclosed Justice Department memo was leaked to NBC News. This document, titled Lawfulness of a Lethal Operation Directed Against a U.S. Citizen who is a Senior Operational Leader of Al Qa’ida or An Associated Force, outlines the Obama Administration’s legal basis for the targeted assassination of American citizens. The memo was leaked just before John Brennan goes before the Senate for his confirmation hearings as the new CIA Director.

Yelp Lawsuit Raises Freedom of Speech Issue

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A rock-solid lawsuit?

The founding fathers could never have imagined what path freedom of speech has taken since our country’s inception. Case in point, a character defamation lawsuit has been filed against a Yelp user who gave a negative review to a local contractor. The defendant, Dietz Development, claims that online feedback is one of the most important ways a potential buyer or client uses when they make a decision on whether or not to use a service and is seeking $750,000 in damages. The Yelp user, Jane Perez, has been defending her claims in court since late November, stating that she was simply exercising her freedom of speech after what she felt was an unsatisfying service. A Judge in Southern California has ordered her to edit her comments via a preliminary injunction. Read more

Trader Joe Meets A Man Named Sal… Monella?

Note: Peanuts might contain Salmonella

A family in Boston is pursuing legal action against one of the largest grocery chains in America. Trader Joe’s is being sued by the Henson family in South Grafton, Massachusetts after their son contract salmonella from peanut butter purchased at the store. The boy developed a fever exceeding 100 degrees and had to be taken to a local doctor multiple times before the cause of the sickness was discovered. The Henson family is seeking financial reimbursement to help pay their medical bills, as well as attempting to raise awareness for manufacturing and packaging companies. Trader Joe’s themselves and Sunland, Inc are the companies named in the lawsuit.
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