Class Action Roundup – January 16

It’s been a busy week here in the ClassAction.org office – and there’s been plenty of interesting news to share. So, it’s time for this week’s class action roundup, which brings you the latest settlements, case developments and newly filed lawsuits.

Apple, Google Settle Poaching Lawsuit for $415 Million

Four of Silicon Valley’s biggest companies – Apple, Google, Intel and Adobe – have finally agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit filed by employees who claimed a secret anti-poaching agreement damaged their job prospects. The companies have agreed to pay out $415 million. The case was first filed in 2011 and we’ve reported before on many of its twists and turns (Silicon Valley Anti-Poaching Deal Rejected by Judge). The new deal is still subject to approval from U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh, who rejected the previous settlement of $325 million on the grounds that it failed to match the settlement in a similar lawsuit filed against LucasFilm, Intuit and Pixar Animation Studios.

PetSmart Ends ATM-Card Severance Pay Suit with $1 Million Payout

PetSmart Inc. has reached a $1 million deal with more than 1,000 former employees who were given severance pay in the form of prepaid ATM cards. The employees argued that, because the cards charge and assortment of fees, the practice constituted wage theft – and a California federal agreed with them. If no class members opt out, individuals stand to receive around $515.

New Jersey Court Restricts Definition of Independent Contractor

The New Jersey Supreme Court issued an interesting decision this week – one that may have far-reaching consequences. Ruling on Hargrove et al v. Sleepy’s LLC, the court announced that “ABC” testing – one of the most restrictive means of identifying independent contractors – must apply in the state. “ABC” testing involves three different criteria, all of which must be met for a worker to be properly classified as an independent contractor. Read more on Lexology.com

Sony Hacking Lawsuits to Be Consolidated Into One

Deadline.com is reporting that lawsuits filed over the Sony hack and subsequent release of private information may be consolidated into one big lawsuit. The site reports that plaintiffs in seven lawsuits filed against the studio have asked Judge R. Gary Klausne to consolidate the suits. This, plaintiffs argue, would be more efficient and help streamline any eventual settlement. Sony, while disputing the allegations, has no plans to oppose the move.

Comcast Accused of Unauthorized Credit Checks on New Customers

A new class action lawsuit filed against Comcast Corp. alleges that the company has been accessing customers’ credit reports without permission. The suit was filed in Illinois on Tuesday by Keith Santangelo, who claims that he specifically asked Comcast not to issue a credit inquiry – and paid a $50 deposit to avoid it – only for Comcast to go ahead and carry out the inquiry anyway. If true, this would violate the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which sets out strict rules regulating how companies can obtain credit reports. International Business Times has more on this story.