Apple and Comcast are engaged in preliminary discussions about using Apple's set-up box and receiving special treatment on Comcast cable service to ensure that it bypasses web congestion. Both companies reportedly have a common goal of advancing set-box technology so that television is more similar to the easy-to-use apps and streaming video services that are popular with consumers. Content owners and operators are seeking innovation because of pay-television subscriber losses and worries that younger consumers will ultimately not pay for any television.
National car dealers fighting Tesla's direct sales
Car dealers across the United States have taken actions to block the car manufacturer Tesla from selling its electric power cars directly to consumers. Court actions and legislative proposals are attempting to protect the 80-year-old car franchise dealership system which puts independent dealers as the middlemen between automakers and customers.
Southern Minnesota banks file data breach lawsuit
Five First Farmer & Merchant Banks in the southern part of the state filed a lawsuit against Minnesota-based Target Corp. for damages alleging stemming from that retailer's data breach in late 2013. Although a number of banks in the United States have sued Target over the security violation of its computer system, experts say this is the first lawsuit from financial establishments in Target's home state. The case could have a large impact over the state's 2007 Plastic Card Security Card Act.
Supreme Court considers award of patent legal fees
For the first time, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether a prevailing party in a meritless patent infringement case may be awarded legal fees. The case can impact a pending case involving Apple, Google and a Minnesota manufacturer that is also a party in this case.
