Michael Carroll News
Texas-based firm expands patent-infringement litigation to California businesses
A Texas-based company that has filed 46 patent-infringement lawsuits over the past three years filed four such lawsuits in California in April, raising concerns about an expansion of intellectual-property litigation against retailers.
California bill to protect children from social media risks would promote lawsuits, critics say
A California bill that critics say would lead to an avalanche of frivolous lawsuits being filed against social media companies unanimously passed a key California Assembly panel last month.
Disability services group director says PAGA lawsuits are damaging small businesses, nonprofits
A California law that allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against employers to resolve state Labor Code disputes needs to be overhauled this year to end trial-attorney shakedowns of small business and nonprofits, according to a disability services advocate.
Second Amendment rights group sues California over restriction on out-of-state residents carrying guns
A gun owners rights advocacy group has filed a federal lawsuit against California’s attorney general in an effort to challenge a state law that is “unconstitutionally restrictive” and offers no avenue for out-of-state residents in California to carry firearms in public.
Governor restricts legal challenges to L.A. development in push for more housing
Gov. Gavin Newsom is streamlining a major mixed-use development near Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles to speed the building of housing and urban infrastructure, using new state laws aimed at reducing environmental litigation.
Over 75% of claims made in $45.5M Altria e-cigarettes settlement found to be potential fraud; Judge OKs deal
A federal judge has given a final OK to a $45.5 million settlement with Altria over allegations the tobacco firm misled consumers about the addictiveness of Juul e-cigarettes, despite evidence that more than 75% of the filed claims are invalid or fraudulent.
California utility agrees to pay federal government $80 million to resolve wildfire litigation
Southern California Edison will pay $80 million to the federal government to compensate for firefighting costs and property damage resulting from a 2017 fire that charred more than 100,000 acres of National Forest lands in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Federal judge compares litigation about social-media addiction to landmark tobacco lawsuits
A California federal judge who is overseeing multidistrict litigation alleging that social media companies’ platforms lead to addictive behavior among youths has likened these cases to the multibillion-dollar tobacco settlement of 1998.
California sues energy companies over 'climate' problems; 'Kitchen sink' lawsuit a 'political stunt,' industry says
Energy companies say the state's lawsuit is little more than a "meritless, politicized" effort to extract big paydays from oil and gas companies, while accomplishing little to address the alleged problems caused by "climate change"
'Chilling speech of employers in their own business': Pro-union legislation bogs down in Assembly amid criticism
The legislation would bar employers from speaking with their workers about union organizing efforts, and give trial lawyers new powers to sue employers accused of violating the new law for potentially big money damages
Oakland NAACP head calls on city to end 'no-consequences' mindset to crime fighting
A letter co-authored by Oakland NAACP president urges elected leaders to pull the city out of a “doom loop” of rising crime, depopulation and economic stagnation by rejecting a “no-consequences” approach to public safety and “defund the police” rhetoric.
California appeals court's ban on towing cars with parking tickets seen as setback for public safety
A California appeals court has barred municipal government agencies from towing vehicles that have been the subject of multiple unpaid traffic tickets, provided the car is parked legally and is not causing a safety hazard.
Stanford University under fire after Louisiana-based federal judge is shouted down during campus talk
The president of the Federalist Society chapter at Stanford University has urged school officials to do more to protect free expression on campus after a Louisiana-based federal appeals court judge was heckled and shouted down during a speech this month.
Judge says California gator products ban violates federal law, in win for Louisiana industry
A federal judge has concluded a California law banning the sale of products made from alligators raised in other states, including Louisiana’s wetlands, violates the federal Endangered Species Act, leading Louisiana wildlife officials to claim a legal victory.
State senator introduces bill to regulate third-party 'loan sharks' in litigation financing
A California tort reform group has expressed support for a state Senate bill that aims to protect consumers and the state’s justice system from problems arising from the third-party financing of civil lawsuits.
SF property owners sue to invalidate city's 'vacancy tax' measure
Several San Francisco property owners have filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the recently passed Proposition M, which requires landlords to pay a tax on units left vacant for more than 182 days in a single year.
Adult film firm Strike 3 Holdings continues to mass-file copyright lawsuits
An adult film company continues to mass-file copyright infringement lawsuits in the Northern District of California and elsewhere against defendants it says viewed the company’s films via illegal downloads.
Civil rights groups back correctional officers' objections to new beard policy
Civil rights groups are calling on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to reconsider a health and safety policy that requires bearded peace officers to shave or face disciplinary action, even if they previously had religious accommodations.
Business groups welcome referendum on fast food labor law; Enough signatures secured to let voters weigh in
A referendum to overturn a California law that aimed to regulate wages and workplace conditions in the fast food industry has received enough signatures to qualify for the November 2024 statewide ballot, the Department of State said
SF officials appeal injunction against homeless sweeps to 9th Circuit
San Francisco officials are appealing an order issued by a federal judge in December that prevents the city and county from conducting sweeps of homeless encampments.