News

View news about our firm and developments in our cases.

Attorney Generals Back Patient Safety
May 17, 2012

Forty-one attorneys generals are backing the Patient Safety and Generic Labeling Improvement Act. The Act would let generic-drug makers independently change their labels to include new risks or side effects and open them up to failure-to-warn claims. This act would effectively overturn the Supreme Court's decision in Pilva v. Mensing. That ruling said state-law tort claims against producers of generic drugs were preempted because the Hatch- Waxman Amendments require generics to use the same warning label as brand-name drugs.

House Democrats are Looking to Crack Down on Overdraft Fees
May 15, 2012

House Democrats are looking to crack down on overdraft fees, proposing legislation that would limit when and how banks can charge people who try to spend more money than is available in their accounts.

FTC and Dept. Of Commerce Testify at Senate Privacy Hearing
May 15, 2012

FTC Chairman Jon Liebowitz will be joined by his recently confirmed colleague Maureen Ohlhausen along with Department of Commerce general counsel Cameron Kerry to appear before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Wednesday May 9, 2012 afternoon to discuss the Obama administration's proposed online Privacy Bill of Rights.

FTC Senior Identity Theft Inquiry
May 15, 2012

The staff of the from the public on how identity theft impacts senior citizens. The FTC hopes to use the information to help its law enforcement agenda, policy initiatives and consumer education efforts.

Free Foreclosure Review, Few Apply
May 15, 2012

More than six months ago government regulators and banks first extended offers to 4.3 million homeowners facing foreclosure: to review, at no cost, the foreclosure process to check for any possible errors or misrepresentations. Homeowners can stand to collect compensation of as much as $100,000 through this process if errors are found. But thus far, only a tiny percentage of those eligible have actually signed up,only 165,000 people - fewer than 4 percent of those eligible - have applied. The original April 30 deadline has since been extended to July 31.

CFPB Considers Rules to Simplify Mortgage Points and Fees
May 15, 2012

On Wednesday May 9, 2012 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) outlined rules it is considering that would simplify mortgage points and fees and bring greater transparency to the mortgage loan origination market. These rules would make it easier for consumers to understand mortgage costs and compare loans so they can choose the best deal.

EasyLink Services Corp.
May 11, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of EasyLink Services Corp. ("EasyLink" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ESIC), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Open Text Corp. Under the terms of the transaction, EasyLink shareholders would receive $7.25 per share in cash, in a deal worth approximately $310 million.

JP Morgan & Chase Co.
May 11, 2012

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) has suffered $2 billion or more in trading losses, according to breaking news reports.  A May 11, 2012 Wall Street Journal article indicates the “losses stemmed from wagers gone wrong in the bank's Chief Investment Office” and involved losses in derivative positions.  Following this revelation, J.P. Morgan shares fell dramatically in value.

Cost Plus, Inc.
May 09, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Cost Plus, Inc. ("Cost Plus" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CPWM) concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, Cost Plus shareholders would receive $22.00 per share in cash, in a deal worth approximately $495 million.

FTC, DOJ and CFPB File a Joint Brief Supporting the Fair Credit Reporting Act
May 09, 2012

The Federal Trade Commission joined the Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in filing a memorandum brief in support of the constitutionality of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The brief can be found here. The FCRA was created to protect the privacy of credit report information and also to ensure that the information supplied by consumer reporting agencies(CRAs) is as accurate as possible.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Investigates Double Billing By Apple
May 08, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating allegations that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: APPL) is double billing customers for music purchases made on iTunes.

GTSI Corp.
May 08, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of GTSI Corp.("GTSI" or "the Company") (Nasdaq:GTSI)

Deceptive “Green” Product Claims
May 07, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP investigates deceptive "green" product claims.

CFPB creates Second Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act Panel
May 01, 2012

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) created a second Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act Panel to provide input on the mortgage servicing rules proposal that the CFPB is developing. The first panel had convened to consider the proposal being developed by the CFPB for integrated TILA and RESPA disclosures and the rules governing those disclosures.

CFPB Selects Director of OMWI
April 30, 2012

Director Richard Cordray has selected Stuart Ishimaru to direct the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's newly established Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI). This office will work to promote diversity at the CFPB and at the financial institutions it regulates.

Pradaxa
April 25, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating claims on behalf of individuals consuming the drug Pradaxa who may have experienced adverse bleeding events, i.e. hemorrhages.  Pradaxa is used to prevent strokes among patients with a dangerous irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation, that tends to mainly impact the elderly. It is part of a new line of oral medicines called"direct thrombin inhibitors." The United States Food and Drug Administration first approved Pradaxa in October 2010.

CFPB Examines Mandatory Arbitration
April 24, 2012

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a release today stating that it is seeking comment on the use of contractual clauses that require consumers to resolve disputes with companies through arbitration rather than through the court system. "We want to learn how arbitration clauses affect consumers, and how effective arbitration is in resolving consumers issues," CFPB Director Richard Cordray said today in an e-mail statement announcing the request. The inquiry will help the Bureau assess whether rules are needed.

FINRA Moving to Eliminate Class Action Bans for Employees of FINRA Members
April 23, 2012

The Securities and Exchange Commission has granted accelerated approval to a proposed rule change issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority that would preclude arbitration of collective action claims by employees of FINRA members. The text of the April 13, 2012 letter from FINRA to the SEC can be found here. If finalized, this would be an important change for workers in at least one segment of the economy.

Tribeca Film Festival Shows “Off Label”, A Look at Human Guinea Pigs
April 23, 2012

Hot on the heels of "Hot Coffee", filmmakers bring another documentary expose on Big Business, this time, the pharmaceutical industry. The "Off Label", the movie, by Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher, takes a look at America's drug culture; namely how "legal" drugs are tested, marketed, sold and consumed. It also reveals a less-than-rosy picture of the industry's 'twilight zone', where drugs are tested by human guinea pigs and the results can be shady at best, devastating at worst. Those lucky enough to live in or near New York can catch the film at its World Premiere at:

Chesapeake Energy Corp.
April 23, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Chesapeake Energy Corp. ("Chesapeake" or the "Company") (NYSE: CHK).  If you are interested in discussing your rights as a Chesapeake shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

CFPB News Update
April 20, 2012

This week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced several key and important tools and actions in support of its mandate.

Actos Whistleblower Lawsuit Unsealed
April 16, 2012

Dr. Helen Ge was under contract with Takeda Pharmaceuticals and claims ,in a recently unsealed whistleblower lawsuit that she met with resistance from her superiors at Takeda when she attempted to report Actos bladder cancer findings. Dr. Ge was under contact in September 2008 and was in charge of reviewing various drugs for Takeda including Actos.

California Homeowner Bill of Rights Under Review
April 16, 2012

Starting today April 16, 20120, California lawmakers are considering several pieces of legislation that propose to safeguard homeowners from unfair mortgage and foreclosure practices. The six bills are dubbed the California Homeowner Bill of Rights and supported by California Attorney General Kamala Harris. The bills would help establish basic standards and greater transparency in the mortgage process and protect renters living in foreclosed homes, as well as expand the state's prosecutorial powers over illegal mortgage and foreclosure practices.

Feds to Thwart Smartphone Thieves
April 13, 2012

As many who have lost their cell phones or have had them stolen, it is nigh impossible to either get them back or to have the wireless service provider brick the phone. And thieves know this fact. That is why a black market industry has cropped up to take advantage of the provider's lack of customer service in this area. While lawsuits crop up aimed at holding wireless service providers responsible, the legal hurdles can be significant given the prevalence of pre-dispute binding mandatory arbitration clauses in the wireless services contracts. The FCC, together with the phone industry and law enforcement officials, has stepped into the gap.  U.S. mobile operators will work to ban any phone or 3G/4G tablet reported stolen from their networks and will work together to ensure that thieves don’t simply transfer stolen devices to a competitor's service. According to Giacom, they will also work together to develop a database "which will track unique device identifying numbers, and with the CTIA, the major carrier trade association, to coordinate those databases, making them accessible to other operators and local law enforcement agencies all over the country. The CTIA said the database among U.S. GSM operators will be set up by Oct. 31."

E-Book Publishers Sued For Price-Fixing
April 13, 2012

This past Wednesday April 11, 2012 the Justice department filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New York, accusing five of the nation's largest publishing houses and Apple of fixing prices on e-books, forcing consumers to pay tens of millions of dollars more for their favorite titles. The government painted a portrait of an industry desperately trying to turn a profit amid rapid changes in technology and aggressive competition from online retailers.

Bayer AG is Reportedly Settling Yasmin Cases
April 13, 2012

Recent news reports indicate Bayer AG will pay at least $110 million to settle about 500 cases alleging its Yasmin line of birth-control pills caused blood clots, which have proved fatal in some instances. While the agreements have not yet been made public, Bayer has reportedly agreed to pay an average of about $220,000 per case. This news arose in the wake of reports that a trial had been postponed while a mediator attempted to negotiate settlements in pending cases.

Shoddy Background Checks Cost Workers Jobs and Sidestep the Law
April 12, 2012

Criminal background checks for job applicants by employers have increased in the post 9-11 era. Yet many of the reports contain errors and misleading information. An industry-wide lack of accountability and incentives to cut corners mean that tens of millions of workers may pay for these third-party errors with their jobs while employers waste money and miss out on hiring qualified employees.

Jason Natural Brand
April 12, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating claims made by Jason Natural Brand, claiming their products are "All Natural" or "Pure Natural".

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU OUTLINES BORROWER-FRIENDLY APPROACH TO MORTGAGE SERVICING
April 10, 2012

On, Tuesday April 10, 2012, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will outline proposed rules to help protect mortgage borrowers from being hit by costly surprises or getting the runaround from their mortgage servicer. The CFPB will propose more rules this summer that will hopefully be finalized by January 2013.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Unveils New Tool
April 09, 2012

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently launched a new wed tool that will assist both students and their families when making student loan and financial aid decisions. The tool will allow students and families compare financial information they receive from colleges side by side to better understand the actual cost of attendance.

Ban on Insider Trading by Congress Signed
April 04, 2012

Today, April 4th, President Obama signed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act which bans insider trading on Capitol Hill. The President stated that he hopes the bill will help create a more level playing field. The bill states that any lawmaker who attempts to gain an unfair advantage in the market through the use of nonpublic information will now be breaking the law as a result of the STOCK Act.  President Obama admitted though there is still more work to be done to "close the deficit of trust and limit the corrosive influence of money in politics. We should limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries that they have the power to impact. We should make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can't lobby Congress, and vice versa."

Foreclosure Reforms to Widen
April 04, 2012

This past winter a settlement was finally reached between the federal government, attorney generals and 5 major banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan Chase and Ally Financial. As part of the settlement these five banks must amend past and current practices to prevent further flawed and fraudulent foreclosure practices. These changes include forbidding "robo-signing" of documents and providing a single point of contact to homeowners. The settlement also requires banks to reduce the loans of some borrowers, help others refinance their mortgages and pay restitution to some homeowners who faced foreclosure.

Global Payments, Inc.
April 03, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Global Payments, Inc. ("Global" or the "Company") (NYSE: GPN). If you are interested in discussing your rights as a Global shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

eBay Mobile Investigation
March 29, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating claims that users of eBay, Inc's "eBay Mobile" software application ("app") were improperly charged optional feature fees when using eBay Mobile to post items on eBay.

Swisher Hygiene, Inc.
March 28, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Swisher Hygiene, Inc. ("Swisher" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SWSH).If you are interested in discussing your rights as a Swisher shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Supreme Court Limits Key Provision of Privacy Act
March 28, 2012

In a 5-3 decision (with Justice Kagan abstaining), the Supreme Court held in Federal Aviation Administration v. Cooper that it was not sufficiently clear that the federal government intended to waive immunity for mental or emotional distress claims. The facts of the case are succinctly summarized by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), amicus to Cooper: The FAA requires a pilot to have a valid airman medical certificate to operate an aircraft. The medical certificate must be renewed periodically and requires the disclosure of any illnesses, disabilities, or surgeries the applicant has experienced during his lifetime, along with the identification of any medications the applicant is taking at the time of the application. Cooper received his private pilot certificate in 1964, and was diagnosed with HIV in 1985. In 1994, Cooper re-applied for a medical certificate without disclosing his HIV status or his antiretroviral medication regimen. In August 1995, Cooper's symptoms worsened, and he applied for long-term disability benefits with the SSA, revealing his HIV status to the agency. Cooper stated his belief at the time that his medical information would be held confidential. Cooper qualified for the benefits and received them from August 1995 to August 1996.

FTC Taking Action against Telemarketing Business
March 28, 2012

The Federal Trade commission recently took action by putting a telemarketing business out of operation after they were found to have been bombarding consumers with more than two billion calls, pitching a variety of services. The action which is part of a final settlement order against SBN Peripherals, is part of an ongoing effort by the FTC to crackdown on deceptive robocallers. The order found here bans the defendants from any future telemarketing and also requires them to give up roughly $3million in assets.

FDA Ordered to Investigate Antibiotic Use in Animal Feed
March 26, 2012

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered to launch the process that may result in antibiotics being removed from animal feed. The ruling comes in a suit brought by Natural Resources Defense Counsel (NRDC), Center for Science in the Public Interest, Public Citizen, and other health and consumer groups who say the proliferate use of antibiotics in animal feed threaten human health. U.S. Magistrate Judge Theodore Katz said that the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act "unambiguously commands" the FDA to take action on its own safety findings by withdrawing approval for most non-therapeutic uses of penicillin and tetracyclines in animal feed, unless the industry can prove in public hearings that those drug uses are safe. The ruling also makes clear that future nonbinding guidance from FDA will not excuse the Agency from its obligation to hold hearings on whether to withdraw approval for antibiotics covered by the decision.

FDA Eyeing Ban on BPA
March 26, 2012

A major decision will soon be made which will ultimately determine whether or not a known hazardous chemical will continue to inhibit food products, plastic packaging, personal care products, and an abundance of other common items.

First Solar, Inc.
March 26, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of First Solar, Inc. ("First Solar" or the"Company") (NASDAQ: FSLR).

CFPB Launches “Ask CFPB”
March 23, 2012

On March 23, 2012, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched "Ask CFPB" a new interactive online tool that will help consumers find answers to their basic financial questions. "Using this tool, consumers can find answers by searching a term or by navigating by category (like "redit Card" or "Mortgage") or topic (like "fees" or "closing"), the agency said in its press release. Users can rate an answer, submit a question for consideration to be included on Ask CFPB, and otherwise help build and improve the database

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Praised
March 23, 2012

In an opinion dated March 20, 2012 Judge Lee H. Rosenthal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Houston), praised managing partner Burton Finkelstein when approving a consumer settlement of a data breach class action.  The case, In Re: Heartland Payment Systems, Inc.

LinkedIn, Inc.
March 22, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating allegations that LinkedIn, Inc. accesses contact lists from registered users' email programs without users' authorization. It is alleged that LinkedIn sends "Invitations to Connect" from the users' account to contacts in the user' email without informing the user. LinkedIn allegedly has the ability to access contacts even if the user has not specifically authorized this access. It is also alleged that LinkedIn App uses, uploads, stores and/or transfers the private address book data maintained on users' wireless mobile devices without first obtaining the device owner's consent.

Generic Drug Makers Escaping Liability
March 22, 2012

The New York Times reported on divergent liabilities by drug manufacturers. In comparing the Supreme Court decision in a case by Diana Levine, to a little known case brought by Debbie Schork, the liability factor stands in sharp contrast. Both were injected with the same drug (promethazine), both were injected in the arm, both developed gangrene from the drug (an unknown side effect), and both suffered amputations. While Ms. Levine's case proceeded, Ms. Schork's case was quietly dismissed. The only difference is the intrusion of another Supreme Court decision named PLIVA, Inc. v. Mensing which limits liability by generic manufacturers. So while Ms. Levine's injection was in the branded form of the drug (Phenergan), Ms. Schork received the generic form of the drug. The Supreme Court ruling affects potentially millions of people: nearly 80 percent of prescriptions in the United States are filled by a generic, and most states permit pharmacists to dispense a generic in place of a brand name.

Google Bypasses Safari’s Privacy Settings
March 21, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating allegations that Google, Inc. intentionally used code to circumvent Apple Safari Internet web browser's default privacy settings to block third-party tracking on Apple computers, tablets and smartphones. It is alleged that Google, Inc. enabled tracking cookies to be installed on Safari users' Apple Mac, iPhone, ipod Touch and iPad without authorization or disclosure, although Google Inc.'s privacy policies state that "Safari is set by default to block all third-party cookies. If you have not changed those settings, this option effectively accomplishes the same thing as setting the [Google advertising cookie opt-out plugin]."

Foreclosure Whistleblowers Win $46.5 Million
March 16, 2012

Lynn Szymoniak began investigating her bank when it moved to foreclose on her Florida home in 2008. Szymoniak, 63, is among six whistle-blowers who will pocket $46.5 million as part of a $25 billion national foreclosure settlement that state and federal officials reached in February with five banks, including Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Her share is estimated to be $18 million. Szymoniak's examination, in which she relied on her experience as an insurance-fraud investigator, led to her claims against banks for submitting fraudulent documents to the federal government asserting that they owned loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Her work quickly uncovered widespread document fraud in the mortgage industry, she said in an interview with Bloomberg, and eventually led to the filing of her whistleblower cases in 2010.

Maryland Eyeing Consumer Protection Bills
March 13, 2012

While higher profile legislative issues have taken the limelight in the press, the Maryland Assembly is considering several bills that positively impacts consumers. Del. Benjamin F. Kramer (D-Montgomery) is leading an effort to require labels on tires clearly indicating the month and year of their manufacture. In an interview with the Washington Post, Del. Kramer said "The tire manufacturers in the industry have done their best for years to keep under wraps the fact that tires - whether they have ever been put on a car or not - begin to deteriorate from the moment the manufacturing process is completed".

The Ninth Circuit Guts State Consumer Protection Remedies
March 08, 2012

In a surprising opinion, on March 7, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals issued a ruling broadly applying the Federal Arbitration Act's (FAA) preemption under AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, 131 S. Ct. 1740 (2011). In Kilgore v. Key Bank, the Ninth Circuit closed the last remaining loophole available to California consumers to escape the broad reach of the FAA and Concepcion.

Delaware Forum Selection
March 05, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP ("FT") has launched an investigation of changes to the bylaws of Delaware corporations.

Windows Manufacturers Make Allegedly Unsubstantiated Claims
March 05, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of consumers who bought windows from Gorell Enterprises; Long Fence & Home; Serious Energy; THV Holdings; or Winchester Industries. The FTC recently investigated these companies for allegedly making unsubstantiated energy efficiency and money-saving claims about their windows, and Finkelstein Thompson is interested in speaking with consumers who purchased windows from these companies.

U.S. Supreme Court decided Kurns v. Railroad Friction Products Corp.
March 02, 2012

On February 29, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Kurns v. Railroad Friction Products Corp. No. 10-879 holding that the Locomotive Inspection Act, 49 U.S.C. § 20701 et seq. preempted the plaintiffs' state law design-defect and failure-to-warn claims against a railroad carrier. In 2005, Corson was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Two years later, in 2007, Corson and his wife filed suit inPennsylvania state court against 59 defendants, including Railroad Friction Products Corporation, asserting state law design-defect and failure-to-warn claims.  The Supreme Court held that the plaintiffs' state law claims were preempted under the doctrine of field preemption under the Act.

California Lawmakers Reveal Homeowner Protection Bills
March 02, 2012

The California Homeowner Bill of Rights was reveled on Wednesday February 29, 2012. The bills-- 6 separate bills in total--were designed to protect homeowners from unfair practices by banks and mortgage companies, while also helping consumers and communities cope with the current urgent mortgage and foreclosure crisis.

Federal Communications Commissions Strenghtens Do Not Call rules, But Some Remain Skeptical
February 24, 2012

On February 15, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC")announced new rules designed to strengthen protections against unwanted telemarketing calls to consumers. The FCC also intends the new rules to harmonize its policies with those of the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), making it easier for marketers to comply with all applicable regulations. But not all consumers are convinced that the new rules will actually cut down on unwanted telemarketing calls.

Medical Records Copying Fees
February 21, 2012

In recent years, many cases have been filed nationwide regarding health care providers' practices of charging fees for copying medical records for patients themselves, other health care providers, and other parties including attorneys. Such cases arise from the fact that the federal government and many states have implemented a patchwork of regulation regarding the level and types of permissible fees that can be charged.

AT&T Data Throttling
February 13, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating reports that AT&T (NYSE: T) is throttling data usage on its customers' smartphones covered by "unlimited" data plans. The throttling may restrict data speeds, which may result in slower web page loads and applications not functioning properly.

TurboTax "Refund Processing Service Fees"
February 10, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating TurboTax "refund processing service fees."  When a customer defers paying Intuit for its services up-front by electing to have applicable fees withheld from their tax refund, they are charged a Refund Processing Service Fee. In doing so, TurboTax does not disclose that the fee effects a very high interest rate for a short-period loan.

FINRA Charges Charles Schwab With Violating FINRA Rules by Using Class Action Waiver in Customer
February 01, 2012

FINRA today announced that it has charged Charles Schwab & Co with violating its terms by using class action waivers in its customer agreements. These terms were sent in an amended customer agreement in October 2011 to more than 7 million customers. For more on this, read here.

Pfizer Announces Recall of Birth Control Pills Lo/Ovral®-28 and Norgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablet
February 01, 2012

Pfizer Inc today announced that it has voluntarily recalled 14 lots of Lo/Ovral®-28 (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) Tablets and 14 lots of Norgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets- oral contraceptives indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women. After conducting an investigation, Pfizer discovered that these products could leave unsuspecting women without adequate contraception and at risk for unintended pregnancy. Pfizer explains that some blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert or active ingredient tablets and that the tablets may be out of sequence.

FTC to Work Together with CFPB to Protect Consumers
January 30, 2012

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have signed an agreement to coordinate efforts to protect consumers and avoid duplication of federal law enforcement and regulatory efforts.

FINRA Hits Merrill Lynch with Historic $1 million Fine
January 30, 2012

Merrill Lynch agreed to pay a $1 million fine for failing to arbitrate disputes with employees about retention bonuses related to its 2009 merger with Bank of America Corp. FINRA alleged that Merrill made brokers sign documents requiring them to resolve disputes about the bonuses in court. Industry rules require brokerages and brokers to resolve most employment disputes in FINRA's arbitration forum. Merrill paid $2.8 billion in retention bonuses structured as loans to more than 5,000 brokers at the time of the merger with Bank of America.  Brokers who leave the firm, or whose employment is terminated before the loan term is over, must return part of the payment. Merrill Lynch structured its retention bonus program to make it appear that its funding came from Merrill Lynch International Finance Inc, an affiliate that is not registered with FINRA. Some brokers then left Merrill, without repaying funds they owed on their bonuses and the brokerage filed more than 90 actions in New York state court (regardless of residency), instead of mandated arbitration before FINRA, to collect those funds.

CFPB Launches New Initiatives
January 19, 2012

Nonbank Supervision Program

The CFPB has taken another step to protect consumers by launching its nonbank supervision program. The CFPB now has authority to oversee mortgage companies, payday lenders, and private education lenders - helping to ensure that banks and nonbanks play by the same rules. More information can be found here.  To this end, it also published its Mortgage Origination Examination Procedures, a guide for CFPB examiners looking at both bank and nonbank mortgage originators.

Zappos Data Breach
January 18, 2012

Online shoe and clothing retailer Zappos, which is owned by Amazon.com, began emailing its 24 million customers Sunday, advising them that its site had been hacked, and some customers' personal details and account information likely stolen. But Zappos said that no credit or debit card information had been accessed by attackers.

CFTC approves rules regulating swap dealers
January 13, 2012

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission voted 4-1 Wednesday to approve a proposal on how customer money is treated for over-the-counter derivatives called "swaps" that many market participants have argued should be stronger after MF Global revealed risks in the current system.

“SCAREWARE” MAY DECEIVE UNWARY COMPUTER USERS
January 13, 2012

A class action lawsuit recently filed in a California federal court alleges that the security software company Symantec used deceptive software-known as "scareware-to trick computer users. According to the complaint, Symantec's software led users to believe that it scanned their computer for viruses and could fix their computers, when in fact it did nothing but falsely report threats in an effort to convince users to buy Symantec's products.On January 11, 2012, a Symantec spokesperson stated that the company was aware of the allegations, but declined to comment further.

The Supreme Court Reinforces its Vigorous Support of Arbitration
January 10, 2012

Access to Justice Initiative today released Foreclosure Mediation: Emerging Research and Evaluation
January 10, 2012

The Access to Justice Initiative today released Foreclosure Mediation: Emerging Research and Evaluation Practices, a report resulting from a March 7, 2011, workshop with dozens of foreclosure mediation program stakeholders and researchers.

DAYTON MODEL 5NTX1 REFRIGERATOR
January 09, 2012

Finkelstein Thompson LLP investigates Dayton Model5NTX1 Refriferator/Freezer over alleged false Energy Star labeling.

NLRB Backs Workers on Joint Arbitration Cases
January 09, 2012

FDA Orders more studies on Surgical Mesh Implants
January 05, 2012

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has ordered Boston Scientific Corp., C.R. Bard Inc. and 31 other companies to conduct three years of trials on safety and effectiveness. These post-market studies of surgical mesh used in vaginal surgeries will hopefully shed light on current concerns over complications such as fistulas. An FDA report in July found a fivefold jump in deaths, injuries or malfunctions tied to the products.

New Director Appointed to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
January 04, 2012

New SEC Guidance
January 04, 2012

New SEC Guidance on Cybersecurity

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU BEGINS TAKING WHISTLEBLOWER TIPS
December 23, 2011

Financial Proteciton Bureau beigns taking Whistleblower tips

Michael G. McLellan Named Partner at Finkelstein Thompson LLP
December 22, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is pleased to announce that it has named Michael G. McLellan as partner at the firm, effective January 1, 2012.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Enhance Servicemembers' Education
December 22, 2011

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Seeks to Enhance Servicemembers' Education on Financial Issues

Congressional Representatives Send a Letter to TRICARE
December 05, 2011

Representatives Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Joe Barton (R-Texas), Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Robert Andrews (D-N.J.), sent a letter to the TRICARE Management Agency (TMA).

Lawsuit Against the Kashi Company and Bear Naked, Inc
December 05, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP files suit agains the Kashi Company and Bear Naked, Inc.

FRAUDULENT “ALL NATURAL” FOOD CLAIMS
December 02, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP investigates fraudulent "All Natural" food claims

Arsenic in Apple Juice
December 02, 2011

Studies raise concerns about Arsenic in apple juice

Naked Juice Lawsuit
December 02, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP investigates Naked Juice

Darvon and Darvocet Appointment to Steering Committee
December 01, 2011

On October 4, 2011, Judge Danny C. Reeves of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (at Covington) appointed FT Partner Tracy Rezvani to the Plaintiffs Steering Committee in In Re: Darvocet, Darvon and Propoxyphene Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2226). For more on this litigation, please visit here or here.

Sutter Health Breach
November 30, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Investigates Sutter Health Breach

Tricare Data Breach
November 28, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Investigates Tricare Data Breach.

MF GLOBAL HOLDING LTD.
November 28, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Investigates MF Global Holding Ltd.

DARVOCET AND DARVON RECALL
November 07, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP investigates Darvocet and Darvon Recall

Actos
October 25, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Announces An Investigation Involving Complications from Actos.

Transvaginal Mesh
October 21, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Announces An Investigation Involving Complications from Transvaginal Mesh.

Overdraft Fee Investigation
July 26, 2011

LIBOR Rates
June 23, 2011

Finkelstein Thompson Announces Investigation of Bank of America Corp, Barclays Plc, Citigroup Inc, Credit Suisse Group AG, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, Lloyds Banking Group Plc and UBS AG

HUMAN EGG DONOR FILES CLASS ACTION
April 13, 2011

Human Egg Donor files class action lawsuit challenging anticompetitive agreement amond reproductive clinics and agencies

Defective BMW Wheels
December 13, 2010

Finkelstein Thompson LLP Announces Investigation of Defective BMW Wheels

Cell Phone Suit Survives Challenge
July 09, 2010

In an 83-page opinion issued July 8, 2010, Judge Burgess of the District of Columbia Superior Court allowed a consumer lawsuit to proceed despite a blistering multi-prong attack by the cell phone industry. 

CARD Act of 2009
February 11, 2010

Finkelstein Thompson Informs Credit Card Consumers of Their Rights Under the Credit CARD Act of 2009 

Finkelstein Thompson Ranked Among Top Securities Law Firms
July 16, 2008

For the second consecutive year, Finkelstein Thompson LLP has been ranked among the top 50 plaintiffs' law firms by Securities Class Action Services (SCAS).