Facts

Krikor Nalbantian filed a class action against Barney's Worldwide Inc., based on allegations of false advertising and unfair business practices.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Nalbantian argued that "Kobe" beef is only available in Japan, and that the term signifies that the beef came from the "Wagyu" bloodline of cattle from the Kobe region of Japan. Nalbantian further asserted that the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has banned the importation of beef and cattle from Japan since May 2010. Despite this, Barney's restaurants claimed to have menu items containing Kobe, despite not actually doing so. Nalbantian argued that these claims misled and deceived consumers.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Barney's denied Nalbantian's allegations, and argued that this matter was not appropriate for class treatment.

Result

The parties settled for $220,000.