FOIA Release Is FCA 'Public Disclosure'
Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 11.30.09
In U.S. ex rel. Ondis v. City of Woonsocket (1st Cir. Nov.18, 2009), the First Circuit concluded that, under the False Claims Act's public disclosure bar, courts lack subject-matter jurisdiction over qui tam actions when the relator's allegations are based upon information released through Freedom of Information Act requests, finding that FOIA releases of "substantially similar" information which include the essential elements of the alleged fraud qualify as public disclosures. The court noted that it was joining the majority view, adopted by every circuit to consider the issue except the Fourth, taking into account the recent shift by the Seventh Circuit to the majority.
Insights
Client Alert | 14 min read | 12.22.25
European Commission Proposes Biotech Act to Boost Health Biotechnology in the EU
On December 16, 2025, the European Commission published its proposal for a regulation establishing a European Biotech Act to strengthen the EU's biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors with a primary focus on health.
Client Alert | 11 min read | 12.22.25
European Commission Proposes Simplifying the Rules on EU Medical and In-Vitro Diagnostic Devices
Client Alert | 3 min read | 12.22.25
Second Circuit Expands District Court Review of Magistrate Judge Report and Recommendations
Client Alert | 2 min read | 12.19.25
