Federal Circuit Clarifies Implied Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Client Alert | 1 min read | 02.19.14
In an important decision clarifying the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, the Federal Circuit in Metcalf Constr. Co. v. United States (Feb. 11, 2014) held that specifically targeted conduct is not required to prove a breach and rejected the government's assertion that violation of an express provision of the contract is a prerequisite to liability, while observing that the scope of the duty depends on the context of the particular contract and its "contemplated value." The court also vacated the judgment for the government on the ground that the contractor was not to bear the risk of error in the government's affirmative representations made in pre-bid documents.
Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 07.02.25
USPTO's Upcoming Changes to the Accelerated Examination Program
On June 10, 2025, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a final rule that will discontinue the Accelerated Examination program for utility applications, beginning July 10, 2025. The final rule also modifies the rules of practice to clarify the grounds for which a petition to make special may be granted and when a fee is required for such a petition. Currently, Applicants have several ways to expedite examination of their patent applications. For example, an Applicant can expedite examination of utility patent applications by either petitioning to make their application special through the Accelerated Examination program or by applying through the Prioritized Patent Examination Program (“Track One” program).
Client Alert | 2 min read | 07.01.25
DoD Establishes New DOGE Approval Process for ITC&MS and A&AS Contracts
Client Alert | 10 min read | 07.01.25
Ninth Circuit Decision Underscores Increasing False Claims Act Risks to U.S. Importers
Client Alert | 8 min read | 06.30.25
