The Law Offices of Joel D. Joseph has settled scores of infringement cases against some of the best-known companies in the United States.  We have settled claims against Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Kohls, Target Stores, Smith & Hawken and Christmas Tree Shops.

Concerning class action cases, Mr. Joseph has brought major lawsuits that led to judgments and settlements in the following well-publicized cases:

Hungarian Gold Train Case:  Joel Joseph researched this case for two years, going over tens of thousands of documents recently declassified at the U.S. archives and in Hungary that showed the U.S. government was liable for taking property that was seized by Nazis during World War II that belonged to Hungarian Jews. On August 9, 2004 the New York Times editorialized in favor of plaintiffs, telling Attorney General Ashcroft to settle the case. The case was settled for $25.5 million, with $3.85 million for attorneys’ fees.

Leatherman  Case:  In a case created by Mr. Joseph, the Associated Press reported: “PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) May 28, 2004—The Leatherman Tool Group Inc. was ordered to pay consumers more than $13 million after a California judge decided the company's multiuse tools had too many foreign components to be considered made in the United States. State Superior Court Judge Victoria Chaney ruled that the company violated California law by placing a “Made in USA” label on almost two dozen products that were largely made outside of the country. She said the label would likely “deceive members of the public into a false belief that the tools are wholly American made.” More than 100,000 California consumers could ultimately split the award. Besides the cash payments, the judge ordered the company to stop labeling products as “Made in USA” or including the claim in advertising.” The court awarded $13 for class compensation, plus $7 million for attorneys’ fees.

Kwikset/Black & Decker:  Joseph brought a consumer case in California against the largest manufacturer of locks for falsely labeling them as "made in the USA," when the locks were substantially manufactured in Mexico.  In May, 2002 an Orange County, California judge ordered Kwikset and Black & Decker to pay a legal fee of more than $4 million to lawyers who earned an injunction against Kwikset for falsely labeling its products “Made in the USA” when substantial components were imported. Kwikset appealed and the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision on June 30, 2004.

MCI:   Joseph brought suit against MCI was charging more than $3 per minute for calls that should have cost five cents per minute.  The class action was settled for $85 million.

Note: MCI is still illegally attempting to collect against many of its former customers.  If you have been dunned by collection agencies for MCI charges, call (310) 922-1856 or email joeldjoseph@gmail.com.