Tag Archives: lawsuit

Hit Me With a Lawsuit

Spears strikes back

Jamie Spears is striking back at blogger and “Absolute Britney” website developer, Anthony Elia.  In a lawsuit filed recently, Jamie Spears, who has served as Britney Spears’ conservator since 2008, alleges Elia inflicted malicious intent to defame him. In Elia’s blog, he concocts conspiracy theories about Jamie’s apparent power over Britney.  Two theories include Jamie’s misrepresentation of Britney on her social media accounts to make her appear crazy, and not allowing Britney to regain control over her own life.  The blog has evolved into a “Free Britney” campaign, attracting many followers. Continue reading →

If the Sandal Was on the Other Foot, You Would Sue Too

Fashion is fierce

Bernardo is a household name for luxury designer footwear.  Currently, this company has made a name for itself as “plaintiff” in several patent infringement lawsuits, centering around the design of their ornamental thong sandals.  Since obtaining the patent in 2008, Bernardo and its parent company JPT Group have filed eleven lawsuits against other shoe and lifestyle brand companies.  Some of the eleven companies Bernardo has taken legal action against are Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Balenciaga, and Pedro Garcia.  Most recently, the company has accused Tory Burch of infringing upon their intellectual property rights.  In particular, the Tory Burch Emmy Pearl Sandal closely resembles the design of the Bernardo thong sandal.   Continue reading →

A Chemical Mist Strikes a Small Village in Illinois

Toxic fog

A seemingly unintentional, yet negligent chemical leak in Beach Park, IL sent 37 people to the hospital with reactions to anhydrous ammonia exposure.  Following this April 25 incident, five individuals have moved forward with filing a lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle that seeped the chemical into the atmosphere, as well as the farm that employed the driver. The five individuals include a motorist who drove through the cloud of chemicals, a Lake County sheriff’s deputy, a Beach Park firefighter, and two nearby residents who were in their homes at the time of the leak.  Continue reading →

Employees Gain Support in Casino Discrimination Claim

Weighing the evidence

A lawsuit ten years in the making, five former Atlantic City Borgata Casino cocktail waitresses finally have the chance to speak at trial in defense of their gender discrimination claim.  In their argument, the christened “Borgata Babes” faced a hostile work environment, in which they were forced to adhere to certain weight requirements.  In the event of pregnancies or adverse health conditions, the women were either suspended for their weight gain or were pressured into ceasing medications that contributed to the weight gain.  As part of their job, the cocktail waitresses were subjected to routine weigh-ins, and were forbidden to gain more than 7% of their weight from when they started working as a Babe.  While some contend that this policy is discriminatory to women, others believe these employees were fully aware of the policies before commencing employment.  A jury will be left to decide their fate. Continue reading →

Racing for a Win in the Courtroom

They’re not horsing around

In the aftermath of perhaps one of the largest upsets in horse racing history, the owners of the would-be triumphant horse, Maximum Security, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Frankfort, KY.  Those who did not tune into the 145th Kentucky Derby on May 4 missed a historically controversial event.  Maximum Security allegedly interfered with other horses during part of the race, and as a result, two jockeys challenged the victory.  After a prolonged and careful review of the entire race, the three stewards decided that Maximum Security did impede the momentum of other horses.  With Maximum Security’s disqualification, the second place finisher, Country House, was announced as the winner of the Derby.  Although this was a heartbreaking loss for the otherwise undefeated Maximum Security, his owners, Gary and Mary West, are not accepting the defeat without a fight. Continue reading →