Facts

Rodney Houriani brought a class action against Buck Knives, Inc. The class included all persons who purchased, at anytime during the class period, one or more Buck Knives knife-sheath combinations that were labeled and marketed as "Made in USA," which contained an imported sheath, and were purchased as new by class members.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that defendant misled class members to believe that the Buck Knives knife-sheath combinations that they purchased were entirely made in the U.S.A., when in fact the sheaths were manufactured in Mexico. Plaintiff alleged claims against defendant under California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act; California's Unfair Competition Law; and California's False Advertising Law.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied all contentions.

Settlement Discussions

The parties participated in a mediation with the Hon. Steve Kim. With Judge Kim's guidance, the parties negotiated a complete settlement of plaintiff's claims.

Result

The case settled for $200,000. Class members received a $10.00 cash award for each subject product the class member purchased for household use during the class period, up to a maximum of three claimed subject products (or $30.00 in cash). A maximum of six claimed subject products (or $60.00 in cash) was permitted per household.