News from August 2018
Federal Circuit Court reverses fee collection by U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, cites Pa. attorneys' amicus brief
LANCASTER – Lawyers from firm Barley Snyder who authored an amicus brief on behalf of the American Bar Association, had that same brief cited when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed a landmark decision allowing for collection of attorney’s fees by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
Couple sues U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs after alleged failed knee replacement surgery
SCRANTON — A couple is suing the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Dr. Keith Cordischi, government agency, alleging a failed knee replacement surgery has resulted in pain, injury and disfigurement.
Class action lawsuit filed against Federal Housing Finance Agency and Treasury Department
Shareholders have filed a class-action lawsuit against The Federal Housing Finance Agency; Melvin I. Watt and the Treasury Department.
Former employee, alleging discrimination, claims PNC Financial Services wrongfully fired him
PITTSBURGH — A former employee is suing PNC Financial Services Group, a bank holding company, citing alleged disability discrimination and wrongful termination.
Culinaire International, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital named in lawsuit involving intoxicated minor
PITTSBURGH — Christian C. Rouse has filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against Culinaire International Inc.; UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and Carnegie Institute, doing business as Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, alleging that the defendants negligently served alcohol to a minor, causing him to be become significantly intoxicated and arrested.
AARP, United Health accused of fraud
PHILADELPHIA — Two insurance policyholders have filed a class-action lawsuit against AARP Inc, AARP Services Inc, AARP Insurance Plan, UnitedHealth Group Inc, and UnitedHealth Insurance Co., claiming violations of Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, conversion, unjust enrichment, fraudulent concealment and fraud.
Airplane pilot sues Chip Ganassi Racing, says he was fired without cause
PITTSBURGH — A pilot is suing Chip Ganassi Racing Teams, citing alleged breach of contract and violations of the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law, and the Indiana Wage Payment Statute.
Appeals court confirms denial of Riverkeeper's challenge to PennEast Project application
HARRISBURG - The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decided June 4 that the Delaware Riverkeeper Network waited too long to file an overdue petition.
UPMC police officers sued after pursuing theft charges against copier repairman; Suit seeks $10M
PITTSBURGH — A McDonald copier repairman who was accused of stealing ink cartridges at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is suing various police officers alleging breach of contract, fraud and negligent misrepresentation.
Third Circuit says it has no jurisdiction over man's arbitration dispute with a Chevy dealership
PHILADELPHIA – A plaintiff who sued a Chevrolet car dealership and its owner over allegedly unfair arbitration and court proceedings, and who had that same complaint dismissed from a federal court for lack of jurisdiction, reached that same result in a federal appellate court.
Pennsylvania Skill Games claims Georgia companies infringed on trademark
ERIE — A Pennsylvania video game manufacturer is suing Pace-O-Matic Inc. and Miele Manufacturing Inc., both based in Georgia, alleging trademark infringement.
Law firm contests Allegheny Co. woman's FDCPA allegations
PITTSBURGH – A Massachusetts law firm that was sued by an Allegheny County woman for improper accrual of interest on debt and violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has requested a ruling in the firm's favor.
Pa. court dismisses ex-soldier’s complaint against Army; Man wanted probe into death of fellow soldier
Judge Malachy E. Mannion wrote the July 18 court opinion, adopting the recommendation from Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab’s to dismiss the case and grant summary judgment to the U.S. Army.
Woman found not guilty in Lower Merion arson case can continue malicious prosecution lawsuit
PHILADELPHIA — A U.S. District court judge granted in part a defendant’s motion for summary judgment in a civil rights complaint that stemmed from a 2012 fire that resulted in the arrest of a California woman for arson.
Philly's next mass tort? 17 plaintiffs claim Abilify caused them to compulsively gamble, shop, eat and have sex
PHILADELPHIA – Seventeen Pennsylvania plaintiffs have sued Bristol Myers-Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical over anti-psychotic prescription medication Abilify, claiming that taking the drug caused them to develop compulsive behaviors such as addictions to gambling, shopping, binge eating and sex.
Operator sues former employers for defamation
MEDIA — An operator is suing Mobile Dredging & Video Pipe Inc., Carolyn Corporation and Mark Brewster, former employers, citing alleged defamation.
SnapCab sued over alleged breach of contract
PHILADELPHIA — A Georgia corporation is suing Bostock Co. Inc., doing business as SnapCab, citing alleged breach of contract.
Philadelphia resident blames police, city for conviction that was reversed
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia man, citing federal rights violations, is suing the city and police officers claiming false arrest that led to his imprisonment.
EEOC alleges Service Tire Truck Centers did not respond to subpoena
HARRISBURG — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a complaint against Service Tire Truck Centers seeking evidence in its investigation of a worker's claims she was denied a promotion and paid less than male employees.
A Philadelphia resident seeks more than $75,000 in damages after allegedly falling down on sidewalk
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia resident, claiming she tripped and fell on a sidewalk, is seeking more than $75,000 in damages from the U.S. Army, Gaudenzia Inc., the city of Philadelphia and Kerr Building Materials Inc., property operators, citing alleged negligence.