News from November 2016
Arizona attorney general targets Arch Vacations, alleges Consumer Fraud Act violations
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark
Brnovich announced a lawsuit Oct. 14 against Phoenix-based Arch Vacations Inc.
and its president, Darlene Ziebell, alleging violations of the Arizona
Consumer Fraud Act.
Lyft named in class action suit alleging passengers were overcharged for toll fees
Individuals have filed a class-action lawsuit against Lyft Inc., a transportation company, citing alleged fraud.
Wal-Mart accused of not honoring the warranty of its car batteries
A consumer has filed a class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., citing alleged negligent misrepresentation.
Vegetarian files class action against Buffalo Wild Wings
A consumer has filed a class-action lawsuit against Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., an establishment, citing alleged negligent misrepresentation.
FTC announces $30 million court-ordered judgment against Pure Green Coffee Extract pitchman
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Nov. 14 that a U.S. district court judge issued a summary decision and $30 million judgment against the Nicholas Scott Congleton, the pitchman behind a product known as Pure Green Coffee Extract. Congleton allegedly had been deceiving consumers through false weight-loss claims, bogus testimonials and fake news websites.
California consumer accuses All Market of false advertising
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A California consumer is suing a manufacturer of food products, alleging unfair competition.
FTC grants preliminary injunction against multiple defendants in trucking industry fraud case
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Oct. 17 that a federal judge has granted its request for a preliminary injunction against two people and their companies for allegations of tricking small commercial trucking companies into paying them for federal and state motor carrier registrations.
Justice Department settles with Omnicare for $28 million, resolving kickback allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Oct. 17 that Omnicare Inc., the nation’s largest nursing home pharmacy, will pay $28.125 million after allegations it solicited and received illegal kickbacks from pharmaceutical manufacturer Abbott Laboratories.
EPA announces settlement with Albaugh after allegations of FIFRA violations
LENEXA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Oct. 13 it has settled with Albaugh LLC after allegations the company violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) by misbranding pesticides. Albaugh will pay a penalty of $112,684.
Arizona leads coalition urging Supreme Court to protect consumers in class action settlements
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Oct. 19 that he is leading a coalition of 17 attorneys general from across the nation to protect consumers from class action settlement process abuses.
Ninth Circuit tells beauty school it took too long to raise arbitration defense
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — In the case Martin v. Yasuda, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently ruled that the Amarillo College of Hairdressing beauty school must litigate its students' wage and hour claims because it waited too long to seek arbitration.
Brett W. Wilson named administrative judge of Maryland's First Judicial Circuit
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has announced that Judge Brett W. Wilson will assume the role of Administrative Judge for the First Judicial Circuit, effective January 1, 2017.
Two federal courts deliver differing decisions in lawsuits with Spokeo defense on same day
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - In October, two U.S. district courts came to opposite conclusions regarding Spokeo’s interpretation regarding the disclosure requirements of proving concrete injury under the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s (FCRA).
Customer accuses Macy's of false advertising
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — A Florida woman is suing Macy's, alleging false advertising.
FTC: NetSpend deceives consumers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Nov. 10 that it charged prepaid card company NetSpend Corporation with multiple allegations of customer deception.
FTC finalizes amendments to Used Car Rule
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Nov. 10 that it has made final amendments to its Used Car Rule.
FTC seeks public comments on proposed changes to Contact Lens Rule
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Nov. 10 that is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Contact Lens Rule, in addition to a multitude of other issues related to the rule.
Pennsylvania attorney general targets defunct Danville furniture store for alleged deception
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Bruce R. Beemer announced a lawsuit Oct. 19 against Rudy’s Mart, a defunct Danville furniture store, and owner Patricia Robinson for allegations of accepting payment for furniture never delivered.
EPA alleges Behr Iron and Metal releases harmful lead into air
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Nov. 9 that it issued a notice of violation to Behr Iron and Metal of Rockford, Illinois, for allegedly exceeding the health-based standards that limit air emissions of lead.
NFL agrees to multistate deal resolving antitrust allegations against price floor policy
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — The National Football League (NFL) has agreed to resolve antitrust concerns about its league-wide mandatory price floor policy, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Nov. 15.