Case Filings Alert™ reports on new cases filed in courts around the country, alerting you to significant new cases at the beginning of the litigation process, long before the case is settled or a decision handed down. For each case reported on, the full complaint and docket information are included, so you will be able to follow the case as it works its way through the litigation process and obtain documents filed in the case.
Case Filings Alert covers a wide range of civil litigation subjects including: antitrust/unfair trade, constitution, consumer fraud, cybersecurity, data privacy, environment, intellectual property, labor & employment, personal injury/product liability, securities, among others.
Editor: Robert S. Want (rwant@CaseFilingsAlert.com). Copyright © 2025 WANT Publishing Co. Other services include NationsCourts.com (comprehensive guide to the nation’s federal, state, and county courts), MDLCases.com (introduction to multidistrict litigation, and listing of pending MDL cases), and LegalEditor.com (editing, writing and proofreading services).
January 22, 2025 – Voting Rights
Justice Dep’t Claims City’s ‘At-Large’ Election System Discriminates Against Hispanic Voters
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil action seeking to have the court declare that Pennsylvania city Hazleton’s method of electing council members citywide instead of by districts has illegally diluted the political power of the city’s growing Hispanic population.
The Justice Department, in its lawsuit filed in federal court in Scranton, Pa., alleges that the “at-large” system “results in Hispanic citizens not having an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of their choice,” a violation of the federal Voting Rights Act. Hispanic voting-age citizens make up more than 40% of the city’s electorate but routinely lose city council elections.
The complaint argues that changing the method of election can create opportunities for Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice to the Hazleton City Council. For example, the complaint says, by electing council members from single-member districts, Hispanic voters would have an opportunity to elect at least two members of the five-member city council. The suit seeks a federal court order implementing a new method of council elections.
January 21, 2025 – Consumer Fraud
P&G Faces Suit Alleging It Deceptively Marketed Sleep Products as ‘Natural’
The Procter & Gamble Co. has been hit with a proposed class action filed in San Diego federal court, accusing the company of falsely advertising its “PURE Zzzs” melatonin products as helping consumers “fall asleep naturally” when in fact the products contain synthetic ingredients.
The complaint states that P&G’s advertising misleads reasonable consumers who rely on the “natural” representations when purchasing the sleep aids. The synthetic ingredients, the complaint argues, cannot “naturally” help someone sleep. Plaintiff in her lawsuit highlights consumer reliance on the term “natural,” saying that the synthetic production of melatonin contradicts the product’s core marketing message.
Plaintiff says she would not have bought the items had she known they contained artificial ingredients. She seeks to halt what she describes as P&G’s deceptive “greenwashing” practices, calling for corrective advertising to prevent consumers from being misled about the nature of the products.
January 20, 2025 – Securities
BioAge Said to Mislead Investors on Weight Loss Trial Before IPO
Biopharmaceutical company BioAge Labs Inc. and its executives have been accused of misleading investors ahead of its 2024 initial public offering (IPO) about an experimental clinical weight-loss drug trial that was ended by liver damage concerns, sending the stock down 77%.
BioAge’s September IPO registration statement had projected an air of safety regarding the phase 2 trial, including that it expected “topline results in the third quarter of 2025″ and was entering a collaboration with a reputable pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, according to the complaint filed in San Francisco federal court.
BioAge’s IPO filings, the complaint asserts, portrayed the drug as promising, citing its potential to “recapitulate the metabolic benefits of exercise.” Investors were assured of collaboration with Lilly’s clinical experts and anticipated “topline results in 2025,” with no mention of possible adverse effects observed in preclinical studies or prior trials. Following the trial’s discontinuation, the complaint says, BioAge’s stock price plummeted from $20.09 to $4.65 per share, leaving investors with significant losses.
January 17, 2025 – Intellectual Property
Woods-McIlroy Golf League Sues to Establish Right to Use ‘LA Golf Club’
A professional virtual golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has sued a golf equipment company on the eve of the league’s launch to secure rights to use “LA Golf Club” as a team name.
Plaintiff TGL Golf Holdings accuses equipment company LA Golf Partners (LAGP) of failing to properly object to plaintiff’s trademark registrations but claiming infringement just four days before the league’s launch and eight months after its last communication, according to the complaint filed in federal court in Wilmington, Del.
In its lawsuit, TGL contends that its use of trademarks such as “Los Angeles Golf Club” does not infringe on LAGP’s rights, as the abbreviation “LA” is geographically descriptive and widely associated with Los Angeles, citing other sports teams using similar nomenclature. The new league, the complaint says, features six teams from major cities, combining PGA Tour talent with advanced technology in a virtual golf format.
January 16, 2025 – Cybersecurity
H&R Block Faces Lawsuit Over Data Breach Impacting Thousands
Tax-preparation service H&R Block Inc. negligently failed to protect the personal information of more than 23,000 people that was exposed in a data breach that lasted nearly three months, alleges a proposed class action filed in federal court in Kansas City, Mo.
Plaintiff claims in his lawsuit that H&R Block breached its duties under federal and state law in failing to implement reasonable and adequate data-security measures and provide timely notice of the breach. The breach, which occurred between May and August 2024, allowed cybercriminals to access unencrypted data, including Social Security numbers and financial records, putting thousands at risk of identity theft, plaintiff claims.
The stolen data, according to the complaint, has already appeared on the dark web, where victims face increased risks of identity theft and fraud, with potential misuse ranging from fraudulent loans to unauthorized tax filings. Plaintiff seeks damages for invasion of privacy, time spent mitigating risks, and diminished value of personal information.
January 15, 2025 – Housing
Consumer Bureau Accuses Vanderbilt Mortgage of Predatory Lending Practices
The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance Inc., alleging the company made irresponsible loans to vulnerable borrowers, in violation of federal law.
In its suit filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Tennessee, the CFPB alleges that Vanderbilt, a mortgage finance firm specializing in manufactured-home financing, failed to determine whether borrowers could reasonably repay their loans. “Vanderbilt saddled borrowers in the greatest need with mortgages that they couldn’t reasonably afford to repay,” the complaint states. Vanderbilt is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate.
According to the CFBP, Vanderbilt’s underwriting process relied on unrealistic expense estimates and disregarded borrowers’ existing financial difficulties. These practices, the suit says, led to widespread delinquencies and home repossessions, with borrowers subjected to late fees, penalties, and, in some cases, bankruptcy due to the loans’ unaffordability. The agency seeks restitution for affected consumers and the prevention of future violations of the Truth in Lending Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Act.
January 14, 2025 – Product Liability
Power Tool Manufacturer Faces Lawsuit Over Allegedly Fire-Prone Batteries
A Chinese power tool manufacturer that does business in the U.S. and Canada has been hit with a proposed class action in Chicago federal court, claiming that its “SKIL PWRCore” 40-volt lithium-ion batteries are a fire hazard.
Plaintiff says in his lawsuit that he intended to purchase a product that would be safe for normal use, “but instead was sold a dangerous fire hazard that eventually overheated and melted.” Defendant in the suit is Chevron North America, which imports from China a number of electric construction and landscaping tools, as well as lithium-ion batteries through associated brands like EGO, SKIL, FLEX, DEVON, and X-TRON.
The complaint notes the recall of Chervon’s 40-volt lithium batteries for SKIL brand lawnmowers and other outdoor tools issued Dec.19 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The suit seeks damages for defective design, failure to warn, and breach of warranty, among other claims. It further alleges that Chervon failed to adopt alternative designs that could have mitigated the hazard.
January 13, 2025 – Consumer Fraud
Lawsuit Alleges False Advertising of Similac and PediaSure Infant Formulas
Abbott Laboratories, manufacturer of Similac and PediaSure nutritional formulas, faces a proposed class action from parents alleging that the company’s “toddler milk” products, marketed as essential for children over one year old, are nutritionally unnecessary and exploit parental concerns about child development.
The products at issue are Similac “Go & Grow” and PediaSure “Grow & Gain,” which are both marketed toward toddlers 12 months or older, according to the complaint filed in San Francisco federal court. While the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has established nutritional and labeling standards for infant formula, the complaint says, these regulations apply only to products intended for children under 12 months of age.
In their lawsuit, plaintiffs argue that this gap in regulation results in children over one year old consuming products of questionable nutritional value, as Abbott adds sugar and other unhealthy ingredients to its toddler milk products. Plaintiffs accuse Abbott of taking advantage of parents’ desire to provide healthy food options for their children but, as a result, pulling them away from breast milk and other options scientifically proven to be nutritional.
January 10, 2025 – Environment
Maryland Files Lawsuit Against W.L. Gore Over “Forever Chemicals” Pollution
Maryland has filed a lawsuit against W.L. Gore & Associates, accusing the company of contaminating state resources with “forever chemicals” (PFAS) used in the production of raincoats and other outdoor gear.
According to the complaint filed in federal court in Baltimore, Md., Gore’s operations released PFAS into the environment through multiple pathways. The chemicals, the complaint says, have contaminated soil, groundwater, surface water, and drinking water, threatening public health and natural resources.
The state asserts in its lawsuit that Gore was aware of the dangers of PFAS as early as the 1960s but concealed the risks to protect its corporate image. “Gore knew that PFAS … were persistent and would remain in the environment for hundreds of years, leaving a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the suit contends. “The people of Maryland should not bear the cost of cleaning up pollution caused by corporate negligence.”
January 9, 2025 – College Athletics
Texas Sues NCAA Over Transgender Competition in Women’s Sports
The State of Texas has sued the National Collegiate Athletics Association over its policies allowing some transgender athletes to compete in women’s athletic competitions, accusing the NCAA of false advertising by allowing “biological males” to compete in events labeled as women’s competitions.
In its lawsuit filed in Lubbock County District Court, Texas claims that the NCAA’s policy allowing some transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The state seeks a permanent injunction barring the NCAA from allowing transgender women to compete on women’s sports teams at Texas colleges or in women’s sporting events in Texas.
Texas says that allowing male athletes in women’s competitions disadvantages female participants, depriving them of titles, scholarships, and fair competition opportunities. “Men competing in women’s sports,” the state argues, “is inherently unfair and unsafe due to their [males’] physiological advantages.” Alternatively, Texas asks that the court prohibit the NCAA from using the term “women” in relation to teams or competitions in Texas where transgender women are allowed to compete.
January 8, 2025 – Healthcare
Justice Dep’t Accuses CVS of Boosting Profits Through Excessive Opioid Prescriptions
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued CVS, claiming that the pharmaceutical chain “fed dependence and addiction” on opioids when it filled excessive prescriptions and then asked federal health insurance programs to pay for them.
According to the complaint filed in federal court in the District of Rhode Island, CVS “knowingly filled prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.” In its lawsuit, the Justice Department claims that the scheme dates back over a decade, and involves invalid prescriptions for “dangerous and excessive quantities” of opioids and early fills of the drugs.
Many of the illicit prescriptions, the Justice Department says, were done for prescribers whom CVS knew to be engaged in “pill mill practices,” loosely prescribing controlled substance prescriptions without a sufficient purpose. CVS ignored explicit warnings from their own pharmacists who urged the company not to fill any more prescriptions from suspicious prescribers, the department alleges.
January 7, 2025 – Consumer Fraud
Hair Loss Alleged to Be Caused by Mielle Organics
In a proposed class action, plaintiffs claim Mielle Organics Hair Oil does not work as advertised, and ingredients in the product can cause users to lose their hair.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil is marketed as a cosmetic product that is beneficial for hair growth, by strengthening hair strands and nourishing the scalp, according to the complaint filed in Chicago federal court. However, the complaint says the manufacturers knew or should have known about problems with certain ingredients in the product yet failed to adequately disclose the risk.
“No reasonable consumer would have paid any amount for cosmetic Products that contained ingredients causing hair loss and other injuries,” the complaint states, adding that in addition to hair loss, the product can cause blisters and sores on the scalp and is not fit to be sold on the market to unsuspecting consumers. The suit advances claims of fraud, unjust enrichment, and violation of state and federal consumer fraud laws.
January 6, 2025 – Product Liability
Video Games Addiction Lawsuit Says Minors Are Intentionally Targeted
Plaintiff alleges that the popular online video games Roblox and Fortnite are intentionally designed and marketed to minors, with little regard for the potential risks they pose to children’s health, including potential brain damage, cognitive decline, and other adverse effects.
Roblox is an online gaming platform that allows players to explore virtual worlds, create their own games, and interact with others, featuring customizable avatars and in-game purchases, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Fortnite combines competitive gameplay with creative modes, offering players the ability to purchase character upgrades and exclusive content.
The lawsuit seeks damages from Roblox Corp., Epic Games, and other unnamed defendants, claiming that the games are designed with addictive features and exploitative monetization strategies that target minors, leading to significant physical, mental, and financial harm, including the promotion of excessive in-game purchases.
NO DAILY POSTINGS
DEC 23 – JAN 4, 2025
December 20, 2024 – Antitrust
Justice Department Sues Visa for Allegedly Monopolizing Debit Card Market
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Visa, accusing the company of monopolization and other unlawful conduct in debit network markets in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
According to the complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, Visa illegally maintains a monopoly over debit network markets by using its dominance to thwart the growth of its existing competitors and to prevent others from developing new and innovative alternatives. More than 60% of debit transactions in the United States run on Visa’s debit network, the complaint says, allowing it to charge over $7 billion in fees each year for processing those transactions.
In its suit, the Justice Department alleges that Visa illegally maintains its monopoly power by insulating itself from competition. For example, the department says, Visa wields its dominance, enormous scale, and centrality to the debit ecosystem to impose a “web of exclusionary agreements on merchants and banks.” These agreements penalize Visa’s customers who route transactions to a different debit network or alternative payment system. In so doing, the complaint contends, Visa “locks up debit volume, insulates itself from competition, and smothers smaller, lower-priced competitors.”
December 19, 2024 – Labor & Employment
Coach Failed to Provide Advance Notice Before Worker Layoffs, Lawsuit Alleges
Proposed class action claims bus company Coach USA failed to give employees at least 60 days’ advance notice prior to a mass layoff in August 2024.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in the District of New Jersey by three plaintiffs who worked as bus drivers for the company, which is owned by defendant Variant Equity Advisors. In their suit, plaintiffs claim that Coach violated the federal Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification (WARN) Act when it terminated them and at least 50 other full-time employees without proper advance notice.
In addition, according to the complaint, Coach failed to give employees severance pay equal to one week of wages for each year of their employment, in violation of the WARN Act. Following the layoff, the complaint says, the company also unlawfully neglected to pay workers all compensation due, including their respective wages, salaries, commissions, and bonuses.
December 18, 2024 – Product Liability
Intel Core Processors Alleged to Have ‘Chronic Instability Issues’
A proposed class action has been filed against semiconductor manufacturer Intel, claiming the company has known about defects with its Raptor Lake core processors since at least 2022 but has refused to repair or replace computers damaged by the issue.
Intel Raptor Lake is the codename for the company’s 13th and 14th generation core processors, which were first released on October 20, 2022, according to the complaint filed in federal court in the District of Delaware. The core processors, the complaint says, are a key component of a computer’s central processing unit, which carries out various instructions and performs calculations that allow the system to work.
In their lawsuit, plaintiffs allege that shortly after the Raptor Lake processors were released, problems began to emerge, including reports of elevated voltage in computers when they were idling or in light activity periods, which can cause permanent damage to machines running the processors. Intel knew about the “chronic instability issues” with the chips since at least late 2022, plaintiffs contend, but has refused to address the problems or issue a recall for the processors, as part of an effort to maximize profits at the expense of customers.
December 17, 2024 – Intellectual Property
Google Sued for Trademark Violation Over ‘Gemini’ AI System
Google faces a lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court over its Gemini artificial intelligence system, the suit filed by an AI company that claims to have trademark rights to the “Gemini” name.
The plaintiff, Gemini Data Co., alleges trademark infringement and unfair competition, and asks the court to bar Google from continued use of the “Gemini” name and to award unspecified monetary damages.
In its suit, plaintiff claims Google “knowingly and willfully” violated Gemini Data’s intellectual property rights by co-opting “Gemini” to brand Google’s AI system. Plaintiff, which makes an AI assistant platform, says Google’s use of the term would confuse consumers. The suit notes that Google was denied a trademark registration for “Gemini” at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office based on likely confusion with Gemini Data’s marks.
December 16, 2024 – Disability Act
FedEx Sidelines or Fires Employees With Disabilities, EEOC Claims
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has sued FedEx, accusing the company of placing disabled transport workers on unpaid leave or firing them if they were not “100% healed.”
The lawsuit, filed in Minnesota federal court, accuses FedEx of disability discrimination against a nationwide class of ramp transport drivers who carry cargo between airport ramps and terminals. The EEOC alleges in its suit that since at least 2019, FedEx has had a policy of requiring the drivers to be completely healed before returning to work, rather than granting them accommodations as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
The EEOC says its civil action stems from complaints filed with the agency by a Minneapolis-based driver who claims she was fired in 2021 because she has chronic back pain and a Las Vegas-based driver who fractured her vertebrae in a work-related accident and has been on unpaid leave since November 2022. FedEx’s “100% healed policies” cost workers their livelihoods without giving consideration to their specific circumstances, the agency says.
December 13, 2024 – Product Liability
Jeep 2021-2023 Wrangler and Gladiator Vehicles Pose Fire Risk, Lawsuit Alleges
Four Jeep owners have joined in a proposed class action in Detroit federal court, following the launch of a federal investigation that is looking into why certain Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles from recent model years are spontaneously catching fire.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began its investigation into 2021 to 2023 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles following a number of reports involving spontaneous engine fires occurring while the vehicles are moving, or when they are parked and turned off, according to the complaint. The ongoing investigation, the complaint says, has found evidence suggesting that the problems may be the result of a defective part in the Jeep vehicles, which appears to be the power steering pump electrical connector.
Plaintiffs in their lawsuit argue that Jeep’s parent company, FCA US, should have known about the fire risk in the Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles, but has failed to issue a recall despite the ongoing NHTSA investigation.
December 12, 2024 – Constitution
Publishing Companies and Authors File Suit Over Florida Book Bans
Some of the nation’s largest publishing companies and bestselling young adult authors have filed a lawsuit challenging as unconstitutional a Florida law regulating books in school libraries.
Plaintiffs — including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, authors John Green, Jodi Picoult, Laurie Halse Anderson, and others — filed the suit in federal court in Orlando, Fla., against Florida state education officials and Orange County and Volusia County School Boards. In their suit, plaintiffs seek to block state law HB 1069, which gives parents more control over what books are allowed in school libraries.
The law, according to the complaint, bans school books that are considered pornographic or inappropriate and requires schools to catalog their materials, as well as create a process for adults to challenge books they object to. HB 1069 violates the First Amendment rights of publishers and authors by imposing “a regime of strict censorship in school libraries,” the complaint argues, noting that hundreds of books that are not inappropriate are being pulled, including such classics as Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina,” Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughter-House Five.”
December 11, 2024 – Antitrust
Justice Dep’t Accuses RealPage of Enabling Collusion on Rents
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil action against real estate software company RealPage, accusing it of creating an illegal pricing scheme to charge tenants more in rent.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina, asserts that RealPage facilitated a price-fixing conspiracy that boosted rents beyond market forces for millions of people. The suit was joined by the states of North Carolina, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington.
RealPage’s software, YieldStar, gathers confidential real estate information, according to the Justice Department’s complaint. Landlords pay to use the software, the complaint says, and then share information about rents and occupancy rates that is otherwise confidential. Based on that data, an algorithm generates suggestions for what landlords should charge renters, and those figures are often higher than they would be in a competitive market, the department alleges.
December 10, 2024 – Cybersecurity
National Public Data Faces Lawsuit Alleging Data Breach Affecting Nearly 3 Billion Personal Records
Background check firm National Public Data has been hit with a proposed class action that claims deficient cybersecurity on its part resulted in a “foreseeable and preventable” data breach in which nearly 3 billion customer records were compromised.
According to the complaint filed in Miami federal court, the cyberattack, which first was detected in December 2023, impacted the personal information of its clients’ customers, compromising individuals’ full names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive data. In her lawsuit, plaintiff claims that since the cyberattack, she has been informed by TurboTax and Experian that her private data has been disseminated on the dark web.
Plaintiff contends that Jerico Pictures Inc. — which does business as National Public Data — could have prevented the incident had the company properly secured its computer network against cyberattacks. The company failed to implement data security protocols appropriate to the nature of the confidential information in its care and instead maintained, used, and shared the data in a “reckless manner,” plaintiff argues, noting that victims like her now face an ongoing threat of being targeted for cybercrimes.
December 9, 2024 – Product Liability
3M Faces Lawsuit Over ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Carpets and Rugs
3M Co., along with Corteva Co. and Chemours Inc., has been accused in a proposed class action filed in Minnesota federal court of covering up the health risks of “forever chemicals” used in carpets and rugs nationwide.
The lawsuit seeks to represent a class of everyone in the United States who bought and installed carpets before 2020 in buildings they own. It alleges PFAS — known as “forever chemicals” — made by the defendants, were used in “virtually all” carpets up to that time for stain and water resistance.
In their suit, plaintiffs seek economic damages to remove and replace contaminated carpets, as well as punitive damages, but do not seek personal injury claims. Plaintiffs accuse the companies of violating the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal law originally targeting organized crime that also allows civil claims over alleged conspiracies. The suit also includes claims under state consumer protection laws and common law claims of nuisance, failure to warn, and design defect.
December 6, 2024 – Labor & Employment
Justice Department Sues Mississippi State Senate for Race Discrimination
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi State Senate for discriminating against a Black former staff attorney in its Legislative Services Office (LSO).
The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, alleges that the Senate paid her about half the salary of her white colleagues in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII, according to the complaint, prohibits discrimination in compensation and other forms of employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.
In its complaint, the department claims that the Senate discriminated against the Black attorney by paying her significantly less than every other LSO attorney, all of whom were white. The complaint further charges that she and these other attorneys had substantially the same job responsibilities, and yet she was paid less than these attorneys throughout her eight-year tenure.
December 5, 2024 – Product Liability
Lawsuit Says BMW X1 Suffers from ‘Dangerous’ Rollaway Defect
A proposed class action alleges that 2023-to-present model year BMW X1 vehicles are equipped with powertrains crippled by a potentially deadly “rollaway defect” that can cause the car to roll in a direction opposite of the selected gear or fail to respond to throttle input.
According to the complaint filed in federal court in Charlottesville, Va., the X1 models at issue are equipped with a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine and seven-speed DCT Steptronic transmission that features fully electromechanical gearshift actuation and electrohydraulic dual-clutch engagement. Despite the transmission’s advanced design, the complaint says, it has exhibited several “operational deficiencies,” particularly at low speeds and in transition between drive, neutral, and reverse gears.
In their lawsuit, plaintiffs claim that the alleged BMW rollaway defect is a potentially life-threatening safety issue for which the automaker has refused to initiate a recall or offer replacement powertrains. One of the “primary symptoms” of the rollaway defect, plaintiffs say, is a pronounced delay in acceleration, which can be especially dangerous in situations that call for immediate acceleration, such as merging into traffic or avoiding sudden obstacles.
December 4, 2024 – Consumer Fraud
Walmart Charged More at Checkout Than Advertised on Pricing Stickers, Lawsuit Says
Walmart has charged higher prices for certain merchandise at the register than what is advertised on its product stickers, alleges a proposed class action filed in federal court in the Western District of Arkansas.
In her suit, plaintiff says that on February 1, 2024, she went to a Walmart located in Philadelphia to buy Tyson chicken nuggets and Carter’s baby clothing. When she checked out, plaintiff claims, the company’s point-of-sale system “deceptively” inflated the prices of the items beyond what was indicated on their respective price tags.
Such pricing discrepancy issues have occurred at Walmart stores nationwide, according to the complaint, and have misled customers who rely on its pricing stickers to identify the price of a product, determine whether the item is on sale, and compare prices with competing brands. “The information on rollback stickers, price stickers, and yellow stickers is integral to the plaintiff’s and customers’ decisions, as it induces them to purchase the offered products,” the complaint says.
December 3, 2024 – Constitution
Trans Teens File Challenge to New Hampshire Law Banning Them From Girls’ Sports
The families of two transgender teens in New Hampshire have filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that bans the teens from playing on girls’ sports teams at their public high schools.
The teens each knew from an early age they were girls and had been accepted as such by parents, peers, teammates and coaches, according to the complaint filed in federal court in Concord, N.H.
The suit says both girls have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, feelings of distress due to a mismatch between their birth sex and their gender identity. And both have been taking puberty-blocking medication to prevent bodily changes such as muscle development, facial hair growth, or a deepening voice that might add to that distress. Plaintiffs contend that the law violates constitutional protections and federal laws because the teens are being denied equal educational opportunities and are being discriminated against because they are transgender.
December 2, 2024 – Privacy
Lawsuit Alleges Formula One Secretly Shared Subscribers’ Personal Data With Facebook
A proposed class action filed in Brooklyn federal court accuses Formula One Digital Media Limited of secretly sharing F1 TV subscribers’ personal data with Facebook and Salesforce without consent.
The lawsuit alleges that the Formula One streaming service has violated federal privacy law by “knowingly using tracking technology” on Formula1.com that discloses users’ video-viewing behavior and personally identifying information to unauthorized third parties. According to the complaint, the tracking tools — which include Facebook’s Meta pixel and Salesforce’s application programming interface — automatically record and transmit subscribers’ activity on the website without their knowledge.
Plaintiff contends in his suit that when a subscriber uses the platform, the tracking codes disclose the title and URL of any video the consumer views. Notably, the plaintiff says, this information is sent to Facebook alongside the user’s Facebook ID, which is a unique identifier that can be used to “quickly and easily” locate an individual’s social media account.
November 29, 2024 – Environment
SpaceX Sued Over Alleged Unpermitted Wastewater Discharges at Its Rocket Launch Site
Environmental group Save RGV has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s SpaceX, claiming the company’s rocket launch site in southern Texas has been discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated industrial wastewater every time it launches or tests its rockets.
In its suit filed in federal court in Brownsville, Texas, plaintiff Save RGV requests that SpaceX halt all discharges of untreated wastewater from its “launch deluge system” unless properly permitted. The group claims that SpaceX’s operations at its Texas launch site have caused pollution in nearby waters, adversely affecting aquatic life and recreational activities.
The complaint alleges that SpaceX discharges up to 361,000 gallons of wastewater per launch or engine test through a deluge system activated to protect the launch pad. The wastewater, which may contain metals such as aluminum and mercury, is discharged into local waters without the required permit under the Clean Water Act, the complaint says. “Each activation of the deluge system,” Save RGV argues, “constitutes unpermitted discharges of industrial wastewater.”
November 27, 2024 – Antitrust
Video Game Company Accused of Being a ‘Platform Monopolist’
Video game developer and distributor Valve Corp. faces a proposed class action filed in Seattle federal court accusing it of barring publishers in its Steam online store from discounting their prices elsewhere, causing consumers to pay more for games.
Plaintiffs — four gamers in California, Florida, and Missouri —allege in their lawsuit that the company’s market dominance and billions of dollars in annual revenue came from “strangling competition” with price restraints. Plaintiffs contend that Valve was violating U.S. antitrust law by prohibiting PC game publishers from offering better deals on sites that compete with Steam.
A 30% fee that Valve imposes on game publishers that sell on Steam was also passed on to consumers through inflated prices for games, plaintiffs assert. “Valve’s staggering profits,” plaintiffs say, “have been generated at the expense of consumers who are overcharged when they purchase games and in-game content at inflated prices from Steam.” In their suit, plaintiffs seek class-action status on behalf of “at least millions” of gamers.
November 26, 2024 – Intellectual Property
Harvard Sues Samsung Over Chip-Production Patents
Harvard University has sued Samsung Electronics accusing the company of violating the university’s patent rights in technology related to chip manufacturing.
According to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Marshall, Texas, Samsung’s methods for manufacturing microprocessors and memory products infringe two patents covering inventions from Harvard chemistry professor Roy Gordon.
The suit says that the Harvard inventions cover “novel processes and materials for deposition of thin films containing cobalt or tungsten metals” that are essential to key components of numerous products such as computers and cell phones. Harvard’s complaint contends that Samsung uses the patented processes to make smartphone microprocessors and memory chips.
November 25, 2024 – Breach of Contract
Chipotle Alleged to ‘Cloak’ Costly Service Fee Within Tax Charged for Online Orders
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is said to have misled customers by hiding a big service fee within the tax charged for each online delivery order, according to a proposed class action filed in Los Angeles federal court.
In their lawsuit, plaintiffs claim that Chipotle, in an apparent example of “textbook fraud,” hides the service fee at issue “inside of a ‘Tax’ burrito,” as the charge is accessible only by clicking a drop-down menu next to “Tax” on the checkout page. Plaintiffs say that by hiding the service fee “under the cloak of taxes” in the online ordering process, Chipotle can “unjustly enrich itself by falsely making people believe they are paying taxes for the public good.”
The complaint notes that Chipotle’s prominent disclosure of a delivery fee is intentionally misleading, as consumers believe that it is the only fee being charged. In fact, the complaint says, it’s only after a transaction is completed that Chipotle discloses to the consumer that menu pricing is higher for delivery orders — about 50 percent higher.
November 22, 2024 – Consumer Fraud
Subway’s Steak & Cheese Sandwich Contains Far Less Meat Than Advertised, Lawsuit Alleges
Fast-food restaurant Subway faces a proposed class action filed in Brooklyn federal court that claims the chain’s Steak & Cheese sandwich contains substantially less meat than advertised.
According to the complaint, photographs that appear in Subway’s advertisements show the Steak & Cheese sandwich as containing “at least 200% more meat” than what customers actually receive when they order the sandwich. Numerous Subway customers, the complaint says, have complained on social media about the allegedly false advertising of the chain’s menu items, including both the Steak & Cheese and Cheesy Garlic Steak sandwiches.
Plaintiff argues in her lawsuit that Subway’s advertisements are “unfair and financially damaging” to customers, who receive sandwiches that are much lower in value than represented. The allegedly misleading ads, plaintiff says, cause consumers to make purchases they otherwise would not have made — and spend time and money taking trips to the restaurant or paying delivery fees.
November 21, 2024 – Product Liability
IVF Lawsuit Filed Over CooperSurgical Embryo Culture Media
Fertility company CooperSurgical faces a proposed class action filed in San Francisco federal court seeking to represent couples whose hopes for an IVF pregnancy were dashed when the company was forced to recall its Lifeglobal embryo culture media, because it was destroying fertilized eggs instead of causing them to grow as intended.
During in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to the complaint, healthcare professionals remove a woman’s eggs and fertilize them with sperm. The eggs are then implanted back into the woman’s uterus to be carried to term. The entire IVF process can take months or years, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars, the complaint says.
Late in 2023, CooperSurgical announced a LifeGlobal IVF culture media recall, after discovering that the product was defective. But since the company only notified retailers and distributors about the recall, the complaint says, a number of couples who incurred the financial and emotional costs associated with failed fertility treatment only belatedly learned that defective culture media may be responsible for their lost embryos.
November 20, 2024 – Antitrust
StubHub Inflated Ticket Prices With Deceptive Fees, Lawsuit Alleges
The attorney general for Washington, D.C., has sued ticket reseller StubHub, accusing the platform of advertising deceptively low fees and then inflating prices with extra charges.
This practice, known as “drip pricing,” violates antitrust and consumer protection laws, according to the lawsuit filed in D.C. Superior Court. “StubHub intentionally hides the true price to boost profits at its customers’ expense,” the suit alleges, noting that the company used to advertise the “all-in” cost of a ticket but changed after finding that people are more likely to buy tickets at higher prices with the “drip pricing.”
The suit claims that StubHub hides mandatory “fulfillment and service” fees until the end of a lengthy online purchasing process that often requires more than a dozen pages to complete as a countdown timer creates a sense of urgency. This makes it “nearly impossible” for buyers to know the true cost of a ticket and compare to find the best price, the suit says.
November 19, 2024 – Privacy
Facebook Accused of Illegally Capturing Streaming Data for Targeted Ads
A proposed class action filed in San Francisco federal court alleges Facebook parent company Meta Platforms has, without consent, intercepted the sensitive and confidential communications of Paramount+, ESPN+, Hulu, and Starz subscribers with Facebook accounts while intentionally “obfuscating” how much and what kind of data it captures.
The lawsuit accuses Facebook of using its business advertising and metrics tools, facilitated primarily by the Facebook tracking pixel, to secretly intercept sensitive, confidential user communications. In particular, according to the complaint, Facebook can use its tracking pixel to match a streaming subscriber to their individual Facebook profile each time they access a website containing the pixel, such as those of Paramount+ and other streaming services.
Plaintiffs say in their suit that the streaming services at issue are among the largest in the country and spend millions annually on targeted Facebook advertisements. Given the scale and persistence of the data it collects from the streamers, plaintiffs contend, Facebook knows the streaming services disclose their users’ personally identifiable information, even though the services have no lawful right to do so and are in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act.
November 18, 2024 – Cybersecurity
Rite Aid Data Breach Suit Claims 2.2 Million People Impacted by Cyberattack
Rite Aid has been hit with a proposed class action over a 2024 data breach during which the sensitive personal information of roughly 2.2 million people was allegedly stolen.
The lawsuit, filed in Philadelphia federal court, says Rite Aid detected the cybersecurity incident on June 6, 2024, reportedly 12 hours after hackers had accessed its systems using employee credentials. Yet the company failed to notify those affected by the breach in a timely fashion. Plaintiff argues in her suit that the Aid data breach stemmed from the company’s failure to implement reasonable and appropriate cybersecurity measures to protect against “the foreseeable threat of a cyberattack.”
Plaintiff also asserts that Rite Aid’s internal investigation of the incident has not disclosed whether those responsible for the breach have been identified, whether the stolen data was held for ransom, how the breach was discovered, the mechanism of the attack, or what steps the company has taken to protect its systems in the wake of the incident.
November 15, 2024 – Intellectual Property
X Corp Faces Lawsuit from PR Firm over ‘X’ Trademark
In San Francisco federal court, Elon Musk’s X social media platform has been accused of violating the trademark rights of PR firm Multiply.
According to the complaint, X (formerly known as Twitter) causes consumer confusion by using the “X” trademark for social media marketing services that compete with that of plaintiff.
Plaintiff Multiply says it adopted “X” branding in 2019 and owns a federal trademark covering its “X” logo, noting that it created social media ad campaigns for drink brands including Arizona, Corona, and Liquid Death. The Twitter rebrand, Multiply claims, has already confused some of its existing and prospective clients, many of which overlap with X Corp’s.
November 14, 2024 – Consumer Fraud
Eggland’s Best Egg-Producing Hens Are Not Cage-Free as Advertised, Lawsuit Alleges
A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Eggland’s Best has falsely advertised its eggs as “cage-free,” given that most of the hens that produce the eggs live in “typical factory farming conditions” and never have outdoor access, alleges a proposed class action filed in Chicago federal court.
Many of the hens that produce the company’s purportedly cage-free eggs are housed “indoors 24 hours per day, 365 days per year,” in windowless structures made of concrete, metal, and dirt, according to the complaint. These structures, the complaint says, contain “hundreds of thousands of hens” packed so closely together that each bird has roughly one square foot of space, or less, to itself.
In their lawsuit, plaintiffs argue that by labeling the eggs with the claims “free to roam” and “natural,” Eggland’s Best has sought to attract consumers who specifically seek eggs from hens living in ethical, sustainable environments. Plaintiffs accuse the company of reaping an “unearned premium” by overcharging consumers for the supposedly cage-free eggs.
November 13, 2024 – Securities
SEC Charges Activist Short-Seller in $20 Million Fraud Scheme
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has filed a civil action against activist short seller Andrew Left and his firm, Citron Capital LLC, for engaging in a $20 million “bait-and-switch” scheme to defraud followers by publishing false and misleading statements regarding his supposed stock trading recommendations.
In Los Angeles federal court, the SEC alleges that Left used his Citron Research website and related social media platforms to publicly recommend taking long or short positions in multiple companies and held out the positions as consistent with his own and Citron Capital’s positions. Following Left’s recommendations, the complaint says, the price of the target stocks moved more than 12 percent on average.
The SEC asserts in its complaint that once the recommendations were issued and the stocks moved, Left and Citron Capital quickly reversed their positions to capitalize on the stock price movements. As a consequence, the complaint says, Left bought back stock immediately after telling his readers to sell and sold stock immediately after telling his readers to buy.
November 12, 2024 – Product Liability
General Mills Named in Cocoa Puffs Toxic Lead Lawsuit
General Mills faces a proposed class action alleging that its popular Cocoa Puffs cereal contains levels of lead that exceed safety limits, putting children and other consumers at risk of lead poisoning.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause permanent brain damage, nervous system injuries, cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, or other long-term health consequences, according to the complaint filed in San Francisco federal court. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, the complaint says, as they are still developing and do not usually show exposure signs or symptoms.
In his lawsuit, plaintiff asserts that independent laboratory testing has revealed that one cup (36 grams) of Cocoa Puff contains .432 micrograms (mcg) of lead. California regulations set a .5 mcg per day limit on lead. While the amount of lead in Cocoa Puff cereal was just below .5 mcg, plaintiff points out that most consumers eat far more than one cup per serving and thus are typically exposed to anywhere from .532 mcg to .996 mcg of lead per bowl of cereal.
November 11, 2024 – Intellectual Property
Skechers Sues LL Bean for Copying Shoe Design
In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, clothing and outdoor gear company LL Bean is accused by footwear maker Skechers USA of copying its popular shoe designs.
According to the complaint, defendant LL Bean’s Freeport casual shoes infringe on two Skecher-patented designs for “heel cups” that surround the back of the foot. Skechers is the world’s third-largest footwear company.
Skechers in its suit called its designs “unique and eye-catching” because they use “graceful, sweeping, gently rolling lines and slopes” resembling the shape of a heel. “Only after Skechers incurred the substantial risk and monumental expense of developing and promoting its shoes with these heel cup designs, and established that they had broad appeal, did LL Bean enter the market with its infringing shoe,” Skechers claims.
November 7, 2024 – Product Liability
Target Pressure Cooker Said to Cause Severe Burns From Instant Pot Explosion
A lawsuit alleges safety features on an Instant Pot pressure cooker sold by Target Corp. failed to prevent burn injuries caused by a defective float switch that allowed removal of the lid while the contents were still pressurized.
In her suit filed in Minnesota federal court, the plaintiff claims that she purchased an Instant Pot pressure cooker from Target that was defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous, containing safety features that failed to prevent the lid from being removed before all pressure was released, causing an explosion that left her with severe burns.
According to the complaint, plaintiff was using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp when the device allowed her to rotate and open the pressure cooker’s lid, even though there was still built-up pressure inside the pot. This malfunction, the complaint says, caused the pressure cooker to explode, forcefully ejecting the scalding contents all over plaintiff’s body, resulting in serious and substantial burn injuries.
November 6, 2024 – Constitution
Religious Group Seeks to Block Louisiana Law Requiring Public Schools to Display Ten Commandments
A multi-faith group has filed suit to block a new Louisiana state law requiring all public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
In their complaint filed in federal court in Baton Rouge, the plaintiffs, who are Christian, Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, and non-religious, allege that the newly enacted statute violates longstanding U.S. Supreme Court precedent and the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. More than 40 years ago, the complaint says, the Supreme Court overturned a similar state law, holding that the separation of church and state bars public schools from posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
The complaint further asserts that the law “substantially interferes with and burdens” parents’ First Amendment right to direct their children’s religious education and upbringing, and that, in approving and mandating the display of a specific version of the Ten Commandments, the law runs afoul of the First Amendment’s prohibition against the government taking sides on questions of theological debate.
November 5, 2024 – Environment
Lawsuit Challenges Federal Failure to Examine Risks of Idle Offshore Oil and Gas Infrastructure
The Center for Biological Diversity has sued the U.S. Interior Department, alleging an ongoing failure on the part of the department to examine the harms from offshore oil and gas drilling infrastructure that the oil industry has not decommissioned.
In the Gulf of Mexico, more than 2,700 wells and nearly 500 platforms were overdue for decommissioning — which requires plugging wells and removing platforms or other equipment — as of June 2023, according to the complaint filed in federal court in the District of Columbia. These inactive wells and platforms, the complaint says, “pose serious environmental and safety risks, including oil spills, methane leaks and explosions.”
The center’s lawsuit argues that Interior has violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to consider new information and changed circumstances showing that delayed decommissioning puts people and the environment at risk. The suit seeks to force the agency to conduct a new analysis that will better protect people, wildlife, and the Gulf environment.
November 4, 2024 – Securities
Nike Investors Allege Misrepresentations Regarding Consumer Marketing Strategy
Nike investors argue in a proposed class action filed in federal court in Portland, Ore., that the company misrepresented the success of its new direct-to-consumer strategy, which actually caused a major decline in market value and significant losses for stockholders.
In 2017, according to the complaint, Nike began implementing its “Consumer Direct Offense” strategy, which focused on increasing innovation and direct connections with consumers. Consumer Direct Offense, the complaint says, also emphasized Nike’s digital presence as a means of directly connecting with consumers, offering “greater digital expertise and control in the markets where consumer connections happen.”
The lawsuit alleges that (1) Nike’s direct-to-consumer strategy was unable to generate sustainable revenue growth; (2) the company’s purported competitive advantages were unable to protect it from intense competitive pressures after it largely disengaged from many of its wholesale and retail partners to focus on the direct-to-consumer strategy; and (3) as a result, Nike’s representations about its business operations and prospects were “materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.”
November 1, 2024 – Product Liability
Lawsuit Claims Hershey’s Bubble Yum Gum Contains Toxic PFAS Chemicals
In a proposed class action against Hersey Company, plaintiff alleges that defendant’s Bubble Yum bubble gum contains levels of PFAS that exceed safe limits established by California law, potentially exposing him and countless others to serious health risks.
PFAS are toxic chemicals that are widely used in consumer packaging materials, fabrics, Teflon, and a number of other products, according to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. Since they are known to take a long time to degrade inside human bodies and the environment, the complaint says, PFAS are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” and have been linked to a risk of several serious health complications, including kidney cancer, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
Plaintiff says in his lawsuit that pieces of the gum itself and the wrappers used in the packaging material contain potentially dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals. Hershey was aware that the gum exceeded PFAS safety standards but failed to disclose this fact to consumers, plaintiff says, adding that this was especially concerning since Hershey markets Bubble Yum to children, who may face a greater risk from PFAS chemicals due to the potential for hormone disruption, developmental issues, and immune system impairment
October 31, 2024 – Intellectual Property
Wall Street Journal Sues Perplexity AI for Copyright Infringement
News Corp, the parent company of The Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, is suing the artificial intelligence search engine Perplexity AI for infringing copyrighted content.
In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, News Corp alleges Perplexity copies news articles, analyses, and opinions “on a massive scale.” According to the complaint, Perplexity is an AI startup that trains its AI search models using content from around the web, allowing it to respond to user queries with a summary of its sources. The company, the complaint says, bills itself as a platform that lets users “skip the links” to online articles, which News Corp says drives “customers and critical revenues away from those copyright holders.”
“Seeking to capitalize on this vast market for content,” News Corp. argues, “defendant Perplexity has raised significant capital to build a so-called ‘answer engine.’ This engine, plaintiff contends, “copies on a massive scale, among other things, copyrighted news content, analysis, and opinion as inputs into its internal database. It then uses that copyrighted content to generate responses to users’ queries that are intended to and do act as a substitute for news and other information websites.”
October 30, 2024 – Securities
AI Start-up Made False Statements re ‘Home Companion’ Robot, SEC Charges
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission says Destiny Robotics Corp., an artificial intelligence and robotics start-up, and Megi Kavtaradze, its founder and CEO, made false and misleading statements regarding the company’s operations and products, including a robot that would be manufactured and sold as a home companion.
The SEC’s complaint, filed in Miami federal court, alleges that from February 2022 through March 2023, the defendants obtained approximately $141,000 from investors by claiming to be developing the world’s first humanoid AI robot at-home assistant and companion for delivery by 2023.
In truth, the complaint says, defendants were developing a robot that would have been much less sophisticated and capable than what was described to investors and had no realistic possibility of delivering the robot described to consumers by 2023. The SEC also claims that defendants falsely described Kavtaradze’s qualifications and failed to disclose his personal relationship with the lead investor.
October 29, 2024 – Consumer Fraud
L’il Critters Gummies Lawsuit Challenges Claim of ‘No Artificial Flavors’
A proposed class action filed in Los Angeles federal court alleges Church & Dwight Co. falsely advertises L’il Critters gummy supplements as free from artificial flavors when, in fact, the products contain DL malic acid, a synthetic flavoring ingredient.
The prominent “No Artificial Flavors” claim on the side of the supplements’ labels is meant to create the impression that the products are naturally flavored, according to the complaint. Consumers perceive naturally flavored products to be healthier than items whose taste comes from or is enhanced by synthetic additives, the complaint says.
Plaintiff alleges in her lawsuit that despite the “No Artificial Flavors” representation, the L’il Critters supplements are artificially flavored using DL malic acid, a highly processed substance commonly used to impart a sour, fruity flavor in food and beverage products. The additive is definitively artificial, plaintiff says, as it is not derived from any natural source or considered a “natural flavor” according to regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
October 28, 2024 – Privacy
DNA Testing Company Accused of Sharing Personal Data Without Consent
DNA testing company Nebula Genomics faces a proposed federal class action for allegedly violating an Illinois state law that restricts the collection and disclosure of personal genetic information.
Other defendants in the lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court include Meta, Microsoft, and Google. The suit claims that Nebula’s collection and sharing of genetic information with the technology companies violates the state’s Genetic Information Privacy Act, which makes it unlawful for a company to disclose genetic information without written approval.
According to the complaint, defendants Meta, Microsoft, and Google unjustly benefited from the disclosures by gaining the chance to offer its advertising customers enhanced profiles of web users. Nebula, the complaint says, “neither requested nor obtained written consent” from the plaintiff prior to sharing genetic information with the tech companies.
October 25, 2024 – Labor & Employment
Aerospace Company Raytheon Sued Over Alleged Age Discrimination
A proposed class action filed in Boston federal court claims RTX Corporation, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, has routinely discriminated against job applicants age 40 and over in favor of younger workers.
The 67-year-old plaintiff alleges in his lawsuit that Raytheon has refused to consider his numerous applications for lower-level positions because of his age. Raytheon’s application and hiring process, plaintiff says, disproportionately harms older workers and violates the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act and several state laws,
Plaintiff argues that Raytheon regularly posts job openings that show a “clear preference for younger workers” while deterring older individuals from applying. The postings, plaintiff says, often use phrases such as “recent college graduate,” “new graduate,” “recent graduate,” and other discriminatory language in a position’s title or job description.
October 24, 2024 – Product Liability
Popular Baby Bottle Brand Accused of Leaching Microplastics
A maker of plastic baby bottles has been hit with a proposed class action filed in San Francisco federal court, claiming the company failed to warn parents that the bottles leached dangerous microplastics when heated.
The lawsuit alleges that Philips North America failed to warn parents that the polypropylene bottles and cups under the brand Philips Avent could, when heated, expose infants to tiny flecks of plastic that can interfere with their digestive, reproductive, and immune systems.
Philips North America, according to the complaint, advertises that its products are “BPA free,” or free of Bisphenol A, a chemical known to leach from some plastics when they are heated. By assuring customers that the products are BPA free, the complaint says, the defendant is creating a false sense of security and misleading consumers about the dangers of their products, which leach microplastics into the liquids the cups and bottles contain.
October 23, 2024 – Cybersecurity
Panorama Eyecare Accused of Negligent Cybersecurity Resulting in Data Breach
A proposed class action claims lax cybersecurity on the part of Panorama Eyecare resulted in a data breach that compromised the personal information of around 378,000 current and former patients.
The lawsuit, filed in Denver federal court, alleges that Panorama, a physician-led management services organization serving eye clinic clients throughout Colorado and Wyoming, failed to protect patients’ data from hackers, who gained access to the defendant’s internal computer network between May 22 and June 4, 2023.
The sensitive personal information exposed in the incident, according to the complaint, may have included full names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, contact details, driver’s license or state ID numbers, financial account information, medical treatments and diagnoses, and health insurance information. The cyberattack, the complaint says, stemmed directly from defendant’s failure to implement reasonable data security measures to protect the personal information in its care — and defendant waited until nearly a year after the cyberattack occurred to begin sending data breach notices to victims.
October 22, 2024 – Intellectual Property
Beastie Boys Sue Chili’s Restaurant Chain Over ‘Sabotage’ Ads
The Beastie Boys have sued Chili’s restaurant owner Brinker International in Manhattan federal court, alleging Brinker used the rap trio’s 1994 song “Sabotage” to promote the Chili’s chain without the group’s permission.
The group argues in its lawsuit that Brinker unlawfully used “Sabotage” in Chili’s social-media ads, falsely implying that the Beastie Boys endorsed the restaurant chain. The suit alleges copyright and trademark infringement.
According to the complaint, the Beastie Boys formed in New York City in 1981 and dissolved in 2012 after founding member Adam “MCA” Yauch died of cancer. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier that year. “Sabotage,” the complaint says, was a single from the group’s 1994 album “Ill Communication” and gained fame for its music video, a parody of 1970s television police dramas.
October 21, 2024 – Disability Act
Justice Department Sues LA Fitness for ‘Systematic Discrimination’ Against Those With Disabilities
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court against LA Fitness, operated by Fitness International LLC, for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The department alleges in its suit that LA Fitness has systematically discriminated against individuals with disabilities by offering dysfunctional facilities, such as inoperable pool lifts and inaccessible showers, across its more than 700 locations in the U.S.
The complaint describes multiple instances where disabled patrons encountered barriers at LA Fitness facilities. For example, patrons with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities were either unable to use the gym’s amenities or forced to rely on assistance due to broken equipment. In some cases, the complaint says, patrons even had to crawl out of pools, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress.
October 17, 2024 – Securities
SEC Charges Founder of AI Hiring Startup Joonko with Fraud
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has charged Ilit Raz, CEO and founder of artificial intelligence (AI) recruitment startup Joonko, with defrauding investors out of at least $21 million by making false and misleading statements about the quantity and quality of Joonko’s customers, the number of candidates on its platform, and the company’s revenue.
According to the SEC complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, Joonko claimed to use AI to help clients find diverse and underrepresented candidates to fulfill their DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hiring goals. To raise money for Joonko, the complaint says, Raz falsely told investors that Joonko had more than 100 customers, including Fortune 500 companies, and provided investors with fabricated testimonials from several companies expressing their appreciation for Joonko and praising its effectiveness.
In its complaint, the SEC also alleges that Raz lied to investors that Joonko had earned more than $1 million in revenue and was working with more than 100,000 active job candidates. When an investor grew suspicious of Raz’s claims, Raz allegedly provided the investor with falsified bank statements and forged contracts in an effort to conceal the fraud. The scheme unraveled in mid-2023, the complaint says, when the investor confronted Raz, who admitted to forging bank statements and contracts and lying about Joonko’s revenue and number of customers.
October 16, 2024 – Intellectual Property
Little Caesars Faces Trademark Lawsuit Over ‘Pizza Puffs’
Little Caesars’ introduction of its new “Crazy Puffs” menu item — which the company describes as Pizza Puffs — infringes on plaintiff’s nearly 50-year-old “Pizza Puffs” trademark, alleges a lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court.
In March 2024, according to the complaint, Little Caesars Enterprises Inc. introduced the “Crazy Puff” product, even referencing the product as a “Pizza Puff” on its website. Plaintiff Illinois Tamale Co., which says it has owned Pizza Puffs marks since 1976, claims that Little Caesars is illegally using the term in its product description.
Upon learning about defendant’s introduction of its Crazy Puffs product into the market and its use of the term “Pizza Puffs,” plaintiff says it immediately sent defendant a cease-and-desist letter, demanding that it stop using the marks or any version of “puffs” in connection with the sale of its products. After weeks of discussion between the parties, plaintiff says, “it became clear that defendant was simply dragging negotiations on with no intention of stopping use of the Infringing Marks.”
October 15, 2024 – Consumer Fraud
Costco Fails to Disclose When Products Sold Online Are More Costly Than Same Items Sold In-Store, Lawsuit Claims
A proposed class action filed in Seattle federal court alleges that Costco has posted deceptive marked-up prices on its website, failing to disclose that consumers may pay more for a product sold on Costco.com than if they bought the same item in-store.
Although Costco promises to disclose whenever a product is more expensive online than in a consumer’s local warehouse store, the company often leaves out this disclosure on its online product pages, according to the complaint. Costco deceives shoppers into making online purchases “that they otherwise would not make,” causing them to pay higher prices, the complaint says.
“By failing to disclose the truth to consumers about its online markup practices and the substantial price differential between identical items sold online and in-store, Costco deceives consumers and gains an unfair upper hand on competitors that fairly disclose their true pricing practices,” the complaint argues.
October 14, 2024 – Antitrust
Class Action Accuses Amazon of Audiobook Monopoly
Amazon.com faces a proposed class action filed in Seattle federal court claiming that, through its Audible unit, it has monopolized the retail market for audiobooks, leading authors to overpay for the distribution of their works.
Plaintiff in her lawsuit alleges Amazon is violating U.S. antitrust law by charging higher distribution fees for writers who do not exclusively use the company’s e-commerce platform. Amazon has used exclusivity agreements “to lock up content,” impairing the ability of rivals to compete and affecting billions of dollars in audiobook sales, plaintiff says.
According to the complaint, Audible is the world’s largest audiobook retailer, accounting for more than 60% of domestic purchasing compared with about 20% for Apple. The suit seeks more than $5 million in damages and class action status for thousands of authors who paid a distribution fee to Amazon of at least 60% on sales. That fee increases to 75% for “non-exclusive” audiobooks that are sold on Amazon and elsewhere, the complaint says.
October 11, 2024 – Product Liability
Lawsuit Alleges Infotainment System Defect in 2021-2024 Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, Dodge Vehicles
A proposed class action against FCA US alleges a defect in the automaker’s Uconnect infotainment system in certain model-year Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles that can potentially cause driver problems.
According to the complaint filed in Detroit federal court, the widespread Uconnect system defect is the subject of numerous accusations from drivers who say they’ve experienced the malfunction of various safety, navigation, communication, and entertainment features while driving certain vehicle models, including 2021-2024 Chrysler Pacifica, 2022-2024 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500, 2022-2024 Ram Chassis Cab, and others.
In particular, the complaint says, drivers have complained of the Uconnect system screens intermittently and inexplicably freezing, going black, glitching, rebooting, or otherwise becoming inoperable. These Uconnect failures can lead to issues with a vehicle’s GPS navigation system, radio and audio systems, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview backup camera, display screen, touchscreen buttons, hands-free cell phone functionality, and more.
October 10, 2024 – Constitution
Virginia NAACP Sues School Board for Restoring Confederate Names
The Virginia NAACP has sued a county school board over its reinstatement of Confederate military names to two schools, accusing the board of subjecting Black students to a racially discriminatory educational environment.
The school board in Shenandoah County voted 5-1 in May 2024 to revert the name of Mountain View High School back to Stonewall Jackson High School, and that of Honey Run Elementary to Ashby Lee Elementary, according to the complaint filed in federal court in Harrisonburg, Va. The school names refer to military leaders of the Confederacy.
The plaintiffs argue in their suit that the decision to restore the names endorses racial discrimination, violates students’ rights to an equal education, and subjects them to psychological harm. The plaintiffs also contend that the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause prohibits racial discrimination in state-supported institutions. For example, the suit says, an incoming freshman who is Black would be forced to play sports as a member of the Stonewall Jackson “Generals” and would have to wear a uniform “adorned with a name and logo that symbolizes hatred, White supremacy, and Massive Resistance to integration.”
October 9, 2024 – Labor & Employment
Older Worker Says Defense Contractor Discriminates by Seeking Recent College Grads
A major defense contractor, RTX Corporation, has been sued in a proposed class action over allegations that it discriminates against older workers in job ads.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, accuses RTX, formally known as Raytheon Technologies Corp., of posting ads that target younger workers at the expense of their older peers in violation of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). “Raytheon routinely publishes job postings for numerous jobs where the only basic qualification is being a recent college graduate and where Raytheon unlawfully indicates a preference for younger workers and deters older workers from applying,” the suit claims.
The plaintiff in the case, 67 years old, says he applied for several positions at the company since 2019. When denied employment, plaintiff says he filed a complaint with the EEOC alleging he wasn’t considered for these jobs, and the EEOC found he was denied due to his age. The EEOC also found Raytheon’s job advertisements violated the ADEA, according to the complaint.
October 8, 2024 – Antitrust
Equifax Accused of Antitrust Violations Over Work Verification Services
Data analytics giant Equifax has been accused by two home mortgage lenders of monopolizing the market for electronic income and employment verification services, resulting in higher prices.
In a proposed class action, plaintiffs Greystone Mortgage and First Financial Lending allege that Equifax had a “stranglehold” over a verification process that is a critical part of consumer finance. According to the complaint filed in Philadelphia federal court, lenders, property managers, and others rely on their quick ability to electronically verify an applicant’s income and employment for mortgages, car loans, and rental apartment agreements. Manually calling employers can be slow, the complaint says.
Plaintiffs say in their lawsuit that Equifax, which is best known for providing credit history reports, has violated antitrust law through exclusive contracts and buying up would-be competitors. This industry domination, plaintiffs argue, has allowed Equifax to charge for its services “far higher than a competitive market would bear.” The case was brought on behalf of at least tens of thousands of purchasers of Equifax’s income and employment services.
October 7, 2024 – Consumer Fraud
Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails Contain No Whiskey, Lawsuit Alleges
A proposed class action filed in Manhattan federal court alleges that Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktail beverages are falsely advertised as they do not contain whiskey.
According to the complaint, defendant Brown-Forman Corp. has labeled the drinks in a way that leads consumers to expect the Country Cocktail that’s “Best Served Ice Cold” to contain the fundamental ingredients of a Lynchburg lemonade. However, the complaint says, the beverage contains only a negligible amount of whiskey, if any, and is actually a “malt beverage” rather than a drink made with distilled spirits.
Plaintiffs in their lawsuit contend that the labeling is misleading because the absence of whiskey is only disclosed in small-print statements found on the side and bottom of the can or bottle, which identify the drink as a “Flavored Beer” and a “Premium Malt Beverage With Natural Flavors and Certified Colors Added.” Further, plaintiffs argue, defendant’s use of the Jack Daniel’s brand name — along with its trademark colors, fonts and stylistic elements — also creates a false impression that the product contains whiskey.
October 3, 2024 – Cybersecurity
Nissan Data Breach Lawsuit Alleges Info of at Least 53K Employees Exposed in Cyberattack
Nissan North America has been hit with a proposed class action over a data breach in which it is alleged that the personal information of at least 53,000 current and former employees of the automaker was accessed by cybercriminals.
The Nissan data breach included Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and employee ID numbers, a virtual “gold mine for data thieves” claims the lawsuit filed in federal court in Nashville, Tenn. Nissan, the suit says, failed to notify data breach victims until nearly six months after it discovered the incident.
In their suit, plaintiffs say they and class members are at substantial risk of experiencing identity theft and various other forms of personal, social, and financial harm, and this risk “will remain for their respective lifetimes.” Nissan reportedly discovered a “data security incident” in November 2023, during which an unauthorized party gained access to the automaker’s network and files housed within its computer systems. The company, plaintiffs say, has given no assurance that the data accessed during the cyberattack has been recovered or destroyed or that it has properly bolstered its cybersecurity to avoid a similar data breach in the future.
October 2, 2024 – Environment
New York Sues JBS, the Brazilian Beef Giant, Over Its Climate Claims
New York State has sued JBS USA, the American arm of the world’s largest meatpacker, accusing the company of making misleading statements about its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The lawsuit, filed in N.Y. state court, alleges that JBS has made a series of deceptive statements about its record on climate change, including claims that it will achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. As the global leader in beef production, the suit says, the JBS Group knows that if consumers perceive its products as unsustainable, it could reduce consumer demand for beef and harm the company’s share of the U.S. beef market.
Across its marketing materials, the state argues, the JBS Group has made sweeping representations to consumers about its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, claiming that it will be “Net Zero by 2040, but defendant has had no viable plan to meet its commitment to be net zero by that date.
October 1, 2024 – Product Liability
Industry Groups Sue to Block ‘Forever Chemicals’ Drinking Water Rule
U.S. manufacturing and chemical industry groups have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a new federal rule setting the first-ever drinking water standard to protect people against toxic “forever chemicals.”
The rule is intended to reduce exposure to the group of 15,000 PFAS (forever chemicals) for approximately 100 million people, according to the complaint. PFAS, the complaint says, are called “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the human body or environment and are found in hundreds of consumer and commercial products, including non-stick pans, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and stain-resistant clothing.
In a petition filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Chemistry Council say the rule is “arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion.” The rule, the groups say, exceeds the EPA’s authority under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, a 1974 law empowering the agency to pass water-quality regulations.
Editor: Robert S. Want.
Copyright © 2025 WANT Publishing Co.
Services of WANT Publishing:
LegalEditor.com (editing and writing services),
NationsCourts.com (comprehensive guide
to nation’s federal, state and county courts),
CaseFilingsAlert.com (new cases
filed in courts around the country),
MDLCases.com (intro to multidistrict litigation
and listing of pending MDLs).