News from July 2016
2 consumers accuse health care products company of false advertising
LOS ANGELES — Two consumers are suing a health care products company, alleging false advertising.
FTC announced industry ban against Partners in Health Care Association
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced Gary L. Kieper and Partners in Health Care Association Inc. (PIHC) have been banned from selling health care-related products and from telemarketing.
Client alleges Charles Schwab violated federal law
SAN FRANCISCO — A Colorado man is suing Charles Schwab, alleging breach of duty.
New York attorney general's tax-related charges lead to art gallery paying $4.28 million
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — International art dealer Gagosian Gallery has settled for $4.28 million after allegations of violating state rules involving taxes, New York state Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced.
U.S. appeals court blocks EPA's 'Regional Haze' rule
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has blocked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Regional Haze” plan, an act his office considers a win for the state.
Justice Department, multiple states fight Anthem acquisition of Cigna, Aetna purchase of Humana
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice, along with attorneys general from multiple states and the District of Columbia, have sued to block Anthem’s proposed acquisition of Cigna and Aetna’s proposed acquisition of Humana. The department argues the transactions would unfairly harm competition.
3 state attorneys general target VW for alleged illegal activities
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh have filed lawsuits against Volkswagen AG and its affiliates, Audi AG and Porsche AG, as well as their U.S. subsidiaries. The attorneys general argue that the automakers sold diesel vehicles fitted with illegal “defeat devices” that concealed illegal harmful emissions.
Advertiser accuses Google of breach of contract
SAN JOSE — A California advertiser is suing Google, alleging breach of implied covenant in failing to protect the plaintiff from fraudulent clicks.
Florida consumer accuses Uber of phone harassment
SAN FRANCISCO — A Florida woman is suing Uber Technologies, alleging the defendant invaded her privacy by violating telephone harassment statutes.
FTC to send refund checks to consumers allegedly victimized by Dolce Group
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced it will send refund checks to 5,970 consumers, providing a total of $4 million to people victimized by an alleged illegal robocall scheme.
CFPB announces intent to implement congressional changes to GLBA
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced it has proposed to implement recent congressional legislation allowing certain financial institutions to be exempt from sending annual privacy notices to consumers.
EEOC targets Rent-A-Center for discriminating against transgender employee allegations
URBANA, Ill. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken action against Rent-A-Center, a company that owns and operates more than 3,000 stores nationwide offering products in rent-to-own agreements, suing the company for alleged discrimination against a transgender employee.
EEOC, Guardsmark settle allegations of ADA, GINA violations
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has announced that Guardsmark, a major security company in North America, will pay $329,640 to settle allegations of disability and genetic information discrimination. The settlement impacts more than 1,100 job applicants.
Chief of SEC whistleblower program departs after 'pro-employee' tenure
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the departure of its chief of the Whistleblower Program.
Procter & Gamble denies assertions in suit over baby wipes
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A class-action lawsuit has been filed by a California woman over whether an infant product manufacturer’s products are actually natural.
Two Austin drivers accuse Uber of wrongful termination, face uphill battle
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – In May thousands of drivers lost their jobs when Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. removed their services from Austin, Texas.
California woman alleges pension provider violated federal telephone statutes
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A California woman is suing a pension provider, alleging unwanted phone calls.
EPA settles with BP, Hilcorp after allegations of Alaska oil spills
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with BP Exploration Alaska and Hilcorp Alaska after allegations they violated the Clean Water Act when spilling oil on Alaska’s North Slope.
Idaho attorney general settles with boat builder who allegedly deceived consumers
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) — Christopher Bohnenkamp, owner of the now-defunct Bohnenkamp’s Whitewater Customs Inc. and Treasure Valley Marine Inc., has agreed to settle allegations of failing to deliver custom-built boats and trailers to clients as promised, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said.
Par Hawaii Refining, Tesoro Corp. settle allegations of violating Clean Air Act
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Par Hawaii Refining and subsidiaries of Tesoro Corp. will pay $425 million to settle allegations of violating the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice have announced.