News in Brief June 7 – Google, PF Chang's and More

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Google’s AdWords Lawsuit Complaints

Google complained to the Supreme Court about the revival of a proposed class action that claimed Google placed Adwords customers’ ads on dead websites. But the Supreme Court isn’t hearing it – literally. Google had hoped that the Supreme Court would look at the AdWords case and potentially change the Ninth Circuit’s decision. But, instead if coddling Google, the Supreme Court simply said, “Cowboy up, Google. It’s time to deal with this.” Or, you know, something to that effect.

Sunbeam Products Settles Mr. Coffee CPSC Allegations

Sunbeam Products has agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle allegations brought by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that the company hid a defect in some of its Mr. Coffee appliances. The agency said that between 2011 and 2012, close to 520,000 defective units were sold to consumers. It is believed that the machines allow steam to build up and potentially shoot out hot water and coffee grounds.

PF Chang’s Escapes Gluten Allergy Lawsuit

A California federal judge allowed the voluntary dismissal of a putative class action claiming that PF Chang’s discriminated against those with celiac disease by charging more for dishes without gluten. Lead plaintiff Anne Marie Phillips asked to be relieved from the litigation over personal reasons, leaving the case dismissed, but with the potential for another to take up the mantle and continue the suit.

Conair Defective Styling Iron Lawsuit Denied Class Certification

A woman saying she was injured when the cord on her Conair styling iron failed was denied class certification on Friday. Judge William B. Shubb found that the claims made in the lawsuit weren’t uniform across the proposed class, but lead plaintiff Delia Wilson is still seeking individual compensation for her injuries.