Legal Tech
Legal technology products, platforms, tools, and vendor/market developments
Ninth Circuit Rules Creating Web Browsers Isn’t CFAA Violation
Ninth Circuit reverses injunction, clarifies web browser creation doesn't breach CFAA, easing risks for developers and future cases.
LexisNexis Opens Customer Lab to Advance AI in Legal Research
LexisNexis launches a Customer Lab to develop AI-powered legal research tools with AWS and OpenAI collaboration, enhancing legal workflows and compliance.
BigHand Acquires Ayora in August 2026 to Enhance Legal Pricing Tools
In August 2026, BigHand acquired Ayora to improve legal matter pricing accuracy and data intelligence for law firms and corporate legal teams.
NC bans third-party litigation funding; NY limits fees and mandates disclosures
North Carolina bans third-party litigation funding starting 2026; New York caps fees at 25% and requires clear contracts and disclosures, reshaping legal funding rules.
China Redefines Integrated Circuits, Boosts IP Protection for Chips
China’s updated legal rules redefine integrated circuits and enhance IP protections, advancing its leadership in chip technology and innovation.
US VC Hits $144.9B in Q2; AI Takes 81% of Global Funding
US venture capital reached $144.9B in Q2 2026; AI startups captured 81% of global funding, signaling shifts for legal tech investment and workflows.
Apple Appeals UK Court Order to Access Encrypted User Data by Sept 15
Apple appeals a UK court ruling demanding encrypted user data access, challenging government surveillance and encryption laws.
Michigan Supreme Court Vacates Line 5 Pipeline Replacement Approval
Michigan Supreme Court vacates MPSC approval for Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline replacement, ordering a new environmental impact study amid safety concerns.
Ex-BigLaw Partner Sam Davidoff Launches Align to Digitize Trial Binders
Sam Davidoff, ex-Williams & Connolly partner, launches Align, an AI-powered platform digitizing trial binders for litigation efficiency.
Wisconsin Court Upholds Foster Parents' Gun Rights in Key Ruling
Wisconsin Court of Appeals rules for foster parents on Second Amendment rights, clarifying firearm rules in foster homes and impacting family law.
Police National Legal Database Breach Exposes 135K Contact Records
On August 3, 2026, the Police National Legal Database confirmed a data breach affecting 135,000 contact records, highlighting public sector cybersecurity risks.
USPTO to Centralize IPR Trial Decisions Under Director's Authority
USPTO plans major IPR rule changes centralizing trial institution decisions and limiting repeat patent challenges before PTAB.
Legal Departments Lead Industry Change with Tech and Budget Shifts
Corporate legal teams prioritize tech adoption and budget changes amid geopolitical and regulatory pressures for 2025-2026.
Law Firms Struggle More with AI Deployment Than AI Technology Itself
Law firms face challenges in AI deployment and governance, which hinder ROI despite widespread AI adoption in legal workflows.
EU Starts Enforcing AI Act Rules on Deepfakes and Transparency
Starting August 2, 2026, the EU enforces the AI Act requiring deepfake ID, AI content labeling, and risk oversight, impacting AI firms and compliance worldwide.
Senate Reviews SCREEN Act Raising Broad Privacy Concerns Beyond Adults
Senate Commerce Committee reviews the SCREEN Act (S.737), posing privacy risks across online sectors with mandated age verification and FTC audits.
New York Sues Kalshi Over Alleged Illegal Sports Betting
New York Attorney General sues Kalshi alleging violations of state gambling laws over prediction markets on sports and events.
DOL Proposes Electronic Delivery for Health Plan Disclosures
The DOL's proposal would allow 2.8 million ERISA group health plans to send disclosures electronically, cutting costs and modernizing communications.
John Oliver Challenges Buc-ee’s to Sue Over Parody Merchandise
John Oliver dares Buc-ee’s to sue him over trademark parody, spotlighting legal battles in branding and IP law.
Maryland Synagogue Sues County Over Firearm Ban Near Worship Places
A Maryland synagogue challenges Montgomery County's firearms ban near places of worship, citing constitutional violations affecting Second Amendment law.