News from 2016
iPhone owners accuse Apple of concealing material design defect
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — Three iPhone owners are suing Apple, alleging unfair, deceptive and/or fraudulent business practices.
Baltimore celebrates adult drug treatment court graduation
Participants, family members, and friends gathered at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City on September 16 to celebrate a graduation ceremony held by the Adult Drug Treatment Court program.
Members of Congress want safe harbor provision in CFPB’s final arbitration rule
The federal lawmakers, in a letter sent to the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau earlier this month, urged the bureau to consider including a provision in the final rule that allows financial companies to retain class action waivers in their arbitration clauses. Under the CFPB’s current proposal, companies would be prohibited from putting mandatory arbitration clauses in new contracts.
FTC delivers final order in case involving Teva's acquisition of Allergan
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced, following a public comment period, it approved a final order in the Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. case.
Renna Optical in New York to pay $24,000 for allegedly violating Medicaid billing rules
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — New York state Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced a settlement agreement with John Renna, who does business as Renna Optical, after allegations he caused Medicaid to pay for eyewear in violation of Medicaid billing rules.
EEOC alleges casino violated federal disability discrimination laws
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a lawsuit against M.G. Oil Company, operators of Happy Jack’s Casino in South Dakota, for allegations for disability discrimination.
Oregon, Oracle agree to settlement in health care exchange case
SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) — Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum has announced the state of Oregon, Oracle America Inc. and Oracle reseller Mythics Inc. have agreed to a settlement in the Oregon health care exchange case.
EEOC targets MedStar Harbor Hospital for allegations of disability discrimination
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a lawsuit against MedStar Harbor Hospital for allegations of disability discrimination.
Self-proclaimed 'stock trading whiz kid' to pay nearly $1.5 million to resolve fraud allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced Manuel E. Jesus and his newsletter company Wealthpire Inc. will pay close to $1.5 million after allegations of defrauding subscribers through false statements and misrepresentations.
FTC, Justice Department urge U.S. Court of Appeals not to hear Texas Medical Board plea
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice recently joined forces in an amicus brief that urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to dismiss a Texas Medical Board appeal.
New York consumer accuses laundry supplies provider of negligent misrepresentation
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — A New York consumer is suing a laundry supplies provider, alleging false, misleading and deceptive business practices.
Florida seeks to ban Palm Beach jeweler from doing business after alleged deception
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a lawsuit against Christopher Kaufmann and his jewelry store for alleged deceptive jewelry consignment practices.
Illinois consumer alleges cleaning products manufacturer misled public
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (Legal Newsline) — An Illinois woman is suing a cleaning products manufacturer, alleging unfair, false and misleading business practices.
Maryland Judiciary expands legal help with new center on Eastern Shore
The Maryland Judiciary is set to enhance its services for residents on the Eastern Shore with civil matters in District Court.
WLF pushes Minn. federal court to strike down U.S. Department of Labor’s ‘persuader rule’
In its brief, the Washington Legal Foundation contends the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota erred by holding at the preliminary injunction stage that the plaintiffs’ facial challenge to the Persuader Advice Exemption Rule can succeed only by showing that the rule would be invalid in all of its applications.
Uber sees $100 settlement rejected but wins appeal of arbitration issue
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – When a federal judge rejected Uber’s $100 settlement offer, it looked like a big loss for the ride-sharing company. Now it looks like it might have been the best thing that could have happened to Uber.
Defense attorney: Better customer outreach by companies can help head off class actions
Michael Mallow, an attorney with Sidley Austin LLP, contends companies first need to recognize there is a problem with their goods or services and then try to take care of it on their own, that way there is no need for or ability to bring a class action lawsuit.
Two consumers allege Babyganics misled public
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Two consumers are suing a baby care products manufacturer, alleging false and misleading identification of products.
U.S. accuses Nexstar, Media General of unfair business practices
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. government is suing Nexstar and Media General, alleging unfair business practices.
Pfizer hit with class action over Chapstick
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Two consumers are suing Pfizer, a personal care product manufacturer, alleging negligent misrepresentation.