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Morrison Foerster’s Class Dismissed blog provides insights and reports on the latest news, developments, and trends that affect consumer-facing companies. Subscribe to receive the latest updates by attorneys from our nationally recognized Consumer Class Action and Product Liability practices.

September 18, 2019 - Consumer Products
Outnumbered But in Charge: Democrat Commissioner Robert Adler Elected to Vice-Chair of CPSC
By: Erin M. Bosman and Julie Y. Park
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently elected Commissioner Robert Adler to serve as vice-chair of the CPSC. Commissioner Adler, a Democrat who has served on the CPSC since 2009, is a surprising choice for the No. 2 spot, elected to the position
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July 03, 2019 - FDA, Drug & Medical Device, Product Liability, Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices
Committed to Clarity: FDA’s Dedication to Transparency with the End of ASR
By: Erin M. Bosman and Julie Y. Park
On June 21, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report titled “Statement on agency’s efforts to increase transparency in medical device reporting.” This report describes updates to FDA’s Medical Device Reporting (MDR) Program, namely the conclusion of the Alternative Summary Reporting (ASR) Program.
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June 20, 2019 - Internet of Things, Product Liability, Consumer Products, CPSC
Change Is in the Air: Buerkle Withdraws Her Nomination to Chair the CPSC
By: Erin M. Bosman and Julie Y. Park
This week, Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle withdrew her nomination to serve as Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). She will wrap up her tenure as Acting Chairman, a position she has held since February 2017, on September 30, and will
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June 14, 2019 - TCPA
Fourth Circuit’s Decision Revitalizes First Amendment Challenge to the TCPA
By: Tiffany Cheung
In 1943, the United States Supreme Court considered the constitutionality of an ordinance that prohibited door knocking in Martin v. Struthers , 319 U.S. 141 (1943). The Supreme Court, in its landmark free speech decision, concluded that the ordinance was invalid because it was
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June 12, 2019 - Appellate & Supreme Court, Class Certification, Product Liability, Consumer Products, Class Action
Ninth Circuit’s En Banc Hyundai Decision: Less Strict Standard For Settlement Classes
By: Penelope A. Preovolos
On June 7, 2019, an en banc Ninth Circuit panel affirmed certification of a nationwide settlement class and held, 8-3, that class certification criteria are applied less strictly in a settlement context.[1] Hyundai II preserves the ability to certify nationwide settlement classes while maintaining
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June 10, 2019 - Privacy, Consumer Products
Nevada Enacts CCPA-Style Opt-Out Right for Consumers—but Similarities Are Few
By: Julie O'Neill
Nevada just joined California as the second state to enact an opt-out right for consumers from the “sale” of their personal information. Senate Bill 220 , which was signed into law on May 29, 2019, is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2019,
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June 06, 2019 - False Advertising, Food Misbranding, Consumer Products
“Natural” Complaint Barks Up the Wrong Tree
By: Claudia M. Vetesi
A New York federal court recently dismissed a putative class action alleging that a line of dog food products was improperly labeled as “natural” where the plaintiff alleged that the products contained only trace amounts of glyphosate, an herbicide. See Parks v. Ainsworth Pet
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June 05, 2019 - Appellate & Supreme Court, FDA, Product Liability, Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices
Supreme Court Decides Prescription Drug Preemption Case in Favor of Drug Manufacturer
By: Erin M. Bosman and Julie Y. Park
The United States Supreme Court finally clarified its 11-year-old “clear evidence” standard for pharmaceutical preemption. In its much-anticipated opinion delivered by Justice Breyer, the Court unanimously reversed the Third Circuit’s holding that questions of pharmaceutical preemption should be decided by juries. Merck Sharp &
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June 04, 2019 - Privacy, Consumer Products
CCPA: California Assembly Passes Additional Bills to Amend the CCPA
By: Nathan D. Taylor
Prior to the California Legislature’s May 31, 2019 deadline to pass bills out of their chamber of origin, the California Assembly passed six additional bills that would amend the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA” or “Act”). The California Senate now has until September 13,
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May 23, 2019 - Privacy, Internet of Things
Youth Protection in Germany: Online Age Checks and Daytime Blackouts Ahead?
By: Christoph Nüßing
Last week, German regulators decided to no longer accept the widely used “JusProg” software as a sufficient means for online service providers to comply with statutory youth protection requirements. The decision is effective immediately, although it will most likely be challenged in court. If
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