Rule 191(b) Revisited
A brief overview of the Illinois Supreme Court Rule 191 (b) and how courts have recently interpreted it. The text of the rule itself has not been amended.
When a Typosquatter or Cybersquatter Targets Your Brand
Every established brand eventually faces the same problem. Someone notices that your customers occasionally mistype your domain name, registers the misspelled version, and waits. It’s called typosquatting, and here’s what you can do to protect your brand.
Defamation, Libel, and Slander in Illinois and Wisconsin: A Plain-English Guide
If you’ve been accused of saying or publishing something harmful about another person or business – or if someone has damaged your reputation with a false statement – you’re probably hearing legal terms like defamation, libel, and slander. Illinois defamation law can feel complicated, but understanding the basics can help protect you, your business, and your good name.
How to Hire the Right Defense Attorney for Advertising Injury Claims
When you’re handling a claim that involves advertising injury—think libel, slander, right of privacy, trademark/copyright issues, or even those pesky TCPA violations—the clock starts ticking fast. These cases can get legally tangled and publicly messy. Bringing in experienced defense counsel early isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Protecting What Matters: A Quick Guide to Trade Secrets Law for Manufacturers and Innovators
In today’s competitive business world, ideas, processes, and know-how are often more valuable than physical assets. Understanding how to protect those assets under Illinois and federal law is critical.
Defending Against “Schedule A” Trademark Infringement Cases in the Northern District of Illinois
If you’ve been sued for trademark infringement in a “Schedule A” case—particularly in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois—you are not alone. These lawsuits often target dozens or hundreds of online sellers. This guide is designed to help you understand what Schedule A cases are, how they work, and why you need to take them seriously.
Client Spotlight – Jones Natural Chews
Jones Natural Chews found its niche with natural, high-quality dog treats and its partner with WilliamsMcCarthy.
U.S. Supreme Court Opinion on Copyright Damages
On May 9, 2024, the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion regarding whether Section 507(b) of the Copyright Act serves to bar damages for offenses that predate suit by more than three years.
Attorney Joel Huotari Prevails in Motor Fuel Supply Agreement
Attorney Joel Huotari Prevails in Motor Fuel Supply Agreement Trial
Joel Huotari Admitted to Practice Before The United States Supreme Court
Joel Huotari has been admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
Client Spotlight – Candy Cloud
Having a legal partner as part of your team is key to an entrepreneur’s success, according to Candy Cloud.
Client Spotlight – Signcraft Screenprint, Inc.
A third-generation business with deep roots turns to WilliamsMcCarthy LLP to assist with challenges and growth.
Client Spotlight – Helm Group
When Helm Group rebranded, it worked with WilliamsMcCarthy LLP attorneys for not only their trademark but also for additional support.
COVID, Technology, and the Legal Profession
Attorneys, courts, and others were forced to adopt technological solutions during the pandemic. As a result, things may never be the same. Here’s why.
Joel Huotari Named President of the Federal Bar Association, P. Michael Mahoney Chapter
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]ROCKFORD, IL. (October 1, 2020): Joel M. Huotari, a partner with WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, a full-service Illinois-based law firm headquartered in Rockford, was recently elected to serve as president of the P. Michael Mahoney (Rockford, IL) Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. The Chapter promotes the welfare, interest, and education of its members and supports the […]
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Home Builder Client Prevails in Federal Copyright Suit
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On June 24, 2019, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana issued a summary judgment ruling in favor of WilliamsMcCarthy LLP client Heller Homes, a large, well-known home builder in northeast Indiana. The suit was originally filed against Heller Homes in 2016 by an Omaha, Nebraska-based home plan company known as […]
Jury Verdict in Wrongful Death Case Upheld on Appeal
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] During the last week of November 2017, a Winnebago County jury was asked to award $12,500,000 to the Estate of Karen Williams, a 42-year-old attorney who was killed when three armed robbers fleeing the police crashed into her car and killed her. The Williams Estate sued the Boone County Sheriff over the actions of […]
Rockford Park District Scores in Recent Court Ruling
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] As a result of recent court rulings, the Rockford Park District scored several important wins over its insurance carrier in a dispute over coverage for pollution cleanup costs at the District’s Sand Park site in Loves Park. The property was previously used as a municipal landfill by the City of Loves Park until 1972. The Park […]
John Holevas and Joel Huotari Win Federal “Trial on the Papers” on Behalf of Arctic Cat
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text] Published by Joel M. Huotari and John J. Holevas on January 24, 2018 [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] In a dramatic conclusion to a high stakes commercial litigation case, WilliamsMcCarthy LLP attorneys John Holevas and Joel Huotari won a federal trial on January 23, 2017 on behalf of their client, Arctic Cat. The case, Driveline Systems v. Arctic Cat (N.D. […]
James Devine and Joel Huotari Defeat Claim for $12,500,000 After Week Long Jury Trial
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text] Published by James P. Devine and Joel M. Huotari on December 6, 2017 [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] During the last week of November 2017, a Winnebago County jury was asked to award $12,500,000 to the Estate of Karen Williams, a 42-year-old attorney who was killed when three armed robbers fleeing the police crashed into her car and killed her. The Williams […]
WilliamsMcCarthy LLP Lawyers Win Summary Judgment in Multi-million Dollar Commercial Litigation Case on Behalf of Arctic Cat
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text] Published by Joel M. Huotari and John J. Holevas on June 22, 2017 [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]WilliamsMcCarthy LLP attorneys John Holevas and Joel Huotari won summary judgment in a multi-million-dollar case on behalf of Arctic Cat on March 15, 2017. The case, Driveline Systems v. Arctic Cat (N.D. Ill. 2008), featured allegations that Arctic Cat breached its supply […]
How to Obtain a Default Judgment in the Western Division of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Magistrate Judge Johnston has instituted a whole new regime for default judgments. Judge Johnston’s requirements are more burdensome than those previously employed by Magistrate Judge Mahoney. Plaintiff’s counsel should be aware of these new requirements, and scrupulously follow Judge Johnston’s Standing Order. If you don’t follow the Standing Order, your default judgment will be […]
USA v. Have Faith in Money: How Lien Holders Can Protect Their Interests in Property that is Subject to a Federal Civil Forfeiture Action
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]The former comptroller of the city of Dixon, Illinois, Rita A. Crundwell, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison for stealing $53.7 million from the city over two decades. According to the FBI, it is believed to be the largest theft of public funds in Illinois history. Crundwell used the […]
How To Avoid Identity Theft and What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
[vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Imagine learning that your identity was stolen and used to rack up $100,000 of credit card debt. Then imagine that the crook went further by purchasing homes, motorcycles, and handguns, before filing for bankruptcy— all in your name. This nightmare scenario is actually a real-life example of one person’s experience as the victim of […]