Maria Santos

Correspondent

Maria Santos

White House correspondent, covers patent, trade and regulatory news

Business & Regulatory patent

Decisions covered by Maria Santos

1,038 decisions
Apr 28 2026
6th Cir. 23-3662 Published

Apogee Coal Company, LLC v. Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit denied petitions for review seeking to shift liability for Black Lung Benefits Act payments from a former parent corporation to a successor entity. The court held that the petitioners were bound by a prior published decision rejecting identical legal arguments based on materially identical facts.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Apr 28 2026
6th Cir. 23-3541 Published

Apogee Coal Co. v. Director, OWCP

The Sixth Circuit denies petitions for review, affirming that Arch Resources remains liable for Black Lung benefits under the self-insurance provisions of the Black Lung Benefits Act. The court holds that because the petitioners concede their arguments are identical to those previously rejected in Apogee Coal Co. v. Director, OWCP, the prior published decision binds this panel.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Apr 28 2026
6th Cir. 23-3537 Published

Apogee Coal Co. v. Director, OWCP

The Sixth Circuit denied petitions for review, affirming that Arch Resources remains liable for black lung benefits accrued while it self-insured its subsidiary Apogee. The court held that the parties' arguments were identical to those rejected in a prior published decision, which binds the panel and precludes relief.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Apr 28 2026
9th Cir. 25-2900 Unpublished

In re PANIOLO CABLE COMPANY LLC Debtor

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a bankruptcy court ruling that Clearcom, Inc. breached its contractual obligations and was unjustly enriched regarding access to undersea telecommunications infrastructure. The court found sufficient evidence that the Master Services Agreement and Emergency Service Order remained in effect when Clearcom made its settlement guarantee.

Bankruptcy Civil Summary Judgment
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Apr 28 2026
6th Cir. 23-3536 Published

Apogee Coal Co. v. Director, OWCP

The Sixth Circuit denies petitions for review, affirming that Arch Resources remains liable for black lung benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act despite selling its subsidiary in 2005. The court holds that its prior decision in *Apogee Coal Co. v. Director, OWCP (Howard)* binds the outcome, rejecting identical arguments regarding successor liability.

Bankruptcy Civil
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Apr 28 2026
4th Cir. 26-1054 Per Curiam

Ashley Boshea v. Michael R. White

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court order denying a pro se litigant's motion for sanctions. The appellate court held that the motion failed to comply with the safe harbor provision and was untimely.

Civil Contract
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