News from 2017
Arbonne consultants allege company operates an illegal pyramid scheme
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A Texas couple have filed a lawsuit against international multilevel marketing company Arbonne alleging it is "a pyramid scheme masquerading as a direct seller of health and beauty products," their suit states.
Environmental Law and Policy Center, Advocates for a Clean Lake Erie seek disapproval of Ohio impaired water list
AKRON, Ohio (Legal Newsline) – Two organizations are seeking a review of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's list of impaired waters, arguing that the open waters of Lake Erie should be included.
Trade associations seek injunction against New York City's menu labeling enforcement
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A group of trade associations that represents food retailers, grocers and convenience stores alleges that New York City's implementation of menu labeling regulations is unlawful.
Man claims Smile Brand Finance's collection calls violate federal law
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A California man alleges a dental finance company has been unlawfully contacting him.
Woman claims Clarins' anti-cellulite lotion claims are misleading
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – An Illinois consumer alleges she paid an unjustified premium price for anti-cellulite cream she claims is falsely advertised.
Man alleges Barclays Center denied employment because of misdemeanor in background check, files class action
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York man alleges he was unlawfully denied employment because of the results of a background screening.
Exxon claims $2 million penalty issued by feds is unlawful
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) – Exxon Mobil is challenging a $2 million penalty imposed on it by the federal government.
Arizona announces $240,000 judgment against mortgage relief company after alleged scam
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced July 26 that his office has obtained a $241,401 judgment against Mortgage Relief Solutions Inc. (MRS) and owner Eric David Brown over allegations of consumer fraud.
Court enters permanent injunction against Crown Labs after alleged distribution of misbranded drugs
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced July 27 that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against Crown Laboratories Inc. and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Bedard to stop the alleged distribution of unapproved and misbranded drugs.
Two major pharmaceuticals agree to FTC divestiture settlement
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced July 20 that Baxter International Inc. and Claris Lifesciences Limited will divest two types of pharmaceutical products to settle anti-competitive allegations related to Baxter’s proposed $625 million acquisition of Claris’ injectable drugs business.
Justice Department accuses two Louisiana companies of Immigration and Nationality Act violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced July 26 it has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana-based companies Technical Marine Maintenance Texas LLC, which provides contract shipyard labor, and Gulf Coast Workforce LLC, a related company, for allegedly violating the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Maryland law library director awarded for public service
Steve Anderson, Director of the Maryland State Law Library, has been honored with the 2017 Roy M. Mersky Spirit of Law Librarianship Award for Public Service.
Jet's Pizza seeks dismissal of complaint over Jumbo Jet Deal advertisement
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) – A Missouri pizza shop has asked a federal court to dismiss a class action lawsuit that alleges it failed to mention additional pizza topping charges in an ad.
Kiss My Face files motion to stay in case questioning the use of 'natural' on labels
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A cosmetics company at the center of a class action lawsuit has requested the court hold off on a decision until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines the term "natural."
Law firms disagree about dividing up $8.6 million in fees awarded in Wells Fargo settlement
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A dispute has arisen over the division of attorneys fees awarded by an Iowa court following a settlement in a class action case against Wells Fargo.
Federal appeals court rules Surface Transportation Board exceeded authority
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit ruled that the Surface Transportation Board has exceeded its authority to define on-time performance of railway companies.
Freedom Watch Inc. alleges Judicial Watch, American Conservation Union is restraining trade
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) – A government watchdog group alleges that it has been deprived of a crucial opportunity to fundraise and fulfill its mission because of the actions of another watchdog group and an organization.
Frontier files suit over West Virginia's House Bill 3093
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) – The West Virginia arm of Frontier Communications has filed a suit against the state's governor and other officials regarding House Bill 3093, which pertains to access to utility poles.
Atkins Nutritionals Inc. alleged to have deceptively marketed net carbs of food products
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – The maker of Atkins food products is accused of deceptively marking the products with 'net carbs' to mislead customers about the impact on blood sugar levels.
Plain Green LLC, Great Plains Lending LLC accused of charging interest rates of more than 100 percent
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) – Three Virginia consumers allege they were charged excessive interest rates on loans.