Facts

Defendant Reckitt Benckiser LLC markets, sells and distributes a line of joint health dietary supplements under the Schiff Move Free brand which include: Schiff Move Free Advanced; Schill Move Free Advanced Plus MSM; and Schiff Free Advanced Plus MSM & Vitamin D. On its products' labels, Reckitt conveys to consumers that its product promotes joint health. For example, it has the Arthritis Foundation logo, and it uses a picture of a runner with his knee joint highlighted. Plaintiffs Gordon Noboru Yamagata, Stamatis F. Pelrdis, Maureen Carrigan, Lori Coletti, Ann-Marie Maher, Carol Marshall, Deborah A. Rawls, Oneita Steele and Maxine Tishman brought a class action suit against Reckitt.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiffs contended that the main ingredients in these products are glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, even though randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that glucosamine and chondroitin are not effective at promoting joint health. Plaintiffs alleged that defendant's products labeling, packaging, advertising and marketing communicate that the products provide meaningful joint health benefits, but the products actually are incapable of supporting or benefitting the health of human joints. Therefore, Reckitt's joint health representations are false, misleading and deceptive.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all contentions.

Result

The case was settled for $50 million including $12,500,000 in attorneys' fees. The estimated cash award was $22 per bottle and no proof of purchase was required for up to 3 bottles.