News from November 2016
SEC Chairwoman White to step down as Obama administration ends
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Nov. 14 that Chairwoman Mary Jo White will step down at the end of the Obama administration.
Florida residents file suit over Microsoft's Windows 10 upgrade
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) – Three Florida residents have filed a suit against a software corporation alleging they were not informed of the true nature of a software update.
Maryland Circuit Courts to celebrate National Adoption Day with multiple proceedings
Judges across Maryland's Circuit Courts are conducting multiple adoption proceedings and family celebrations in honor of National Adoption Day, which falls on Saturday, November 19, 2016.
Ninth Circuit uses Sleekcraft test in trademark case against Jim Beam
LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) -- An appellate court has reversed the summary judgment of a U.S. district court in a case between two vodka producers using virtually the same images in their designs.
TCPA plaintiff consented to contact, court finds in denying class certification
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has denied a motion to certify Levins v. Santander Consumer USA Inc. as a class action.
Egg distributor dealing with litigation after obtaining injunction
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A New York state-based egg distributor is facing a lawsuit from the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) over its claims that its eggs are pasture-raised, though it has obtained an injunction in a different case involving similar allegations.
Law professor calls FTC report on patent assertion entities ‘totally flawed,’ takes issue with its design
The Federal Trade Commission report, released last month, looks at patent assertion entities and their business practices.
Nebraska alleges Stabl Inc. has not paid more than $1 million in penalties
OMAHA, Neb. (Legal Newsline) – A Nebraska corporation is alleged to have not paid penalties to the state for environmental violations and instead fraudulently transferred assets.
Miss. man sues attorneys after court win against UPS
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) – A Mississippi man alleges law offices in Arkansas and Memphis are charging him excessive and unreasonable fees.
Consumer alleges Samsung's QWERTY TV remotes use defective battery supply
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against an electronics manufacturer over allegations a television remote control is defective.
California salon owner alleges she was targeted in DirecTV scheme
SANTA ANA, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – The owner of a beauty and barber salon in California claims she was solicited by a satellite television provider for services and then sued for using a residential account for a business.
CFPB, Schneiderman team for lawsuit
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a lawsuit Nov. 2 filed in partnership with New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman against the leaders of an allegedly massive debt collection scheme based in Buffalo, New York.
Stockholder accuses Exxon Mobil, board members of misleading public
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) — A stockholder is suing Exxon Mobil and board members, alleging they made false and misleading statements about the company's financial condition.
Consumer accuses Probalance of false advertising
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — An Illinois man is suing a Florida health and fitness business, alleging breach of implied warranty and negligent misrepresentation.
IMDB sues California over birthday disclosure bill
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A Washington business is suing the State of California, alleging free speech violations.
Georgia Power Co. settles for more than $1.5 million in disability discrimination case
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Nov. 15 that Georgia Power Co. will pay $1,586,500 to settle allegations of disability discrimination.
Labor Ready resolves EEOC race, sexual harassment allegations with $72,500 settlement
WASHINGTON, Pa. (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Nov. 10 that Labor Ready Northeast Inc. (Labor Ready) will pay $72,500 to settle allegations of race and sexual harassment.
J.B. Hunt agrees to drug test changes in deal with EEOC involving religious discrimination allegations
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Nov. 15 that J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America, will pay $260,000 after allegations of race, national origin and religious discrimination.
Government officials accuse Federal Election Commission of violating law
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Four current or former government officials and two private citizens are suing the Federal Election Commission, alleging violation of federal law.
Customer accuses Wal-Mart of negligent misrepresentation
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — A Michigan woman is suing Wal-Mart, alleging breach of implied warranty, fraud and negligent misrepresentation.