Litigation Risks Arising from Hidden or “Junk” Fees with Matt Ralph and Alex Hake

How can businesses and those who advise them avoid "junk fee" lawsuits?

Hidden fees that consumers learn about late in the process of completing a transaction are increasingly targeted in state and federal legislation. Using names such as “junk fees” and “drip pricing”, these laws create new litigation risks for companies. In this episode, I interview Dorsey Partner Matt Ralph and Associate Alex Hake on the new statutes as well as FTC regulations, application in common scenarios, pending litigation claims, and what these developments mean for class action risks.

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If you have any comments or feedback on this episode, drop me a line at schmidt.kent@dorsey.com.

This podcast is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship or create any duty of Dorsey & Whitney LLP or those appearing in this podcast to anyone. Although we try to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and reflects current legal developments, we do not warrant or guarantee those things. The opinions expressed in this podcast are the opinions of those appearing in the podcast only and not those of Dorsey & Whitney. This podcast is considered attorney advertising under the applicable rules of certain states.

The National Advertising Division’s Connection with Identifying and Avoiding Consumer Litigation Risks with Fara Sunderji

What is the NAD and what do companies need to understand about it to avoid consumer litigation?

Consumer litigation risks are a significant concern for companies selling products and services for personal use, including consumer class action lawsuits, as well as scrutiny and enforcement actions from the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and district attorneys. Mitigating these risks requires understanding how self-regulatory organizations (SROs) work. In this episode, I interview Dorsey Partner Fara Sunderji on SROs, focusing on the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau, exploring how NAD handles complaints, coordinates with the FTC, and serves as a resource in understanding and defending against consumer litigation risks.

If you have any comments or feedback on this episode, drop me a line at schmidt.kent@dorsey.com.

This podcast is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship or create any duty of Dorsey & Whitney LLP or those appearing in this podcast to anyone. Although we try to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and reflects current legal developments, we do not warrant or guarantee those things. The opinions expressed in this podcast are the opinions of those appearing in the podcast only and not those of Dorsey & Whitney. This podcast is considered attorney advertising under the applicable rules of certain states.

The Tidal Wave of Website Privacy Class Actions and Mass Arbitration Claims with Austin Chambers, Jessica Leano, and Deb Howitt

How can companies prepare for and respond to the legal vulnerabilities associated with gathering website data?

We often hear of litigation trends described in dramatic terms: “the floodgates will open” or “a tidal wave of claims is coming.” Often the predictions end up being off the mark. But with respect to website privacy claims, companies being deluged in litigation claims and the metaphors are apt. A number of law firms in California and elsewhere are bringing large number of individual lawsuits, class actions, and mass arbitrations. Any company with a website that seeks to capitalize on gathering data on website activities is vulnerable. These cases present unique substantive and procedural challenges. In this episode, Austin Chambers, Jessica Leano, and former Dorsey partner Deb Howitt explain the merits of these claims, how courts and arbitrators are reacting to these trends, and what companies should do to be prepared for the tidal wave.

If you have any comments or feedback on this episode, drop me a line at schmidt.kent@dorsey.com.

This podcast is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship or create any duty of Dorsey & Whitney LLP or those appearing in this podcast to anyone. Although we try to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and reflects current legal developments, we do not warrant or guarantee those things. The opinions expressed in this podcast are the opinions of those appearing in the podcast only and not those of Dorsey & Whitney. This podcast is considered attorney advertising under the applicable rules of certain states.