Calling all Customers!

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Phone service hacks

AT&T announced in March that a collection of personal, private information about 73 million of the company’s former and current customers was breached.  Although the data was posted on the internet this year by the hacker enterprise known as MajorNelson, AT&T confirmed that the compilation of information stemmed from five years ago or even earlier.  Following the alleged flagrant and negligent disregard for maintaining appropriate security of its customer’s private records, AT&T has been named in a proposed class action lawsuit.  The breakdown of those impacted includes 7.6 million current customers and 65.4 million former customers. 

Infectious Menu

A close-up of a cheeseburger on a black slate. The burger has a sesame seed bun, lettuce, tomato slices, onion rings, pickles, melted cheese, and a beef patty. Ketchup is visible, and the background is a dark blurred surface.
Contaminated health

Following the filing of a personal injury lawsuit, a fast-food restaurant that claims its recipes are driven by a high level of quality may now have to defend its slogan.  Despite Wendy’s dedication to incorporating fresh ingredients into its food, a Michigan franchise location may be held liable for contributing to the permanent health issues of a young consumer.  After citing almost 20 health code violations, the Ottawa County Health Department (OCHD) temporarily closed the location in July 2022, and on August 11, 2022, the OCHD closed the restaurant for a second time after discovering additional violations.

It Pays to Share

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Failed business deal

In recent news, a former footballer and an actor go head-to-head in the ultimate legal showdown of a business venture gone awry.  In the U.S. District Court of Central California, David Beckham filed a complaint against the Syndey, Australia-based company F45 Training, which is 36% owned by Mark Wahlberg.  Beckham claims that Wahlberg approached him to serve as a brand ambassador for the company but was later allegedly duped out of millions.  The former athlete alleges breach of contract and fraudulent conduct.  Since the initial filing, Wahlberg has denied the accusations and is seeking a dismissal.

Take a Bite Out of This

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Apple’s new lawsuit

Apple is once again in the news for yet another lawsuit involving possible antitrust infringement.  In this most recent case, filed at the beginning of this month, Apple has been accused of engaging in the practice of “tying,” which involves the stipulation that a consumer must use one product to use another.  Specifically, users of iPads and iPhones are tied to the iCloud service for storage.  According to the lawsuit, given Apple’s position in the market as a monopoly, certain rules apply to the company that make it allegedly illegal for the company to tie these products together.

An Airtight Argument?

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Confined to isolation

For the sake of public health and to prevent the potential negative long-term effects, a class action lawsuit has been filed to end the practice of solitary confinement in certain cases in Pennsylvania.  According to the federal lawsuit, which was filed in March, solitary confinement compromises the mental health of those incarcerated.  On behalf of six incarcerated individuals, legal counsel from the Abolitionist Law Center, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, and the law firm Dechert LLP filed the lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.  The general argument focuses on humanity and the end to cruel punishment.