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A leading manufacturing company in the defence of a suit brought by a Canadian recreational vehicle manufacturer and its liability insurers, seeking indemnity for money paid to defend and settle claims in a case brought before the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County.
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A multinational heavy-equipment manufacturer in commercial disputes and defending against national class actions. Blakes works closely with the client’s U.S. counsel regarding companion class actions ongoing in the U.S.
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Multinational pharmaceutical company in class actions related to Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which are used to reduce stomach acid and are prescribed to treat conditions such as acid reflux (heartburn) and stomach ulcers.
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Medical products manufacturer in class actions alleging that an external medical device used in surgery causes invasive cardiovascular infections.
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One of the world's leading manufacturers of life-saving cardiac devices in successfully defending them in the first medical products class action/common issues trial tried to verdict in Canada (146 trial days), claiming more than C$1-billion in damages. Blakes also represented the defendants on the plaintiff’s appeal from the trial decision and in the negotiation of a resolution of a claim for the trial costs that ultimately resulted in the dismissal of the appeal. This case was awarded Canadian Product Liability Impact Case of the Year in 2013 at the LMG Life Sciences Awards.
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One of the world's leading manufacturers of fire protection systems in successfully defending them in 20 claims and cross-claims resulting from a large factory fire, including a product liability/environmental class action claiming C$80-million in damages. The class action was settled mid-trial, and subrogation claims against our client were dismissed after the trial concluded.
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Successfully opposing authorization of class actions against a leading multinational manufacturer of pharmaceutical, medical and consumer products in Canada (Quebec and B.C.), alleging false and misleading representations regarding children's cough and cold medicines. The Supreme Court of Canada denied the plaintiffs’ application for leave to appeal in both provinces.
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Successfully opposing certification of class actions in B.C. and Quebec against a leading global beverage company concerning alleged misleading advertising and labelling of one of its products.
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A major consumer appliance manufacturer, as their co-counsel, in a national class action in Ontario, alleging a design defect in front-loading washing machines. The certification motion and, ultimately, the action itself were dismissed with costs. The decision was upheld on an appeal to the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada denied the plaintiff’s request for leave to appeal.
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Successfully opposing authorization of a class action against a leading multinational manufacturer in the Quebec Superior Court related to the use of bisphenol A in one of its brands of baby-food containers.
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A number of leading multinational pharmaceutical and medical device companies in multi-provincial class proceedings/mass torts, alleging product liability (negligence in design, manufacture or warnings) and claiming hundreds of millions of dollars for personal injuries and medical monitoring and disgorgement remedies. Class actions related to pelvic repair systems with transvaginal mesh, hip replacement products, medications for severe acne, pain medications, birth control products, antipsychotics, gastrointestinal medicine, and other medicines and medical devices.
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A multinational chemical company in the defence of a product liability suit, alleging the defective design and manufacture of polyethylene gas tanks.
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A publicly traded manufacturing company in class actions filed in Quebec and Ontario, alleging liability with respect to engine models sold in Canada equipped with emission-reduction technology.
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A multinational food and drink company in a proposed class action in connection with its dog food, alleging it contains toxic ingredients and was not safe for consumption. The case was ultimately dropped.
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A global manufacturer and supplier of roofing products in the defence of a national class action, alleging defective design and manufacture as well as various breaches of consumer protection legislation with respect to organic roofing shingles.