News and analysis dedicated to the commercial litigation funding sector including regulatory issues, case developments, funding activities, and more.
Commercial
3203 ArticlesHow Litigation Funding Evens the IP Playing Field
Third-party litigation funding (TPLF) is becoming increasingly important for small firms, inventors and universities seeking to enforce intellectual-property rights against major corporations. According to an article in Bloomberg, funding arrangements…
AI Firm ddloop Clinches 2025 Legal Pitch Night Award
Australian‑based technology startup ddloop has emerged as the winner of the 2025 Legal Pitch Night competition, securing recognition for its innovative artificial‑intelligence powered due‑diligence platform designed for legal workflows. According…
Burford Issues YPF Litigation Update Ahead of Pivotal Appeal Hearing
Burford Capital has released a detailed investor update ahead of a key appellate hearing in its high-profile litigation against Argentina over the renationalization of YPF.
According to Burford’s press release, oral arguments in the consolidated appeal—referred to as the “Main Appeal”—are scheduled for October 29, 2025, before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The hearing will address Argentina’s challenge to a $16 billion judgment issued in 2023, as well as cross-appeals concerning the dismissal of YPF as a defendant. The release outlines the appellate process and timelines in granular detail, noting that a ruling could come months—or even a year—after the hearing, with additional delays possible if rehearing or Supreme Court review is pursued.
Burford also clarified the distinction between the Main Appeal and a separate appeal involving a turnover order directing Argentina to deliver YPF shares to satisfy the judgment. That order has been stayed pending resolution, with briefing set to conclude by December 12, 2025. Meanwhile, discovery enforcement is proceeding in the District Court, where Argentina has been ordered to produce documents—including internal and “off-channel” communications—amid accusations of delay tactics.
International enforcement efforts continue in at least eight jurisdictions, including the UK, France, and Brazil, where Argentina is contesting recognition of the US judgment.
The update serves both as a procedural roadmap and a cautionary note: Burford stresses the unpredictable nature of sovereign litigation and acknowledges the possibility of substantial delays, setbacks, or settlements at reduced values.
California Bars Contingency Fee‑Sharing with Alternative Legal Business Structures
A new California law—Assembly Bill 931, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom—prohibits California‐licensed attorneys and law firms from entering into contingent‐fee sharing arrangements with out‑of‑state “alternative business structures” (ABS) or law firms owned,…
