I noticed the filing yesterday while pondering about the missing classics, posted about it on another place but didn't bring it up here except for one PM to another member, wasn't sure if talking about this would be appreciated mods and admins. Evidently the discussion is accepted to an extent now.
So, my thoughts on the case and related stuff. I'm not a lawyer nor an expert, this is all guessing and speculation based on common sense and some googling.
The case, a copyright infringement, names Harebrained Schemes and Piranha Games as plaintiffs, along with "DOES 1-10". It seems the term indicates other defendants may be named later or are not identified for now for some reason; not sure how the US law works. Speculation: Other potential parties include Catalyst Game Labs (obviously), possibly Iron Wind Metals, and perhaps Topps and Microsoft as they own BattleTech in its normal and electronic forms, respectively.
The probable cause are the Warhammer, Rifleman, Archer and Marauder in MechWarrior Online and BattleTech video game. An earlier build of BattleTech featured the Marauder but it is missing from the beta and even the game files, which do include stuff that is not available in the beta itself. Probably removed due to case until it is solved one way or another.
My take for missing classics is that CGL and IWM are taking precautions, whether or not they're involved in the case. No Macross-based 'Mechs in new products, no miniatures on sale for now. Better safe than sorry for now.
Should HG lose the case (even if CGL is not involved), it might be safe for Macross-based 'Mechs to appear again in BattleTech, though their artwork could be a separate matter due to medium. Go figure how lawyers think. Should HG win the case, i bet we'll won't see the Macross-based classics until they get artwork that is completely different beyond any doubt (consider the Reseen, that apparently didn't cause any legal issues).
Evidently non-Macross-based 'Mechs are deemed safe to use for now.
CGL's staff being silent on the matter doesn't mean they're involved, it makes sense not to comment on legal matters of other companies. Never know how comments would be taken by judges, lawyers, attorneys and whoever else.
I can't say i like the situation but i wouldn't waste my time panicking or even hating HG (even if the deserve it). Doesn't change anything, and only causes stress (or, well maybe cursing them is cathartic but don't dwell on it). BattleTech will probably continue regardless, and we've been so long without the classics i don't think there should be problems living without them, even if it is annoying.