Author Archives: Kati Latina

Whopping New Claim

Not as advertised

Commercials, billboards, and flyers serve as some of the means for fast food marketers to reach their target audience of consumers that are on the go, in a rush, or are looking for easy meal alternatives.  The trick to grabbing their attention is just that: to trick.  While soda products appear crisp and fizzy with the help of antacids, the buoyancy of breakfast cereal in a bowl would lose its visual luster without the aid of glue.  It goes without saying that consumers may enjoy these products without antacids or glue, however, a new lawsuit may counter that argument.

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Strength of Ohana

Smoke on the water

What was once a quaint, historic town on the Western coast of Maui, Lahaina is now flattened to ash.  In the aftermath of the crushing wildfires in Maui that displaced residents living in Lahaina and left over 115 people dead and hundreds still missing, Maui County has filed legal action against Hawaiian Electric.  The utility company’s alleged negligence is pinned as the cause of the blaze.  Maui is suing for civil damages, to recover lost tax revenue and the destruction of infrastructure and roads.  The lawsuit is described as a cost recovery action that will benefit taxpayers. 

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Building Opposition

Protestors aim for the top

For over a year, a portion of Center City Philadelphia residents who fear an interruption to neighboring Chinatown have battled against the $1.3 billion proposed construction of a new 76ers arena.  While the residential criticism has remained consistent, a new revitalization effort has sparked additional scrutiny.  In the beginning of August, 76 Devcorp disclosed the plan to construct next to the arena a high-rise building, which would offer multiple functions and a section for housing.  Of the 395 units projected, about 20% of them would be marketed as affordable to the community. 

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A True Blind Side

Unable to see the reality

Although Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in the movie The Blind Side was inspirational and heartfelt, the real-life version of her character is now depicted in a lawsuit as deceitful and untrustworthy.  The storyline of the 2009 movie focuses on a Tennessee family’s encouragement and support of a young man who did not benefit from familial stability but did possess strong athletic talents.  Backed by the Tuohy family, the real Michael Oher succeeded as an All-American at Ole Miss and was drafted into the NFL, in which he played for eight seasons. 

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Copy That!

Stolen fashion designs?

Headquartered in Singapore, the online fashion retailer Shein has been under legal scrutiny for its apparent knockoff items that look exactly like the creative works produced by known fashion designers.  Three US designers have filed a lawsuit, accusing the company of committing copyright infringement at such a remarkably destructive rate that it embodies racketeering.  Although the amount of compensatory damages sought has not formally been disclosed to the public, the designers are asking for an injunction to cease the infringement and prevent the business activity from continuing.  They claim that Shein is in violation of the RICO Act.

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