News from 2009
U.S. justices reject challenge to Plavix patent
U.S. Supreme Court building WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Sanofi-Aventis SA won a major legal fight Monday over their blood thinner Plavix when the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal challenging the drug's patent.
Judge upholds $7M verdict in lead paint case
Moellenberg FAYETTE, Miss. (Legal Newsline) - A Mississippi judge has denied post-trial motions filed in the $7 million case of a former high school sports star who claims he was poisoned by lead paint manufactured by Sherwin-Williams.
Wis. AG recovers wages for employees of closed business‏
J.B. Van Hollen (R) MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - Almost $35,000 has been recovered by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen in compensation for employees of Van Der Molen Recreational Properties, Inc., following the closing of the Warrens, Wis., firm earlier this year.
Former Ill. AG Ryan to file campaign papers today
Jim Ryan (R) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan says he will today file candidacy petitions to run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination next year.
White House sides with investors in Vioxx lawsuit
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The Obama administration has taken the side of investors seeking to sue pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. over its now-withdrawn blockbuster painkiller Vioxx.
High court to hear mutual funds case today
U.S. Supreme Court building WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court today will hear arguments in a case that could affect fees that the mutual fund industry charges investors, possibly creating a flood of lawsuits if the high court sides with petitioners in the case.
Boehner: GOP health care plan to target lawsuit abuse
John Boehner (R-Ohio) WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-House Republicans plan to offer an alternative to the Democrats' proposal for a national health care overhaul that contains tort reform, House Minority Leader John Boehner said Sunday.
Newsom's withdrawal called a boon for AG Brown
Jerry Brown (D) SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline)-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's abrupt exit from the California governor's race is a boon for state Attorney General Jerry Brown, who is considering a run for the job he previously held, a leading political figure said Sunday.
Appeals court overturns $24 million asbestos verdict
MIAMI (Legal Newsline)-A Florida appeals court last week reversed a $24.2 million product liability verdict, overturning a jury award to a Weston, Fla., surgeon who claimed exposure to asbestos-containing brake pads caused his cancer.
Kansas SC upholds ban on wind farms
Lawton Nuss TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline)- The Kansas Supreme Court ruled Friday that Wabaunsee County commissioners may bar the construction of wind farms in their community.
Brown spokesman on leave over secret tapes
Jerry Brown (D) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-A spokesman for California Attorney General Jerry Brown has been placed on administrative leave after admitting to recording telephone calls with journalists.
Ohio SC rejects challenge to AEP's rate hike
Janine Migden-Ostrander COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline)-The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that American Electric Power can keep proceeds from an already-imposed rate increase.
Newsom exits Calif. governor's race, leaving AG Brown
Gavin Newsom (D) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on Friday exited the California governor's race, leaving yet-to-announce Democratic candidate Jerry Brown the only figure preparing for a run for his party's nomination.
Biodiesel plant agrees to settle dumping allegations
Chris Koster (D) PEMISCOT COUNTY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - A Missouri biodiesel plant has agreed to a settlement following allegations of violating the state's Hazardous Waste Management Law and Clean Water Law.
AGs sue Amgen over alleged kickback scheme
Andrew Cuomo (D) NEW YORK (Legal Newsline)--Amgen Inc. was sued on Friday by more than a dozen state attorneys general for allegedly offering kickbacks to doctors in an effort to boost sales of its anemia drug, Aranesp.
Groups plan to sue over coal dust from processing plant
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Legal Newsline)-Environmentalists in Alaska say they plan to file a lawsuit over coal-dust pollution at a plant in Seward.
GOP poised for Election Day celebrations in Va.
McDonnell RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) - A few days before Virginians go to vote, it looks increasingly like Republicans will sweep three key offices.
Wis. company ordered to pay for violations of storm water laws
Van Hollen MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) - A Berlin, Wis., partnership has been ordered by Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge William D. Johnston to pay $194,271.50 for violations of storm water management laws at two construction sites.
Suit filed against Col. loan company for deceptive trade practices
Suthers DENVER (Legal Newsline) - Colorado Attorney General John Suthers has filed suit against a Colorado Springs-based loan company over alleged deceptive trade practices.
N.J. ticket resellers agree to change business practices
Milgram NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - Two New Jersey-based ticket brokers sued by state Attorney General Anne Milgram for offering concert tickets for sale before they were available to the general public have agreed to change their business practice.