Sweeping reform to patent system signed into law
The first significant change in patent law since 1952 is designed to ease the way for inventors to bring products to market and help whittle down a massive backlog of applications.
Legal Issues
Articles
Ex-Dow Agro scientist makes plea in trade-secret case
A former Indiana scientist has agreed to plead guilty to charges of illegally sending trade secrets worth $300 million to China and Germany.
Columbia Club nudges aside one foundation, forms second
The Columbia Club has formed a not-for-profit, the Columbia Club Historic Preservation Foundation, to preserve its 1924 building on Monument Circle. The 28-year-old Columbia Club Foundation already exists for the same purpose, and its fate is now unclear.
Judge in Ponzi case deals blow to Hoosier developer
A federal bankruptcy judge in Florida has rejected a settlement that would have extricated former Indianapolis developer Sydney “Jack” Williams from tens of millions of dollars in claims for a mere $334,000.
Ex-Ohio State, Colts player pleads guilty in scam
Former Ohio State University and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Art Schlichter, whose football career was derailed by a gambling addiction, has pleaded guilty to state theft charges linked to a sports ticket fraud scheme.
Former City-County Councilor Plowman found guilty
Former City County Councilor Lincoln Plowman, found guilty Thursday afternoon of federal bribery and attempted extortion charges, will await sentencing on home detention.
Jury hears closing arguments in Plowman case
Former City-County Councilor Lincoln Plowman is accused of using his official position to collect $6,000 to help gain zoning approval for a new strip club. He’s charged with bribery and attempted extortion.
Judge tosses wrongful-firing suit against Pacers owner
A lawsuit by a nanny and a chauffeur against Indiana Pacers owner Herb Simon and his wife has ended with a judge's written ruling confirming that the employees failed to prove their claims of mistreatment.
State fair’s plan short on evacuation details
An emergency response plan drafted 10 months before the Indiana State Fair's deadly stage collapse details how staff should handle evacuations, but it doesn't spell out the precise scenarios that would trigger an evacuation, newly released documents indicate.
Judge approves legal fees in Fair Finance case
The amount paid to lawyers so far nearly accounts for the entire $1.8 million that a Fair Finance trustee has recovered so far for investors of the Akron, Ohio-based company led by indicted financier Tim Durham.
Sugarland named in notice of stage-collapse suit
The band that was preparing to perform at the Indiana State Fair before a fatal stage collapse has been named as a defendant in a potential lawsuit in a notice sent to the state attorney general.
Fair trustee settles with local political groups
The settlements involve donations made by Tim Durham totaling $60,000 to the Marion County Republican Central Committee, Greater Indianapolis Republican Finance Committee and the Committee to Elect Lawrence Mayor Paul Ricketts.
Senate passes overhaul of patent system
The legislation would fundamentally alter the way patents are reviewed and mark the biggest change to U.S. patent law since at least 1952.
Authors Guild sues universities over online books
Authors and authors' groups sued the University of Michigan, Indiana University and three other universities Monday, seeking to stop the creation of online libraries made up of as many as 7 million copyright-protected books they say were scanned without authorization.
Judge denies ex-Countrymark CEO’s release from prison
David Swanson had requested to be let out of prison until an appeals court hears his case for early release later this month. He’s serving a 12-year sentence for wire fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
Video shows former councilor taking money from FBI agent
Prosecutors showed video in court of a former Indianapolis City-County Council member taking what they say was a $5,000 bribe from an undercover FBI agent seeking help opening a strip club in the city.
State lawyer calls IBM bid to depose Daniels ‘meritless’
If Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels can promote his book and lead a motorcycle tour, he isn't too busy to testify about his decision to cancel a contract with IBM Corp. to automate welfare applications, the technology giant contends in a court filing.
State Fair victims could receive funds in next few weeks
A State Fair Remembrance Fund now containing more than $800,000 likely will be distributed before the state pays out a maximum $5 million in damages allowed by law, officials said Wednesday afternoon.
Former real estate exec to plead guilty to wire fraud
Kim Hutchinson, former treasurer of J. Greg Allen Builders and Princeton Homes, agreed to plead guilty to stealing $446,419. Her cooperation likely will result in a lighter sentence of 30 to 40 months.
State preparing to pay maximum in stage collapse damages
Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Indiana will pay $5 million and get advice on distributing the money to victims of the State Fair tragedy from an expert who administered compensation funds following 9/11.