In the face of the most comprehensive effort yet to keep Bank of America on the hook for alleged fraud in a Countrywide mortgage-backed securities case, a California federal district court judge has rejected Allstate’s successor liability claim against BofA.

The America Invents Act shifts the United States from a system where a patent is awarded to the first person who comes up with an invention to one where it’s awarded to the first person who files a patent application. Patent practitioners shine a light on 10 key points to keep in mind.

Two investment firms announced Tuesday that they have filed shareholder resolutions at Bank of America, 3M and Target, urging the three companies to refrain from making political donations, marking the first time institutional shareholders have asked corporations to refrain from political spending.

In a case of first impression, a Massachusetts state court has ruled it has jurisdiction to hear a case against Salomon S.A.

The U.S. Justice Department has announced that Bank of America will spend $335 million to resolve the largest-ever fair lending suit over allegations that Countrywide Financial systematically discriminated against qualified black and Hispanic borrowers, charging them higher fees and interest rates. The Justice Department also said Countrywide steered 10,000 homeowners into risky subprime loans despite their qualification for prime loans.