IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Similar documents
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Case: 1:17-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 03/08/17 Page 1 of 14 PageID #:1

Case: 1:17-cv Document #: 4 Filed: 03/08/17 Page 1 of 17 PageID #:24

Case 2:18-cv GW-MAA Document 1 Filed 10/25/18 Page 1 of 23 Page ID #:1

Case 3:13-cv GPM-PMF Document 5 Filed 02/14/13 Page 1 of 15 Page ID #24 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Case 5:15-cv BLF Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 1 of 18

Case: 1:17-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 04/24/17 Page 1 of 12 PageID #:1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN DIVISION

Case 7:18-cv Document 1 Filed 01/12/18 Page 1 of 15 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA. Defendant.

Case 5:16-cv Document 1 Filed 09/12/16 Page 1 of 16 Page ID #:1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA. Defendant.

Superior Court of California

Case 2:18-cv Document 1 Filed 10/25/18 Page 1 of 23 Page ID #:1

Case 3:17-cv DMS-RBB Document 1 Filed 03/17/17 PageID.1 Page 1 of 20

CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, CHANCERY DIVISION

Case 3:17-cv Document 1 Filed 05/03/17 Page 1 of 16 Page ID #1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

Case 2:13-cv KOB Document 1 Filed 02/05/13 Page 1 of 14 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION

Case 2:18-cv DMG-SK Document 1-2 Filed 08/09/18 Page 2 of 17 Page ID #:11

CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT

Case 4:16-cv DMR Document 1 Filed 02/09/16 Page 1 of 21

Case 5:18-cv TLB Document 1 Filed 11/14/18 Page 1 of 19 PageID #: 1

Case 5:18-cv Document 1 Filed 10/19/18 Page 1 of 55 Page ID #:1

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI AT INDEPENDENCE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA MIAMI DIVISION. CASE NO: 1:15-cv RNS

Case 8:16-cv JDW-JSS Document 1 Filed 09/22/16 Page 1 of 20 PageID 1 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

Case 8:14-cv CEH-MAP Document 8 Filed 08/27/14 Page 1 of 22 PageID 56

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN JOSE DIVISION

El 17. Attorneys for Plaintiff, corporation; and DOES 1-25 inclusive 2. Violation of False Advertising Law. seq.

Attorney for Plaintiff Sidney Greenbaum and the Class UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

Attorneys for Plaintiff, Robin Sergi, and all others similarly situated IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Case3:15-cv Document1 Filed07/10/15 Page1 of 12

2:15-cv RMG Date Filed 09/17/15 Entry Number 1 Page 1 of 15 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA CHARLESTON DIVISION

tc.c }"G). 5 Case3:13-cv NC Documentl Filed02/19/13 Pagel of 18

Case 8:18-cv JVS-DFM Document 1-5 Filed 06/22/18 Page 1 of 29 Page ID #:41

CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT

Case: 1:16-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 02/29/16 Page 1 of 21 PageID #:1 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

Case: 1:17-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 03/08/17 Page 1 of 14 PageID #:1

Case 0:17-cv XXXX Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 01/13/2017 Page 1 of 12

Case 1:17-cv FDS Document 1 Filed 02/23/17 Page 1 of 10 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO DIVISION

and upon information and belief as to all other matters, alleges as follows: NATURE OF THE ACTION

Case: 1:17-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 08/18/17 Page 1 of 13 PageID #:1

Case 1:13-cv JBS-JS Document 1 Filed 12/16/13 Page 1 of 16 PageID: 1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

Case 1:15-cv MGC Document 1 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/12/2015 Page 1 of 17 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA

Case 1:16-cv Document 1 Filed 05/23/16 Page 1 of 20

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN JOSE DIVISION

Case 2:17-cv Document 1 Filed 09/14/17 Page 1 of 24 Page ID #:1

Case 1:17-cv Document 1 Filed 08/08/17 Page 1 of 20 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Case 5:18-cv Document 1 Filed 07/31/18 Page 1 of 26

RELIEF FOR VIOLATIONS OF: SOLARCITY CORPORATION,

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI WESTERN DIVISION

Case: 1:13-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 01/24/13 Page 1 of 14 PageID #:1

Case 5:16-cv Document 1 Filed 05/11/16 Page 1 of 17

Case 3:15-cv DRH-DGW Document 8 Filed 07/23/15 Page 1 of 8 Page ID #21 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

Case 3:13-cv BTM-NLS Document 1-1 Filed 10/16/13 Page 1 of 28 EXHIBIT A

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE NASHVILLE DIVISION

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA. Case No:

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SACRAMENTO DIVISION

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS GALVESTON DIVISION

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Case 1:16-cv LLS Document 1 Filed 11/18/16 Page 1 of 17 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK. Defendants.

1:15-cv JMC Date Filed 04/06/15 Entry Number 1 Page 1 of 12 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO CASE NO. ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Attorney for Plaintiff SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ORANGE CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER. EDGARDO RODRIGUEZ, an individual,

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Case 2:17-cv Document 1 Filed 10/12/17 Page 1 of 19 Page ID #:1 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI STATE OF MISSOURI

Case 1:14-cv RGS Document 1 Filed 08/01/14 Page 1 of 16

Case: 1:17-cv Document #: 1 Filed: 07/09/17 Page 1 of 18 PageID #:1

Attorney for Plaintiffs SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL CENTER

Case4:15-cv DMR Document1 Filed02/19/15 Page1 of 31

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA

Case 1:16-cv KBF Document 39 Filed 02/01/17 Page 1 of 26 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Case 4:17-cv Document 1-2 Filed in TXSD on 11/15/17 Page 2 of NO.

purchased either: immediately cease and desist engaging in the sale of adulterated and mislabeled herbal dietary

Case 3:14-cv DMS-DHB Document 1 Filed 06/04/14 Page 1 of 17

Courthouse News Service

Case 1:18-cv ARR-RML Document 1 Filed 07/20/18 Page 1 of 18 PageID #: 1

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN SOUTHERN DIVISION

Superior Court of California

Case 2:14-cv SJO-JPR Document 1-1 Filed 09/12/14 Page 4 of 34 Page ID #:10 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Courthouse News Service

Case 1:17-cv Document 1 Filed 02/24/17 Page 1 of 12 PageID: 1 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Case3:13-cv EMC Document46 Filed04/07/14 Page1 of 27

Transcription:

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 Robert R. Ahdoot (CSB 0 rahdoot@ahdootwolfson.com Theodore W. Maya (CSB tmaya@ahdootwolfson.com Bradley K. King (CSB bking@ahdootwolfson.com AHDOOT & WOLFSON, PC 0 Lindbrook Drive Los Angeles, California 00 Tel: (0 -; Fax (0 - Counsel for Plaintiff and the putative class [Additional counsel listed on signature page] IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA RICKY WISDOM, individually and on behalf of similarly situated individuals, v. Plaintiff, EASTON DIAMOND SPORTS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Defendant. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00 Case No. :-cv-00-dsf-ss FIRST AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES & INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. Unfair Business Practices in Violation of California Business & Professions 00, et seq.. False Advertising in Violation of California Business and Professions 00, et seq.. Breach of Express Warranty. Breach of Implied Warranty. Unjust Enrichment. Violation of Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, U.S.C. 0, et seq. DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 FIRST AMENDED CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Plaintiff, Ricky Wisdom, brings this First Amended Class against Defendant, Easton Diamond Sports, LLC ( Defendant or Easton, to stop Defendant s practice of distributing and selling baseball bats that are falsely advertised and mislabeled, and to seek redress for all those who have been harmed by Defendant s misconduct. Plaintiff alleges as follows based on personal knowledge as to himself and his own acts and experiences, and as to all other matters, on information and belief, including an investigation by his attorneys. NATURE OF THE CASE. Easton is one of the largest manufacturers and sellers of sporting goods and equipment in the country, including several popular models of high-end youth baseball bats sold under various Easton brands.. Each baseball bat that Easton manufactures, distributes, and sells is labeled and advertised as being a specific length in inches and an exact weight in ounces.. However, Easton uses poor quality control measures in the manufacture of its bats, and as a result many of the youth baseball bats that it sells actually weigh substantially more than labeled and advertised.. The size and weight of a bat are critical to a purchaser s decision about whether to purchase a given bat. Even a small difference of one ounce or less is significant for youth bats, because the bat weight affects a player s performance, such as swing speed, ease of swing, batting stance, as well as the velocity of the ball when hit. Moreover, a player who inadvertently plays or practices with a bat that is too heavy for him or her is at a greater risk of sports injuries to himself or herself, as well as to other players.. Plaintiff brings this action on his own behalf and on behalf of similarly situated consumers to obtain redress for those who purchased Easton baseball bats First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 that were falsely labeled and advertised as being lighter than they actually are. On his own behalf and on behalf of a proposed class defined below, Plaintiff seeks an injunction prohibiting Defendant from selling falsely labeled and advertised youth baseball bats as described herein, and an award of actual damages to the members of the class, together with costs and reasonable attorneys fees. JURISDICTION AND VENUE. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to the Class Action Fairness Act, U.S.C. (d et seq., because this case is a class action in which the matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $,000,000, exclusive of interest and costs; there are greater than 00 putative class members; at least one putative class member is a citizen of a state other than Defendant s states of citizenship; and none of the exceptions under subsection (d apply to the instant action.. This Court may assert general personal jurisdiction over Defendant, because Defendant is headquartered in California, and because Defendant is registered to do business in California.. Venue is proper in this District under U.S.C. (b because Defendant resides in this District. PARTIES. Plaintiff, Ricky Wisdom, is a natural person and a resident of the State of Alabama. 0. Defendant, Easton Diamond Sports, LLC, is a Delaware limited liability company headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California and registered to do business in California.. Easton manufactures, advertises, and sells sporting goods equipment, including the youth baseball bats at issue in this suit, online and through retail stores located in Alabama, California, and elsewhere throughout the country. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0. During the period relevant to this lawsuit, Easton controlled the manufacture, design, testing, packaging, labeling, assembly, marketing, advertising, promotion, distribution, and selling of Easton bats including quality control measures regarding the bats weight and how the bats weight is displayed on labeling and in advertising from its headquarters located in Thousand Oaks, California.. The deceptive and unfair practices alleged herein originated from and were conceived, reviewed, approved and otherwise controlled from Easton s headquarters and executive offices in Thousand Oaks, California. Background COMMON ALLEGATIONS OF FACT. Easton is one of the largest manufacturers of sporting goods equipment in the country.. Some of Easton s most common and popular sports products are youth baseball bats. Easton manufactures, sells, and distributes a number of different types of baseball bats under various Easton brands.. Easton s bats are among the most high-end, premium youth baseball bats on the market, with the more expensive models retailing for over $0.00 each. Among baseball players, Easton baseball bats are widely known as upscale baseball bats that sell for a premium price.. Many of Easton s customers who buy its baseball bats are parents of school age children in middle school and high school who play competitively for various local and national youth baseball leagues.. All of Easton s bats are labeled and advertised with the exact dimensions of the bats diameter, length, and weight. The diameter and length are displayed in inches, and the weight is displayed in ounces in terms of the weight drop. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0. A bat s weight drop is the difference between the bat s length in inches and its weight in ounces. For instance, a -inch bat that weighs -ounces would be referred to as a -0, or drop 0 bat. 0. Defendant s bats are sold both online and in retail stores. Regardless of whether they are sold online or in stores, however, the bats are separately displayed according to their size, length, and weight so that consumers can choose which bat to purchase based on the bats specific dimensions and weight.. Easton s customers rely on Easton s representations regarding the length and weight of its baseball bats in order to purchase bats of the appropriate size and weight for their children.. A bat s size and weight are critically important to consumers when selecting a bat to purchase. Indeed, because Easton advertises and markets bats its bats as premium, high-end bats, Easton s customers are generally more discerning purchasers who care very strongly about selecting a bat with the correct specifications in order to optimize performance in competitive play.. Even a small difference in weight of oz or less is significant and material to the young boys and girls who play and compete with Easton bats. A bat s weight affects a number of important performance factors, such as how easy it is for a player to control the bat when swinging it across the plate, the speed and power of the swing, and the player s batting stance.. In addition to performance issues, a bat that is too heavy can also be a safety hazard. Young players who inadvertently play with a bat that is too heavy will fatigue faster, wear out their arms and shoulders, and suffer a heightened risk of sports injuries.. Moreover, bats that are too heavy pose a risk to others as well. Littleleague baseball fields are smaller than ordinary baseball fields, and a ball hit with too much force will cause greater injury in the event it strikes a spectator or player First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 in the outfield. Defendant Sells Mislabeled, Overweight Bats. Unbeknownst to many of the consumers who have purchased Easton s baseball bats, certain bats that Easton has sold actually weigh significantly more than their labeled and advertised weight.. For example, Bat Digest, an independent organization that reviews and writes about baseball bats, conducted a study in 0 that compared Easton s bats actual weight to their stated weight. As part of this study, Bat Digest concluded that there is considerable difference between the stated weight, actual weight and the swing weight of the bat.. The Bat Digest study evaluated several models of Easton bats in a variety of lengths and weights and found that the bats were consistently between. and ounces overweight in relation to their labeled and advertised weight. As explained above, these weight differences are significant and material. Year Easton Bat League Stated Length Stated Weight Actual Weight Difference 0 Beast X / USSSA. +0. 0 Beast X Loaded BBCOR 0. +. 0 Beast X Speed BBCOR 0. +. 0 Beast X Speed BBCOR 0. +. https://www.justbatreviews.com/bat-lab/bat-actual-weight-vs-bat-stated-weight/ (last visited Apr., 0. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #:0 0 0 0 Ghost X USSSA. +0. 0 Ghost X USABat. +0. 0 Ghost X BBCOR 0 0. +0. 0 Ghost X BBCOR. +0. 0 Ghost X / USSSA. +. 0 Ghost X Hybrid USABat. +. 0 Ghost X Hyperlite USABat 0. -0. 0 Magnum USABat + 0 MAKO Beast BBCOR 0. +. 0 Z-Core Lock & Load BBCOR 0 0. +0.. Easton has yet to provide full relief for consumers who purchased overweight bats. Generally, once the packaging and plastic covering is torn off of a new bat, Easton will not replace or refund the purchase price of the bat absent a showing of some obvious manufacturer s defect. 0. Easton has received significant profits from its false marketing and sale of the baseball bats purchased by Plaintiff and other consumers. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 Facts Specific to Plaintiff. Plaintiff s minor son plays youth baseball.. In November 0, Plaintiff purchased a brand-new Easton S0C (-0 / barrel bat for from a sporting goods store located at Cox Creek Pkwy., Florence, Alabama.. The baseball bat model that Plaintiff purchased cost over $0 and is depicted below:. The bat that Plaintiff purchased prominently featured a label representing the bat s purported weight as ounces when it in fact did not weigh that amount. The label on the bat that Plaintiff purchased as it appears on his bat is depicted below:. Easton misrepresented to Plaintiff that the Easton S0C (-0 / barrel bat he purchased weighed ounces through, among other things, the label on the bat, and intended that Plaintiff rely on that representation in making his First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 purchase. Plaintiff reviewed the label prior to purchasing the bat and did in fact rely on Easton s representations.. In actuality, however, the bat Plaintiff purchased is not oz as advertised. Plaintiff s bat is approximately oz heavier, making it closer to a drop (- instead of a drop 0 (-0.. Because Plaintiff s bat is overweight, Plaintiff s son cannot use the bat for training or play in baseball leagues and tournaments as intended.. As a result, Plaintiff has suffered economic losses and monetary damages, including but not limited to the purchase price he paid for his bat.. Despite being misled by Defendant s labeling, Defendant would like to purchase Easton bats for his son in the future if in fact the bats were accurately labeled. Plaintiff is unable to do so, however, because Defendant s false and misleading labels and advertising prevent him from purchasing an appropriate bat. 0. Plaintiff is not alone in his experiences, and many of Easton s other customers throughout the country have had nearly identical experiences.. Indeed, Easton s practice of selling and distributing mislabeled, falsely advertised bats is widespread and well documented, as seen from just a few examples of the many consumer complaints about this practice that have been publicly posted online: Easton bats are heavy Have you ever noticed your kids [sic] bat from Easton is a little heavy? Well, you are correct. Easton sends out bats that do not match the stickered weight, especially in youth bats. People buy a bat expecting a /oz and get home and weigh the bat and it is /.oz.whooooa,.oz heavier? Correct, almost /oz heavier than stickered. The weight differential varies but in a lot of cases it is near oz; which is a little crazy. http://www.bigdawgbatrolling.com/easton-bats-are-heavy.htm (last visited May, 0. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page 0 of Page ID #: 0 0 The most consistent complaint that I ve heard revolves around the weight. While it s great that this [Easton] bat comes in a variety of lengths and weights, the weight isn t consistently accurate or evenly distributed. When weight [sic] the bat, I ve seen a difference as high as about / oz. That s a pretty significant weight difference.... Many players and coaches have an expectation of what a -0 drop can do. However, adding the. oz makes this a -. drop which is significantly different. CLASS ACTION ALLEGATIONS. Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. (b( and (b(, Plaintiff brings this action on behalf of himself and a nationwide class (the Class defined as follows: The Class: all persons in the United States who, between February, 0 and the present, purchased any model(s of Easton baseball bat(s from Easton or a retailer, where such bats were purchased in new condition and were labeled as being a lighter weight than they actually were.. Excluded from the Class are any members of the judiciary assigned to preside over this matter; any Easton officer, director, or employee; and any immediate family members of such officers, directors, or employees.. Upon information and belief, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of members of the Class such that joinder of all members is impracticable.. Plaintiff will fairly and adequately represent and protect the interests of the other members of the Class. Plaintiff has retained counsel with substantial experience in prosecuting complex litigation and class actions, and Plaintiff and his counsel are committed to vigorously prosecuting this action on behalf of the members of the Class and have the financial resources to do so. Neither Plaintiff nor his counsel has any interest adverse to those of the other members of the Class. https://batandballgame.com/best-easton-baseball-bats-review/ (last visited May, 0. First Amended Class - 0 - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0. Plaintiff s claims are typical of the claims of the Class members, because the factual and legal bases of Defendant s liability to Plaintiff and to the other members of the Class are the same, resulting in injury to the Plaintiff and to all of the other members of the Class as a result of Defendant s false advertisement of the baseball bats at issue.. Numerous common questions of law and fact exist as to all members of the Class, and such questions predominate over questions affecting Plaintiff or individual members of the Class. Common questions for the Class include, but are not limited, to the following: (a (b (c (d (e (f (g Whether Easton falsely advertised, represented, and/or warranted that its baseball bats weighed a certain amount; Whether Easton s advertising of its baseball bats is false, deceptive, or misleading; Whether Easton s conduct violated California Business and Professions Code Section 00; Whether Easton s conduct violated California Business and Professions Code Section 00; Whether Easton s representation of material facts with respect to the weight of its baseball bats caused Plaintiff and other members of the Class ascertainable monetary losses; Whether Plaintiff and the other members of the Class are entitled to monetary, restitutionary, or other remedies, and, if so, the nature of such remedies; and Whether Defendant should be enjoined from engaging in such conduct in the future.. Defendant has acted and failed to act on grounds generally applicable to the Plaintiff and the other members of the Class in misrepresenting the baseball First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 bats at issue, requiring the Court s imposition of uniform relief to ensure compatible standards of conduct toward the members of the Class and making injunctive or corresponding declaratory relief appropriate for the Class as a whole.. Absent a class action, most members of the Class would find the cost of litigating their claims to be prohibitive and would have no effective remedy. The class treatment of common questions of law and fact is also superior to multiple individual actions or piecemeal litigation in that it conserves the resources of the courts and the litigants and promotes consistency and efficiency of adjudication. COUNT I Violation of the California Business and Professions Code: False Advertising (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 00 on behalf of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class 0. Plaintiff hereby incorporates the foregoing allegations by reference as though fully set forth herein.. Section 00 of the California Business and Professions Code generally prohibits untrue or misleading advertising.. Section 00 provides, in relevant part, that: It is unlawful for any person... to make or disseminate or cause to be made or disseminated before the public in this state, or to make or disseminate or cause to be made or disseminated from this state before the public in any state... any statement, concerning [] real or personal property or [] services, professional or otherwise,... which is untrue or misleading, and which is known, or which by the exercise of reasonable care should be known, to be untrue or misleading..... Defendant s practice of advertising and labeling certain Easton baseball bats with stated weights that are materially less than their actual weights constitutes a deceptive, untrue, and misleading advertising practice, because it gives the false impression that the bats are lighter than they actually are, causing harm to those who purchased them as described herein. First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0. Defendant, as the manufacturer and distributor of Easton bats, knew or should have known that its representations concerning the weights of nonconforming Easton baseball bats were untrue, misleading, and likely to cause confusion among consumers.. Plaintiff and the other Class members saw and reasonably relied on Defendant s representations appearing on the labeling and packaging of its bats. Based on these representations, Plaintiff and the other Class members reasonably believed that they were purchasing bats weighing the amount displayed on their respective bats labels. Instead, they received a bat that did not conform to Defendant s labeling and advertising.. Because the bats stated weights were inaccurate, Defendant s conduct in selling its bats with inaccurate labels that misrepresented the bats weights caused Plaintiff and the other Class members to believe that the bats were materially lighter than they actually were.. The weight of Defendant s bats is material to Plaintiff and the other Class members who purchased such bats. Because Defendant advertises and markets Easton bats as premium, high-end bats costing in excess of $0, Defendant s customers are generally more discerning purchasers who care very strongly about selecting a bat of the appropriate size for the player and with the correct specifications in order to optimize performance in competitive play. Had Plaintiff and the other Class members known that the bats they were buying actually weighed significantly more than the amount stated on the label, they would not have made their respective purchases and instead would have bought a bat in the correct size.. Through false advertising and mislabeled products, Defendant has created and continues to create the likelihood that members of the public will be deceived as to the correct weight of the bats they purchase, since reasonable consumers will rely on Defendant s product labeling as to the weight of the bat they First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 are buying.. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant s unlawful and false advertising practices as set forth above, Plaintiff and the other Class members have suffered economic losses and actual damages, including the purchase price they paid for the nonconforming bats, and Defendant has been unjustly enriched through proceeds from the sale of falsely advertised bats. COUNT II Violation of the California Business and Professions Code: Unfair Business Practices (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 00 et seq. on behalf of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class 0. Plaintiff incorporates by reference all of the foregoing allegations as if fully set forth herein.. California s Unfair Competition Law ( UCL defines unfair competition to include any unlawful, unfair or fraudulent act or practice, as well as any unfair, untrue or misleading advertising. Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 00.. Section 00 of the UCL applies to all Class members claims, because Defendant s poor quality control measures and decisions as to the bats marketing and labeling occurred within and emanated from its headquarters located in the State of California.. Under the UCL, a business act or practice is unlawful if it violates state or federal law.. Defendant has engaged in unlawful conduct in violation of the UCL, because its bats are falsely and misleadingly advertised as being substantially lighter than they actually are in violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 00 and other laws as described herein.. Further, Defendant s conduct is unfair in violation of the UCL, because its practice of selling mislabeled products is immoral, unethical, oppressive, unscrupulous, and substantially injurious to customers, such that the gravity of the First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 harm to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class outweighs any utility of Defendant s conduct. Defendant has caused substantial injury to consumers through the sale of mislabeled products that are likely to confuse those who wish to and actually do purchase them.. Defendant s false and inaccurate labeling is of no benefit to consumers, and as such the harms Defendant causes is not outweighed by any countervailing benefits to those who purchased Defendant s mislabeled bats.. The harm Defendant caused to Plaintiff and the other Class members is not an injury they could have avoided, because they were unaware at the time of purchase that Defendant s advertising and labeling were false.. Finally, Defendant has also committed fraudulent acts under the UCL, because its falsely labeled bats deceive (and are likely to deceive members of the public who reasonably rely on the labels and stated weights when deciding to purchase a given bat. Indeed, Plaintiff and the other Class members purchased Defendant s bats believing that their actual weight was the amount stated on the bats labeling and advertising.. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant s unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent practices described above, Plaintiff and the other Class members have suffered economic losses and actual damages, including the purchase price they paid for the nonconforming bats, and Defendant has been unjustly enriched through proceeds from the sale of mislabeled bats. COUNT III Breach of Express Warranty (on behalf of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class 0. Plaintiff hereby incorporates the foregoing allegations by reference as though fully set forth herein.. Through product labeling and advertising, Defendant created written First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 express warranties and expressly warranted to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class that the bats they purchased weighed a specific amount.. Specifically, Defendant stamped each affected bat with a label expressly warranting that the bat weighed a certain amount in ounces. These labels are affirmations of fact or promises made by Defendant to consumers that its bats do in fact weight the stated amounts. Further, the labels constitute a description of the bats and their characteristics. As such, Defendant uniformly made a written express warranty to Plaintiff and the other Class members, warranting that its bats weighed a specific amount in ounces.. Prior to making their respective purchases, Plaintiff and the other Class members sought out and relied on Defendant s express warranty that Easton bats weighed a specific amount, appropriate for the person who would be using the bat. Thus, the weight representations made by Defendant formed a part of the basis of the bargain between Defendant on the one hand and Plaintiff and the other Class members on the other.. Defendant s weight markings were stamped on Easton bats and were communicated to bat purchasers prior to making their respective purchases from Easton or its third-party dealers authorized to sell Easton bats.. Indeed, Defendant was in full control of the information and access to information it provided on the labels for its bats. As such, a special relationship existed between Defendant and Plaintiff whereby Defendant, in its position of superior power, was obligated to conform its goods to the express written warranties it proffered.. Defendant breached its express warranties to Plaintiff and the other Class members because, as explained above, its nonconforming bats are substantially and materially heavier than labeled.. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant s breach of its express First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #:0 0 0 warranties, Plaintiff and the members of the Class have suffered economic losses and actual damages, including the purchase price they paid for the nonconforming bats, in an amount to be determined at trial. COUNT IV Breach of Implied Warranty (on behalf of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class. Plaintiff hereby incorporates the foregoing allegations by reference as though fully set forth herein.. The implied warranty of merchantability requires that goods be fit for the ordinary purposes for which goods of that type are used; have adequate labeling; and conform to any promises or affirmations made on any product label. 0. Defendant, as the marketer and distributor of the Easton baseball bats purchased by Plaintiff and the other members of the Class, is a merchant.. Plaintiff and the other Class members purchased Defendant s baseball bats in consumer transactions.. At the time Plaintiff and Class members purchased the Defendant s bats, Defendant was in the business of marketing and selling such bats in its ordinary course of business.. The overweight baseball bats that Defendant sold were not fit for the ordinary purposes for which they were sold, and they did not conform to the expectations of consumers. Individuals who purchased Defendant s overweight bats cannot use them for training, practice, or in games, because the additional weight interferes with performance and increases the risk of sports injuries.. Defendant s implied warranties extend to Plaintiff and the other Class members because it knew the purposes for which Plaintiff and the other Class members purchased the bats at issue, and Defendant manufactured the bats specifically for those purposes. Specifically, Defendant knew that Easton bats would First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 be purchased or used by baseball players who made their selections based on the advertised length and weight of the bats.. Specifically, Defendant made representations in the form of marketing and product labeling setting forth incorrect weights for its bats. Plaintiff and other Class members relied on such misrepresentations prior to purchasing their respective bats from Defendant or its authorized retailers.. Further, Plaintiff and the other Class members, as the target consumers for Easton Bats, were third-party beneficiaries to agreements between Defendant and its authorized retailers to sell Easton bats.. Mislabeled bats that are materially heavier than the stated and expected weight also constitute a dangerous instrumentality due to the risk of injury to the batter as well as other players in proximity of the defective bat.. Plaintiff and the other Class members did not receive the baseball bats that were warranted to them, because the baseball bats they purchased did not conform to the weight representations and promises made by Defendant through its labeling.. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant s breach of its implied warranties, Plaintiff and the other Class members suffered actual monetary damages in an amount to be determined at trial. COUNT V Unjust Enrichment (in the alternative and on behalf of Plaintiff and the other Class members 0. Plaintiff hereby incorporates the allegations in paragraphs by reference as though fully set forth herein.. Plaintiff and the other Class members conferred a benefit on Defendant by purchasing the non-conforming baseball bats. This benefit is measurable using the profits and revenues from Defendant s bats and the premium built into the cost First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 of Defendant s bats to consumers as a result of Defendant s advertising, goodwill endeavors, product research and development, and other costly brand-building efforts. Defendant appreciates or has knowledge of such benefit.. Defendant s retention of this benefit violates principles of justice, equity, and good conscience.. It would be inequitable and unjust for Defendant to retain the benefit of revenues obtained from purchases of its non-conforming baseball bats by Plaintiff and the other Class members, because Defendant materially misrepresented the weights of the baseball bats such that the baseball bats were no longer age and strength appropriate.. Accordingly, because Defendant will be unjustly enriched if allowed to retain such funds, Defendant must pay restitution to Plaintiff and the other Class members in the amount by which Defendant was unjustly enriched through sales of non-conforming baseball bats. COUNT VI Violation of Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, U.S.C. 0, et seq. (on behalf of Plaintiff and the other members of the Class. Plaintiff hereby incorporates the foregoing allegations by reference as though fully set forth herein.. Plaintiff and the other Class members are consumers within the meaning of U.S.C. 0(.. Defendant is a supplier and warrantor within the meaning of U.S.C. 0(-(.. The Easton bats manufactured and sold by Defendant are consumer products as defined by U.S.C. 0(.. Defendant s representations as to the weight classification for its Easton bats constitute express and implied warranties under U.S.C. 0( and First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page 0 of Page ID #: 0 0 0(, respectively. 00. Pursuant to U.S.C. 0(d(, Plaintiff and the other Class members have a private right of action against Defendant for its failure to comply with the written and/or implied warranties concerning its Easton bats. 0. As discussed above, Defendant breached its express and implied warranties by materially mislabeling and misrepresenting the weights of its Easton bats. 0. Plaintiff and the other Class members were intended third-party beneficiaries of agreements between Defendant and authorized retailers to sell Easton Bats. Plaintiff and the Class members were the only intended ultimate consumers of the Easton bats and the only parties with rights under Defendant s express and/or implied warranties. 0. Indeed, Plaintiff and other Class members purchased Defendant s Easton bats from Defendant and/or through third-party retailers authorized to sell Easton bats. 0. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant s breaches of its express and/or implied warranties, Plaintiff and the other Class members suffered injuries in an amount that exceeds twenty-five dollars ($.00, individually, and fiftythousand dollars ($0,000.00, collectively. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, individually and on behalf of the Class, respectfully prays for the following relief: A. An order certifying the Class as defined above; B. An award of actual or compensatory damages to Plaintiff and the other members of the Class or, in the alternative, restitution and disgorgement of all funds unjustly retained by Defendant as a result of its unfair and deceptive advertising and sales practices; First Amended Class - 0 - Case No. :-cv-00

Case :-cv-00-dsf-ss Document Filed 0/0/ Page of Page ID #: 0 0 C. An injunction requiring Defendant to cease all mislabeling and misrepresentations as to Easton bats weight; D. An award of reasonable attorneys fees and costs; and E. Such further and other relief the Court deems reasonable and just. Dated: July 0, 0 JURY DEMAND Plaintiff requests trial by jury of all claims that can be so tried. Respectfully submitted, By: /s/ Paul T. Geske One of Plaintiff s Attorneys Robert R. Ahdoot rahdoot@ahdootwolfson.com Theodore W. Maya tmaya@ahdootwolfson.com Bradley K. King bking@ahdootwolfson.com AHDOOT & WOLFSON, PC 0 Lindbrook Drive Los Angeles, California 00 Tel: (0 - Fax: (0 - Myles McGuire (pro hac vice to be filed mmcguire@mcgpc.com Paul Geske (pro hac vice pgeske@mcgpc.com MCGUIRE LAW, P.C. W. Wacker Dr., th Fl. Chicago, IL 00 Tel: ( -00 Fax: ( - Counsel for Plaintiff and the putative class First Amended Class - - Case No. :-cv-00