Lawsuit

Google has filed a lawsuit against a Chinese cybercriminal organization, “Smishing Triad,” alleging they orchestrated a massive SMS phishing campaign using the “Lighthouse” phishing-as-a-service kit. This kit facilitated widespread attacks stealing user data by mimicking recognizable brands. Google invokes RICO, Lanham Act, and CFAA, seeking to dismantle the platform and prevent further harm. The lawsuit details a sophisticated operation with specialized subgroups and millions of compromised credit cards, highlighting Google’s commitment to combating online fraud and supporting legislative measures against cybercrime.

Metsera, Inc. is facing a lawsuit from Pfizer amid Pfizer’s proposed acquisition of Metsera. Metsera stated they disagree with the allegations and will address them in court. The lawsuit introduces complexity to the acquisition process, potentially delaying or derailing the deal. Experts suggest the suit may involve intellectual property, regulatory compliance, or financial disclosures. The outcome depends on the strength of Pfizer’s claims and Metsera’s defense. The filing with the SEC highlights risks including litigation expenses, regulatory hurdles, and the success of pipeline products.

New Jersey’s Attorney General is suing Amazon, alleging widespread discrimination against pregnant employees and workers with disabilities in its New Jersey facilities. The lawsuit claims Amazon denied reasonable accommodations, placed employees on unpaid leave, and retaliated against those seeking accommodations, violating state anti-discrimination laws since 2015. The state seeks damages, fines, and policy changes. Amazon denies the allegations, claiming it approves most accommodation requests. This case highlights growing concerns about Amazon’s labor practices and the balance between efficiency and worker well-being.

A Shanghai court ruled in favor of Haidilao in a lawsuit against two minors, Tang and Wu, and their parents, over an incident where the minors urinated into a hot pot at a restaurant. The court ordered Tang and Wu (through their parents) to issue apologies and mandated the parents to pay RMB 2.2 million (approximately $300,000 USD) for damages, cleaning, operational losses, reputational damage, and legal fees. Haidilao’s claim for RMB 23.26 million was rejected, as the court deemed the 10x compensation to customers a business decision, not a legally claimable damage.

A lawsuit filed by a former executive accuses Alphabet’s Verily of HIPAA violations affecting over 25,000 patients in its Onduo diabetes program. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of protected health information for research and marketing, and claims Verily concealed the breaches and terminated employees who raised concerns. A judge denied Verily’s request for dismissal. The lawsuit details alleged breaches involving partners like Walgreens and Delta. Verily denies the allegations and will defend itself. It comes as Verily navigates strategic shifts and funding rounds.

A former Meta security head, Attaullah Baig, is suing the company, alleging WhatsApp has critical security flaws exposing user data. He claims 1,500 engineers had unrestricted data access and that Meta retaliated against him for raising concerns. Baig reported the issues to the SEC and OSHA. Meta denies the allegations, citing Baig’s poor performance and claiming his concerns misrepresent ongoing security efforts. The lawsuit raises questions about WhatsApp’s data security and whistleblower protection.

Two former SpaceX employees are suing the company, alleging safety concerns were ignored in favor of speed and cost, leading to their wrongful termination. One plaintiff, a former supervisor, claims he was fired after raising warnings about a potentially dangerous rocket recovery process. The lawsuit highlights instances of excessive work hours, unreported injuries, and a culture of prioritizing deadlines over safety. OSHA data reveals SpaceX’s Starbase facility has a higher injury rate than the aerospace manufacturing average. Another plaintiff alleges termination after workplace injuries.

China’s YMTC has sued Micron Technology in the US, alleging defamation and disinformation. The lawsuit stems from a long-standing rivalry in memory chip manufacturing, exacerbated by YMTC’s innovative “Xtacking” technology and Micron’s alleged attempts to hinder its growth. YMTC claims Micron infringed on its patents, while Micron denies the allegations and accuses YMTC of infringement. The legal battle highlights the intensifying competition and strategic maneuvers within the global semiconductor industry.

A social media influencer was ordered to pay RMB 300,000 (approximately $42,000 USD) to a smartphone manufacturer for defamation, a ruling upheld on appeal. The case involved unsubstantiated claims, forcing the influencer to retract statements, apologize publicly, and remove defamatory content. The manufacturer emphasized constructive criticism while warning against disparagement, highlighting the legal risks of spreading misinformation in the tech industry.

YMTC has filed a third lawsuit against Micron, alleging a smear campaign to damage its market position. Accusations include Micron funding efforts to discredit YMTC through false rumors, particularly regarding backdoors in YMTC chips. YMTC seeks corrective advertising, damages, and profit disgorgement. This lawsuit follows YMTC’s 2023 patent infringement suit and Micron’s counterclaims, with a court order for Micron to produce confidential documents adding further complexity.