This article is one of a series of posts diving into each aspect of The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) as the industry awaits MoCRA’s full implementation. This installment focuses on MoCRA’s approach to the regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products.
Continue Reading MoCRA: What’s on the horizon for PFAS?
Philadelphia County has long been a preferred forum for plaintiffs’ bar in Pennsylvania. Until last week, a motion to dismiss for improper venue under Pa. R. Civ. P. 1028(a)(1) was a tool at the disposal of any corporate defendant improperly entangled into Philadelphia County litigation. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Hangey v. Husqvarna, 14 EAP 2022 (Pa. Nov. 22, 2023, Dougherty, J.) may have effectively foreclosed improper venue dismissal except for those defendants who conduct no business in Philadelphia County whatsoever.
Continue Reading 0.005% of National Revenue from Philadelphia County Held Sufficient to Support Venue

I was privileged to serve once again as a contributing editor on our firm’s Legal Insights for Manufacturing report, published yesterday. This was our second-annual report, and it contains some great information and perspectives on the challenges that manufacturers will need to tackle throughout the coming year, including product liability, safety, and marketing, as well as the emerging legal issues associated with PFAS.

As discussed in the Product Perspective, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) represents a major shift in cosmetic industry regulations. This article, in a continuing series of posts diving into each aspect of MoCRA, covers the talc testing and sample preparation requirements which will be established by the FDA under MoCRA.
Continue Reading MoCRA: Talc Testing and Sample Preparation Requirements
As we previously discussed, MoCRA requires cosmetic product manufacturer and processors to register their facilities with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On August 7, 2023, FDA announced that it had published a draft guidance on cosmetic product facility registration and product listings, as required under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). The draft guidance intends to help the industry by providing relevant requirements and definitions, explaining who is responsible for making submissions, what details to include, and how and when to make the submissions. It also provides information on exemptions, such as those for certain small businesses.
Continue Reading MoCRA: FDA Draft Guidance on Facility Registration and Product Listing
As discussed in the Product Perspective, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) represents a major shift in cosmetic industry regulations. This article, in our continuing series of posts diving into each aspect of MoCRA, covers the process for substantiating safety of cosmetic products.
Continue Reading MoCRA: Updates to FDA Safety Substantiation Requirements

On August 15, 2023, the Missouri Supreme Court in State ex rel. Monsanto Co. v. Mullen, No. SC99942 (Mo. Aug. 15, 2023) (en banc), clarified competing interpretations of Mo. Rev. Stat. 508.010.5(1) (2016) with regard to the proper venue for defendant corporations sued by plaintiffs alleging first injury outside the state of Missouri. In the opinion, the Missouri Supreme Court held that venue is determined based on the location of the defendant corporation’s registered agent at the time the suit is filed, rather than the registered agent’s location on the date of a plaintiff’s first alleged injury, resolving an ambiguity contained in the statute.

Continue Reading Present Tense Interpretation Clarifies Missouri’s Venue Statute for Corporate Defendants

A Multidistrict Litigation started by a TikTok trend of individuals breaking into cars recently settled for an estimated $200 million. The Plaintiffs alleged that the Defendants—Hyundai and Kia—knowingly sold defective vehicles that were vulnerable to theft while also asserting that Defendants prioritized profits over safety. The vehicles at issue included 2011-2022 Kia vehicles and 2015-2022 Hyundai vehicles that were equipped with traditional “insert-and-turn” steel key ignition systems. Plaintiffs argued that vehicles lacking immobilizer technology were particularly susceptible to theft. According to Plaintiffs, without an immobilizer, anyone with a USB cable could steal the vehicle. Plaintiffs’ lawsuit encompassed various claims, including consumer fraud, unjust enrichment, and deceptive trade practices.

Continue Reading Car Break-Ins Expose Shocking Vehicle Vulnerabilities and Spark Multidistrict Litigation: A $200M Settlement Reached by Kia and Hyundai

In reversing nearly $700,000 in post-judgment interest, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District clarified that post-judgment interest can be recovered only after the trial court enters a final judgment. Notably, in wrongful death cases, a trial court’s failure to apportion damages among beneficiaries renders a judgment not final and precludes post-judgment interest.

Continue Reading Missouri Court of Appeals Reverses $700,000 Post-Judgment Interest Award in Wrongful Death Case

On May 20, 2023, the Minnesota legislature amended Minnesota’s Survival of Claims and Wrongful Death statutes. The amendments extend a potential-defendant’s liability by: (1) allowing trustee-plaintiffs to maintain claims on behalf of a deceased party, that historically could not be brought after death; and (2) allowing trustee-plaintiffs to potentially recover for all damages allegedly suffered by the decedent, not just economic harms stemming from and related to the death of the deceased party.

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