Worldwide: Class Actions

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a $3.7 million fee award for the second time, establishing that strict limits on lodestar multipliers now apply to contractual fee-shifting arrangements governed by federal law.

A class action lawsuit against Premium Brands alleges that Ann Taylor and Loft websites engage in deceptive "drip pricing" by hiding mandatory processing fees until checkout, violating California and Virginia consumer protection laws.

Rather than waiting for AI-specific legislation, plaintiffs are trying to fit AI-related conduct into existing statutes, many containing statutory damages provisions.

SCOTUS struck down Trump Administration tariffs and lower courts have struck down Section 122 surcharges, but planned replacement tariffs under Section 301 are expected to prolong trade and customs uncertainty.

The latest Fashion Law Network podcast examines the ongoing antitrust class action lawsuit against Hermès, focusing on allegations that customers must purchase ancillary products before being offered the opportunity to buy an iconic Birkin handbag. Host Kasia Zebrowska-Trauben provides legal analysis of recent developments, including Hermès' appeal, and explores the implications of these tying arrangement claims.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are rapidly becoming one of the most significant environmental regulatory challenges facing businesses today.

A California Court of Appeal examines whether conflicting language in multiple arbitration-related documents undermines the parties' intent to arbitrate employment disputes. The decision addresses how courts should interpret procedural and substantive unconscionability when evaluating arbitration agreements containing PAGA waivers and class action provisions.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court addressed post-settlement challenges in a class action involving alleged violations of the state's security deposit statute and Chapter 93A.

A unanimous Fourth Circuit panel affirmed dismissal of a putative class action against a private equity firm, ruling that federal courts lack jurisdiction to impose liability on parties voluntarily dismissed from earlier litigation.