News from March 2015
Energy company sued for alleged unfair pricing
An energy company was sued on March 3 over allegations that it's charging customers an unfair price compared to the market rate.
SEC sues China business over allegedly concealing CFO resignation
A federal lawsuit claims a Chinese infrastructure corporation attempted to conceal that its chief financial officer had resigned in 2011.
Contact lens manufacturers sued over alleged price fixing
Several contact lens manufacturers were sued on March 3 over allegations that the businesses worked together to fix prices.
Lawsuit: Walmart juice label misleading
Retailer Walmart is being sued over the label on one of its juice brands. Cheryl Hulse filed the lawsuit on Feb. 27 over the retailer's Great Value 100% Cranberry Pomegranate Juice brand.
Public policy groups urge U.S. SC to limit ‘needless’ patent infringement-inducement cases
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A handful of public policy groups are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to apply “appropriate” liability standards in a key patent infringement case.
Software patents at center of abuse problem, report says
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - The Electronic Frontier Foundation argues in a new report that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is issuing too many weak and overbroad patents -- in particular, software patents.
Beneful blamed for dogs' deaths in second class action lawsuit
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – A second class action lawsuit has been filed against Nestle Purina Petcare Co. alleging the dog food brand Beneful is causing deaths.
Judge won't disqualify private lawyers representing Chicago in opioid lawsuit
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge on Monday denied a request for relief from a group of pharmaceutical companies being sued by the City of Chicago over the marketing of opioid painkillers.
Maine governor introduces bill to rein in AG
AUGUSTA, Maine (Legal Newsline) - Last week, Maine Gov. Paul LePage announced his plans to introduce legislation that would prevent Attorney General Janet Mills’ “overreaching of authority.”
Report: Ky. governor picks former state appeals court judge to fill SC seat
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear reportedly has named a former state Court of Appeals judge to the state’s highest court.
Benecard hit with class action by former employees over security breach
HARRISBURG - Five individuals have sued their former employer for damages allegedly caused by a security breach.
Pa. man files class action against Starion, alleges fraud in marketing
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - A Pennsylvania resident has filed a class action lawsuit against an energy manufacturing group for alleged fraud in marketing and retaining customers.
Ala. electric company accused of not refunding profits to its members
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Legal Newsline) - An Alabama electric cooperative was sued on Jan. 26 over allegations it didn't refund profits back to its members as required by state law.
Class action says Benchmark Energy assessed undisclosed surcharge when leasing vehicles
HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) - A class action lawsuit filed against an energy transport company on Feb. 23 alleged the business assessed an undisclosed surcharge against individuals it leased vehicles from and failed to clearly state the compensation to the plaintiffs in lease contracts.
Senate Democrats introduce STRONG Patents Act; supporters claim it’s more ‘balanced’
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A trio of Senate Democrats have introduced their own patent reform legislation that, they say, would target patent abusers but also strengthen patents and American innovation.
Patent licensing firm wins $533 million infringement verdict against Apple
TYLER, Texas (Legal Newsline) - A federal jury has sided with a Texas-based licensing company, awarding it nearly $533 million after finding that Apple Inc. infringed a series of its patents in producing and selling the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Alabama electric cooperative sued over profits
An Alabama electric cooperative was sued on Feb. 23 over allegations it didn't refund profits back to its members as required by state law.
Transport company sued over alleged secret surcharge
A class-action lawsuit filed against an energy transport company on Feb. 23 alleged the business assessed an undisclosed surcharge against individuals it leased vehicles from and failed to clearly state the compensation to the plaintiffs in lease contracts.
Class action says MegaRed supplement doesn't reduce risk of heart disease
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - A dietary supplement maker is being sued over allegations it falsely advertises one of its products could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Judges engage students in law discussions at Civics and Law Academy
Maryland judges and legal professionals will engage with students in Caroline County on March 11 during the Civics and Law Academy.