Consumer Protection

  • February 13, 2026

    Stanford Prof Tells Jury Studies Confirm Social Media Addiction

    A Stanford University professor of psychiatry and addiction returned to the witness stand Friday in a California bellwether trial over claims that social media companies harm young people's mental health, saying studies have concluded that addiction to platforms such as YouTube and Instagram is real and can hurt mental health.

  • February 13, 2026

    Novel Calif. Data Deletion Tool Off To Hot Start, Director Says

    Despite a relatively quiet rollout, more than 170,000 California residents have signed up for a first-of-its-kind system that allows them to ask all registered data brokers to delete their personal information in a single request, positioning the tool as a strong model for other states similarly looking to boost consumer protections, the executive director of the state's privacy regulator told Law360.  

  • February 13, 2026

    States' Generic Drugs Antitrust Case Headed Toward Trial

    A Connecticut federal judge has mostly refused to side with pharmaceutical companies facing states' generic drug price-fixing litigation against them, ruling that there are genuine disputes of material fact as to drug distribution chains and the states' antitrust standing and teeing up the case for trial.

  • February 13, 2026

    'Acqui-Hires' In AI Drawing Antitrust Scrutiny, Tech Attys Say

    Attorneys with Nvidia, Google and Uber took the stage at a conference hosted Thursday by Baker McKenzie to discuss emerging trends in antitrust enforcement, including how booming AI investment has produced new regulatory scrutiny of "acqui-hires," in which large companies acquire startups primarily to hire their teams.

  • February 13, 2026

    FullBeauty Can't Nix Wash. Anti-Spam Suit As Unconstitutional

    A Seattle federal judge rejected an apparel retailer's arguments that a Washington state anti-spam law is unconstitutional and preempted by federal law, ruling that a consumer's proposed class action against FullBeauty Brands can move forward.

  • February 13, 2026

    Fintech's Home Equity Product Is Predatory Loan, Suit Says

    Fintech firm Hometap Equity Partners LLC faces class action claims in New Jersey federal court that its "complex, confusing and high-risk" home equity products are predatory loans in disguise that violate federal and state consumer protection laws and could cost consumers their homes.

  • February 13, 2026

    Banking, Fintech Groups Clash Over OCC Trust Rule Update

    Banking groups have warned the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that it's overstepping its authority with a proposal to update the scope of national trust company operations, while fintech groups that the rule change would ostensibly benefit have applauded the measure.

  • February 13, 2026

    7th Circ. Forces Mercedes 3G Obsolescence Suit Into Arb.

    Mercedes-Benz drivers who sued the automaker after its subscription-based roadside assistance and other features became obsolete will have to take their claims to arbitration, the Seventh Circuit ruled on Friday, saying the customers agreed to deal with disputes outside court.

  • February 13, 2026

    4th Circ. Gives Models 2nd Shot At Suit Over Stolen Photos

    Several models who said a nightclub used their photos without permission will have another chance at pursuing their trademark infringement claims after the Fourth Circuit on Friday found that the models' failure to respond to the club's motion to dismiss within 14 days was no reason to toss the suit.

  • February 13, 2026

    Ex-Miami City Atty Seeks To Halt Real Estate Fraud Suit

    A former Miami city attorney has asked a Florida state court to pause a lawsuit alleging she and her husband engaged in a real estate fraud conspiracy, arguing she's entitled to a stay while challenging an order denying her immunity because the complaint was filed when she was a public official.

  • February 13, 2026

    State AGs Back Senate's Version Of Kids Online Safety Act

    Forty state attorneys general have joined in urging Congress to support the U.S. Senate's version of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, a measure that would require online platforms to default to their most protective settings for children.

  • February 13, 2026

    Senate Leaders Agree To Bipartisan Satellite License Plan

    Senate commerce committee Republicans and Democrats have come together to make some changes to a bill that would speed up the review of satellite applications, allowing it to advance out of the committee and head to the Senate floor.

  • February 13, 2026

    FinCEN Opens Online Portal For Whistleblower Tips

    An enforcement arm of the U.S. Treasury Department on Friday launched a webpage for confidential whistleblower tips on fraud, money laundering and sanctions violations, touting financial awards for eligible tips.

  • February 13, 2026

    CFPB Calls State AGs' Suit Moot Now That It Has Funding

    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has told an Oregon federal judge that a suit brought by several state attorneys general over acting Director Russell Vought's alleged refusal to replenish the agency's funding from the Federal Reserve is now moot since the CFPB "has requested and received funding for this quarter."

  • February 13, 2026

    Atty Fee Fight Brewing After Google's Chatbot Injury Settlement

    An Orlando, Florida, law firm has urged a federal court to grant it contingency fees from a pending settlement in a suit accusing Google LLC and a chatbot company of causing the suicide of a teen, saying the firm was left in the dark about the deal.

  • February 13, 2026

    FCC Pulls Equipment Lab Status From 4 Chinese Cos.

    The Federal Communications Commission said Friday it will no longer certify equipment labs run by four Chinese technology companies and opened formal action against a fifth to eventually revoke its accredited status.

  • February 13, 2026

    FTC Mulls Merger Rule Appeal, Blasts 'Left-Wing' Chamber

    After a Texas federal judge struck down a major overhaul of premerger reporting requirements, the Federal Trade Commission said Friday it would keep its options open for continuing the legal fight while also assailing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the plaintiff in the case, as a "left-wing" organization.

  • February 13, 2026

    Chewy Settles Antitrust Claims Over Elanco Flea & Tick Meds

    Chewy has reached a settlement with consumers in a case accusing Elanco Animal Health Inc. of paying several pet supply retailers not to stock generic versions of its Advantix topical flea and tick prevention drugs.

  • February 13, 2026

    EU Approves Universal Music's $775M Deal For Downtown

    European enforcers have greenlighted Universal Music Group's $775 million purchase of Downtown Music Holdings, after the companies agreed to unload a royalty accounting platform that has access to sensitive information from rival music labels.

  • February 13, 2026

    Lifeline's $9.25 Only Makes Dent In Broadband Cost, FCC Told

    Advocates for the Lifeline subsidy program hope to convince the Federal Communications Commission that a $9.25 benefit for monthly telecom service does little to offset the cost of broadband since low-income consumers no longer receive any other federal aid for communications services.

  • February 13, 2026

    Pyure Hit With False Ad Suit Over Monk Fruit Sweetener

    Pyure Brands was hit with a proposed class action in California federal court Thursday alleging it falsely advertises its monk fruit sweeteners as being "free from artificial sweeteners," despite that they're predominantly sweetened with sugar alcohol known as erythritol, which is linked to increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.

  • February 13, 2026

    House Committee OKs Closer Look At Broadband 'Barriers'

    A bill that would direct agencies to take a closer look at the administrative barriers that stand in the way of broadband deployment has sailed through the House Committee on Natural Resources and now heads to the full House for consideration.

  • February 13, 2026

    FDA Removes Boxed Warnings From HRT Products

    Six menopause hormone therapies will no longer have warnings on their label about heart disease, breast cancer and dementia, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it removed them so that women can make decisions "free from exaggeration or fear."

  • February 13, 2026

    Olympus Slips Whistleblower Suit Over Testing Practices

    A Pennsylvania federal judge has dismissed a whistleblower lawsuit brought by the former head of product development for Olympus Corp. of the Americas, ruling that the ex-executive failed to show he was fired in retaliation for speaking out about what he alleged were company violations of the National Defense Authorization Act.

  • February 13, 2026

    Zillow, Redfin Say FTC Suit Fails To Show Antitrust Harm

    Zillow Group Inc. and Redfin Corp. backed up their attempt to escape a Virginia federal lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission by arguing that the agency had overlooked the value to both renters and advertisers in a partnership between the companies not to compete for ads.

Expert Analysis

  • Strategies For Effective Class Action Email Notice Campaigns

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    Recent cases provide useful guidance on navigating the complexities of sending email notices to potential class action claimants, including drafting notices clearly and effectively, surmounting compliance and timing challenges, and tracking deliverability, says Stephanie Fiereck at Epiq.

  • How Lenders Can Be Ready For Disparate Impact Variabilities

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    Amid state attorneys general's and regulators' mixed messaging around disparate impact liability, financial institutions can take several steps to minimize risk, including ensuring compliance management aligns with current law and avoiding decisions that impede growth in business and service, says Elena Babinecz at Baker Donelson.

  • Ariz. Uber Verdict Has Implications Beyond Ride-Hailing Cos.

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    When an Arizona federal jury in Jaylyn Dean v. Uber Technologies recently ordered Uber to pay $8.5 million to a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by her driver, their most important finding — that the driver was Uber's agent — could have huge consequences for future litigation involving platform-based businesses, says Michael Epstein at The Epstein Law Firm.

  • Series

    Judges On AI: Practical Use Cases In Chambers

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    U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Goddard in the Southern District of California discusses how she uses generative artificial intelligence tools in chambers to make work more efficient and effective — from editing jury instructions for clarity to summarizing key documents.

  • Notable Q4 Updates In Insurance Class Actions

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    Last quarter featured a novel class action theory about car rental reimbursement coverage, another win for insurers in total loss valuations, a potentially broad-reaching Idaho Supreme Court ruling about illusory underinsured motorist coverage, and homeowners blaming rising premiums on the fossil fuel industry, says Kevin Zimmerman at BakerHostetler.

  • A Closer Look At California Financial Regulator's 2026 Agenda

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    California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Commissioner KC Mohseni in recent remarks demonstrated the regulator's growing importance amid the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's retreat by debuting expansive goals for 2026, including finalizing rulemaking for the state's digital asset law and expanding enforcement authority around consumer complaints, says John Kimble at Hinshaw.

  • California's New Privacy Laws Demand Preparation From Cos.

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    An increase in breach disclosures is coinciding with California's most comprehensive privacy and artificial intelligence legislation taking effect, illustrating the range of vulnerabilities organizations in the state face and highlighting that the key to successfully managing these requirements is investing in capabilities before they became urgent, says Camilo Artiga-Purcell at Kiteworks.

  • Class Actions At The Circuit Courts: February Lessons

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    In this month's review of class action appeals, Mitchell Engel at Shook Hardy discusses four recent rulings from November and December, and identifies practice tips from cases involving the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act and Missouri unjust enrichment claims, the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, the Class Action Fairness Act, and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

  • Series

    Trail Running Makes Me A Better Lawyer

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    Navigating the muddy, root-filled path of trail marathons and ultramarathons provides fertile training ground for my high-stakes fractional general counsel work, teaching me to slow down my mind when the terrain shifts, sharpen my focus and trust my training, says Eric Proos at Next Era Legal.

  • What Rescheduling Means For Cannabis Labels, Marketing

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    The proposed reclassification of cannabis is expected to bring heightened scrutiny of labeling, advertising and marketing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, but the brands that tighten evidence, standardize operations and professionalize marketing controls now will see fewer surprises and better outcomes, say attorneys at Wilson Elser.

  • What Applicants Can Expect From Calif. Crypto License Law

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    With the July effective date for California's Digital Financial Assets Law fast approaching, now is a critical time for companies to prepare for licensure, application and coverage compliance ahead of this significant regulatory milestone that will reshape how digital asset businesses operate in California, say attorneys at MoFo.

  • Malpractice Claim Assignability Continues To Divide Courts

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    Recent decisions from courts across the country demonstrate how different jurisdictions balance competing policy interests in determining whether legal malpractice claims can be assigned, providing a framework to identify when and how to challenge any attempted assignment, says Christopher Blazejewski at Sherin & Lodgen.

  • What Clarity Act Delay Reveals About US Crypto Regulation

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    The Senate Banking Committee's decision to delay markup of the Clarity Act, which would establish a comprehensive federal framework for digital assets, illuminates the political and structural obstacles that shape U.S. crypto regulation, despite years of bipartisan calls for regulatory clarity, says David Zaslowsky at Baker McKenzie.

  • Reviewing The Legal Landscape Of Social Media For Minors

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    States have initiated a wave of legislation regulating minors' access to and use of social media platforms, so it will be critical for social media companies to closely track the patchwork of state laws and pending legal challenges so they are prepared to pivot if necessary, say attorneys at Sidley.

  • How Latest Nasdaq Proposals Stand To Raise Listings Quality

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    Nasdaq's recent proposals stand to heighten both quantitative and qualitative standards for issuers, which, if approved, may bring investors stronger market integrity and access but also raise the listings bar, say attorneys at Norton Rose.

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