News and Insights

Alpheus represents CapCut users in data privacy class action against ByteDance

Alpheus LLC has filed a nationwide data privacy class action on behalf of users of the CapCut video-editing app.   Users of the app allege that it collects a wide range of user data, including users' biometric data, and makes that data available to the Chinese government.

Smith Comments on J&J Mass Tort Bankruptcy

The Third Circuit's recent decision dismissing the bankruptcy proceeding initiated to address tort claims involving Johnson & Johnson's talc-containing products is inconsistent with a long history of precedent and practice in mass tort bankruptcies.  The bankruptcy courts have repeatedly recognized over the last several decades that Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be used to efficiently resolve mass tort liabilities such as those at issue in the J&J bankruptcy proceedings.

Smith publishes article on Twitter v. Musk dispute

The verified complaint Twitter Inc. filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking to enforce the sale of the company to Elon Musk has garnered significant attention.  As the litigation progresses, it may provide lessons for future merger disputes, illustrating the potential risks of such litigation and how procedural rulings can impact the substantive position of the parties in such cases.

Doug Smith participates in panel discussing recent mass tort bankruptcies

Recent mass tort bankruptcies involving asbestos, consumer products, and pharmaceuticals have received significant attention.  This panel addresses some of the recent developments in this area and proposals for legislative reform.

Article on use of magistrate judges in multidistrict litigation published in Law360

The size of large multidistrict product liability litigations is expanding rapidly.  This article discusses the use of magistrate judges to assist in adjudicating claims in large multidistrict litigation proceedings.

Doug Smith publishes book on multidistrict litigation with American Bar Association Publishing

The Rising Behemoth discusses the rise of multidistrict litigation (MDL) and the procedures courts have employed in such proceedings to facilitate their resolution. It can serve as an introduction to those new to MDLs or as a guide to those with more experience.