$8,300,000 Superfish Adware Settlement; Kehoe Law Firm Represents Sterling International Consulting Group in Lenovo Litigation

Kehoe Law Firm is pleased to announce a landmark settlement has been reached in the Lenovo Laptop Adware Class Action Litigation, captioned, In re: Lenovo Adware Litigation, 4:15-CV-02624 (HSG) (N.D. Ca.). The $8,300,000 settlement, obtained at an advanced stage of the litigation, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for consumers who purchased Lenovo laptops pre-installed with adware, alleged to have created security risks and affected the laptops’ performance.

Kehoe Law Firm filed this consumer class action on behalf of Sterling International Consulting Group back on February 23, 2015, suing Lenovo Inc. and Superfish, Inc. for alleged violations of federal, California, and New York law. The lawsuit centered around Superfish’s “VisualDiscovery” software, preinstalled on Lenovo laptops, which allegedly caused performance, privacy, and security issues. 

The complaint asserted various claims against Superfish and Lenovo, including violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Computer Crime Law, Invasion of Privacy Act, trespass to chattels under California law, New York’s Deceptive Acts and Practices Statute, and trespass to chattels under New York law. Additionally, a Wiretap Act violation is alleged against Superfish. 

The complaint further alleged that the preinstalled software, designed by Superfish Inc., performed a ‘man-in-the-middle attack,’ compromising users’ secure HTTPS pages to inject advertising without their knowledge. These security vulnerabilities were later deemed by Homeland Security to be susceptible to cyberattacks, yet Lenovo allegedly continued to ship affected computers even after consumer complaints surfaced. 

“While this legal journey presented formidable challenges, the $8,300,000 settlement achieved is truly remarkable and reflects a significant win for the affected consumers,” stated John Kehoe, Partner at Kehoe Law Firm. “We are delighted to have represented Sterling International Consulting Group in this groundbreaking class action against Lenovo and Superfish. This resolution not only provides substantial monetary relief but also acknowledges the dedication of our legal team in navigating complex legal and factual issues. Sterling International Consulting Group is very pleased with the outcome, and we, at Kehoe Law Firm, consider it a testament to our commitment to consumer protection and corporate accountability.”

For more information about the settlement, see the Claims Administrator’s dedicated website available here: https://www.lenovoadwaresettlement.com/

For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact John A. Kehoe at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.

Kehoe Law Firm is pleased to announce a landmark settlement has been reached in the Lenovo Laptop Adware Class Action Litigation, captioned, In re: Lenovo Adware Litigation, 4:15-CV-02624 (HSG) (N.D. Ca.). The $8,300,000 settlement, obtained at an advanced stage of the litigation, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for consumers who purchased Lenovo laptops pre-installed with adware, alleged to have created security risks and affected the laptops’ performance.

Kehoe Law Firm filed this consumer class action on behalf of Sterling International Consulting Group back on February 23, 2015, suing Lenovo Inc. and Superfish, Inc. for alleged violations of federal, California, and New York law. The lawsuit centered around Superfish’s “VisualDiscovery” software, preinstalled on Lenovo laptops, which allegedly caused performance, privacy, and security issues. 

The complaint asserted various claims against Superfish and Lenovo, including violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Computer Crime Law, Invasion of Privacy Act, trespass to chattels under California law, New York’s Deceptive Acts and Practices Statute, and trespass to chattels under New York law. Additionally, a Wiretap Act violation is alleged against Superfish. 

The complaint further alleged that the preinstalled software, designed by Superfish Inc., performed a ‘man-in-the-middle attack,’ compromising users’ secure HTTPS pages to inject advertising without their knowledge. These security vulnerabilities were later deemed by Homeland Security to be susceptible to cyberattacks, yet Lenovo allegedly continued to ship affected computers even after consumer complaints surfaced. 

“While this legal journey presented formidable challenges, the $8,300,000 settlement achieved is truly remarkable and reflects a significant win for the affected consumers,” stated John Kehoe, Partner at Kehoe Law Firm. “We are delighted to have represented Sterling International Consulting Group in this groundbreaking class action against Lenovo and Superfish. This resolution not only provides substantial monetary relief but also acknowledges the dedication of our legal team in navigating complex legal and factual issues. Sterling International Consulting Group is very pleased with the outcome, and we, at Kehoe Law Firm, consider it a testament to our commitment to consumer protection and corporate accountability.”

For more information about the settlement, see the Claims Administrator’s dedicated website available here: https://www.lenovoadwaresettlement.com/

For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact John A. Kehoe at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.

Kehoe Law Firm and the Buffalo Grove Police Pension Fund Secure Significant Corporate Reforms in Navient, Inc. Derivative Litigation

The Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is pleased to announce that it has successfully reached a settlement on behalf of its client, the Buffalo Grove Police Pension Fund, in the stockholder derivative action against Navient, Inc. (“Navient” or the “Company”). The settlement includes comprehensive governance reforms designed to prevent and protect against the recurrence of alleged wrongdoings, such as:

    1. Loan Servicing and Collections Compliance Committee: Navient shall maintain a Loan Servicing and Collections Compliance Committee who oversee loan servicing and loan-related collections efforts and internal controls and report to the Board’s Audit Committee.
    2.  Two New Independent Directors and Improved Board Training:  Navient will add two new independent directors to the Board. All new directors will receive training on consumer protection and state collection laws, including annual training on these topics.
    3. New Limits on Board Service: The Chair of the Audit Committee shall not serve on the audit committee of more than one other public company’s board of directors. No director may serve as chairperson of one company’s committee or member of more than three committees.
    4. Greater Authority for Independent Directors: Independent directors will meet in executive session at least four times annually. Independent directors have the authority to request reports from any of the Company’s business units.
    5. Greater Disclosure of Risk Oversight Responsibilities: New disclosures regarding the Board’s risk oversight responsibilities. Revision of Board Charters to clearly describe each committee’s risk oversight responsibilities.
    6. Code of Business Conduct and Whistleblower Policy: Amendment to the Code of Business Conduct to direct executives and employees to report any loan servicing and collections violations immediately.

These governance reforms aim to enhance oversight, transparency, and accountability within Navient, providing a substantial benefit to the Company and its stockholders.

John Kehoe, Partner at Kehoe Law Firm, P.C., commented on the settlement: “We are pleased with this settlement, which reflects a significant step towards improving corporate governance at Navient. The implemented reforms address key concerns and will contribute to a more transparent and accountable framework, ultimately benefiting the Company and its shareholders.”

For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact John A. Kehoe at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.

Court Grants Final Approval to UDF IV Settlement, Calls it Fair, Reasonable and Adequate

In a significant development for stakeholders involved in the UDF Securities case, the court issued an order on February 21, 2019, approving the settlement and determining the award of attorneys’ fees and reimbursement of litigation expenses. The decision followed the Settlement Hearing held on February 15, 2019. Key Points of the Court order include:

The court ensured due process by providing notice of the Settlement Hearing to all identifiable Settlement Class Members through approved means, including mailed notices and publications in Investor’s Business Daily and PR Newswire. 

The court approved the $10,435,725 fixed cash payment to the settlement fund and an additional contingent cash payment of $3,000,000. The contingent cash payment is dependent on certain conditions, as outlined in the settlement terms. The court also found the requested attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses to be fair and reasonable, considering the complexity of the case, the efforts invested by Lead Counsel, and the potential benefits to Settlement Class Members.

Lead Plaintiffs Louis J. D’Annibale, Paul Brown, and Plaintiff Mark Hay were awarded $2,500, $500, and $2,500, respectively, from the Settlement Fund as reimbursement for their incurred costs and expenses related to representing the Settlement Classes. 

This court order marks a pivotal moment in the UDF Securities case, providing clarity on attorneys’ fees, expenses, and plaintiff compensation. According to Partner Michael Yarnoff, “We are pleased with the settlement and the finality it brings to the UDF Securities case. This outcome underscores our commitment to achieving positive results for our clients.” 

For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact Michael Yarnoff at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.

Kehoe Law Firm and Buffalo Grove Police Pension Fund File Derivative Complaint on Behalf of Navient Inc., Against Various Officers and Directors

The Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. announces that it has filed a Verified Stockholder Derivative Complaint on behalf of the Buffalo Grove Police Pension Fund (“Plaintiff”) against Navient, Inc. (“Navient” or the “Company”) and certain current and former members of Navient’s Board of Directors, as well as certain executives. The Complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with Navient’s student loan servicing and collection practices.

The Complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleges that Navient knowingly manipulated its student loan servicing practices, violating federal and state laws, and causing borrowers to incur millions in additional costs. The allegations include steering borrowers into inappropriate forbearance programs, failing to provide adequate notice for paperwork submission, misinforming borrowers about loan rehabilitation programs, committing payment processing errors, and misreporting military accounts. 

Navient’s practices, as outlined in the Complaint, resulted in regulatory and private actions, including lawsuits by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and various state attorneys general, and consequently the Company’s reputation and stock value allegedly suffered.

The Individual Defendants, members of Navient’s Board, are accused of failing to diligently serve the Company, while turning a blind eye to illegal practices. The Complaint further asserts that certain Individual Defendants capitalized on Navient’s artificially inflated stock price, making substantial stock sales before the misconduct was revealed.

The Kehoe Law Firm represents the Plaintiff in this action and seeks to hold the defendants accountable for their alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and their role in the significant harm caused to Navient and its shareholders. The case is captioned Buffalo Grove Police Pension Fund V. Diefenderfer et. al., 2:19-CV-00062 (E.D. Pa.). 

For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact John A. Kehoe at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.

Court-Appointed Co-Lead Counsel Kehoe Law Firm and Lead Plaintiff Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Pension Plan Move for Class Certification in the NantHealth Securities Class Action Litigation

In the ongoing legal battle against NantHealth, Inc. and its executives, plaintiffs, including the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, have taken a significant step by filing a motion on September 20, 2018, seeking class certification for two distinct groups of investors. The motion aims to certify the following classes:

Securities Act Class: This class comprises all individuals or entities who purchased or acquired NantHealth, Inc. common stock in or traceable to the Initial Public Offering (IPO). The Securities Act Class is representative of investors affected by alleged misrepresentations and omissions made by NantHealth and its executives in connection with the IPO.

Exchange Act Class: Encompassing all individuals or entities who purchased any NantHealth, Inc. common stock between June 1, 2016, and May 1, 2017, the Exchange Act Class represents investors affected by the alleged securities law violations during this specific time.

John A. Kehoe, Partner with the Kehoe Law Firm, and court-appointed co-lead counsel for the investors, emphasized the significance of seeking class certification: “Certifying these classes is a crucial step in our pursuit of justice for investors who suffered financial losses due to the alleged misconduct by NantHealth and its executives. We believe that our clients, who share similar circumstances, should be allowed to proceed collectively, streamlining the legal process and ensuring fair representation.”

The class certification motion is a pivotal development in the ongoing litigation, as it seeks to bring together affected investors under unified legal representation. If granted, class certification would enable a more efficient and coordinated litigation process for the Securities Act and Exchange Act Classes.

The Kehoe Law Firm remains committed to diligently representing the interests of investors and will continue to pursue legal avenues to hold NantHealth and its executives accountable for the alleged securities law violations.

For more information about Kehoe Law Firm and its involvement in this matter, please contact John A. Kehoe at [email protected] or call (215) 792-6676.