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Consumer Law
Consumer Protection
Violation of Proposition 65

Whitney R. Leeman v. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company, et al.

Published: Jul. 2, 2016 | Result Date: Mar. 18, 2016 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: CGC-15-547346 Settlement –  $21,000

Court

San Francisco Superior


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Christopher Tuttle
(The Chanler Group)

Clifford A. Chanler
(The Chanler Group)


Defendant

William F. Tarantino
(Morrison & Foerster LLP)


Facts

Whitney Leeman filed a complaint against Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. under Proposition 65.

Contentions

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant allegedly sold or otherwise made available in California books with vinyl/PVC covers lead, a chemical known in the state to cause cancer, without providing the requisite Prop. 65 warnings.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant denied the allegations and maintained it was in compliance with all laws at all times.

Result

The parties reached a settlement, which provided both for injunctive and monetary relief. As part of the settlement, Houghton agreed to make available only reformulated products and pay $21,000 in civil penalties.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Aug. 13, 2015.


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