News in Brief July 5 – Valve, Universal and More

Valve Accused of Enabling Teenage Gambling

Valve Corp. has been hit with a proposed class action claiming that it uses its gaming platform Steam to enable illegal gambling. According to the lawsuit, Steam users who play Counter Strike: Global Offensive (mostly teenagers, according to the complaint) can choose to spend real money to buy cosmetic upgrades in game and then trade or gamble with them on third-party websites – one of which Valve helped develop.

Universal Pictures Hit with Lawsuit Over Unsolicited Texts

Universal Pictures is facing a proposed class action claiming that it sent unsolicited text messages to consumers while advertising the movie Warcraft. According to the complaint, Universal’s massive mobile marketing campaign violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act because it used automated systems to send messages when it didn’t have express consent from the recipients.

Samsung Sued Over Washing Machines

Samsung has been hit with a proposed class action claiming that it sold defective washing machines. The lawsuit says that certain WA400 and WA500 series top-loading washing machines contain an inherent problem with their spin cycles that can lead to breaks in the springs and other issues, including water leakage and even, in some cases, explosions.

Seventh Generation Settles Synthetic Preservative Lawsuit

Seventh Generation Inc. has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle a New York class action that said the company used synthetic preservatives in its “natural” cleaning products. The lawsuit, filed in November 2014, claimed that the company used methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone in its products and, as such, shouldn’t be allowed to call its cleaners “natural.” Consumers will be able to claim a full refund for the products if they have proof of purchase. Those without proof will be able claim 50 percent of the cost.

Johnson & Johnson Subsidiary Faces $70 Million Verdict in Risperdal Trial

Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals was hit with a $70 million verdict when a Philadelphia jury found that its drug Risperdal was linked to serious side effects. According to the case, Janssen’s antipsychotic drug caused an adolescent male patient (there are thousands more waiting for their suits to move forward) to develop gynecomastia, a condition that causes the abnormal growth of female breast tissue.