This week, the European Union proposed an overhaul of its data protection law, and Google announced a new privacy policy for its users. With the FTC and the Department of Commerce getting ready to join the global chorus, what does this sudden explosion in attention to data privacy mean for companies?

The financial fraud group that is investigating the market for residential mortgage-backed securities has already issued civil subpoenas to 11 financial institutions, Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. said today in formally announcing the team of lawyers and federal agents.

An advertising agency’s copyright suit against personal injury firm Parker Waichman can move forward to trial next month, but without a breach-of-contract claim. Market Masters-Legal claims the firm, a former client, improperly used certain phrases, sounds and visual effects in ads created by the agency.

Liverpool’s Silverbeck Rymer is set to be acquired by software and outsourcing firm Quindell Portfolio in one of the first takeovers of a law firm under the U.K.’s Legal Services Act. The deal, which requires regulatory approval, will create a combined insurance claims outsourcing operation.Visit International News

Long-time defense attorney Ivan Stephan Fisher has been suspended from practicing in the Southern District of New York for misusing $250,000 in funds intended to go toward restitution to the International Gemological Institute, which was the victim of an embezzlement.