Plaintiffs’ Fraudulent Joinder Tactic Results in Dismissal
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- Defendants successfully argued “fraudulent joinder” in Bahalim v. Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , winning dismissal of the case in its entirety. [1] The case was decided on Plaintiffs’ motion to remand and Defendants’ motions to dismiss after Defendant Ferring Pharmaceuticals removed the suit to federal... ›
California’s New Spray Adhesive and Aerosol Coatings Requirements – Will You Be Ready on January 1?
A trap for unwary manufacturers and retailers is the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations for consumer and other products sold in the state. These rules limit the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other greenhouse gas–producing chemicals. CARB enforces these regulations with... ›Rare Court Decision in CPSC-Backed Enforcement Action
By: Erin M. Bosman and Julie Y. Park
A federal district court in Wisconsin recently ruled against a product manufacturer, finding it liable for failing to report timely in a rare U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)‑backed lawsuit. United States v. Spectrum Brands, Inc. , No. 15-CV-371-WMC, 2016 WL 6835371, at *24... ›The Ninth Circuit Kills GMO Pesticide Regulations in Hawaii Counties
On November 18, 2016, the Ninth Circuit issued five rulings rejecting three Hawaii counties’ attempts to regulate pesticides and genetically modified crops, finding that the regulations were preempted by state and federal laws. Alika Atay et al. v. County of Maui et. al. In... ›Court Issues $29 Million Judgment Against Pure Green Coffee Weight-Loss Pills in FTC Deceptive Advertising Suit
On November 2, 2016, a Florida Federal District Court issued a $29 million judgment against the marketer of Pure Green Coffee extract weight-loss pills in a deceptive advertising suit brought by the Federal Trade Commission. District Court Judge Steven Mayberry of the Middle District... ›FTC Workshop on New Drone Technologies Raises Familiar Privacy Issues
By: Julie O'Neill
The Federal Trade Commission’s recent workshop on drones raised familiar issues related to the privacy implications of a new and evolving technology. While the many potential innovations and consumer benefits of drone technology were highlighted, the workshop’s focus was on whether drones raise unique... ›To Your Health: FDA Redefining the Term “Healthy” on Food Labels
On September 27, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has begun a public process to redefine the term “healthy” on food labels. As part of the public process, the FDA is soliciting input from consumers and businesses on their... ›Consumer Products Face New Challenge: State Finds That Many Common Products Must be Managed as Hazardous Waste When Disposed Of
California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has released the results of aquatic toxicity testing on over-the-counter remedies, health and beauty products, and cleaning products. The results indicate that over one-in-four of the tested everyday products fail the department’s acute aquatic toxicity fish bioassay... ›A Berry Mixed Decision: Consumer Class Action Challenging Packaging of “Himalania” Goji Berries Largely Survives Motion to Dismiss
On September 2, 2016, United States District Judge Dean P. Pregerson for the Central District of California granted in part and denied in part a motion to dismiss a class action complaint alleging violations of the UCL and CLRA against defendants that market and... ›- - TCPA
“Human Intervention” in Calling System Dooms Plaintiff’s TCPA Claim
Another Florida district court, another favorable ruling for companies facing TCPA lawsuits. In Pozo v. Stellar Recovery Collection Agency, Inc. , U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli granted summary judgment for defendant Stellar Recovery Collection Agency, Inc. (“Stellar”) after determining that the “point and... ›