Tag: Pennsylvania
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Michigan Bans Alcoholic Energy Drinks, Pennsylvania Requests Removal
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has rescinded “the approval of all alcohol energy drinks [AEDs],” citing “widespread community concerns aired by substance abuse prevention groups, parent groups and various members of the public, as well as the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) decision to further investigate these products.” According to a November 4, 2010,…
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Settlement Announced in Egg Antitrust Litigation
A plaintiffs’ firm has announced a $25 million partial settlement in an antitrust class action “brought on behalf of direct purchasers of shell eggs and egg products.” In re: Processed Eggs Antitrust Litigation, MDL No. 2002 (E.D. Pa.). According to Hausfeld LLP, plaintiffs alleged “a near industry-wide, price-fixing conspiracy among egg farmers which raised the price…
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Hershey Co. Claims Brownie Baking Pan Infringes Its Product Configuration Trademark
Pennsylvania-based chocolate maker Hershey Co. has filed a Lanham Act lawsuit against Williams-Sonoma Inc., alleging that the kitchen product retailer is marketing and selling a baking pan that infringes Hershey’s “Chocolate Bar Design Mark,” a purportedly distinctive rectangle scored into 12 smaller rectangles. The Hershey Co. v. Williams-Sonoma, Inc., No. 10-1011 (M.D. Pa., filed May 12,…
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Battle over Soft Drink Taxes Gains Momentum
Facing budget shortfalls in the upcoming fiscal year, several state and city legislatures are reportedly considering a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Kansas Senator John Vratil (R-Leawood) this week proposed a bill (S.B. 567) that would tax such products, including energy and sports drinks, at the rate of one penny per teaspoon of sugar. According to…
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Chocolate Price-Fixing Case Certified for Appeal to Federal Appeals Court
A federal court in Pennsylvania has certified for immediate appeal its denial of the defendants’ motion to dismiss in multidistrict litigation (MDL) alleging price-fixing by chocolate manufacturers. In re Chocolate Confectionary Antitrust Litig., MDL No. 1935 (M.D. Pa., April 8, 2009). The defendants in these 87 consolidated lawsuits reportedly supply 75 percent of the chocolate…