News from November 2016
Attorney skeptical of securities fraud claim against Twitter
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Social media giant Twitter is facing a class action lawsuit regarding its stock prices, but a Texas securities attorney doesn't expect the plaintiffs will have much success.
FCC to fine Network Services Solutions $21 million
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Communications Commission recently announced plans to fine Network Services Solutions and its chief executive officer $21,691,499 for alleged violations involving the Universal Service Fund Rural Health Care Program (RHC).
FTC to mail checks to consumers victimized by Kentucky-based FHTM's alleged pyramid scheme
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week it is mailing 285,361 checks totaling more than $3.7 million to victims of Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing’s (FHTM) alleged pyramid scheme.
American Hope Group to pay $1.6 million to resolve fraudulent mortgage scam allegations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — American Hope Group Inc. and its principal, Mauricio Villamarin Martinez (collectively “American Hope Group”), have agreed to a $1.6 million settlement after allegations involving a fraudulent mortgage scam, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman recently announced.
CashCall to suspend collections on $6.5 million in payday loans
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — CashCall Inc. and related entity Western Sky Financial Inc. have agreed to suspend collections on roughly $6.5 million in payday loans made to consumers in Georgia between 2009 and 2013.
FTC files amicus brief in Amphastar v. Momenta case
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week that it has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in which it urges the court to reverse a district court’s dismissal of the complaint in Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Momenta Pharmaceuticals.
Ohio attorney general certifies petition calling for state supreme court term limits
COLUMBUS (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced this week that his office has certified a petition for the proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution imposing term limits for Ohio Supreme Court members.
LA Fitness to revise policies in New York to better comply with ADA laws
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Fitness International LLC, the owner and operator of LA Fitness gyms across the country, has agreed to revise its policies to expand access for patrons with disabilities, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced.
Vito Glazers to pay $200,000 judgment from 2014 text message spam case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week that a federal court judge has approved the lifting of the partial suspension of a $200,000 judgment imposed against Vito Glazers, a defendant in a 2014 text spam case.
Biocompatibles to pay $36 million penalty for allegedly misbranding LC Bead medical device
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice announced this week that medical device maker Biocompatibles Inc., a subsiadiary of BTG plc, will pay more than $36 million after allegations it misbranded its embolic device LC Bead. LC Bead is used for the treatment of liver cancer and other diseases.
Baltimore court celebrates first anniversary of veterans treatment docket
The District Court in Baltimore City has marked the first anniversary of its Veterans Treatment Docket, celebrating the graduation of twelve participants from the program.
Companies could face criminal prosecution for illegal employee agreements
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- Companies that enter into non-compete agreements regarding employees could face criminal prosecution, including possibly jail.
Consumer board releases Project Catalyst innovation report
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently announced a report highlighting various market developments that have the potential to produce benefits for consumers.
FTC approves modified final order in Koninklijke, Delhaize merger case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Oct. 31, following a public comment period, that it has approved a modified final order settling charges against Koninklijke Ahold and Delhaize Group over their merger.
EPA announces $150,000 settlement with Specialty Materials over alleged violation of federal law
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Oct. 27 that Specialty Materials Inc., a manufacturer of fiber products in Lowell, Massachusetts, will pay $150,000 after allegations of violating the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Massachusetts waste management regulations.
Los Angeles consumer accuses Canadian corporation of false advertising
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A Los Angeles consumer is suing a Canadian corporation, alleging breach of implied warranty.
3 consumers accuse Bank of America of fraud
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Three Arizona women are suing Bank of America, alleging fraud and unjust enrichment.
Stock owner files class action suit against Chesapeake Energy
A common stock owner has filed a class-action lawsuit against Chesapeake Energy Corp., Robert Douglas Lawler, and Domenic J. Dell'Osso, Jr., company and its board of officers, citing alleged violation of federal law.
McCormick & Company, Inc. accused of mislabeling products as all-natural
A consumer has filed a class-action lawsuit against McCormick & Company, Inc., a Maryland corporation, citing alleged negligent misrepresentation.
Physician's Formula Cosmetics accused of deceptive marketing practices in class action
A consumer has filed a class-action lawsuit against Physician’s Formula Cosmetics, Inc. and Physicians Formula, Inc., cosmetics manufacturers, citing alleged false, deceptive and misleading representations.