Payback: Federal Circuit Requires Government to Reimburse under WWII-Era Indemnification Clauses
Client Alert | 1 min read | 05.15.14
In Shell Oil Co. v. United States, No. 2013-5051, 2014 WL 1661493 (Fed. Cir. Apr. 28, 2014), the Federal Circuit held that the Government must indemnify WWII-era contractors for CERCLA costs incurred as a result of environmental damage arising out of certain contracts to provide aviation gasoline (avgas) required for the war effort, under the plain language of the "Taxes" clauses in the avgas contracts. The decision, which reversed the Court of Federal Claims (discussed here), may encourage other contractors to seek Government contract-based indemnification under similar contract provisions such as "hold harmless" clauses in facilities contracts cases (Ford and DuPont) and indemnification clauses authorized under Public Law 85-804 (also discussed here, here, and here).
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Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.11.25
Director Squires Revamps the Workings of the U.S. Patent Office
In March 2025, President Trump nominated John A. Squires for the positions of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 20-2, Squires was confirmed by the Senate on September 17, 2025, by a vote of 51-47 after anti-filibuster measures were invoked. During and after the confirmation process, Squires emphasized several goals for the USPTO during his time as Director. Such goals included:
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SBA Office of General Counsel Audit of Participants in the 8(a) Program and Beyond
