http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Headline California Section 17200 Legal News from LexisNexis® en-us http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/images/lexismealeyslogo.gif 130 29 http://www.lexisnexis.com/mealeys/news.aspx Copyright 2013 http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%201%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - An arbitration agreement between helicopter school students and a lender is neither substantively nor procedurally unconscionable, and California unfair competition law (UCL) claims do not fall under the narrow "public injunction" exception of the Federal Arbitration Act, a divided en banc Ninth Circuit held April 11 (Matthew C. Kilgore, et al. v. KeyBank, National Association, et al., No. 09-16703, 9th Cir.; See January 2013, Page 19). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%202%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - An automobile finance company may not force arbitration of California unfair competition law (UCL) claims because the back of the "take-it-or-leave-it" contract contains unconscionable provisions permitting appeal of any injunctive relief award and provides no way to avoid up-front payment of fees for both sides, a state appeals court held April 8 (Shaun Trabert v. Consumer Portfolio Services Inc., No. D06491, Calif. App., 4th Dist., Div. 1). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%203%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - According to its docket, the California Supreme Court on March 27 denied a petition challenging a finding that failure to disclose the method of calculating refunds for mid-policy cancellations supports a claim under the unfair competition law (UCL) (Craig Streit, et al. v. Farmers Group Inc., et al., No. S208017, Calif. Sup.; See March 2013, Page 6). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%204%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on April 18 declined to rehear a panel decision allowing a consumer to pursue some of his California unfair competition law (UCL) action challenging nutrient advertising claims in drink products marketed to children (Mauricio Chavez, et al. v. Nestle USA Inc., No. 11-56066, 9th Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%205%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - Consumers challenging supposed health benefits of enhanced artificial sweeteners under the unfair competition law (UCL) fail to allege a long-running advertising campaign, bring impermissible substantiation claims and their claims are largely preempted, a federal judge held April 16 (Barbara Bronson, Michael Fishman and Alvin Kupperman v. Johnson & Johnson Inc. and McNeil Nutritionals Inc., No. 12-4148, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 54029). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%206%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - Two consumers challenging trans fat claims cannot plausibly plead a diversion of sales or lessening of goodwill under the Lanham Act, stripping them of a basis for their California unfair competition law (UCL) unlawful-prong claim, a federal judge held March 25 (Alice Vinson, et al. v. J.M. Smucker Co., No. 12-4936, C.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%207%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - A federal judge in California on April 10 excluded some plaintiff expert testimony and granted summary judgment to defendant Bayer Corp. in a California unfair competition law (UCL) class action alleging false and deceptive advertising claims regarding the prostate health benefits of its men's vitamins (David Johns and Marc Bordman v. Bayer Corp., et al., No. 09cv1935 AJB $(DHB$), S.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51823). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%208%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN JOSE, Calif. - While one of two plaintiffs has standing under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, their California unfair competition law (UCL) claims over the alleged mislabeling of food products lack specificity, a federal judge held April 9 (Karen Thomas and Lisa Liddle, et al. v. Costco Wholesale Corp., No. 12-2908, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51189). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%209%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - Pet owners' California unfair competition law (UCL) class action lawsuits alleging that their dogs suffered injuries after ingesting tainted treats were transferred April 9 to the Western District of Pennsylvania, where similar class are pending (Mary Emily Funke v. Del Monte Corp., Maxine Ruff v. Del Monte Corp., et al. Nos. 12-5323, 12-5251, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51263). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2010%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN JOSE, Calif. - A woman's use of the phrase "misbranded food products" in her California unfair competition law (UCL) action falls short of the heightened standard for fraud allegations, a federal judge held April 9 (Amy Maxwell, et al. v. Unilever United States Inc., PepsiCo Inc. and Pepsi Lipton Tea Partnership, No. 12-1736, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51195). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2011%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - A man has not adequately pleaded an injury or that the continuous violation doctrine saves his California unfair competition law (UCL) claim stemming from his contract with a franchiser, a Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel held March 28 (Sultan Hameed v. IHOP Franchising LLC, et al., No. 11-15953, No. 9th Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 6251). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2012%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - Plaintiffs' failure to demonstrate deception or address damages in any way warrants granting a beverage maker summary judgment on the California unfair competition law (UCL) claim against it, a federal judge held March 28 (Lauren Ries and Serena Algozer, et al. v. AriZona Beverages USA LLC, et al., No. 10-01139, N.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2013%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - While the lack of a hyphen in the term "all natural" could lead to multiple interpretations, a reasonable consumer would conclude the product contain exclusively "all natural" ingredients, a California federal judge held April 1 in partially granting a motion for dismissal (Markus Wilson and Doug Campen, et al. v. Frito-Lay North America Inc. and Pepsico Inc., No. 12-1586, N.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2014%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - A man may pursue misrepresentation claims under the California unfair competition law (UCL) for "white chocolate" products he purchased, but four other named products are too dissimilar for standing purposes, a federal judge held April 5 (Scott Miller, et al. v. Ghirardelli Chocolate Co., and DOES 1 through 50, No. 12-04936, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49733; See December 2012, Page 4). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2015%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' CHICAGO - An elderly widow has not shown that representations in an allegedly untimely disclosure form factored into her purchase of an annuity or decision to keep the policy past the 30-day free cancellation period, a federal judge in Illinois held March 26 in dismissing a California unfair competition law (UCL) claim (Estella Rowe, et al. v. Bankers Life and Casualty Co. and Bankers Life Insurance Co. of Illinois, No. 09-491, N.D. Ill.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42168). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2016%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN JOSE, Calif. - The shorter statute of limitations in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) does not require preemption of California unfair competition law (UCL) employment claims, a federal magistrate judge held April 9 (Douglas Roberts v. Trimac Transportation Services $(Western$) Inc., No. 12-5302, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 51213). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2017%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN JOSE, Calif. - An Arkansas lawyer may pursue most of his California unfair competition law (UCL) action based on his alleged reliance on Google Inc.'s advertising pricing and placement policies, a federal judge held April 9 (Rick Woods, et al. v. Google Inc., No. 5:11-cv-01263, N.D. Calif.; 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 120748; See September 2012, Page 14). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2018%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - Toyota Motor Corp. on April 5 resolved California unfair competition law (UCL) and false advertising law claims brought by Orange County and the State of California involving unintended acceleration (Toyota Motor Cases, No. JCCP 4621, Calif. Super., Los Angeles Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2019%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BOSTON - A federal appeals court panel on April 3 affirmed a $142 million verdict that included $95.28 million in restitution under the California unfair competition law (UCL) against Pfizer Inc. for off-label marketing of Neurontin to a third-party payer, vacated summary judgment against another four other third-party payers and vacated denial of class certification for three of the payers (In Re Neurontin Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., et al. v. Pfizer, Inc., et al., Nos. 11-1904 and 11-2096, 1st Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 6793; See 10/6/11, Page 18; In Re Neurontin Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Aetna, Inc., v. Pfizer, Inc., et al., No. 11-1595, 1st Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 6793; See 2/4/10, Page 10; In Re Neurontin Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, Harden Manufacturing Corporation, et al. v. Pfizer, Inc., et al., No. 11-1806, 1st Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 6797; See 12/6/10, Page 10). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2020%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - A woman's California unfair competition law (UCL) claim involving the alleged failure to disclose the dangers of the drug Levaquin lack sufficient allegations linking her injuries to the alleged misrepresentations, a federal judge held April 11 (Holmes v. Hospira Inc., et al., No. 12-1708, C.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 55387). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2021%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A consumer fails to allege how a manufacturer misled him when its refrigerators subsequently lost their energy-efficient recognition, a federal judge held in dismissing California unfair competition law (UCL) claims March 28 (Kyle Dei Rossi, et al. v. Whirlpool Corp., No. 12-125, E.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2022%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Plaintiffs bringing California unfair competition law (UCL) claims in the "hot fuels" multidistrict litigation adequately allege standing and liability, a Kansas federal judge held April 5 in granting class certification (In Re: Motor Fuel Temperature Sales Practices Litigation, Rushing, et al. v. Alon USA Inc., et al., Lerner, et al. v. Costco Wholesale Corp., et al., Wyatt, et al. v. B.P. Am. Corp., et al., Nos. 07-md-1840, 07-2300, 07-2405, 07-2507, D. Kan.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49424). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2023%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - Plaintiffs alleging that Apple Inc. violates the California unfair competition law (UCL) by double billing on iTunes purchases lack evidence of an unconscionable contract as a basis for unlawful-prong claims and an insufficient statutory tether for their unfair-prong claims, a federal judge held April 15 (Robert Herskowitz, et al. v. Apple Inc., Phoebe Juel, et al. v. Apple Inc., Nos. 12-2131, 12-3124, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 54092). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2024%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - Demonstrating success on the merits is not necessary where a consumer merely seeks leave to amend to tether his California unfair competition law (UCL) action to a statutory violation, a federal judge held April 17 (Dean Beaver, et al. v. Tarsadia Hotels, et al., No. 11-1842, S.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 55412). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2025%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The state bar could bring civil enforcement actions alleging violation of certain statutes governing lawyers and recover civil penalties under the California unfair competition law, under legislation pending in the California Assembly. http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2026%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - Kashi Co. misrepresents the sugar in its products as "evaporated cane juice syrup" or "evaporated cane juice" in an attempt to appear healthier, a woman alleges in an April 15 California unfair competition law (UCL) class action (Nadine Saubers, et al. v. Kashi Co., No. 12-899, S.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2027%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SACRAMENTO, Calif. - New Vitality Corp. and its spokesman, Former National Football League star Joe Theismann, misrepresent the benefits of Super Beta Prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) sufferers, a man alleges in an April 4 California unfair competition law (UCL) class action (Floyd Luman, et al. v. New Vitality Corp. and Joe Theismann, No. 13-656, E.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-8%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2028%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - Three consumers filed a class complaint in federal court on March 25 accusing Trader Joe's Co. of violating the California unfair competition law (UCL) by hiding added sugar, added coloring and preservatives in some of its products (Amy Gitson, et al. v. Trader Joe's Company, No. 13-1333, N.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%201%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - The sheer amount of juice a child would need to drink to obtain advertised brain benefits forms the basis of a California unfair competition law (UCL) claim, a divided panel of the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals held March 8 in partially reversing judgment against a consumer (Mauricio Chavez, et al. v. Nestle USA Inc., No. 11-56066, 9th Cir.; See February 2013, Page 7). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%202%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - A reasonable consumer would not be surprised to find that a product labeled as honey lacked pollen, a federal judge held Feb. 27 in dismissing a California unfair competition law (UCL) class action (Gregory Brod, et al. v. Sioux Honey Association Cooperative, No. 12-1322, N.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%203%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - An insurer and a policy holder recently briefed the California Supreme Court on whether it should review a ruling that the failure to disclose the method of calculating refunds for mid-policy cancellations supports a claim under the unfair competition law (UCL) (Craig Streit, et al. v. Farmers Group Inc., et al., No. S208017, Calif. Sup.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%204%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - The California Supreme Court on March 20 dismissed a petition for review and remanded an action involving district attorneys' case against a paper maker after concluding in another case that ongoing violations can form the basis of unfair competition law (UCL) cases. On remand, the Second District California Court of Appeal issued remittitur in the case on March 25 (The People of the State of California v. E*Poly Star Inc., et al., No. S203477, Calif. Sup.; B233008, Calif. App.; See August 2012, Page 5). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%205%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court on March 20 declined to review a California unfair competition law (UCL) injunction against an immigration law firm and its shareholder that a lower court found regulated fraud and not the practice of law (The People ex rel. Dennis J. Herrera, as city attorney, etc. v. Christopher Stender, et al., No. No. S208570, Calif. Sup.; See December 2012, Page 5). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%206%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SANTA ANA, Calif. - A man's claim that his lender lacked interest in a securitized loan fails to allege sufficient injury under the California unfair competition law (UCL), a state appeals court held Feb. 28 (Gary Sroka v. Bank of America, N.A., No. G047005, Calif. App., 4th Dist., Div. 3; 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1505). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%207%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - Saying plaintiffs claiming economic injury from allegedly defective anti-lock brake systems must demonstrate more than a "creative damages theory," a federal judge on Feb. 28 dismissed California unfair competition law (UCL) claims (In re: Toyota Motor Corp. Hybrid Brake Marketing, Sales, Practices and Products Liability Litigation, No. 10-2172, C.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%208%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN JOSE, Calif. - A woman's California unfair competition law (UCL) labeling action against three food manufacturers satisfies the injury standard for products she purchased, and the majority of the claims survive preemption, a federal judge held Feb. 25 (Susan Ivie, et al. v. Kraft Foods Global Inc., Cadbury Adams USA LLC and Back To Nature Food Co., No. 12-2554, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 25615). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%209%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SANTA ANA, Calif. - A lawyer claiming increased costs and reduced income from an online legal provider's conduct alleges injury under the California unfair competition law (UCL) and may pursue the action even though he lacks direct business dealings with it, a California appeals court panel held March 14 (Law Offices of Mathew Higbee v. Expungement Assistance Services, No. G046778, Calif. App., 4th Dist.; Div. 3). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2010%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - A woman adequately alleges that a company marketed holograms as providing benefits the science can't support, a federal judge held Feb. 20 in allowing a California unfair competition law (UCL) class action to proceed (Stacy Orlick v. Rawlings Sporting Goods Co. Inc., No. 12-6787, C.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2011%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Two consumers adequately pleaded they purchased a vitamin C product based on allegedly misleading representations regarding its potency and benefits, a New York federal judge held March 15 (Patrick Hughes and Nafise Nina Hodjat, et al. v. The Ester C. Co., NBTY Inc., and NatureSmart LLC, No. 12-41, E.D. N.Y.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 36652). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2012%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - A woman adequately supports California unfair competition law (UCL) claims alleging that a company overstated the speed and privacy benefits of its software, a federal judge held March 7 (Rose-Mai Robichaud, et al. v. Speedy PC Software, No. 12-4730, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 31039). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2013%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SANTA ANA, Calif. - A borrower adequately alleges that her lender designed trial loan modifications that did not comply with federal law and misrepresented her rights, an appeals court held in allowing her to pursue California unfair competition law (UCL) claims (Genevieve West v. JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., No. G046516, Calif. App., 4th Dist., Div. 3). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2014%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN JOSE, Calif. - A borrower adequately alleges injury in fact and inadequate notice prior to default, an appeals panel held Feb. 28 in allowing California unfair competition law (UCL) claims (Cornelio Pantoja v. Countrywide Home Loans Inc., et al., No. H036232, Calif. App., 6th Dist.; 2013 Cal. App. Unpub.LEXIS 1529). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2015%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' RIVERSIDE, Calif. - A man who stopped paying his credit card after the company charged back purchases it concluded were authorized lacks any basis for restitution or injunctive relief under the California unfair competition law (UCL), a state appeals court affirmed March 6 (Marc Grossman v. Capital One Bank $(USA$), N.A., No. E053925, Calif. App., 4th Dist., Div. 2; 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1718). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2016%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - An appraisal company's charges above the appraiser's fee represented compensation for scheduling, monitoring and administrative functions and did not violate the California unfair competition law (UCL), an appeals court held Feb. 28 (Terry Gibson v. Countrywide Loans Inc., et al., No B227491, Calif. App., 2nd Dist.; 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1492). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2017%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - A couple fail to adequately plead that their lender's attempts to modify their mortgage constituted unlawful, unfair or fraudulent conduct under the California unfair competition law (UCL), a federal judge held March 13 (Noel G. Lesley Sr., et al. v. Ocwen Fin. Corp., et al., No. 12-1737, C.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 35056). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2018%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - A data-mining company's unfair-prong California unfair competition law (UCL) action seeking continued access to Twitter Inc.'s complete data set invokes no federal law and belongs in state court, a federal judge held March 6 (PeopleBrowsr Inc., et al. v. Twitter Inc., No. 12-6120, N.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 31786). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-7%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2019%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - An insurer's denial of liability and a low-ball settlement offer to an individual allegedly injured by its insured do not constitute an effort to defraud, a state court held March 18 in affirming dismissal of California unfair competition law (UCL) claims (Emanuel McCray v. Metropolitan Transit System, et al., No. D060802, Calif. App., 4th Dist., Div. 1; 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1943). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%201%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - An alleged price-fixing conspiracy launched at least in part from California offices alleges sufficient contacts with the state for unfair competition law (UCL) and other state law claims, a Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel held Feb. 14 (AT&T Mobility LLC, et al. v. AU Optronics Corp., et al., No. 11-16188, 9th Cir.; 2013 U.S. App. LEXIS 3104). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%202%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Feb. 8 denied rehearing and en banc rehearing of a ruling reversing a $203 million jury award involving a bank's debit card transaction processing and resulting overdrafts (Veronica Gutierrez, et al. v. Wells Fargo Bank NA, Nos. 10-16959, 10-17468, 10-17689, 9th Cir.; See January 2013, Page 5). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%203%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - A man may pursue his California unfair competition law (UCL) claims against Chase Home Finance LLC for conduct associated with a loan it acquired after Washington Mutual Bank went into receivership, an appeals court held Feb. 11 (Scott Call Jolley v. Chase Home Finance LLC, et al., No. A134019, Calif. App., 1st Dist., Div. 2). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%204%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN FRANCISCO - The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals on Feb. 12 heard oral arguments over whether allegedly insignificant amounts of active ingredients in juices advertised as conveying health benefits support a California unfair competition law (UCL) claim (Mauricio Chavez, et al. v. Nestle USA Inc., No. 11-56066, 9th Cir.; See June 2012, Page 18). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%205%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - Yo-Plus yogurt consumers on Feb. 4 asked a federal judge for preliminary approval of a settlement under which General Mills Inc. would pay $8.5 million on California unfair competition law (UCL) claims that it misrepresented the digestive benefits of the product (Jeremiah Johnson, et al. v. General Mills Inc., and Yoplait USA Inc., No. 10-61, S.D. Calif.; 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5120; See May 2011, Page 7). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%206%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - Hair-product consumers may proceed on their California unfair competition law (UCL) unlawful-prong claims but have not adequately alleged affirmative misrepresentations by the manufacturer, a federal judge held Feb. 6 (Jill Guido, et al. v. L'Oreal USA Inc., et al., Nos. 11-1067, 11-5465, C.D. Calif.; 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16915). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%207%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation on Feb. 5 consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California 12 cases challenging Kia Motors America Inc. and Hyundai Motor America's marketing, sale and advertising of fuel economy (In re: Hyundai and Kia Fuel Economy Litigation, No. JPMDL, MDL 2424, E.D. Pa.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%208%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California judge on Jan. 28 vacated a $7.14 million verdict after concluding that supporting expert opinions were "irrelevant and speculative," sources told Mealey Publications (Richard Wallace v. Monier Lifetile Inc., et al., No. S-SCV-16410, Calif. Super., Placer Co.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%209%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - A trial judge improperly excluded a marijuana collective and its president's evidence regarding the business's losses, a California appeals court held Feb. 13 in reversing a pair of $1,315,000 unfair competition law (UCL) awards (The People ex rel. City of Dana Point v. Holistic Health, et al., No. G045453, Calif. App., 4th Dist., Div. 3). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2010%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' PASADENA, Calif. - An automaker may not compel arbitration of California unfair competition law (UCL) claims based on agreements involving consumers and the dealerships where they purchased their vehicles, a Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel held Jan. 30 (Jessica Kramer, et al. v. Toyota Motor Corp., et al., No. 12-55050, 9th Cir.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2011%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - Pom Wonderful LLC's California unfair competition law (UCL) claim against Coca-Cola Co. for selling Pomegranate Blueberry Blend drink containing only 0.5 percent of those juices would impose standards different than those under federal law, a federal judge held Feb. 13 (Pom Wonderful LLC v. The Coca Cola Co., et al., No. 08-06237, C.D. Calif.; See December 2012, Page 7). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2012%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' FRESNO, Calif. - A California appeals court on Feb. 22 denied a petition for rehearing after previously finding that state law capping notary charges at $10 per signature does not bar charging fees for additional services (Brent Hutton v. Fidelity National Title Co., Nos. F063318, F063922, Calif. App., 5th Dist.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2013%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SANTA ANA, Calif. - A California appellate court on Feb. 6 published an opinion affirming dismissal of fraud and unfair competition law (UCL) claims against a company for representations about a pension plan's potential tax status (James G. Brakke, et al. v. Economic Concepts Inc., No. G045846, Calif. App., 4th Dist.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2014%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' SAN DIEGO - A San Diego woman filed a California unfair competition law (UCL) class complaint Jan. 21 seeking to stop Nestle USA Inc. and California Pizza Kitchen Inc. (CPK) from continuing to manufacture and sell frozen pizzas that contain artificial trans fat and seeking restitution for herself and other proposed class members (Katie Simpson, et al. v. California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., et al., No. 13-164, S.D. Calif.). http://www.lexis.com/research/xlink?canceldest=form&keyenum=25271&keytnum=0&searchtype=get&search=11-6%20Mealey%27s%20Cal.%20Sec.%2017200%20Rep.%2015%20(2013)&view=full&ORIGINATION_CODE=00144 target='_blank' LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles man filed a class complaint on Jan. 28, accusing the maker of 5-Hour Energy shots of violating the California unfair competition law (UCL) by making scientifically unsupported statements regarding the "energy" in the drinks compared to coffee (Cody Soto, et al. v. Innovation Ventures, LLC d/b/a Living Essentials, LLC, No. 13-591, C.D. Calif.).