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A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Western District Court of Washington against Universal Bank for violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which addresses the infiltration of legitimate businesses by organized crime. Class members seek treble (triple) damages, attorney’s fees and costs.

A class action lawsuit filed in Miami alleges that a number of major air carriers are engaging in cartel-like practices to limit air cargo competition by fixing prices in the industry. Specifically, the complaint claims that the air carriers violated provisions of the Sherman Antitrust Act by conspiring to fix the prices of fuel, security, and insurance surcharges, some of which came into existence after the September 11th attacks.

The parties have reached two separate settlements with in aggregate value of $50 million CDN in three consolidated class actions filed against Shell Oil Company, E. I. DuPont Nemours & Company, and Hoechst Celanese Corporation on behalf of all persons and entities who, as of June 11, 2004, own or previously owned property in Canada on which there is or was installed between January 1, 1978, and December 31, 2002, a polybutylene (PB) plumbing system, hot water heating system, or yard service line. Shell claim forms must be postmarked by June 18, 2005, to be considered valid. Claims in the DuPont settlement may be made only if replacement and repairs are completed by May 31, 2005, or within 15 years of the date of installation of the PB system, whichever date is later.

Fire sprinkler systems are only supposed to release water when there's a fire. The parties have reached a nationwide tentative settlement apparently valued at $12 million in an action filed against Northwest Pipe Company on behalf of persons and businesses that purchased "Poz Lok" pipe fire sprinkler systems manufactured and sold in the 1990s by companies later acquired by Northwest Pipe. Persons and businesses eligible to take part in the settlement should contact attorneys for the class as soon as possible.

The Los Angeles County Superior Court has preliminarily approved settlement of a pending class action against Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. The case involves allegations that Sony fabricated quotes used in advertising motion pictures. Sony has denied liability, but has agreed to settle this action to avoid the cost and uncertainty of litigation. The Settlement Class includes all persons who, between August 3, 2000 and October 31, 2001, purchased a ticket to the theatrical exhibition of Hollow Man, Vertical Limit, A Knight's Tale, The Animal, or The Patriot in the United States. To receive a more detailed summary of the terms and conditions of the settlement, a claim form, an exclusion request form, or to learn how and when to lodge an objection to the settlement, visit the Motion Picture Advertising Class Settlement website at www.gilardi.com/rezec. Claims must be submitted on a Claim Form downloaded from the website located at www.gilardi.com/rezec and must be filed by July 15, 2005.

The Massachusetts National Guard refused to reimburse millions of dollars to soldiers called to active duty following the 2001 terror attacks and threatened guardsmen who pursued their financial claims.

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