Legal Battle

The New York Times sued AI startup Perplexity in the Southern District of New York, alleging it scraped the newspaper’s articles, videos and podcasts to produce answers that are “identical or substantially similar” to its copyrighted content. Perplexity, known for its AI‑powered search engine, denies wrongdoing, likening the case to historic tech disputes. The suit follows other high‑profile copyright actions against AI firms, raising questions about licensing, data‑sourcing practices and the future cost structure for generative‑AI development.

Tesla is challenging a $242.5 million verdict in a product liability and wrongful death suit stemming from a fatal 2019 Autopilot crash in Key Largo, Florida. The company requests the court overturn the verdict or grant a new trial, arguing the damages are excessive and challenging both compensatory and punitive awards. Tesla claims the driver’s negligence, not design defects, caused the accident where the Model S accelerated through an intersection, killing one and severely injuring another. The plaintiffs maintain Tesla’s Autopilot system’s misrepresentations contributed to the crash.

A Chinese lawyer, Zhang Xiaoling, diagnosed with late-stage cancer despite a decade of annual health check-ups at iKang Healthcare, is suing the company for negligence. iKang has countersued, escalating the dispute into a high-profile legal battle. iKang’s CEO sparked controversy by questioning the expectation that inexpensive check-ups can detect all diseases. The case highlights public misconceptions about routine screenings versus comprehensive diagnostics and raises concerns about the efficacy and value of affordable preventative healthcare in China.

SINOVAC Biotech Ltd. successfully defended against a legal challenge in New York, paving the way for its declared $55.00 per share dividend. The court denied Advantech/Prime’s petition, a move that supports the current board’s actions and their plans for further shareholder payouts. Shareholders are encouraged to vote against proposals to oust the current board.

Shoal Point Energy (SHP) clarifies its operational costs, exceeding $100,000 annually for CSE listing, including legal, accounting, and auditing expenses. The company faces potential regulatory actions, including a Cease Trade Order and delisting, if it fails to comply. Simultaneously, Shoal Point is engaged in a $483 million lawsuit against the Newfoundland government over alleged expropriation of oil and gas assets.

Gold Reserve Ltd. announced a deadline extension in the Citgo Petroleum sale linked to Venezuela. The U.S. District Court granted the Venezuelan parties more time to submit bids for PDVH, Citgo’s holding company, with a new “Topping Period” deadline of June 18, 2025. Key dates for legal proceedings were also outlined, including a final recommendation by June 27, 2025, and a sale hearing on July 22, 2025. Gold Reserve anticipates bidding but acknowledges the deal faces significant risks, including potential regulatory challenges.